Hurt by the recession but want a luxury car? Take a look at a Buick

The recession has put a dent in many wallets around the nation but General Motors believes it can sell a luxury car to those feeling the pinch. No they’re not talking about Cadillac but Buick.

According to chief Buick marketer Tony DiSalle, Buick is being pitched to a group of drivers who want an affordable and ‘approachable-luxury’ car. That’s what the brand found in research clinics, which helped the Buick LaCrosse and Enclave power its sales to a 52 percent gain in 2010. Buick is also on its way to a 23 percent gain during the first 9 months of 2011.

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Starting next month, Buick will start offering the Chevrolet Cruze based Verano compact sedan.

Instead of focusing on speed and handling like Mercedes-Benz does with the C-Class and BMW does with the 3 Series, Buick’s Verano focuses on front-wheel-drive, smooth ride quality and a bunch of luxury features.

Click here for more news on the Buick Verano.

“It’s in white space,” DiSalle said. He went onto say that expects young professionals to shop for the Verano.

We’ll have to wait and see how things pan out.

Refresher: The 2012 Buick Verano will be offered in three trim-levels with the top model carrying an MSRP of $26,850. All models of the 2012 Verano are powered by an Ecotec 4-cylinder engine making 180-hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Buick Verano will run from 0-60 mph in 8 seconds and should estimate 31 mpg on the highway.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Free Press