BUICK VERANO

No New Buick Verano for US Market

May 10, 2016 by admin 4 Comments

Buick’s entry-level model is on its way out.

An all-new Buick Verano is currently being marketed in China, but plans for the second-generation compact premium sedan do not include offering it in the North American market.

Automotive News reports that the entry-level sedan will not be renewed after the 2017 model year, leaving Buick’s US operation with just two sedans, a convertible, and a bevy of SUVs in the brand’s portfolio.

New Cruze, No New Verano

The front-wheel drive Buick Verano is underpinned by the same platform powering the Chevrolet Cruze, itself updated this year. The Verano’s main competitors are the Acura ILX and Lexus IS 250, and nearly 32,000 American consumers bought the small Buick last year.

Buick Verano Nevertheless, Buick sees its future following the consumer shift to SUVs, and is bringing the compact Envision SUV from China to augment the subcompact Encore and the midsize, three-row Enclave SUVs. Further, because most Buick and GMC dealers are sold under one roof, customers also have easy access to two lines of pickup trucks as well as four lines of GMC SUVs.

With customers no longer having access to the Verano, Buick dealers will have their work cut out for them when leases renew and owners trade in. Entry-level Buick shoppers may be redirected to the tiny Encore or the midsize Envision, the latter expected to generate 50,000 sales per year. Come 2018, the smallest sedan will be the Regal. The Buick Cascada is similarly sized, but it is a niche 2+2 convertible.

Wholesale Shift to Trucks & SUVs

GM’s decision to walk away from the Verano follows April’s sales figures release. Last month, Verano sales fell by 18.8 percent and are down by 11.7 percent through the first four months of this year. Sales of its large LaCrosse sedan are down by 21.7 percent, but Regal volume is up by 13.5 percent.

Buick’s strength remains in SUVs as the Encore is by far its best selling model, followed by the Enclave. Looking forward, Buick expects SUVs to generate 70 percent of its volume, enabling the brand to meet customer demand, but not without some risk.

That risk is based largely on fuel prices, what plays a significant role in consumer purchase decisions. When fuel prices are high, new car buyers avoid large SUVs and consider smaller models, including compact cars.

Sales Mix Among American Manufacturers

Indeed, among the traditional American manufacturers — GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler (FCA)— car sales fell by 11 percent in 2015, while demand for pickup trucks and SUVs surged by 15 percent according to the International Business Times.

In 2015, FCA truck/SUV sales surged by 22 percent, while car sales plunged by 19 percent. GM, including Buick, realized a 16 percent increase in truck/SUV sales to a 14 percent drop in car sales. Ford has the narrowest change of all as truck/SUV sales rose by 8.3 percent, while car sales fell narrowly by 0.9 percent.

The Fuel Price Factor

In recent months, fuel prices have slowly, but steadily risen. That ascent may be seasonal as gas prices routinely rise as the summer driving season begins. The US Energy Information Administration has forecast an average price of $2.04 per gallon for the summer driving season (April-through-September) compared with $2.63 per gallon last year.

Both numbers are far lower than the $4.11 per gallon peak reached in July 2008. By January 2009 fuel prices averaged $1.84 per gallon, rising and falling since.

A big advantage for Buick lies in its ability to shift products quickly, if needed. Given that the second-generation Verano is sold in China, readying that model for the US market shouldn’t take long if consumer trends shift. That means we may not have seen the last of Buick’s smallest model as well as perhaps an all-new flagship sedan based on the Avenir concept.

Recent — On the Horizon: A Front-Wheel Drive Chrysler 300?

Crumbling Chevrolet Sonic Sales Leads to Layoffs

October 27, 2015 by admin 1 Comment

Small car segment battered by low fuel prices.

Orion Chevrolet Bolt. — Orion plant will begin production of the Chevrolet Bolt for 2017.

Arguably, Chevrolet has the strongest line up it has ever presented in the US market, with solid entries ranging from the full-size Impala to the diminutive Spark. Truck and SUV sales are a bigger factor than ever before, giving the bow tie brand a solid product line from top to bottom.

