Buick plans to end production of the Verano in the United States in October, according to an Automotive News report. The report cites a General Motors (GM) statement that the vehicle will go out of production at the Orion assembly plant, Michigan, US, after a short 2017 model-year run. Automotive Newsquotes a Buick spokesperson as saying, "The decision underscores the changing consumer market dynamics where there is a growing demand for SUVs in North America." GM reportedly notified plant workers on Wednesday (25 May) and dealers during national meetings held this week in Austin, Texas.
Significance: Sales of the Buick Verano declined by 11.7% to 10,624 units during January-April, while sales of the company's Encore compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) were up 21.3% to 23,808 units. While sales of the Buick Verano were similar to those of the LaCrosse of 10,788 units in January−April and higher than the Regal's (6,843 units, up 13.5%), both of those vehicles transact at higher price points and may offer better profit opportunity. The LaCrosse is all new for 2017, with sales beginning later this year. Buick is also adding the Envision SUV in mid-2016, as well as planning an all-new Enclave to be launched in 2017. The Verano lives on in the Chinese market, based on the all-new Chevrolet Cruise, but launched first there. In the US, the Verano's best year was in 2013, with 45,527 sold, according to IHS Automotive sales data, somewhat less than the 47,914 units sold in 2015 in China, which was a partial sales year for the model. IHS Automotive currently forecasts 2016 production will be a limited 26,000 units. The plant continues to produce the Chevrolet Sonic small car and will add production of the Bolt this year. In 2018, production of a small SUV for Cadillac may be added at the plant.
