General Motors is tapping deeper into the
electrified segments in China with the Buick brand, which will launch two
versions of the Velite 6 locally. Both cars are based on the Velite Concept that debuted at the 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show,
though one will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain, whereas the other will be a
zero-emission vehicle.
Nothing else is known about them so far, and the
teaser image that previews the PHEV model reveals only the ‘Velite 6’ badge, in
addition to a tweaked tailgate design and a slightly modded taillight pattern
compared to the show car.
The company does say that it will “feature a
high-performance hybrid electric vehicle propulsion system, which will maximize
performance, fuel savings and range”, without disclosing any numbers yet. As
far as the EV derivative goes, this is said to “adopt an all-new battery
electric vehicle propulsion system, which will ensure a comfortable electric
driving experience”.
Buick hasn’t announced when the Velite 6 will be
unveiled, but CarNewsChina reports that it will be presented locally on April
17, before arriving at dealers in the second half of the year. Both cars will
be assembled by the Shanghai-GM joint venture.
