Buick dealers don't want a RWD vehicle

Buick dealers were reportedly shown a long-wheelbase, rear-wheel drive Holden Statesman that will be sold in China next year and asked if they would like a version to sell in the U.S. market. Surprisingly, at least to us, they turned down Rick Wagoner's offer of a rear-wheel drive Buick, citing concerns that such a vehicle would cannibalize sales of the front-wheel drive Lucerne. Both vehicles are about the same size and each would be available with a V6 and V8 engine.

Perhaps we're just so starved for some more rear-wheel drive romping that we balk at the idea of any brand turning down a rwd product when offered. Sure, we can see the other side of the coin. The Lucern did sell just short of 100,000 units last year, which isn't shabby. While that number could go down were the Statesman introduced here badged as a Buick, we would guess the combined sales of two large sedans targeting different types of buyers would easily eclipse six figures. The Ricker agrees with us, and thus he is reportedly leaving the proposal on the table for now.


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mbz350 - 2/19/2007 5:31:30 PM

+1 Boost

I think that the majority of Buick drivers could care less about "rear-wheel drive romping". They just want to get from the retirement home to the grocery store in one piece in less than a day.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/19/2007 5:32:31 PM

-1 Boost

Why would it matter if it "cannibalized" Lucerne sales? That's a good thing! They would sell MORE!

Autoegr525 - 2/19/2007 7:42:09 PM

+3 Boost

It matters because it takes a certain amount of sales to turn a profit on a vehicle or it will lose money. Cannibalizing sales is not a good thing

mini22 - 2/19/2007 6:34:48 PM

+1 Boost

No they would not. Buick customers would care about traction problems. They are not into performance. Just a smooth quiet luxury ride. Keep the RWD with Cadillac,Chevy,Pontiac.

EL34 - 2/20/2007 12:49:11 AM

0 Boost

Everybody laugh!

Autoegr525 - 2/19/2007 7:43:32 PM

+2 Boost

It's probably not so much that they don't want a rear wheel drive car, just not that particular rear wheel drive car.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/19/2007 9:51:26 PM

0 Boost

I disagree. RWD is not part of Buick's philosophy.

Ew, just saying the word "Buick" is disgusting.

trd1 - 2/19/2007 10:30:54 PM

+1 Boost

haha will ur right that does look a lot like the new c-class, but this is stupid anyway.

komododave - 2/19/2007 11:44:11 PM

+1 Boost

A lot of people don't even know if they have a rear wheel drive, let alone care. I've met a person who bought a Mustang and didn't know it was rwd till I told them 6 months latter.

neutral - 2/20/2007 12:23:41 AM

+1 Boost

Grandpa doesn't want a RWD when it's January in Michigan and theres 30cm of snowfall in a night. All he wants is a big, comfortable car with lots of low end torque. IMO, Buick is doing well with the Lucerne, however an interior upgrade is needed. Headlamps need to be HID's Zenons, and the engine range should be the 3.9L with AFM and the 5.3L with AFM. This makes both the V6 and the V8 more powerful, get better mileage, and in the case of the V8, cheaper to build. This would be an even bigger hit in their target market.

neutral - 2/20/2007 12:24:32 AM

+1 Boost

Also, I don't think it costs that much more (if much at all) to produce the 3.9L over the old 3.8L V6.

stevenv1999 - 2/20/2007 1:35:46 AM

+1 Boost

The biggest issue with Buick is obvious by the above statements and that is Buick's medium target age and it is not us. The reason I say this is a problem is Buick needs to change it's image and attract younger buyers. Even my seventeen year old daughter knows Buicks are for old people. A nice looking rear wheel drive car would make a step towards changing that perception or I fear Buick will go the way of Oldsmobile.

neutral - 2/20/2007 2:39:34 AM

+1 Boost

The new Buick Enclave is really nice though. I would seriously consider one if I were in my 30's-40's and had the cash for one. They're sleek and up to snuff with the competition.

I see your point with Buick going the way of Olds, but I dont think this will ever be. Those looking for sportier and thrilling will go buy Cadillac (if Caddy keeps up the good work, i.e. the new CTS, STS (interior), etc).

GM wants to make sure to hold on to its most loyal, elderly customers. This market is tight too...especially from the Ford500 (Taurus) and the Hyundai Azera. All are similarly priced and equipped, its a battle!

MunichRob - 2/20/2007 4:04:08 AM

+1 Boost

GM just needs to get it through their heads that bland FWD cars with V8's, aren't whats selling these days. They need to make Impalas & Buicks big & bold again on RWD platforms like the 300C.

GS450h - 2/20/2007 12:21:06 PM

+2 Boost

the interesting fact is that most people that buy the FWD Buicks were raised on big RWD sedans and wagons.