But not all models are succeeding as consumers continue to make the shift to trucks and SUVs, and at the expense of small cars. Indeed, sales for the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic have fallen by 35 percent year-to-date through September, after rising 9.2 percent in 2014. Gas prices trending toward $2 per gallon is one reason why sales have dropped.

Orion Township Layoffs

Plunging sales mean GM has had to rethink its production plans. To that end, workers manning the second shift at its Orion Township (Michigan) plant will lose their jobs in January. The plant makes the subcompact Sonic as well as the compact Buick Verano, the latter seeing its sales fall by 27 percent through September.

The Orion plant has benefited from $962 million in upgrades since 2010, including $405 million in the past year alone as the automaker readies production of the Chevrolet Bolt, a small pure electric model. The start of production for the new model is months away. In the meantime, GM must align both production and its workforce with demand.

Hamtramck Expands to Accommodate New Cadillac Model

As difficult as layoffs are in the auto industry, this one comes with a silver lining — affected workers will be able to transfer to the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant 35 miles south of Orion. That plan will double its workforce in 2016 by adding 1,200 hourly and salaried jobs as it brings on a second shift. Hiring is currently underway and soon to be displaced Orion workers have an opportunity to find new jobs.

Hamtramck currently builds the Chevrolet Volt, Impala and Malibu as well as the Cadillac ELR on a single production line. Beginning early in 2016 it will start production of the all-new Cadillac CT6. Like Orion, Hamtramck has also received upgrades over the past six years to the tune of $1 billion.

Shrinking Chevrolet Sonic Sales

The Chevrolet Sonic, previously sold as the Aveo, is available as a 5-door hatchback or as a 4-door sedan. Introduced in 2012, GM has not announced plans for a new model yet. The automaker may be waiting out the market to determine if future demand warrants such an investment.

Other automakers appear to be in the same wait and see mode, including Kia with its Rio. Introduced in 2012, Rio sales have fallen nearly as much as the Sonic and are down 31 percent through the same nine-month period. Notably, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Hyundai Accent sales are up for the year. In addition, the Scion iA, an all-new model introduced in September, is showing strong sales out of the gate.

New Buick Verano Planned

Orion’s other model, the Buick Verano, is coming to the end of its first generation run. An all-new model is slated to arrive in 2016 for the 2017 model year, a vehicle that shares its underpinnings with the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze. The new Verano is already on sale in China where both a hatchback and GS editions are now offered. There is no word on whether the US market will receive either new edition.

Sales of another small GM car, the Chevrolet Cruze are also off year-to-date. However, a new model arrives in Chevrolet showrooms this fall, one that is expected to be more competitive in a segment led by the Toyota Corolla followed by the Honda Civic.

See Also — LA Auto Show Sneak Peek

Avenir Concept Leads to New Buick Design Fascia

September 23, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

The Avenir concept will be reflected in the next generation LaCrosse grille.

Buick will soon sport a new face. And that front fascia will be based on none other than the Buick Avenir concept, a large rear-wheel drive vehicle that itself has not been officially promised.

On Tuesday, Buick disclosed and Automotive News reported that the next generation Buick LaCrosse — due out in the second half of next year for the 2017 model year — will inherit the Avenir’s design. Further, that look will be fan out across the entire Buick line by 2018, creating a unified visage that is at once cutting edge as it is upscale.

The Avenir’s fascia is not a huge departure from the current Buick waterfall grille. But it provides an emblematic look with spears jutting out on both sides of the upper portion of the brand’s trishield insignia. Modifications to the front lighting assembly would include more forceful, yet elegant LED daytime running lights. Notably, the overall countenance would offer a broader presentation.

The Buick Avenir concept.

Buick showcased the Avenir at the last round of North American auto shows. That model was shown near or alongside the 1954 Buick Wildcat II concept, the vehicle from which the Avenir’s designers took inspiration.

“The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models.”

Buick plans to showcase the next generation LaCrosse at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The company says that the new flagship will ride on an all-new chassis, representing the latest rendition of the GM’s Epsilon platform. That platform also underpins the Buick Regal as well as the Chevrolet Malibu and the Opel Insignia; all three models are midsize sedans.

Buick LaCrosse

The current generation Buick LaCrosse.

