Buick LaCrosse sales fell sharply in the United States in the first quarter of 2019.
Buick LaCrosse Sales - Q1 2019 - United States
In the United States, Buick LaCrosse deliveries totaled 2,902 units in Q1 2019, a decrease of about 59 percent compared to 7,066 units sold in Q1 2018.| MODEL | Q1 2019 / Q1 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q1 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LACROSSE | -58.93% | 2,902 | 7,066 |
Buick LaCrosse Sales - Q1 2019 - Canada
In Canada, Buick LaCrosse deliveries totaled 104 units in Q1 2019, a decrease of about 34 percent compared to 158 units sold in Q1 2018.| MODEL | Q1 2019 / Q1 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q1 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LACROSSE | -34.17% | 104 | 158 |
Competitive Sales Comparison
The LaCrosse’s Q1 2019 sales performance leaves the large premium sedan in last place in its competitive set, behind the Lexus ES and Lincoln MKZ (see Lincoln MKZ sales). In addition, Buick LaCrosse sales fell much faster than the segment average during the quarter, enabling both the ES and MKZ to further their sales volume lead.
Sales Numbers - Large Premium Comfort Sedans - Q1 2019 - United States
| MODEL | Q1 19 / Q1 18 | Q1 19 | Q1 18 | Q1 19 SHARE | Q1 18 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS ES | +22.96% | 11,390 | 9,263 | 61% | 45% |
| LINCOLN MKZ | -1.65% | 4,287 | 4,359 | 23% | 21% |
| BUICK LACROSSE | -58.93% | 2,902 | 7,066 | 16% | 34% |
| TOTAL | -10.19% | 18,579 | 20,688 |
The large premium comfort sedan segment contracted 10 percent to 18,579 units in Q1 2019.
The GM Authority Take
If it wasn’t clear before, it should be very clear now: the LaCrosse is, unfortunately, done for, kaput, finito. We attribute this rather sad circumstance to a combination of the following factors:
- An ongoing change in consumer buying dynamics that favors crossover utility vehicles (CUVs/SUVs) over sedans
- A lack of focus on selling the vehicle as a result of GM seemingly having given up on the model before it was even launched
- A lackluster market reception to the current, third-generation LaCrosse that never recovered
Going forward, we expect Buick LaCrosse sales to continue dwindling until the model is completely discontinued. In fact, the updated (and rather hot) 2020 Buick LaCrosse refresh will not make its way to North America, but will rather be a China-only affair. That song you hear is the death knell of the LaCrosse, a rather sad turn of events for what is otherwise a solid product that could have been so much more.
It’s worth mentioning that Lexus is defying all odds and market trends and has managed to boost sales of the ES, which is all-new for the 2019 model year.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Buick LaCrosse Q1 2018 sales
- In the United States, there were 76 selling days in Q1 2019 and 76 selling days in Q1 2019
About Buick LaCrosse
The Buick LaCrosse is a full-size premium sedan that slots above the compact Buick Verano and midsize Buick Regal. The current, third-generation LaCrosse was introduced for the 2017 model year. The vehicle is based on the long wheelbase variant of the GM E2 platform. The short-wheelbase variant of the same platform is shared with the sixth-generation Buick Regal and ninth-generation Chevrolet Malibu.
The 2018 model introduced several new colors and the GM 9-speed automatic transmission in place of the 2017 model's 8-speed. It also added a new standard powertrain in the form of the mild-hybrid 2.5L engine with eAssist coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the 2018 LaCrosse Avenir was introduced to serve as the range-topping model.
The 2019 LaCrosse introduced two new colors and a Sport Touring (1SH) trim. A refresh is expected for the 2020 model year.
The third-generation LaCrosse is built at the following plants:
- GM Detroit Hamtramck factory operated by GM USA supplying North America
- Jinqiao South factory operated by Shanghai GMÂ supplying China
In November 2018, General Motors announced that it will discontinue the Buick LaCrosse in the United States market, a move that will result in the idling of the Detroit-Hamtramck plant where it's built. The vehicle will remain available in China.
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM forum
- Buick LaCrosse information
- Running GM sales results
- Running Buick sales results
- Running Buick LaCrosse sales results
- Running Buick sales results
Comments
Good news for the Kentucky built Lexus ES!
GM has created their own future here. At the very least, car shoppers do google prospective models, and a discontinuation certainly means the manufacturer doesn’t believe in its own product. Sedans will survive, just not American ones.
magirus
Toyota builds 3 vehicles in Georgetown Kentucky, and all have been recently redesigned.
1. The Camry which saw its sales decline by 8% or 9,704 units thru April.
2. The Avalon which saw its sales decline by 35% or 4,839 units thru April.
3.The Lexus ES which increased sales by 19% or 2,408 units thru April
All in all Toy/Lex sold 12,135 less vehicles built in Georgetown this year.
The good news for Kentucky is GM is adding a second shift in Bowling Green. Toyota’s Georgetown employees are going home early.
What they are building in Bowling Green is staying on dealer lots. To think the second shift will be permanent after the expensive Frankenstein Vette debuts is wishful thinking at this point.
magirus
3,943 Corvettes sold in the first quarter, and the C7 Corvette will go out of production in 2 months.
I’m picturing you as a near sighted old man picking at pieces of corn in a pile of crap. Thinking he’s got gold.
I’d like to hear what the average salesperson tells shoppers about the LaCrosse? Do they even try to sell it?
@Christopher:
I can tell you first hand how that looks. For one, the dealers aren’t stocking any (and why would they when GM put the death axe to it??). Since dealers are running from stocking them, how do sales people sell from an empty shelf? Next, sales people are always going to take the path of least resistance. So if a client comes in just looking and isn’t sure what they would want, the average sales person will walk them up to the vehicle that will take the lease amount of time and effort to sell. If that client is mostly interested in an entry level luxury sedan such as the LaCrosse, ES, MKZ, etc, and Buick doesn’t have anything to look at or drive, they go down the street and look at/buy the Lexus or Lincoln.
Dan, that’s what I figured.
Lexus ES up 22.96 %. Queue in sedans are not selling, sedans are not selling. Maybe we should say GM sedans are not selling and other companies are benefitting by it. The LaCrosses failure at capturing sales volume of it’s former body style can be blamed on many things but I attribute it to lack of effort and advertising in addition to people switching over to crossovers. Strange it didn’t affect the Lexus.
Joe Yoman
Lexus’s total car sales (25,053) are down 5% this year. Take out the ES and sales are down 25% (13,878 to 10,164) When you also consider the average age of the ES buyer is now Methuselah, it doesn’t bode well for future Lexus car sales.
On the other hand, Buick has done a good job reinventing itself over the last few years. With a high percentage of Encores and Regals being bought by millennials, and GenXers with young children buying Enclaves.
I thought the second generation Lacrosse was a very good looking car. This new one just screams old man.
Surprise, surprise. GM announces to the world and flies planes with banners around telling people the LaCrosse is dead man walking (ok, not really but I’m attempting humor). On top of that, I can’t begin to tell you the last time I’ve ever seen them advertise the LaCrosse! Hell, I can’t recall any Buick ad for a long time now that I think of it and I live in the biggest car market in the country.
Tell everyone you are killing it, sales go down.
Never attempt to market the car, sales go down.
You don’t care about the car, sales go down.
Marketing 101. Any questions?
Dan Berning, you have hit the nail on the head. . . . Buick has long been my favorite automotive brand, but GM could give lessons in how to destroy a once-great car brand. There is no effort to market the Buick brand, and no effort to advertise the individual Buick models. I grow increasingly disgusted with GM management. Do they not care at all? I can’t imagine that Kia, Hyundai, Lexus, or any other auto manufacturer would ever do so little to market a product. GM seems flat-out uninterested in investing in Buick in the USA. And that’s a great shame. It’s my opinion that the billions that GM has blown on Cadillac during recent years might have yield a better return if invested in Buick instead.
Yup. Now I’m not going to attempt to act like I know a lot about marketing or advertising, although I did do all that for my restaurant when I owned it. Funny think is that if I saw a slump in certain types of food sales, all I had to do is advertise/promote and the strangest thing would happen. People would come in and buy that product! Isn’t that just silly? But what I really don’t get is pushing and advertising your hottest product while leaving others to die on the vine. Some may say that (for example) Chevrolet must advertise the Silverado in order to complete with Ford, Dodge, etc. Personally I don’t agree with that and instead would think advertising your soft-market items is the best way to bring awareness to them. Who knows and maybe I’m totally wrong.
Centurion
Wow, I’ve seen the “That’s not my Buick. That’s my Buick” ad so many times, that I could quote the whole commercial word for word.
Peter G, do you mean the “That’s not a Buick” ad campaign? That was at least two years ago. And it certainly didn’t reflect any clear marketing approach. I found those ads stupid and insulting.
The fact is that the Buicks of the past were nothing to be ashamed of. Why would the brand distance itself from its own great heritage?
Dan Berning
I see lots of new Buick’s on the road around Chicago. Not surprising that Asian crap that passes for a good vehicle in California, doesn’t survive very long against harsh midwestern winters.
Also you may not remember the Buick Ad, but you probably remember the jingle. ( It’s Alright by Matt & Kim)
@Peter G:
Boy, you hit the nail on the head there! Out here people drive MB and BMW’s like Chevy and Ford back in IL (that’s where I’m from). And if it isn’t a MB/BMW, then it’s a Toyota or Honda. No matter which of the four, it’s enough to make me vomit! lol. Out here in the land of the fruit N nuts (most of California and for sure LA area), if you want to stand out just drive an American brand! When I drive down the road with my awesome little Buick Encore, I certainly stand out amid the sea of bland silver, black and tan import brands.
As for the advertising, that jingle isn’t ringing a bell with me. But I certainly liked the “That’s not my Buick” adds. They were funny and really true!
