When the Experience Buick lease program launched in March of 2012, we knew that it would be beneficial and bring new customers to the Tri Shield brand. What we didn’t know is how big of a success it would become, or that two years after its launch, every single model in the Buick lineup would be new or significantly updated.
Just think about it: when the very first Experience Buick customers return to the Buick showroom after their two-year leases come to and end in March of 2014, Buick will offer the following vehicles:
- Refreshed 2014 LaCrosse (updated in 2013 for 2014 model year)
- Refreshed 2014 Regal (updated in 2013 for 2014 model year)
- Refreshed 2013 Enclave (updated late 2012 for 2013 model year)
- Turbocharged Verano (2.0T engine, new safety features)
- All-new Encore (launched in 2013)
That’s quite the product offensive — a point of high importance for Buick, as its product is at the core of its turnaround.
For those wondering what makes Experience Buick so attractive (besides great vehicles), the program streamlines routine maintenance, OnStar’s Directions and Connections plan, and SiriusXM radio into one easy monthly payment. The program has led Buick to double its leasing business as a share of total sales over the last 12 months, and two-thirds of the customers indicated they would definitely consider another Buick for their next vehicle.
Comments
Routine maintenance, OnStar’s Directions and Connections plan, and SiriusXM radio into one easy monthly payment were not the reasons I bought a Buick. They are definitely perks, but in the end it was the quality of the vehicle. My wife and I had a Buick Rainier and it was the only SUV with an air suspension ride. We sold that a few years ago (hated doing it). Last year I bought a Buick Regal Turbo. Again, the ride was quite nice and it had everything I wanted on it at a great price. I will buy another in couple of years. I like the look, feel, and the ride of Buicks. The only problem will be deciding which one to get when the time comes to buy. I would have never looked at a Buick just 10 years ago, but when they shifted focus and updated their look, that is when I started to take notice. Really began when they added the Rainier for me.
“I would have never looked at a Buick just 10 years ago, but when they shifted focus and updated their look, that is when I started to take notice.”
Same thing for me. Nothing from Buick matter to me back in 2003. Today, my new car list would have to include the Verano.
That’s why I ignore people who bemoan Buicks from the 80’s and 70’s as if they were some kind of Golden Standard of which all Buicks should be judged.
It’s only when Buick changed it’s attitude and it’s product range to appeal to more people do we get people talking.
Definitely, the market has changed. Thank the lord Buick did as well. But I believe that even into the 2000’s things were moving that way. I had a 2004 Le Sabre, granted it was old school “big boulevard cruiser” but the craftsmanship quality and dependability were still there. Good on gas too. Sometimes wish I’d have kept it. I keep eyeing the Regal and Verano over as my next car.
There is more in store than the cars listed above. Look for the RWD Buick sedan to come based on a [Alpha?] and be offered in a luxury version and performance version.
I also expect a convertible and the small Opel 3 door hatch in OPC form to come.
There is a lot to come to Buick as Cadillac moves up and gives them room to expand their line up with out stepping on Cadillac’s toes.
GM needed to get Chevy and Cadillac on the path to the future and now they can put their efforts into Buick.
I would forget the Grand National as being a car like the past Muscle car. It will may use the name but it will be a much more refined sports sedan and much more Lexus like.
l sure hope you’re right Scott, I’d love to see these things in the line up.
Must admit those Buicks are outstanding…great style and standard luxe that beats most anything on the road. I have studied the Verano and drove it a few times; was more than impressed by quiet and smooth ride…quality trimwork and cozy seats….I actually like the fabric and leatherette; old school style Cadillac used forever as leather was always a splurge
I will admit that we (my wife and I) just acquired a new Encore 2013, she loves it. That being said as I am 69 years young and been a car person my whole life it continues to puzzle me as to why GM can’t or won’t design a real US car with power, handling and comfort. Do we not have auto engineers capable of doing this? We sold our 2009 G8 GT due to the fact that operating cost where going up on it, it was a nice ride. I have always been a GM customer and not a fan of foreign cars and/or designs. I do realize that it is now a world business and parts components are made all over the world, but this continuing to do a rebadged of a foreign design is getting a little long in the tooth for my taste. The technology exists to do a better job of designing cars and building them in the US and where are the flying cars we were promised back in the 1950s? I was part of the Mission to the Moon with NASA, have our engineers been asleep since the 1960s?