The inventory of new Buick vehicles at dealerships stood at 89 days supply at the end of August 2024, according to the latest Cox Automotive figures, a greater than 10 percent increase from the 80 days supply of Tri-Shield brand vehicles dealer lots had in July.
The increase mirrors the automotive market in the U.S. as a whole, where average inventory is 77 days supply, up from 60 days supply in August 2023, per Cox research.
Buick’s days supply is notably higher than the 60 days supply that is considered optimal across the U.S. automotive market, with its 89 days supply indicating it would take dealers 89 days to sell out their stock of vehicles at current sales levels if no new inventory arrived. However, the brand is no stranger to elevated inventory levels, with days supply standing at 82 in September 2023.
Sales figures and inventory estimates show that not all of Buick’s vehicles currently have an unsold backlog, however. Only certain models have very high days supply, with the Buick Envision having the highest inventory at more than double the optimum, and the Buick Encore GX being a close second. These two models might be the most likely to get higher incentives in the coming weeks, although they’re currently selling well.
Meanwhile, the Buick Envista subcompact crossover has inventory levels very close to the optimum. This corresponds to current market trends, with Cox executive analyst Erin Keating noting that “compact and subcompact SUVs are hot segments for consumers chasing affordability, form and function,” matching the Envista’s inventory situation closely.
Inventory is rising even though sales are up 14 percent. In the meantime, dealers are noting that inventory is climbing and profits are weak. With higher supply and demand disrupted by economic and political uncertainties, a “buyer’s market” appears to be emerging in which cheaper deals may soon be available to vehicle consumers.
Adding to the rising inventory levels is the late-summer influx of 2025 model-year vehicles from many brands, while some 2024 model-year vehicles still haven’t been cleared from dealer lots.
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Envista might have an optimal inventory level but it's region-specific. WAY below optimal on the East Coast.
I have seen Buick's are not being sold at of GMC dealers which were always partnered with losing market visibility looks like that brand might become extinct.
Not surprising since they have little to choose from, and what they have is all the same.