Buick’s oldest vehicle housed in its portfolio will only be nearly two years old when the 2018 Enclave and 2018 Regal launch this fall, that being the Cascada convertible. That’s a pretty remarkable achievement, no matter the brand, to have a lineup of consistently refreshed and new product.
Things won’t be slowing down, though. With the reveal of the 2018 Buick Enclave, which ushers in the Avenir sub-brand, Buick stated the following:
By the end of the decade, the brand will launch at least a dozen new or updated models globally, not including models from the Avenir luxury sub-brand.
Considering the only other major market for Buick is China, there’s a very good chance we’ll be seeing some additional product from Buick in the coming years. The crystal ball remains hazy as to what those vehicles may be, however. The Buick Avenir concept will likely never see the light of day, considering its name will now rest on multiple products, and previous reports peg the Avista concept as just short of production. We suppose things can change, though.
Buick’s chief, Duncan Aldred, has stated the brand will certainly need a replacement “halo” car after the Cascada runs its production cycle. And considering the Cascada was born and bred from Opel, it seems unlikely Buick will be graced with a second-generation after General Motors sold the brand off to PSA Groupe. So, that leaves the potential for something new altogether.
Buick has also told us it’s pretty content with its three-crossover strategy at current, which encompasses the hottest segments of the market right now. We do know the Envision is in for some updates sooner rather than later. The Encore was recently refreshed last year and the 2018 Buick Enclave will arrive at dealers this fall.
When these new products show face, and what segments they may play in, remain up for debate.
Comments
Shouldn’t the Cascada’s age be measured from when the model was first established? The current Buick Cascada is the same as the Opel Cascada that was born in 2013. Still pretty young, but not really brand new.
I’d like to see Buick unveil the Riviera again , the concept is awesome to look at !
Updated Envision for sure. The front end looks outdated now compared to the rest of Buick’s lineup. That, plus the new Enclave, Regal, and Regal Wagon make four vehicles. Regal GS is certain. That makes five. As far as a halo car is concerned, there is only one worth the role: Avista. Reports are still back and forth on whether it will happen, even though most are saying it won’t. I can’t think of a better statement piece than the Avista as a flagship for the brand. The design cues taken from it and placed on the new Enclave have seen great praise, and the road presence the concept has is impressive. GM has all the parts (Alpha, 3.6TT) and the design down, it just has to pull the trigger. In term of the rest of the new vehicles, I predict most of the expansion will be in China, with just one or two vehicles added to the U.S. market, maybe an electric.
One could only wish that the Avista sees the light of day. In addition to a halo/flagship they need an electric model. Instead of coming up with new generic names that have no traction, they should reach back and tap into their glorious history — as Lincoln did with the new Continental – names like Riviera, Electra, Skylark.
The Cascada is considered a halo car? What is Lacrosse considered then?
Fallen Angel?
Verano replacement seems plausible
Surely there are updates to things like vans in China that won’t come here
I think there is still a market out there for a full size luxury sedan to compete with the newest Lincoln!
i WAS VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED WHEN THE VERANO WENT AWAY. HOW DOES BUICK EXPECT TO SUCCEED WHEN MODELS THEY SPEND YEARS TO DEVELOP ARE CONSIDERED TO BE DISPOSABLE. THE OVERALL LENGTH WAS IDEAL FOR CITY DRIVING AND THE TRUNK SIZE WAS JUST AWESOME FOR 2 BIG SUITCASES ETC. INTERIOR VERY CLASSY. ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY 2.0L TURBO POWER ON THE HIGHWAY. WOULD HAVE LIKED TO CONSIDER TRADING IT FOR A FUTURE MODEL DOWN THE ROAD. I continue to follow it on opel.de (as the “Astra Limousine”). THE ONLY GM CAR MODELS WHICH I CAN CONSIDER NOW ARE THE CHEVY CRUZE AND THE CADDY ATS.