To keep Buick alive and give it more youthful appeal -- one of the jokes about the brand is that when you buy a Buick, a handicap parking sticker is included -- GM plans on bringing out five new vehicles within the next three years that will offer an expanded range of V8 engines. Buick is currently expanding more into the sport-utility market, building on the Buick Rendezvous, with a short-wheel base, midsize SUV based on the Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy called the Rainier. Also, a "crossover" sport van capable of carrying seven passengers is scheduled for introduction in late 2004.
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| In order to stay alive, and bring a more youthful appeal to the marquee, Buick is currently expanding more into the sport-utility market. (Photo: General Motors) |
GM is aiming to increase Buick's sales by 20 percent in the next few years -- which may be a tough call. The automaker has been trying to regain 30 percent of the U.S. market share for nearly two years, but has not attained that goal.
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| General Motors and the Sloan Museum displayed 10 vehicles at the "Buick Concept Circle" during the 25th annual Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance on August 3. (Photo: General Motors) |
But nevertheless the party goes on, with Buick's centennial celebrations continuing after the happenings in Flint. For example, the 44th annual Buick Open at Warwick Hills Country Club was held July 28 to Aug. 3. This PGA tournament featured Tiger Woods and other top golfers and was expected to draw more than 100,000 spectators.
Also part of the birthday celebrations, General Motors and the Sloan Museum displayed 10 vehicles at the "Buick Concept Circle" during the 25th annual Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance on August 3. The annual Meadow Brook Concours is considered by many to be the second most important classic car show in the United States.