General Motors Co. announced Wednesday that it will begin North American production of the new 2011 Buick Regal at the Oshawa Car Assembly plant in Canada during the first quarter of 2011.

The Detroit automaker plans to begin selling the Regal in the United States during the second quarter of next year and has said that initial assembly will occur in Europe.

“The new Regal gives Buick a modern performance sedan, and its production here in Oshawa is terrific news for our employees, the CAW, dealers and suppliers,” Arturo Elias, president of GM Canada, said in a statement. “Combining Buick’s top position in the industry in terms of brand quality with the Oshawa Car Plant’s long-standing reputation for top quality assembly means customers’ highest expectations will be met with this midsize sport sedan.”

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal