SUVs now account for ~60% of all Buick sales, up from 34% prior to the introduction of the Enclave in 2007. The only reasons Buick survived as a brand during the General Motors bankruptcy in 2008 were its sales in China, and the fact the faded name was in the same U.S. showrooms as the extremely profitable GMC truck line.
Buick today introduced the 2017 Encore, strengthening the appeal of America’s most popular small SUV with new front end styling and new connectivity technology – including optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The driver-distraction enabling technology is supported by a next-generation IntelliLink system with an 8-inch-diagonal color touch screen. Push-button start, keyless unlock via the exterior door are new standard features.
Buick’s connectivity also includes OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is now standard across the brand’s U.S. model line. With the 4G LTE connection, Encore allows passengers to connect up to seven devices to high-speed wireless Internet.
Introduced in 2013, the Encore surprisingly was a winner by offering premium features typically associated with larger luxury cars and trucks – a well-known strategy at German carmakers. Encore rose to the head of the fast-growing small SUV market – an ongoing global trend – topping it in 2014 and 2015.
Encore was Buick’s best-selling vehicle in North America in 2015, accounting for almost 33% of overall sales. Its sales were up 34% during the first two months of 2016.
SUVs now account for ~60% of all Buick sales, up from 34% prior to the introduction of the Enclave in 2007. The only reasons Buick survived as a brand during the General Motors bankruptcy in 2008 were its sales in China, and the fact the faded brand was in the same U.S. showrooms as the extremely profitable GMC truck line. (See GM Global Vehicle Sales at 7.2 Million Vehicles through Q3 2015)
Starting this summer with the arrival of the Envision – positioned between the Encore and Enclave – Buick will offer SUVs in the market’s three most popular segments.
The 2017 Encore goes on sale this fall, in five trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. New tweaks are a chrome exhaust outlet, body-color heated outside mirrors, a new 18-inch wheel design and three exterior colors: Black Cherry Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic and White Frost Metallic.
All 2017 Encore models have room for five (Chinese size) people and up to 48.4 cubic feet (of storage space with the 60/40 split rear seat folded. Standard are 10 air bags, stability enhancement and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain. EPA estimates will be announced later.
Buick’s noise reduction techniques are standard on all models and includes active noise cancellation technology. Encore also offers optional active safety features including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning.