New technologies will complement the updated interpretation. For starters, Buick has promised a five-link rear suspension, claiming that it will provide a “more responsive ride.” Additionally, Buick noted that the suspension is not offered on the Lexus ES. The ES and LaCrosse battle it out for the same customers.

Other changes will likely include an updated telematics system, new audio system choices, and additional safety features. The 2016 edition already has such state-of-the-art features as Apple CarPlay, available 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, and several collision-avoidance technologies.

Likely, front-wheel drive will remain standard; all-wheel drive will be available; and an eight-speed automatic transmission should debut. Engine choices will be announced at the auto show.

The next generation Buick LaCrosse will chase the Buick Cascada to the market, the latter a 2+2 convertible based on an Opel product with the same model name. The LaCrosse will itself be followed by the next generation Verano compact sedan and then an all-new Enclave crossover.

Buick Envision

The made-in-China Buick Envision.

Two additional products might also be added to Buick’s line up. In the short term, a smaller crossover SUV may slot between the diminutive Encore and the glamorous Enclave. That SUV is known as the Buick Envision, a model sold in China and one that GM would like to import to the US. However, GM must get past union objections — the new SUV might be a “go” once a new labor agreement has been enacted this fall.

The other product would be based on the Opel Adam, a sporty three-door minicar. The Adam’s advent, if it ever happens, would likely be a few model years out, and would most likely arrive only after Buick has revised the balance of its model line.

The upcoming changes to Buick should help keep this brand maintain its part of the 1-2 luxury punch its shares with Cadillac. GM has positioned Buick to go after the lower end of the luxury market, with Lincoln, Acura, Infiniti and select Lexus products in mind. Meanwhile, Cadillac is poised to battle it out with the German brands, including Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Together, the two brands account for more than 400,000 premium and luxury sales in the US each year, with room for further growth.

Photos copyright General Motors Company.

New Acura ILX Set for Los Angeles Debut

October 22, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Smallest Acura set for a big refresh.

A hint of what the 2016 Acura ILX will look like.

Among entry level premium models, the Acura ILX has found its place in the market. Its sales, however, are down by 15.8 percent for the year through Sept. for a model that is clearly overmatched by competing vehicles, including the Buick Verano, Lexus IS250, Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA250.

Hybrid Model Canceled

Introduced in gas and hybrid configurations for the 2013 model year, Acura dropped the hybrid for 2015, relying on a pair of gasoline engines going forward. Since its introduction, Acura has sold fewer than 3,000 hybrid ILXs, a paltry number covering two full model years.

This week, Acura announced that it would show a “substantially new 2016 ILX” at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show next month. “Substantially new” is a code phrase for “mid cycle refresh,” not a generational shift — instead, its debut is keeping with the industry’s usual practice of refreshing a model in the third or fourth year, before readying an all-new model after six years.

Acura ILX Midcycle Refresh

Acura hasn’t said much about its refresh and offered only a light-restricted three-quarter view of the sedan from the rear as featured here. In a related press release Acura noted, “…the 2016 ILX will bring a sharper performance focus while delivering a greater set of high-value comfort, convenience and safety features that consumers desire in the increasingly competitive entry-luxury field.”

That “increasingly competitive” field includes new models from Audi and Mercedes-Benz as well as the next generation Buick Verano, the latter expected to arrive within the next 12 to 16 months.

Acura says that it attracts more under 35 buyers than its competitors, a good thing for a brand that wants to bring in new customers and keep them. Even so, the Acura ILX has been criticized for its bland looks, anemic performance and the fact that it is based on the Honda Civic Si. Not that the Si is a dud, its just that the Acura ILX hasn’t met even modest expectations. You might do better buying the Honda and pocketing the difference.

Engines and Transmissions

The current Acura ILX is powered by a standard 2.0-liter four cylinder engine making 150 horsepower and 140 foot-pounds of torque. Those numbers are certainly not meant to suggest performance, instead the ILX is a fuel economy leader with its 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway rating.

You can also choose a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine making 201 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque. It gets 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Choose the base engine and you get a 5-speed automatic transmission. Go with the larger engine and you’ll work with a 6-speed manual transmission.

