Buick Enclave sales increased in the United States, and decreased in Canada and Mexico during the third quarter of 2019.
Buick Enclave Sales - Q3 2019 - United States
In the United States, Buick Enclave deliveries totaled 13,274 units in Q3 2019, an increase of about 4 percent compared to 12,807 units sold in Q3 2018.In the first nine months of the year, Enclave sales increased about 16 percent to 41,013 units.
| MODEL | Q3 2019 / Q3 2018 | Q3 2019 | Q3 2018 | YTD 2019 / YTD 2018 | YTD 2019 | YTD 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENCLAVE | +3.65% | 13,274 | 12,807 | +16.42% | 41,013 | 35,227 |
Buick Enclave Sales - Q3 2019 - Canada
In Canada, Buick Enclave deliveries totaled 583 units in Q3 2019, a decrease of about 46 percent compared to 1,075 units sold in Q3 2018.In the first nine months of the year, Enclave sales decreased about 29 percent to 1,871 units.
| MODEL | Q3 2019 / Q3 2018 | Q3 2019 | Q3 2018 | YTD 2019 / YTD 2018 | YTD 2019 | YTD 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENCLAVE | -45.77% | 583 | 1,075 | -28.51% | 1,871 | 2,617 |
Buick Enclave Sales - Q3 2019 - Mexico
In Mexico, Buick Enclave deliveries totaled 158 units in Q3 2019, a decrease of about 24 percent compared to 208 units sold in Q3 2018.In the first nine months of the year, Enclave sales decreased about 15 percent to 544 units.
| MODEL | Q3 2019 / Q3 2018 | Q3 2019 | Q3 2018 | YTD 2019 / YTD 2018 | YTD 2019 | YTD 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENCLAVE | -24.04% | 158 | 208 | -14.60% | 544 | 637 |
Competitive Sales Comparison
Buick Enclave sales place the large three-row crossover in second place (out of seven rivals) in its competitive set in terms of overall sales volume, behind the Acura MDX in first, but ahead of the Volvo XC90 in third (see Volvo XC90 sales), Infiniti QX60 in fourth, Audi Q7 in fifth (see Audi Q7 sales), and the new Cadillac XT6 in sixth and new Lincoln Aviator in seventh. Availability of the Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator was limited during the quarter, with the first units of the XT6 arriving toward the end of Q2 and the first units of the Aviator arriving mid-Q3.
From a segment share standpoint, the MDX led the way with a 24 percent share, Enclave followed with 22 percent, Volvo XC90 and Infiniti QX60 with 15 percent each, and the Audi Q7 with 14 percent. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator accounted for 7 and 3 percent, respectively.
The premium/luxury three-row crossover segment expanded 10 percent to 60,261 units in Q3 2019.
Sales Numbers - Premium Three-Row Crossovers - Q3 2019 - United States
| MODEL | Q3 19 / Q3 18 | Q3 19 | Q3 18 | Q3 19 SHARE | Q3 18 SHARE | YTD 19 / YTD 18 | YTD 19 | YTD 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACURA MDX | -4.51% | 14,597 | 15,287 | 24% | 28% | +0.12% | 37,231 | 37,187 |
| BUICK ENCLAVE | +3.65% | 13,274 | 12,807 | 22% | 23% | +16.42% | 41,013 | 35,227 |
| VOLVO XC90 | +15.58% | 8,874 | 7,678 | 15% | 14% | +5.31% | 24,909 | 23,652 |
| INFINITI QX60 | -8.67% | 8,785 | 9,619 | 15% | 18% | -0.55% | 31,621 | 31,795 |
| AUDI Q7 | -10.42% | 8,516 | 9,507 | 14% | 17% | -9.98% | 24,549 | 27,270 |
| CADILLAC XT6 | * | 4,316 | * | 7% | 0% | * | 4,390 | 0 |
| LINCOLN AVIATOR | * | 1,899 | * | 3% | 0% | * | 1,899 | 0 |
| TOTAL | +9.77% | 60,261 | 54,898 | +6.76% | 165,612 | 155,131 |
For the sake of reference, we are providing sales figures for the Lexus RX below. Though the RX is a premium midsize CUV, the vehicle is now offered in a three-row variant called RXL, which competes in the general space as the aforementioned models. Since Lexus does not break out sales of the two-row RX from the three-row RXL, not all RX sales can be applied to the premium three-row CUV segment. Instead, a more apt comparison would be to bundle Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac XT6 sales.
Sales Numbers - Lexus RX & RXL - Q3 2019 - United States
| MODEL | Q3 19 / Q3 18 | Q3 19 | Q3 18 | YTD 19 / YTD 18 | YTD 19 | YTD 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX | -4.75% | 28,109 | 29,512 | -4.26% | 76,170 | 79,563 |
| TOTAL | -4.75% | 28,109 | 29,512 | -4.26% | 76,170 | 79,563 |
The GM Authority Take
Buick Enclave sales showed very healthy growth in a highly competitive segment during the third quarter of 2019, following a 27-percent climb in Q1 and a 21-percent growth in Q2. But while the Enclave managed healthy growth, it still wasn’t enough to maintain its first-place position, with the MDX outselling the Buick by 2,480 units.
We maintain that the healthy Buick Enclave sales are the result of various crucial factors coming together at just the right time, and GM delivering on all levels, including product, marketing and sales operations. The product is, arguably, the most important of these elements, and the Enclave hits the mark as a result of a very good, practical, and highly attractive offering that has the right combination of style, comfort, technology, and value.
Going forward, we expect Enclave to continue being among the sales leaders from a sales volume standpoint in its segment due to the following factors:
- A highly competitive second-generation model that is attracting new customers
- A value-laden vehicle at an attractive price point, which is about $10,000 more affordable than more-expensive rivals such as the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90—which are not only smaller, but also offer less in terms of features and therefore value
- An ongoing change in market vehicle buying dynamics that sees car buyers continue switching to crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) from other vehicle types like sedans
However, we believe that the following two factors will provide headwinds:
- Competition from the aforementioned Lexus RXL—a three-row variant of the best-selling Lexus RX that dominates its segment from a sales volume standpoint.
- The launch of the Cadillac XT6 and new Lincoln Aviator, which are similar to the Enclave in terms of utility, size and seating capacity, but more expensive. The Enclave starts in the vicinity of $40,000 compared to the $52,695 entry-level price for the XT6 and $51,100 starting price for the Lincoln. In that regard, Buick can continue using its positioning as a value luxury brand to its advantage.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Buick Enclave sales in Q3 2018 sales
- In the United States, there were 76 selling days in Q3 2018 and 76 selling days in Q3 2019
- GM Q3 2019 sales U.S.A.
- Chevrolet sales Q3 2019 U.S.A.
- Cadillac sales Q3 2019 U.S.A.
- Buick sales Q3 2019 U.S.A.
- GMC sales Q3 2019 U.S.A.
- GM Canada sales Q3 2019
- Chevrolet Canada sales Q3 2019
- Cadillac Canada sales Q3 2019
- Buick Canada sales Q3 2019
- GMC Canada sales Q3 2019
- GM Mexico sales Q3 2019
- GM China sales Q3 2019
- Chevrolet China Q3 3019 sales
- Buick China Q3 2019 sales
- Cadillac China Q3 2019 sales
- GM Brazil sales Q3 2019
- GM South Korea sales Q3 2019
About Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a premium full-size crossover utility vehicle (CUV). It is the biggest Buick crossover currently offered, slotting above the subcompact Buick Encore and compact Buick Envision.
The first generation Enclave was introduced for the 2009 model year to replace the Buick Rendezvous. It rode on the GM Lambda platform and was discontinued in 2017. The current, second-generation model was introduced for the 2018 model year. It rides on the extended-length GM C1 platform shared with the second-generation Chevrolet Traverse. A shorter variant of the same platform underpins the second-gen GMC Acadia and Cadillac XT5.
