buickguy

I don't get the suggestion to cut a brand. Many GM brands outsells so many other brands out there. If GM has to cut something, it should sell Saab. Saab lovers want it to be independent anyway, and its sales in the U-S are extremely weak.

How certain is it that the name of the new crossover is "Enclave?" I haven't read anything official from GM.

First we are getting the Enclave, now a smaller crossover? http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108095 I think this one should be called the Invicta.

Autoweek and Detroit news say the Enclave will likely debut in Detroit.

also, Buick dealers complained so they got a minivan, complained and got a SUV, why can't Buick dealers demand a halo car, like the Velite? Every other brand is getting one.

Maybe a Buick dealer or insider can answer these questions: 1. Why doesn't Buick build a coupe? 2. Is there any chance of the Velite or a Buick convertible being made? 3. If not, why did they make concept?

This is great news for Buick and for GM. Buick beat out just about every other automaker, except for Lexus and Jaguar.

how do you put stuff in the trunk when the top is up?

I'm not surprised about younger people buying Buick. A Buick guy who was traveling with the Lucerne earlier this year to car shows and gold tournaments told me the average age of Buick customers is dropping considerably.

Check out the article about Saab getting all these new products. When do think it will be Buick's turn?

I'm in my 30's and may get a LaCrosse or Lucerne. I think Buick is starting to appeal to younger folks, now that many of their older nameplates are gone.

It should be the Buick Velite convertible.

The slatestone with the chrome and black interior is a killer look.

I e-mailed Shannon at GM.

I got a response back from Buick about the Velite, saying it was "still under consideration." I also read that Steve Shannon owns a 1961 Alfa Romeo, so I guess he's a convertible guy. Maybe this means he'd like to have the Velite built so he can drive a convertible from his own company.

the new color this year is slatestone and in person it looks very cool. Not as green as on the website.

Does anybody know if the Enclave will debut at NAIAS in Detroit in January? Also, when will it be for sale?

Thank you for the information. I will ask my dealer for them. Do you know if they also offer a wood steering wheel? The Park Avenue, Lucerne, Rainier, and Rendezvous all have it.

Thank you. Do we order the portholes from Buick and they put them on in the factory?

I can't wait to test drive one of these. I'm not a big fan of the tuxedo/shale combo. Why couldn't they make the whole interior tuxedo? I'd also like to see a red leather, or terracotta like BMW has.

What about a coupe? Any chances of Buick getting one? Also, I'm thinking of getting a LaCrosse CXS, but wish it had portholes. I read somewhere they will have them in '07. Should I wait, or can you order them? As for the Velite, what a waste of a concept. That car could bring Buick a whole new customer base.

Thanks for the info. I really think if Buick wants to be a Lexus, then they need a convertible. With the Velite, Buick could compete with the BMW 3 series ragtop, the Mercedes CLK, even the Chrysler Sebring. I used to have an old Lesabre convertible and it was awesome. It is hard to convince young people to go to a brand that has nothing for them.

Mr. Stoops, As a Buick dealer, what do you think the chances Buick will make the Velite? I'm a 30 something, who would give up German to buy that Buick.

I'm in NYC..no sightings so far.

According to the GM website, Buick sold 285 Lucernes in the month of October. I haven't seen any on the road. 2800 were built last month.