All-Wheel Drive Possibilities

With little product information offered by Acura, the speculation has begun. Tweaks to the body and interior are a given. More performance seems likely and an all-wheel drive option may be readied, in keeping with the direction Acura has promised as reported by Auto Trends here last week. If Acura does go with the latter, it will match what Audi, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz offer. It might also force GM to seriously explore an all-wheel drive option for the Verano.

AWD may yet show up, but it may have to wait until the next generation ILX is released. If that is the case then figure Acura would keep the refresh around for two years before debuting its next generation model. Wait any longer and both its current and new competition could move further ahead.

For Acura fans who have been patiently waiting for the brand’s next move, the ILX refresh may be just the start of greater things. Anything less and its competitors will widen the sales gap, hardly the outcome parent Honda Manufacturing wants to entertain.

Photo courtesy of Acura.

Specifications of a 2013 Buick Encore

January 22, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Newest and smallest Buick is available for sale.

2013 Buick Encore

Following a December 2012 dealer preview, the all-new 2013 Buick Encore is on its way to Buick-GMC retail outlets. The subcompact crossover SUV, a first for the Buick brand, is a 2013 model. It will retail from $24,950 and features standard front-wheel-drive and optional all-wheel-drive.

Buick Line

The 2013 Buick Encore expands the Buick line to five models joining it to the medium Enclave CUV and three sedans: Verano, Regal and LaCrosse. Since GM’s restructuring in 2009, the Buick brand has been completely overhauled with new and updated models across its entire spectrum.

Chief competition for the Buick Encore is the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mini Countryman with perhaps fully loaded models offering an option to select higher end models such as the BMW X1.

Engine and Transmission

Powering the Buick Encore is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is of cast aluminum head and cast iron block construction. It comes equipped with 16 valves and makes use of direct injection. This engine measures 2.85 bore by 3.25 stroke and has a 9.5-to-1 compression ratio. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

EPA fuel ratings come in at 25 mpg around the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the front-wheel drive model. The Encore AWD is rated at 23 mpg around the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Buick says that the Encore offers the best SUV fuel economy among its US competitors and is outfitted with a 14-gallon fuel tank for a maximum driving range of 462 miles. Thats enough fuel to take you from Nashville to Memphis and back on one tank.

Buick Design

The 2013 Buick Encore upholds the brands design language with its chrome waterfall grille. Projector beam headlamps, crisp tail lamps and 18-inch painted aluminum wheels are among the model distinctives. Optionally, seven-spoke chrome wheels can be ordered.

Inside, the cabin offers a flowing instrument panel that spans from door to door and features a seven-inch color display for accessing the standard IntelliLink voice-activated infotainment system. This model is available in standard, convenience, leather and premium trim levels.

Standard equipment includes air-conditioning; a six-speaker audio system; SiriusXM satellite radio; cruise control; ambient lighting; a noise cancellation system; a rear vision camera and keyless entry. Also included is remote keyless entry; a tilt and telescopic steering column; power accessories; navigation; dual illuminated visors; and intermittent wipers.

Convenience features available include an upgraded audio package; a heated steering wheel; leather appointments; remote start; a 120-volt power outlet; a power front passenger seat; upgraded climate control and carpeted floor mats.

Encore Dimensions

The Encore sits on a 100.6-inch wheelbase and is 168.5 inches long. This SUV measures 69.9 inches wide by 65.2 inches tall and has a ground clearance of 6.2 inches. Curb weight comes in from 3,190 pounds for the FWD model to 3,309 the AWD Encore. This model is built in South Korea.

Headroom measures 39.6 inches in the front seat and 38.8 inches in the rear seat. Legroom comes in at 40.8 inches up front and 35.8 inches in the back. Shoulder room is 54.1 inches up front and 52.5 inches in the back. Hip room is 51.7 inches in the front seat and 50.1 inches in the back seat.

Standard cargo volume is 18.8 cubic feet. Fold down the second-row seat and this SUV offers 48.4 cubic feet of storage capacity.

Safety Features

The Buick Encore comes equipped with 10 standard airbags including a drivers knee airbag. Traction control, stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system and a theft-deterrent system are standard. Also available are forward collision alert, lane departure warning and front and rear park assist.

See Also — Buick Encore Wears Her Luxury Well

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.