Buick dealers were reportedly shown a long-wheelbase, rear-wheel drive Holden Statesman that will be sold in China next year and asked if they would like a version to sell in the U.S. market. Surprisingly, at least to us, they turned down Rick Wagoner's offer of a rear-wheel drive Buick, citing concerns that such a vehicle would cannibalize sales of the front-wheel drive Lucerne. Both vehicles are about the same size and each would be available with a V6 and V8 engine.
Perhaps we're just so starved for some more rear-wheel drive romping that we balk at the idea of any brand turning down a rwd product when offered. Sure, we can see the other side of the coin. The Lucerne did sell just short of 100,000 units last year, which isn't shabby. While that number could go down were the Statesman introduced here badged as a Buick, we would guess the combined sales of two large sedans targeting different types of buyers would easily eclipse six figures. The Ricker agrees with us, and thus he is reportedly leaving the proposal on the table for now.
[Source: Autoblog via Automotive News]
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Monday, February 19, 2007
Buick dealers reject a RWD vehicle
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