Buick Encore Pleasantly Surprised GM, Dealers As Demand Far Higher Than Analysts' Predictions
When the Buick Encore compact crossover was introduced, some questioned if it was the right vehicle for the brand, but apparently GM underestimated initial demand for the Encore.
When the car was introduced in January, dealers report to Automotive News that demand was “red hot”, but subsequent shipments of the little CUV from GM Korea slowed as the Encore competed for production slots with its Opel Mokka sibling whose sales have been strong in Europe. The supply issue was made worse when Encores were kept portside in New Jersey waiting for “a retrofit”. Currently, dealers report now having a sufficient supply after production has increased.
For their part, Buick says that tight supply is solely due to sales that were “triple or quadruple” GM’s projected sales in recent months. GM says that dealers now have an adequate supply but some say demand still “far exceeds” current supply.
Previous to the Encore, Buick’s most recent success has been the compact Verano, and the Encore’s sales of just over 12,000 units in its first six months was better than the Verano’s performance in its first six months on sale. They sold another 3,000 or so units in July so the Encore is already on track to exceed analysts’ predictions of between 13,600 and 18,500 annual sales. It’s already surpassed the lower figure and is likely well surpass even the most optimistic predictions as well. GM isn’t the only one who underestimated the Encore’s demand.
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This will be a huge hit in the 'burbs. Easy to drive and cheap. No, a lot of its buyers won't be taking out sub-prime loans or referred to in slightly racist tones. Finance manager? No, I've already talked to my bank/credit union. I know some on here regard S/CUVs as the rolling minions of Satan. Guess What? Some of us like, buy, and drive them. Yep, soon to be seen in parking lots with youth soccer league bumper stickers on them.
Drove one to replace a RAV4. Wanted to like it/buy it. Too small and too slow. Got a FWD Equinox instead, cheap. Those new RAV's are expensive! Lovin' the 'Nox, so far.
Seems we're looking at this from very different perspectives. Happy Friday by the way. For people with children and pets, the seats folded cargo room of the compact vehicles you've identified is generally theoretical. Plus, you've got to be careful taking the cu.ft. specs the manufacturer's provide at face value. Any real-world look at the Equinox vs. the not produced since '11 HHR would show the former to offer significantly higher utility with the rear seats in place. And that's without considering the benefits of the sliding 2nd row in the Equinox. That said, I was rather impressed with the seats up cargo capacity of the V when I saw it at Chicago auto show earlier this year. If it wasn't such a penalty box to drive, I'd love to add a vehicle with that packaging to my garage.
I really thought from its early photos and description that it was mostly meant for the China market, sold in the US mostly for bragging rights in China. Then I drove one. Not too bad. It is slow, but well appointed and quiet, and it rides OK. Styling still looks odd to my eye. If a peak of 20,000 units in the US and 10,000 units in Germany is good for GM, it looks like they will get it. It is expensive for what you get, but it should have some market in crowded old-style cities with narrow streets and lots of traffic. It thrives on high gas prices, but gas prices in the US are crumbling as we speak, and summer is not even over. How will it hold up? Buzzy little mass produced 4-bangers? We shall see.