Here in the midwest we see buick commercials all the time. My guess is that every commercial break there is a GM commercial, mostly trucks. Detroit steel still remains king here.
Let me just say this – I am 71 years old, and have owned lots of cars, trucks, suvs, airplanes, and motorcycles and lots of other stuff. My Buick 2014 Lacrosse is perhaps the most satisfying machine I have ever owned. I like the look, the feel, the performance (including the mileage) and the comfort. I believe it is the Pinnacle of automotive manufacturing. I’m a pilot, flight instructor, mechanic, inspector, and some other things. I believe the profitability of the car is why GM is cutting it. They simply put too much into it. It is no secret that they have been unadvertising it for a couple of years.
Terry Dill.
Agree 100%. I’m only 51, but my 2016 LaCrosse is by far the best car I have ever owned (including 2 Chevrolets, 2 Saabs and 1 Volvo over the last 33 years). The car is just so well put together – flawless. Approaching 40K miles and not a single issue with it. Just perfection. Too bad GM surrendered it in the USA, maybe there weren’t making money on it. It may be too good from a service point of view (it doesn’t need any servicing – just oil changes). No service, no parts, no profits?
2016 AWD Buick Regal GS here, After 63,000 miles the car has been physically & mechanically perfect. Plus it drives amazingly well in all weather conditions.
Aw, you guys are bringing a tear to my eye! lol. It’s super to hear what you drive and that they have been such good products. I personally drive a 2018 Buick Encore. It’s been in my garage for 14 months now and not one single issue or complaint. Perfect. Only had it in for one oil/filter change (free, paid by Buick), so other than gas/insurance/registration, I’ve paid nothing.
Now, I work at a Volvo and Mazda dealership. I certainly can’t say the same about those products! The Mazda’s have more issues and costs than what I think most people would know, but they seem to get a lot of really good reviews. How? But it’s the Volvo’s!!!! I’ve never seen so many factory buy-backs and the issues are certainly many.
GM and Ford are only interested in selling SUV crossover and truck vehicles, because that’s where they make money. They haven’t built the lacrosse since mid-February, and did little to provide incentives or adequate supply of the product prior to then.
This is sad an crazy all at the same time just when you thought Buick had reinvented themselves an seeing how beautiful some of the cars where I hate to see another one of Gm brands go down the tube’s
The Buick LaCrosse is a very nice cars and seems to compares very favorably to a Lexus ES 350, BUT nobody knows about it.
It apparently is a secret that GM and Buick want to keep. GM needs to develop an AD campaign that compares the LaCrosse to the Lexus ES 350. Its a good car but you can’t expect anyone to buy it if you don’t advertise it. GM needs to hire a new Ad Agency the current one seems to know very little about the auto industry.
I am also sad that more and more cars are disappearing from the market! MARKET only want SUVs and pickups worldwide.
I drive cars in Germany (Opel Cascada S / Opel Corsa S and an old Mercedes A-Class 160), but more and more SUVs are being leased or sometimes bought by people!
In Germany, the cars and SUV are leased to 80% as a company car and are practically paid by the German tax office. The “German premium cars” are therefore 100% leased as a company car.
If GM, FCA and Ford do not produce cars, the German and Asian manufacturers have a market power!
That must be prevented!
That’s why it’s important to continue to develop and produce cars in the US and Canada!
You lose a market you give up forever!
See GM, who have given up 95% of the European market!
GM is reaping what it has sown. Or rather it is not reaping what it has failed to sow over a long, long time. It’s too bad that, when they finally get to the point where they can build a good car their long time reputation for building junk overwhelms it. When you combine that with what has become the anti everything American philosophy that rules on the coasts and among the snowflakes and the lack of interest in marketing their products I would guess GM will effectively leave the US market and probably fail within the next ten years. My Oldsmobiles are long gone and Buick will follow.
There is a one reason thar sales are tanking.!
They announced the discontinuation of the Buick LaCrosse Sedan. People believe the economic principles where a vehicle is discontinued you loose more value in a quicker period of time. Normally you loose the most in the first year. NADA valus fix prices in the market place. When the NADA say this is the value after the first year. And after a vehicle is discontinued the depreciated values quickly takes a hit in the market. Example: Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, and others.
Why would you pay full price when the value goes down 50% in the first year. They could have just used the model name on a CUV and it would have improved the overall outlook of consumers. I own a 2011 LaCrosse and quality and style is not an issue. The problem is Wall Street marketing.
I just bought a new 2019 LaCrosse Avenir in mid-February but had to work our butts off to
find one. I’m a huge GM and Buick advocate but I’m very disappointed that Buick
is doing this. I don’t want a pickup or SUV. This is kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy. If
there is no inventory and no promotion how would they expect positive results.
overpriced ,poor standard equipment , poor marketing ,and now the discontinuing of sedans which includes the Lacrosse , result in declining sales . demented Mary and her cronies really didn’t think this would happen ?. really ?? to bad it is a really a outstanding model I would have bought one