Industry Report: GM's Bob Lutz Considers Dumping One Brand to Curb Losses

Buick, on the other hand, is targeting Toyota and Lexus buyers, a tough lot to convert. While the domestic brand enjoys superb

Even though Buick is now building excellent cars, such as the Allure, it may not be enough to win over loyal import buyers. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

third-party reliability ratings and is now building an excellent product in its new midsize Allure sedan, such might not be enough to get buyers of the Asian automaker to take notice. Its upcoming Lucerne looks attractive, offers V8-power and will most likely increase the brand's overall competitiveness, but again, will it be enough?

On another note, Buick has finally entered the minivan market with its 2005 Terraza, a slightly restyled version of the Chevy Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6 and new Saturn Relay, designed to take on the Chrysler Town & Country, plus now it has two SUVs, or at least one SUV and another crossover. But the latter, the Rendezvous, is not competitive to best sellers like the Chrysler Pacifica and Lexus RX 330, and therefore struggles. Buick has long awaited a replacement, with something along the lines of the beautifully styled Centieme concept that debuted in 2003, but nothing new has arrived. Its Rainier SUV is merely an upgraded Chevy TrailBlazer/GMC Envoy, replacing the defunct Olds Bravada. While it offers the most distinctive styling of the GM

Just how many versions of the GM midsize SUV can the company spin off? (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

midsize SUV lineup, its truck-like demeanor hasn't been well received among Buick's pampered clientele.

And that brings up another issue on the same theme? Just how many versions of the GM midsize SUV can the company spin off? Added to the TrailBlazer, Envoy and Rainier is the slow-selling Isuzu Ascender and upcoming Saab 9-7X. It should also be mentioned that in the U.S., at least, GM is still trying to sell off a backlog of Oldsmobile Bravadas. Altogether there are six versions of this SUV, plus Hummer's new H3, a similarly sized, off-road capable sport utility.