There is no question that the premium car market is looking to downsize and Buick’s latest take on the movement comes in the form of the Buick Avant concept car. Buick developed the Avant concept to study the future of smaller vehicles for premium-level brands and posted the results on GM’s recently-launched Lab website.
The conclusion: “As luxury customers become more discerning, more conscientious, and more pressed for time, there is a way to improve their lives with a small premium car.”
The Avant concept is chock-full of innovative ideas such as doors that can both swing and slide open, a driver’s seat that moves laterally (to the center) to maximize the use of interior space, a luggage shelf that brings its contents to you, as well as a pergola roof that can be either opaque or transparent – customizable to the driver’s preference at a particular point in time.
All told, this particular blogger is glad that GM is looking ahead in popularizing the idea of “small premium.” Buick has not yet settled on a specific design for production and has a total of six exterior themes and four interior concepts for the vehicle: “We wanted to create a dramatic expression of a new kind of Buick . . . This vehicle is intended to be a stunning object, something that fits into the consumer’s everyday life, yet elevates the everyday to a compelling experience.”
Some are quick to point out that Buick might not have much a future in North America. Personally, I can’t believe that such “analysis” is coming from a trusted automotive resource. As we mentioned previously, it will take some time and some very smart moves to turn Buick around, perception included. The point, however, is that if Buick continues to produce such great vehicles as the 2010 LaCrosse and the 2010 Enclave and prices them right (matches or undercuts competition), it will do very well for itself going forward. The Avant concept, whenever it will turn into a product, will work further to bring Buick appeal to a younger demographic.
Once you’re feasted your eyes in the gallery below and watched the video, let Buick know what you think of the Avant concept here.
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