Buick is the oldest operating automaker in America, but the brand has recently begun to age. None of Buick’s Opel-based crossovers and SUVs are offered in hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) versions beyond China, according to InsideEVs.
Additionally, their interior and exterior are very outdated. Aside from this, they have tiny infotainment screens and a serious lack of autonomous technology. It is also worth noting that despite being a General Motors brand, no Buick comes with SuperCruise.
There are now 1,963 Buick dealers in the US. However, only 13 of them are independent dealerships. At least one other GM brand is matched with the remaining ones.
Therefore, Buick must move quickly to catch up with the current trends and demands in the automotive market if it wants to stay operating and avoid experiencing the same fortune as Mercury and Pontiac.
Remarkably, General Motors is committed to preserving the illustrious brand by preparing to transition to electric vehicles. That being said, a spokeswoman earlier this week stated that buyouts would be made available to Buick dealers who refused to make the necessary investments in the charging infrastructure and showroom modifications.
“Not everyone necessarily wants to make that journey, depending on where they’re located or the level of expenditure that the transition will demand. So if they want to exit the Buick franchise, then we will give them monetary assistance to do so.”
In retrospect, similar action was taken by GM with Cadillac in 2020 when it acquired about 300 dealerships that refused to make the roughly $200,000 investment necessary for electrification.
In China, Buick does market the Velite 6 station wagon and Velite 7 crossover as electric vehicles. Buick, however, has no intention of providing either in the US, as its first US EV is expected until 2024.
As Buick envisions launching an all-electric lineup by 2030, the company is set to cut any production of ICE vehicles beyond that date.
