Buick ’s lineup is in need of a serious revamp, with the Enclave hailing as the brand’s only fresh face. That update will come in the form of the all-new Buick LaCrosse – which will finally make its debut at January’s Detroit Auto Show – with the new mid-sizer hinting at the brand’s future.
Buick has historically been all about big, comfortable sedans, but amid growing environmental concerns and slumping sales, the marque will be focusing on smaller models. The all-new LaCrosse will be the first vehicle in North America to ride on General Motor’s new global mid-size architecture. The 2010 LaCrosse will also be sold in China.
But while the future is looking bright for the LaCrosse, things aren’t looking so good in the Buick Lucerne’s camp. Buick’s biggest sedan has seen a sales decline of 34.1 percent this year, which is actually slightly better than the segment’s 35 percent overall slump, according to Automotive News. To make things worse, there are no plans to update or replace the aging sedan.
However, Buick’s new focus on smaller offerings is a sign that near-luxury brand is starting to pay attention to the market. Although buyers snatched up 150,744 LeSabres – the Lucerne’s predecessor – in 1997, Buick’s current flagship sedan has only managed to entice 50,799 buyers through the first 11 months of 2008.
It remains to be seen if the 2010 LaCrosse will be enough to inject some much needed life into the Buick brand, but it promises to be at least a step in the right direction.
