autoevolution
 

Buick Adam Subcompact Won't Happen Until 2018 or Later

The Opel Cascada convertible has recently adopted the premium badge of a Buick model as it made its trip across the big pond to the Detroit Auto Show. Some time in 2016, models equipped with 1.6L turbo engines will roll off the assembly line in Poland onto a ship and straight into US showrooms, figuratively speaking.
Opel Adam Rocks 1 photo
Photo: Opel
It's as if we're living in a world of infinite export possibilities, but reality often hits hard. The Adam city car has long been considered as a future Buick model, as even the brand's CEO admitted it "ain't a bad idea". However, it's not going to happen, at least not in the short to mid term.

During a recent interview, Duncan Aldread, who's the vice president of both GMC and Buick, said the Adam was not engineered with the US in mind. Updating it is not an option and so Buick won't have a Fiat 500 rival until at least 2018, when the current model is replaced.

“I’ve looked at the possibility of fast-tracking that into the Buick range sooner than later. I think it would make a great Buick,”
Aldred told Automotive News.

We admit that the Adam is less girly than a basic 500, but it's not like people are rushing to buy Fiats these days. With cheap gas and wide-open roads, really small hatchbacks are always going to be a tough sell in America. And while Opel has a long tradition making small models, Buick… doesn't.

Keeping this report in mind, we can forget all about a Buick Adam, at least until 2018.This whole project is based on the fact that the Adam has the most premium features of any Opel model, but we have a feeling the Astra will set new benchmarks with self-parking, LED headlights and even hybrid tech.

Let's forget all about the Fiat 500 market and make a nice compact instead. How about it, Buick?!
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories