Michigan Buick Dealers See Future Products Coming; Was the Brand Overhaul Successful?

July 29, 2011 - PRLog -- DETROIT, M.I. – Michigan Buick dealers have seen their brand go through changes over the past few years. Rebranding a brand name is not a simple task, but General Motors took it on to show that Buick could be much more than the vehicle known for an older generation. Buick has been refocused as a luxury brand and the results are showing.
Over the next several years, Buick is coming out with new models or upgraded versions already manufactured. For the 2012 lineup, the Regal, LaCrosse and Enclave will continue to be offered, and a new model will be joining the ranks. It’s also been suggested by industry insiders that two additional models may be added in subsequent model years, though they may not ever land in the showrooms of U.S. dealers.
Here Now
The current 2011 models available at Michigan Buick dealers and others across the U.S. include:
•   Enclave
•   LaCrosse
•   Regal
•   Lucerne
The Enclave is a three-row crossover, which came to the industry in 2008. The 2013 model will come with upgrades, but a completely new generation will not be available for the Enclave until 2015 or 2016.
The LaCrosse and Regal model are receiving the most efficient upgrades as they both will receive General Motors eAssist technology, which will increase fuel mileage and efficiency. Both will come stocked with a 2.4-L four-cylinder engine combined with a small electric motor. Of the two, the Regal will have another choice for an engine which includes a 270 horsepower GS model.
The Lucerne offers luxury shoppers more cabin space than the Lexus ES 350, Acura TL, Lincoln MKZ and the Mercedes C-Class. Of the changes coming from Buick, one the biggest is the discontinuation of the Lucerne after the 2011 model year. Though there has been no official statement from Buick, the model is noticeably absent from any 2012 Buick model announcements.  
Here Soon
The newest member of the Buick lineup is the 2012 Buick Verano, which will debut by the end of the year at most dealers including Michigan Buick dealers. The vehicle will have two engine options which include a 2.0-L or a 2.4-L I-4. The Verano will not be debuted with the eAssist technology but is expected to by the end of 2012. Also, a turbocharged Verano may be in the works as well.
Here Ever?
The Encore is a five-seat, compact crossover which will rival the Acura RDX and Infiniti EX. As it is a very small vehicle with General Motors Gamma platform, the vehicle is planned to be targeted to the Chinese market. The other vehicle that may not make it to the U.S. includes the Astra. It is a hatchback model that may only have a small chance of joining the U.S. lineup as the demand has only increased slightly for it.
Michigan Buick dealers may see new vehicles coming to the lineup and should be showcasing at least the Verano by the fall.
MI Auto Times covers all Michigan automotive news all the time, featuring newly released vehicle recall information, relevant Michigan automaker news, vehicle ratings and comparisons, and everything else auto-related Michigan and world readers need to know.
Got a hot tip? Send your news tips to news@miautotimes.com or connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MichiganAutoTimes.
[Source(s): Automobile Magazine]