GM currently holds 20 percent of the mid-van market--a 1.1 million unit segment of vehicles priced between USD$21,000 and USD$30,000. The Terraza will be competing against the pricey Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country, (U.S. only) Mercury Monterey, Nissan Quest, and Mazda MPV.
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| With bold front-end styling and improved functionality, the Terraza crossover sport van (CSV) will be a strong competitor. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
"Terraza positions Buick in the growth area of the mid-van market," said Roger Adams, Buick general manager. "Although the overall segment has declined slightly the last few years, sales of USD$30,000-plus vehicles have grown from 19 percent to 24 percent of the mid-van market."
With its ability to carry seven people and plenty of cargo, the Terraza crossover sport van (CSV) complements Rendezvous and Rainier in the Buick truck lineup by combining SUV features, like bold front-end styling, with the functionality required by customers in the mid-van segment.
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| GM's overall goal with the Buick Terraza is to give more value, performance and functionality for the money. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
"The goal here is to offer the customer substantially more value than has been offered in the General Motors mid vans up to now with far better performance, much nicer interiors, much nicer exteriors, higher functionality and yet remain price competitive with the other vans in the segment," Lutz said. "In Buick's case, it will be price competitive with the more premium brands like Chrysler's Town and Country."
The front end of the Terraza immediately suggests an SUV, with a raised hood and a high-set grille and headlamps that serve to lift the eye and make the vehicle look like it is raised off the ground, Lajdziak said. Seventeen-inch standard tires and its new roof rack contribute to the vehicle's tall-looking stance, but it remains easy to step into like a minivan.