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Buick Retail Sales Surge 44 Percent in January

Enclave and Regal Jump Start Buick’s 2011

DETROIT – Buick, the fastest-growing major automotive brand in the United States in 2010, started the new year with its 16th straight month of retail sales gains, delivering a 44 percent increase over last January. The brand’s total January sales also improved 32 percent year over year.

“After a solid 2010, Buick is on track for another year of continuous growth,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Sales and Service. “We fully expect the arrival of the new LaCrosse with eAssist, Regal GS and all-new Verano compact to attract even more car buyers to the brand.”

Approximately 42 percent of Buick buyers come from non-GM brands, including nearly 20 percent from imports.

After having its best retail month ever in December, Enclave’s retail sales continued to grow in January; up 37 percent compared to the same period in 2010. Total sales for the luxury crossover segment were up by 7 percent for the month.

LaCrosse and Regal also continued to contribute to Buick’s sales momentum, moving 3,771 and 2,335 units respectively, nearly all at retail.

Regal, which U.S. News & World Report recently named the “Best Upscale Sedan for the Money,” enjoyed its second strongest sales month since its launch last spring, spurred by the arrival of the all-new Regal CXL Turbo in December. Demand for the turbo outstrips supply, with the model staying on dealer lots for two weeks or less. Availability should improve as capacity ramps up in coming weeks.

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Buick Riviera to Return

We don’t know exactly when this is going to happen (yet) – but Buick will be getting a sporty rear wheel drive coupe and convertible based on the Alpha platform (Cadillac ATS, next generation Camaro). Engine options will likely include a twin turbo 3.0 liter V6, the 3.6 direct injected engine currently found in the Cadillac CTS and a single turbo 2.0 liter four cylinder engine. We expect to see this vehicle shortly after the release of the Cadillac ATS.

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Buick Regal Named ‘Best Upscale Sedan for the Money’

DETROIT – U.S. News & World Report named the 2011 Buick Regal its annual “Best Car for the Money” awards in the Upscale Sedan category, beating competitors from BMW and Lexus.  The ranking was based on the magazine’s analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Buick Regal, as well as analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Regal, which starts at $26,245, was praised for “performance that balances fuel economy and power, handling and ride comfort.”  U.S. News & World Report noted that reviewers are impressed with the Regal’s “handsome exterior and comfortable interior” and encourage midsize sedan shoppers to put the Regal on their short list.

“This award confirms what many Buick Regal buyers have already found out,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “The Regal delivers a dynamic driving experience that competes with the best import sport sedans in the mid-size car segment.  Just as importantly, this sleek, smart, top-safety-rated car is attracting new customers to the Buick brand.”

The well-equipped Regal CXL and CXL Turbo models include the following as standard or available equipment:

  • Ecotec 2.4L direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
  • Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at 220 horsepower (164 kW)
  • Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shift control
  • A six-speed manual transmission is available on the turbocharged model
  • EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 32 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
  • MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
  • All-new Interactive Drive Control available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
  • Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
  • StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
  • Dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain and front seat thorax air bags and pedal-release system
  • Rear-seat thorax air bags
  • Navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, hard drive with 10GB for music, and 20 minutes of time shift audio capability to pause, rewind and playback radio programs
  • 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch alloy wheels with Interactive Drive Control)
  • 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth for phone; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar, along with a USB port for iPods and other audio devices. Continue reading Buick Regal Named ‘Best Upscale Sedan for the Money’