1986 Buick Grand National on 2040-cars

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2022 Buick Enclave reportedly getting Black Accent package

Buick's updated Enclave crossover will go on sale later in 2021 with a revised design and a longer list of standard features. When it lands, it will reportedly be offered with a dealer-installed blacked-out appearance package. Enthusiast website GM Authority learned the optional Black Accent package will consist of black mesh inserts in the grille and black trim on the hatch; these bits are bright in the standard 2022 Enclave (pictured). They'll be installed by the selling dealer, meaning the Enclave won't leave the factory with the Black Accent package, and the bundle has been assigned Regular Production Option (RPO) code PDM; every General Motors option gets an RPO code. Not all trim levels will be eligible to receive the Black Accent package. It'll be available on the Premium and Essence trim, according to the same source, but it will not be compatible with the range-topping Avenir trim. Additionally, buyers won't be able to tick the Black Accent box if they've also selected the Essence trim's Sport Touring Edition package or the Luxury Package that can be fitted to the Premium and Essence trim levels. Pricing information isn't available yet, though the package will reportedly not be available at launch. Buick hasn't commented on the report, and it hasn't announced plans to make a Black Accent package available on the Enclave. If the rumor is accurate, more information and official photos will be released in the coming months. Related video: 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir revealed

Mysterious white powder discovered at GM Orion Assembly

Workers at General Motors Orion Assembly Plant in Orion Township, MI uncovered a mysterious white powder in two different parts of the factory earlier this week, raising concerns about worker safety. "We can confirm that an unknown substance (white powder) was found on the floor outside of Gate 6 at Orion Assembly on Monday, August 29. On Tuesday, August 30, we had a second report of a bottle containing a similar substance found inside the plant," GM spokesperson Dayna Hart told The Oakland Press via email. GM stressed that incident didn't disrupt operations at the plant, and that the company was taking steps to ensure the safety of the sprawling factory's workers. That did include, an anonymous worker told The Oakland Press, closing off parts of the factory for two full days, as drug-sniffing dogs and crews in haz-mat suits descended on the area. "A sample of the substance has been sent to a laboratory for identification and results are expected later this week," Hart said. "All findings and actions have been shared with our employees." Orion Assembly currently builds the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano, and will eventually be responsible for production of the new, all-electric Chevy Bolt early next year. Related Video:

Buick confirms 2017 Encore for New York Auto Show

Buick will unveil the refreshed 2017 Encore at the New York Auto Show in March, company spokesperson Stuart Fowle tells Autoblog. The brand isn't ready to divulge info about the updated compact crossover, but a recent revision to the Encore's European platform-mate, the Opel Mokka (above), might provide hints about what to expect. "While we have no additional details to announce, we're excited to confirm that media and customers will see the new 2017 Encore at next month's New York Auto Show. The Encore joins the Cascada convertible, Envision crossover, and LaCrosse sedan as the fourth new product arriving in Buick showrooms this year," Fowle said to Autoblog. Expect the 2017 Encore to have its own twist on the the Mokka's (now called the Mokka X) exterior styling, and spy shots hint the Buick has a new front end with a smaller grille. The Encore could benefit from the Opel's redesigned dashboard, which integrates the infotainment system into the center stack. It's a very attractive change, and we hope to see the switch in the US. The Mokka X also gets improved safety tech. The German compact CUV now sports adaptive LED headlights that adjust to traffic. US law doesn't allow these intelligent parts, but the Encore might get dumber LED lights. The Opel's improved front-mounted camera also increases the traffic sign detection rate. The Mokka X is available with the updated powertrain from the Encore Sport Touring, so there might not be any engine upgrades for the Buick. Buick needs to keep the Encore fresh, as the compact CUV is the brand's best selling model. It delivered 67,549 of them in 2015, a 38.2-percent jump over the previous year. The popularity continued into January 2016 with 4,920 deliveries – up 42 percent. Related Video: