Encore Wraps Successful Full First Year of Sales

Wrapping up its first successful year, the Encore rose to the top as Buick’s second crossover and fifth model, earning substantial sales in a segment that’s quickly growing within the industry.

Since joining the U.S. small SUV and small luxury SUV class, the Encore’s been a key player in boosting sales in one of the fastest growing markets since last year, expanding by more than 50% since 2012.

Top execs at Buick claim that right from the get go, the Encore was in high demand. It was also the reason for the majority of the segment’s development last year due to its innovative technology, optimal safety features, and size, which makes it a highly sought after vehicle by many customers.

The Encore is one of the first in its size offered as a luxury crossover. Its retail sales in the U.S. reached over 31,000 units over the course of its initial year in sales. In the year 2013, the Encore sold more than 97,300 vehicles worldwide, boosting Buick’s international sales record of over 1,032,000 of last year.

Kelley Blue Book’s senior analyst says the small SUV sector appears to be the next big thing on the market regarding new cars. The winning combination of fuel efficiency and functionality offered by models such as the Encore makes them an enticing value for today’s savvy consumers. They’re noticing a rise in research activity relative to these models from KBB users and anticipate a significant growth in sales over the coming years.

The fact that Encore entered these segments so early on is important. Collectively speaking, these segments are anticipating sales to more than double between now and the year 2018.

Encore was the highest ranking vehicle among the 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study in the Sub-Compact SUV sector. It was also recognized as KKB’s 2104 Five-Year Cost to Own awards winner in the category of Luxury Compact SUV and Crossover.

Encore consumers claim their main reasons for buying include the exterior design and high quality along with efficient fuel economy, with 50% of buyers stemming from a non-GM brand of vehicle.

Consumers who desire a compact, but luxurious car that combines both elements of a crossover and a hatchback, and also offers all-wheel drive could discover that the Encore may be a rare find on the current market.

Practical consumers looking for an attractive yet fuel-efficient crossover with which they can easily drive around the city should consider the 2014 Buick Encore. It stands apart in a class all by itself.