For the 2019 model year, the Enclave receives a new FWD Preferred (1SD) equipment group, the addition of the automatic function for the heated steering wheel and front row heated seats, as well as a new Ebony with Ebony interior accents interior.
Compared to its first-generation predecessor, the second-gen Enclave is an all-new vehicle that is larger, lighter, sleeker and more modern. It also introduces new trim levels, including the range-topping Enclave Avenir.
The Buick Enclave is built at the GM Delta Lansing Township factory in Michigan operated by GM USA. It is currently the only plant that builds the vehicle alongside the second-gen Chevy Traverse.
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM forums
- Buick Enclave information
- Running GM sales results
- Running Buick sales results
- Running Buick Enclave sales results
- Running Buick sales results
Comments
Enclave has better design, is a better value than XT6. Buick is a gem overlooked by the average consumer.
Good showing by a great product.
“Enclave hits the mark as a result of a very good, practical, and highly attractive offering that has the right combination of style, comfort, technology, and value.”
but the enclave couldn’t even beat the hyundai/kia twins in a car and driver comparison and they are not even premium brands.
@steve:
This was a “Car and Driver” article. Enough said. But if you read that article, it’s mainly because they (car and driver) felt the Enclave’s handling was heavy and cumbersome (my words, not their exact words). The Enclave is one vehicle that still has a nice ride with great road isolation. Let’s keep it that way.
The Enclave does exactly what it’s supposed to do and well. If a person wants a sports vehicle, buy one. Don’t expect a larger SUV/crossover to drive like a Corvette.
so you think car and driver has been bought off by the koreans?
i think this is the reason why the enclave finished dead last according to the article :
“It’s hard to love the vehicle that costs the most and offers the least content. The Enclave also lacks the design and materials to justify that premium price.”
also, is the enclave in the same class as an audi q7? that vehicle costs about $20K more. seems like some of the sales numbers cited in this article are comparing apples and oranges.
Steve:
1. The Enclave is in the same class as the Q7 based on cross shopping and consideration patterns extrapolated from real world data. We would not include the models if this weren’t the case.
Also, the difference in price is far from what you state: there is roughly a $12,000 difference between the Enclave and the Q7 in base price… not even close to the alleged “$20k” you cited. Factor that into leases and the difference becomes even more negligible.
2. Generally speaking, comparisons don’t sell cars or determine their commercial success. Yes, this must come as a shock to auto enthusiasts like ourselves… but the market has a way of sorting things out in very different ways from comparisons, buff books and the like. Consumer behavior works in very different ways than many auto journalists would dare to admit… probably as a result of the fact that most auto journos don’t actually buy the cars they test and give trophies to… but that’s a topic for another day.
3. Kia and Hyundai have made a good product in order to get a foothold in a segment they have failed at miserably over the past decade. Yes, their brand new products punch above their weight… but not because they want to, but because they have to… it’s the only way to make a splash and get some sales. Whether anyone will care 12 months after launch is another question entirely. Whether they’re making any money on these vehicles is another point to consider (or rather, the ultimate profitability associated with the telluride and palisade).
Analytically speaking, I like Buick’s position: delivering thousands of vehicles every quarter to real paying customers and winning conquest sales. They might not win any comparison tests only to deliver a handful of units here and there (Hyundai / Kia). That should provide some insight as to the origin and future of the vehicles in question.
4. As for the actual product, do remember the fact that the Enclave is now three years old and is getting a refresh in a few months for the 2021 MY. The very well-received all-new China-market Enclave is a glimpse at what’s in store for the NA model.
thanks for correcting me on the price difference.
it will be interesting to see how the korean twins do.
just a suggestion, when comparing auto sales, it might be helpful to also list the average transaction price. to me, the $14K difference between an enclave and a q7 is still not negligible. that would explain why buick puts up bigger numbers.
if buick is indeed tallying up conquest sales, who is switching in north america? i find it hard to believe customers are switching from german/japanese auto brands. is it internal churn with gm?
as a consumer, i like vehicles that punch above their weight. if buick doesn’t feel the need to do that and they are comfortable being good enough, sooner or later, the consumer is going to catch on.