Buick Turns 110, but the Brand's Lineup Is Its Most Youthful Yet

For a nameplate that has been part of America's automotive history since 1903, Buick is looking more youthful than ever. Having gone through thick and thin during its long journey, the company is celebrating its 110th anniversary with steady sales gains and an expanding customer base. Those achievements have been driven by new models like the Buick Verano and Encore, which have been designed with modern styling and technology to attract younger generations.

A reputation for refinement and solid engineering has been the hallmark of the Buick nameplate throughout its history. Currently, Buick is the longest-running U.S. auto brand still in business today, and it has sold more than 43 million vehicles since its inception. The marque's ability to develop new technology and adapt to ever-changing circumstances have allowed it to retain its loyal customer base stateside while attracting new buyers in the rest of the world, where the brand is synonymous with prestige.

"Buick is working hard to expand its customer base in America by attracting younger customers, and that has meant meeting those buyers' preferences for smaller vehicles with new offerings in the compact sedan and crossover segments," said Chris Harper, general manager of Goodwin Buick, a Maine Buick dealership. "By developing entry-level luxury models like the Encore and Verano, Buick is bringing its signature quality and refinement to drivers who also value modern styling and technology at an affordable price."

Starting at less than $25,000, the 2013 Buick Encore luxury compact crossover sports a sculpted exterior marked by a waterfall grille and chrome accents. Inside, the Encore maintains Buick's reputation for calm cabins with standard QuietTuning technology and Buick's first application of Bose Active Noise Cancelation. Tech-savvy buyers will be pleased that the voice-activated Buick IntelliLink infotainment system is also standard, enabling hands-free phone calls and access to smartphone apps like Pandora Internet radio.

Like the Encore, the 2013 Buick Verano compact sedan comes standard with QuietTuning and IntelliLink, and it can be had for less than $24,000. The base model's Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces an impressive mix of responsiveness and fuel efficiency, producing 180 horsepower while returning up to 32 mpg on the highway. For buyers who put a priority on performance, the Verano Turbo is now available with a 250-horsepower Ecotec 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that allows the car to sprint from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 6.2 seconds, yet it still nets up to 31 mpg on the highway.

"Buick's new models like the Encore and Verano appeal to the increased practicality of today's buyers, but they also remind those drivers that they deserve comfort and driving fun along the way," added Harper. "Buick has never lost its focus on delivering high-quality luxury and performance, but it also recognizes shifts in buyer habits, and that is why it remains competitive after 110 years on the market."

About Goodwin Buick:
Goodwin Buick is part of the Goodwin Motor Group, which has been serving Maine motorists for nearly 80 years with a customer-first attitude that has earned them a loyal following. From the spacious Buick Enclave SUV to the Buick Regal luxury sedan, Goodwin Buick offers a wide selection of new and used Buicks, as well as unmatched Buick service. Their Oxford, Maine Buick dealership can be visited at 1606 Main Street, found online at www.goodwinbuickme.com or contacted by phone at 207-743-8944. Goodwin Buick can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinChevroletBuick.