Were they really that bad?

General Motors Corp. will delay the redesign of the Buick Regal and LeSabre sedans 10 to 12 months due to disappointing exterior styling. GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz called the prototypes “the most disappointing vehicles I've encountered” during his review of GM vehicles over the last few months. Lutz adds that Buick will get a new vehicle similar to the Rendezvous cross/utility vehicle, which he hopes will help the brand lure younger buyers.

GM also reorganizes its vehicle development and design operations to improve speed to market. Mark Hogan, former president of e-GM, is now group vice president-advanced vehicle development, and reports to Lutz. Hogan also will gain a seat on GM's coveted North American Strategy Board, as will GM Vice President of Design Wayne Cherry. GM says it will unveil its first concept cars generated by the new design system at the North American Int'l. Auto Show in Detroit next January.