GM unveils 2010 Buick LaCrosse (updated)
#121
You bring up a good point. As it turns out, when I was looking at the LaCrosse there was an older guy (older then me!) asking the rep why they weren't putting the 3.9 pushrod V6 from the Lucerne into the LaCrosse. The rep was explaning to him the advantages of the DI, variable-valve, etc. engine but he wasn't having any of it. Said he'd go with a Lucerne before a LaCrosse. He also questioned the need to offer AWD in this car. It could be a tough sell to a lot of loyal Buick buyers. Unscientific but telling.
#122
Today's geezers (The greatest generation) grew up on American irons, matured on American irons so naturally they retired on American irons. However, tomorrow's geezers (Boomers) grew up on American irons, lived through the oil crisis, watched the fall of the mighty D3 first handedly and most of them now drive Japanese and German imports. Who said it's a given that they'll retire with the American irons?
Times are a changing so if I am a betting man I'll bet that tomorrow's geezers won't be rushing into the Buick dealerships like their parents did.
#123
I disagree. Buick has little choice. They HAVE to build cars that appeal to older people....and not-so-old people that also like smoothness and quiet. That is how they stay in buisness.
The often-used argument that Buick and Cadillac have to lower their average buying age because of geezers dying off really doesn't make much sense either. The largest generation in history (the post-WWII Baby Boomers) are set to retire. Today's geezers, who are dying off, are quickly going to be replaced with a LOT MORE geezers tomorrow. And Buick and Caddy (and Lincoln) had better have the cars for them.
The often-used argument that Buick and Cadillac have to lower their average buying age because of geezers dying off really doesn't make much sense either. The largest generation in history (the post-WWII Baby Boomers) are set to retire. Today's geezers, who are dying off, are quickly going to be replaced with a LOT MORE geezers tomorrow. And Buick and Caddy (and Lincoln) had better have the cars for them.
I don't buy the argument that there will be a lot of geezers later, of course there will be, but they won't be buying their grandfathers Oldsmobile/Buick/Deville/Town Car either. Keeping those dinos around for us when we get older is not the answer for a car company.
I'm like you and one of those older baby boomers too. And I drive a Lexus as my daily driver and you drive a Subaru, so we need to wish Buick luck with their strategy. And even people as old as my parents have no interest in a Buick, in fact my mother likes her Subaru.
#124
I disagree. Buick has little choice. They HAVE to build cars that appeal to older people....and not-so-old people that also like smoothness and quiet. That is how they stay in buisness.
The often-used argument that Buick and Cadillac have to lower their average buying age because of geezers dying off really doesn't make much sense either. The largest generation in history (the post-WWII Baby Boomers) are set to retire. Today's geezers, who are dying off, are quickly going to be replaced with a LOT MORE geezers tomorrow. And Buick and Caddy (and Lincoln) had better have the cars for them.
The often-used argument that Buick and Cadillac have to lower their average buying age because of geezers dying off really doesn't make much sense either. The largest generation in history (the post-WWII Baby Boomers) are set to retire. Today's geezers, who are dying off, are quickly going to be replaced with a LOT MORE geezers tomorrow. And Buick and Caddy (and Lincoln) had better have the cars for them.
do you think its worked good for GM so far !??!?!?!?!?!?!?!
nope.....time to change and make Buick more acceptable to more age groups.
#125
Today's geezers (The greatest generation) grew up on American irons, matured on American irons so naturally they retired on American irons. However, tomorrow's geezers (Boomers) grew up on American irons, lived through the oil crisis, watched the fall of the mighty D3 first handedly and most of them now drive Japanese and German imports. Who said it's a given that they'll retire with the American irons?
Times are a changing so if I am a betting man I'll bet that tomorrow's geezers won't be rushing into the Buick dealerships like their parents did.
Times are a changing so if I am a betting man I'll bet that tomorrow's geezers won't be rushing into the Buick dealerships like their parents did.
And I'm old enough use the term.
#126
Yeah but there is a problem:
Today's geezers (The greatest generation) grew up on American irons, matured on American irons so naturally they retired on American irons. However, tomorrow's geezers (Boomers) grew up on American irons, lived through the oil crisis, watched the fall of the mighty D3 first handedly and most of them now drive Japanese and German imports. Who said it's a given that they'll retire with the American irons?
Today's geezers (The greatest generation) grew up on American irons, matured on American irons so naturally they retired on American irons. However, tomorrow's geezers (Boomers) grew up on American irons, lived through the oil crisis, watched the fall of the mighty D3 first handedly and most of them now drive Japanese and German imports. Who said it's a given that they'll retire with the American irons?
Times are a changing so if I am a betting man I'll bet that tomorrow's geezers won't be rushing into the Buick dealerships like their parents did.
#127
Maybe that says that Buick should be targeting other age groups.
#128
I don't buy the argument that there will be a lot of geezers later, of course there will be, but they won't be buying their grandfathers Oldsmobile/Buick/Deville/Town Car either. Keeping those dinos around for us when we get older is not the answer for a car company.
I'm like you and one of those older baby boomers too. And I drive a Lexus as my daily driver and you drive a Subaru, so we need to wish Buick luck with their strategy. And even people as old as my parents have no interest in a Buick, in fact my mother likes her Subaru.
