Buick’s head-turning Riviera concept from last month’s Shanghai auto show isn’t likely to be built, but the brand still has a bird or two up its sleeves.
GM North America president Mark Reuss said the brand is ready for a product “that’s very special, that’t not shared with anybody else and is quite unique.”
While it isn’t clear what that will be, past rumors suggested the brand might revive its Grand National nameplate with a rear-wheel drive sports car. A plug-in hybrid SUV was also rumored as recently as last year, although news of such a vehicle hasn’t continued to surface.
Aside from offering a product that will serve to steer attention toward the near-luxury brand, Buick’s sales have outpaced the market as strong new products help bolster the brand. The Regal mid-size sedan enjoyed strong sales until the Verano reached dealers and cannibalized those numbers. Aside from sedans, reports that the Encore small crossover is also proving to be a quick seller.
Possibilities in the pipeline include a Riviera-like flagship, a coupe and a convertible, all of which could help the brand attract younger buyers.
[Source: Automotive News]
