Where will it be built? Word has it up to 400,000 new Zeta cars could be produced each year, with more than 200,000 built at GM's Oshawa, Ontario facility that currently
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| A lot can happen in three years, so the Velite's future is not guaranteed. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
produces the Buick Century and Regal models. In 2002 a total of 215,727 units made it to the end of the Canadian plant's assembly line. New Zeta models are expected to begin production in late 2006.
Of course, the Velite's future is not set in stone. A lot could happen between now and 2007 that we can't possibly foresee. Government mandates could interfere, general economic issues, and for that matter the Velite could look decidedly outdated in three years time.
But I have my doubts about that last point, as the concept shown in Manhattan is extremely progressive for Buick.
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| Why would Buick name their new concept after an elite class of soldiers in Napoleon's army? (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Yet, as wonderfully daring as it is, I have one issue with the car. Why name it after an elite class of soldiers in Napoleon's army? While the Velite troops were known for their ability to move stealthily with great speed, conjuring up images of the miserable Frenchman and his world dominating cause hardly seems politically correct, especially during a time when Americans are still boycotting French wine and cheese. Who knows, maybe GM will name their next luxury sedan the Republican Guard. Chevrolet already pays homage to Hitler's SS - OK, that last remark was about as callous as the French Canadian interpretation of LaCrosse (see news archives, October 25, 2003: What's In a Name? GM Embarrassed over LaCrosse).
