History of Buick

Buick’s name is derived from the name of its founder, the talented engineer David Dunbar Buick, who in the early years of his career was engaged in the production of enameled bathtubs. The accumulated capital of 100 thousand dollars was invested in the opening of his own company for the production of cars in 1902, this venture suffered a grand collapse. But Buick did not give up, starting work with a talented entrepreneur William Durant. He released his first car in 1903, but the novelty did not bring popularity to the brand. However, in 1904, already in the position of one of the members of the board of directors, the engineer developed the Buick B, which became a real hit and sold 8,000 units across the country. Simultaneously with the success of the car, there was a quarrel between the co-founders of the company, as a result of which David Dunbar Buick was forced to leave the company he founded.

In 1908, the company signed an agreement with General Motors to join, but retain the status of an autonomous organization. In 1914, the six-cylinder Buick saw the light of day. Representatives of the American elite become buyers of cars of this brand, and the car itself is positioned as luxurious.

In 1920, Buick introduced the world’s first car with disc brakes, and after another 5 years, an open-top car saw the light of day. In 1924, the company managed to become a trendsetter in the automotive fashion of the time.

Since 1931, the company began to produce 8-cylinder engines for its cars. In 1934, a new model 66S was released with independent front wheel suspension and an engine power of 100 hp. In 1939, one of the most prestigious limousines was released, 8 meters long. During the Second World War, the company produced all kinds of military equipment.

After the war, the company delighted its fans with the new Roadmaster model.

In the period from 1954 to 1973, the company every 2-3 years presents a new model of its cars with an almost completely redesigned power unit. New cars with an open roof, cars with panoramic windows are coming out.

2 new models that were released in 1973 – Century and Regal were completely redone 3 years later, and in 1984 the new Riviera Coupe saw the light.

In the early 1990s, the company develops the LeSabre model, and in 1998 presents the new Signia model to the public.

In the 2000s, the company produces 4 car models with different chassis options. Cars are distinguished by front-wheel drive and a transverse engine.

Since 2001, the Buick division of General Motors has been producing relatively inexpensive single-type, full-size front-wheel-drive middle-class cars for the American market.

In 2006-2007, Buick received the title of the most reliable car according to the J. D. Power agency. Recently, interest in the brand is beginning to return thanks to the Buick Enclave crossover.

The result of 2007 in US sales, despite several new models (the Enclave crossover and the revived Super series), can be safely called disastrous – 185,791 cars (a drop of 22.8%).

True, the prestigious brand is in ever-increasing demand in China, where sales in 2007 amounted to 331,780 vehicles (an increase of 10.1%).

In 2008, the General Motors concern went through bankruptcy proceedings, while the assets of the newly formed GM Corp included four main brands – Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick.

In 2009, the volume of production in the United States due to the crisis fell to a record low for the entire existence of the brand – 93,216 units.

However, already in 2010, the production of Buick models increased immediately by 91%, reaching 177,548 units. US sales in 2010 increased by 52% to 155,389 units. China has remained the largest market for Buick in recent years, with production at GM’s Chinese plants in Shanghai in 2010 reaching 693,949 units. (growth by 61.8%). Buick’s main novelty in North America is the Verano compact luxury sedan, based on the GM Delta 2 (Opel Astra J) platform. They began to assemble the novelty at the American plant in Orion (Michigan), and since the spring of 2010, a similar car under the Excelle XT sub-brand has been assembled in China for the domestic market. In addition, in the fall of 2011, a sports version of the Regal GS (analogous to the Opel Insignia OPC) and two hybrid modifications – Regal eAssist and LaCrosse eAssist – will debut in the USA.

Production of the Lucerne model was discontinued in the spring of 2011. In China, in the spring of 2011, a completely new generation of the GL8 Luxury MPV minivan was introduced, and in the fall of 2011, sales of the hybrid version of the Buick LaCrosse eAssist for the domestic market began.

The model range is represented by the following cars: Verano 2012, Regal, LaCrosse, Lucerne, Enclave (China) – Excelle, Excelle GT, Excelle XT, LaCrosse, LaCrosse eAssist 2011, Regal, Park Avenue, GL8 First Land, GL8Luxury MPV 2011, Enclav.

In Europe and markets other than North America and China, Buick vehicles are not available.

To fight costs, General Motors has drastically reduced its 2009 model year range in North America, focusing on sales of just three models: the Lucerne, the LaCrosse (the Allure in Canada) and the potential 2008 bestseller, the Enclave crossover.

The up-and-coming Invicta luxury sedan, currently shown as a show car at the Beijing Auto Show, is slated to go into production in 2009 at Buick’s Chinese plant in Shanghai.

Today, Buick focuses on full-size mid-range cars with good performance. This decision is especially relevant in light of the constant decline in demand for expensive cars.