1.4 Million Buick Sales Reported for 2nd Consecutive Year

Buick sales reached 1.4 million in 2017. In the U.S., this includes an uptick of 1.6 percent for the year. December sales were especially robust, toppling the previous record from 15 years ago.

In the U.S., strong retail sales have been driven by the popularity of Buick SUVs as well as by the introduction of many new Buicks. The Encore, which has been Buick’s best seller for three years, had its sales rise by two percent. Enclave sales rose by 46 percent. The newest SUV, Envision, rocketed forward with sales up by 93 percent.

Many new vehicles were introduced, spurring more customers to put Buick on their must-test-drive list. Regals gained three new subtypes: the Regal Sportback, Regal TourX, and Regal GS. Efficient turbocharged engines were introduced, offering a blend of premium performance with a more fuel efficient attitude.

The popularity of the new Cascada demonstrates Buick’s continued success in the car market. Sales analysis shows the popular convertible has attracted more new buyers to Buick than any other. Furthermore, Cascadas sold the fastest of any Buick in December.

A new sub-brand emerged at the end of 2016 and strengthened in 2017. Avenir is considered the highest expression of Buick luxury. Representing 30 percent of Enclave sales, the 2018 Enclave Avenir has definitely staked out territory with buyers. The new LaCrosse Avenir is following close behind.

Branching off in new ways, Buick launched the Velite EV in China. As Buick’s first electric vehicle, this represents a new area where the brand can seek growth.
Awards have also raised Buick’s profile with shoppers. The Enclave earned a Ward’s 10 Best User Experiences Award. This designation, one of the newest from Wards Auto, examines how well the vehicle’s technology serves its owner. Since all Buicks tend to have the same technologies, the Enclave’s award represents validation of Buick’s success in this area.

For three years in a row, Buick has claimed a safety milestone. Every Buick tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received the coveted five-star rating. In 2017, Buick was one of only two automakers to be able to make that claim. Sweetening the win, this was the first year the Cascada was tested. It is not always possible for convertibles to get five stars, like the Cascada did.

Buick’s reputation has been promoting sales. Its SUVs were all introduced fairly recently but quickly became favorites, helping the brand reclaim its prominence in the premium vehicle market. That reputation has been helped by Buick’s ranking as Highest in Sales Satisfaction Among Mass Market Brands. This JD Power designation was earned two years in a row, suggesting that the brand’s resurgence is here to stay.

Buick has been steadily growing over the past five years. Annual growth is estimated at 8.4 percent overall. Buick shoppers are definitely interested in the automaker’s product line, which demonstrates a commitment to quality, value and beauty.