#129
That's why the federal government is so reluctant to loan (not just give handouts) money to a company that may not be viable.
#130
Definitely. No question about it. Buick has one of the most consistant and loyal owner groups and repeat owner groups in the industry, even if they are older than the average car buyer. Buick sales are currently down, yes, but so are those of virtually every other automaker as well.....you can't use declining sales as an arguement.
Again, if you reach out to new hands, you can't bite the hand that feeds you at the same time. That's why Buick and Cadillac will HAVE to keep at least a couple of soft luxo-cruisers in their lineup. If they DON'T, they will suffer in the long run. They can convert some of their products to sportier platforms, but there had better be some non-sporting models left for those who want them.
LexBob2's post, above, hit the nail right on the head when he spoke of the traditional Buick customers at the car show he was at telling the Buick reps there that they would buy a new Lucerne rather than be forced into a new, overly-sporty LaCrosse (actually, it concerned the engine complexity more). People at the D.C. show I was at were saying the same thing at the Buick display there. What would happen if Buick didn't have the Lucerne to fall back on? They would go somewhere else...or buy a used car.
nope.....time to change and make Buick more acceptable to more age groups.
LexBob2's post, above, hit the nail right on the head when he spoke of the traditional Buick customers at the car show he was at telling the Buick reps there that they would buy a new Lucerne rather than be forced into a new, overly-sporty LaCrosse (actually, it concerned the engine complexity more). People at the D.C. show I was at were saying the same thing at the Buick display there. What would happen if Buick didn't have the Lucerne to fall back on? They would go somewhere else...or buy a used car.
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-17-09 at 05:43 PM.
#131
I agree with those who don't think today's boomers will want to buy/drive the "luxury" cars of their parents. One just needs to look at what the boomers are driving today and for the past few years. It obviously hasn't been Buick, Caddy, Lincoln etc.
Retiring isn't going to make them run out and get these aformentioned brands. They'll have their own preferences and perception of what a luxury car is.
Who knows maybe a more modern LaCrosse will grab a few sales from them. It won't be easy.
Retiring isn't going to make them run out and get these aformentioned brands. They'll have their own preferences and perception of what a luxury car is.
Who knows maybe a more modern LaCrosse will grab a few sales from them. It won't be easy.
#132
Yes, I do like Subies, but primarily for their reliability and their superb AWD systems. I had two Buicks in my younger days, though....and I do miss their ride, quietness, and smooth transmissions. In a warm-climate area with no slick roads, I could see myself in a Buick....or a Lexus LS460. No matter what I say about Buick, I consider the LS460 to be the best luxury car currently in production.
But what really counts is "putting our money where our mouth is", that's what contributes to auto company bottom lines. And for the last decade people like us have been buying something other than Buicks. The LS460 gets my
#133
I sat in a Genesis today for the 1st time and it was very nice. Nothing to not like. Just didn't feel $42k nice to me for a number of reasons..
#134
mmarshall, I am not trying to argue with you about whether or not older people will ditch sport for comfort. As matter of that there are many young people out there who like the comfort of the Lexus over the sporty Bimmer.
What I am trying to say is that Buick doesn't have to be more sportier, but it has to be more technology-driven, appeared more advance and look more "modern". The new LaCrosse seems to be heading into the right direction. No matter what the Buick kool-aid its marketing people are trying to make us drink the reality is that the new LaCrosse isn't going to be much more "sportier" than the current version. They used the ES350 as the benchmark so just for that alone how much more sporty can the LaCrosse be?
Sure when people get older they tend to want softer rides, heck, I am 27 and sometimes I feel my lowered IS350 rides too firm! However, change is needed for Buick because soft or not, I know one thing for sure: the majority of the boomers don't want bench seat, column-mounting shifter and dated cabin design.
What I am trying to say is that Buick doesn't have to be more sportier, but it has to be more technology-driven, appeared more advance and look more "modern". The new LaCrosse seems to be heading into the right direction. No matter what the Buick kool-aid its marketing people are trying to make us drink the reality is that the new LaCrosse isn't going to be much more "sportier" than the current version. They used the ES350 as the benchmark so just for that alone how much more sporty can the LaCrosse be?
Sure when people get older they tend to want softer rides, heck, I am 27 and sometimes I feel my lowered IS350 rides too firm! However, change is needed for Buick because soft or not, I know one thing for sure: the majority of the boomers don't want bench seat, column-mounting shifter and dated cabin design.
#135
The "if I was going to be in the market" part means no I guess.
At least just wait long enough to see if GM files chapter 11 first.
Just kidding. I agree the LaCrosse looks pretty cool And I like the look of the CLS and CC too. The CLS has been a lucrative niche car for Mercedes and BMW for one is well aware of its impact and contribution to profits. But the Buick section at the last 2 auto shows I went to recently wasn't getting anybody fired up.
At least just wait long enough to see if GM files chapter 11 first.
Just kidding. I agree the LaCrosse looks pretty cool And I like the look of the CLS and CC too. The CLS has been a lucrative niche car for Mercedes and BMW for one is well aware of its impact and contribution to profits. But the Buick section at the last 2 auto shows I went to recently wasn't getting anybody fired up.