Report: Buick is a shining star for GM… and to think, U.S. Treasury wanted it gone
Back in 2009 when General Motors was undergoing bankruptcy restructuring, U.S. Treasury officials weren’t sure whether the Detroit automaker should keep its Buick brand – and quite frankly, neither were we. Well, the decision to keep Buick is starting to look better day by day.
In 2010, Buick’s U.S. sales increased 48 percent from 2009 with the help of the then new LaCrosse sedan and Enclave crossover. In 2011, Buick sales are up 24 percent thanks to the successful intro of the Regal sedan, which has been selling like hotcakes.
Later this year, Buick will start selling the compact Chevrolet Cruze based Verano.
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According to Roger McCormack, Buick director of marketing Buick is offering customers that either go for a expensive Lexus or BMW, a cheaper option. For example, the Buick Regal sells for about $27,000 and costs about $8,000 to $10,000 less than the Lexus ES350 and BM 3-Series.
Click here for more news on the Buick Verano.
“About 40% of our sales are conquests from non-GM brands,” McCormack says. “Just as importantly, GM isn’t simply cannibalizing sales from Chevrolet and Cadillac, two of its other remaining car brands.”
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: CNNMoney
