Auto enthusiasts and industry analysts alike weren’t quite sure how well received the Buick Encore would be on the market. But considering what Buick has been doing in order to change its image, we should know better, right?
Looking at sales figures for the first half of 2013, the Encore has certainly proved a lot of people (self included) wrong. There were 12,000 units moved through the month of June. The year-end prediction is expected to be near 18,500 units. Sure, the little crossover isn’t posting numbers like the LaCrosse and Enclave, but it’s doing better than even GM seemed to have anticipated, and on average needs just 15 days on the lot to turn into a sale according to what Buick’s officials told us earlier this week. That’s white-hot by industry standards.
Just because the Encore is entering a non-established place in the market doesn’t mean that it can’t succeed. If anything, the Encore will be a front-runner for the the niche that it has created – the subcompact soft-luxury CUV segment.
Comments
Finally, GM is innovative and it pays off. Take more risks like this GM.
The demographics of the buyers are also important.
I can foresee the Chevy marketing guys chomping to get the Trax now too.
In Canada, GM sells both the Buick Encore and the Chevrolet Trax.
One can compare the sales figures.
Trax is great but looks too much like Encore. I wish GM Korea had made a greater effort at designing two distinct autos.
This is encouraging news. Maybe they should try a few more products that the people are asking for: Cruze hatch, Verano convertible, Trax.
Glad to see GM is at the forefront of a new niche, not playing catch-up in a huge segment. The only downside is that the 1.4T just moves this vehicle too slowly for a lot of people, especially if they may want to go on the highway now and again. Fortunately, GM has the answer in the upcoming new 1.6T. This would boost sales even further.
The people that matter within GM have the right feedback on this car, and the 1.6T, among others, is on that list. What I don’t know as an outsider is if/when that list will be addressed. Will GM view the list as an opportunity to make a good selling car spectacular, or will it go conservative and make no changes until sales disappoint? My concern is that, if history is any indication of the organization’s behavior, it will be the latter. Is there really a new, post-bankruptcy GM? We shall see. This is just one of several good measuring sticks.
Hows your new ride…
My parents love their Encore and have people stop to ask about it, both young and old.
People had this car wrong from the start, its to small, its underpowered it will never sell, the look doesn’t say buick! All wrong! When GM does right with a car people still cant wait to take it down even when good news is posted!
As for the engine, I have driven a few of these and there is no power problem with this car! This car is not pegged to tow a lot if not anything! Its not to be used to be a speed demon, and getting on the freeway is no real problem, if you have a hard time getting on the freeway with this car then you either don’t know how to drive or you are just trying to find something to complain about with this car!
The car is silent, it handles like car in this segment should, its very comfortable! Its a home run for GM!
GM keep up the good work and stop listening to people trying to take down your efforts!