Is the end of buick cars in the u.s. Near?
10-12-19, 06:29 AM
#47
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
A polish-made convertible sold by buick. What could possibly go wrong? 
10-12-19, 06:46 AM
#48
The last time I was in a Buick dealership they had all the models lined up in row. As I walked along reading the window sticker it jumped out at me that most were all assembled in foreign countries, China, Korea, and Mexico. No thanks, Buick needs to go. GM would be better of with just Chevy and Cadillac.
By the way the Mercury I owned was not as MM describes by sweeping generalizations.
By the way the Mercury I owned was not as MM describes by sweeping generalizations.
10-12-19, 06:55 AM
#49
Lexus Fanatic
I think that Mercury and Buick are very similar nameplates. Buick has tried over the last few years to differentiate themselves and clearly Mercury hasn't existed since then so they havent tried anything. For the most part, Buicks are nicer trimmed Chevrolets same as Mercurys were slightly nicer trimmed Fords
10-12-19, 07:06 AM
#50
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Just as we have a financially polarized country, this kind of pseudo-premium brand is either too expensive for lower income people, or not nice enough (or brand perceived as good enough) for higher income people.
10-12-19, 07:08 AM
#51
Lexus Fanatic
I think that Mercury and Buick are very similar nameplates. Buick has tried over the last few years to differentiate themselves and clearly Mercury hasn't existed since then so they havent tried anything. For the most part, Buicks are nicer trimmed Chevrolets same as Mercurys were slightly nicer trimmed Fords
The last time I was in a Buick dealership they had all the models lined up in row. As I walked along reading the window sticker it jumped out at me that most were all assembled in foreign countries, China, Korea, and Mexico. No thanks, Buick needs to go. GM would be better of with just Chevy and Cadillac.
By the way the Mercury I owned was not as MM describes by sweeping generalizations.
By the way the Mercury I owned was not as MM describes by sweeping generalizations.
10-12-19, 07:14 AM
#52
Lexus Fanatic
Right, its in a weird middle space that is hard to occupy nowadays.
10-12-19, 07:17 AM
#53
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
10-12-19, 07:20 AM
#54
Lexus Fanatic
I think the answer is yes, especially because we're mainly talking about SUVs and Crossovers here. Its always been my experience that while "Chevrolet" cars have a downscale reputation, their trucks and utilities do not have that problem. With most consumers buying crossovers now and GM really not selling any sedans anymore as Chevrolets or Buicks, I see no reason for Buick to exist.
As an example, a consumer will pay $50,000 for a Traverse, but they wont pay $50,000 for an Impala. No problem paying $70,000 for a Tahoe or Suburban, they'll roll that Tahoe right up to the valet at the country club but they would never do that in an Impala.
10-12-19, 08:25 AM
#55
Lexus Fanatic
The question is can GM target the same consumer with high end Chevrolet trims without the cost of another nameplate in Buick?
I think the answer is yes, especially because we're mainly talking about SUVs and Crossovers here. Its always been my experience that while "Chevrolet" cars have a downscale reputation, their trucks and utilities do not have that problem. With most consumers buying crossovers now and GM really not selling any sedans anymore as Chevrolets or Buicks, I see no reason for Buick to exist.
As an example, a consumer will pay $50,000 for a Traverse, but they wont pay $50,000 for an Impala. No problem paying $70,000 for a Tahoe or Suburban, they'll roll that Tahoe right up to the valet at the country club but they would never do that in an Impala.
I think the answer is yes, especially because we're mainly talking about SUVs and Crossovers here. Its always been my experience that while "Chevrolet" cars have a downscale reputation, their trucks and utilities do not have that problem. With most consumers buying crossovers now and GM really not selling any sedans anymore as Chevrolets or Buicks, I see no reason for Buick to exist.
As an example, a consumer will pay $50,000 for a Traverse, but they wont pay $50,000 for an Impala. No problem paying $70,000 for a Tahoe or Suburban, they'll roll that Tahoe right up to the valet at the country club but they would never do that in an Impala.
10-12-19, 08:29 AM
#56
Lexus Fanatic
And, even today, the least-expensive Buick (the Encore) is also the best seller.
10-12-19, 08:38 AM
#57
Lexus Fanatic
It costs GM a LOT to have Buick and Chevrolet vs just Chevrolet. You need two different body designs, stampings for them, two sets of trim, two entire sets of interior panels, etc. A higher trim Chevrolet would simply build on the body and design of the Chevy model. Remember, Buick is more differentiated from Chevy than say, GMC is.
It absolutely costs them more to build a Traverse AND an Enclave than it does to add another trim level with a snazzier grill, some different interior trims, wheels to the Traverse.
10-12-19, 08:48 AM
#58
Lexus Fanatic
GMC would probably be a better case for elimination than Buick. The division, as it stands today (the 2Gen Acadia is probably the only exception) is essentially nothing but slightly more-upscale and somewhat rebadged Chevy trucks and SUVs. Buick is significantly more diversified.
In fact, IMO, instead of eliminating Saturn, GM should probably have axed GMC instead, and kept Saturn, returning it to its plastic-bodied vehicle roots and customer-friendly operating procedures, which were a big success with the public. Saturn went downhill when it abandoned its roots and diversified into a bunch of rebadges.
In fact, IMO, instead of eliminating Saturn, GM should probably have axed GMC instead, and kept Saturn, returning it to its plastic-bodied vehicle roots and customer-friendly operating procedures, which were a big success with the public. Saturn went downhill when it abandoned its roots and diversified into a bunch of rebadges.
Last edited by mmarshall; 10-12-19 at 08:52 AM.
10-12-19, 08:51 AM
#59
Lexus Fanatic
Bring back the Regal Grand National. Make it a more luxurious muscle car. With rumors of the Camaro going away it is a good opportunity for a Regal, GM has no lux coupes, it would fill a niche, muscle cars get decent sales and address one of the things people don't like about the Camaro, the interior and visibility. They already have a platform and plenty of engines.
10-12-19, 09:06 AM
#60
Lexus Fanatic
GMC trucks are selling well though.