Buick Cars Into top JD Power

For the very first time in history GM’s Buick has dethroned Lexus and hence gone into the no. 1 spot of the most dependable car brand in America. Buick has been tying up with Lexus as the top performer for two consecutive years and dropping to 6^th last year on JD Power ranks. On the other hand it is the first time ever for Lexus to be out of the top rank since its introduction in 1995.

“J.D. Power's dependability study surveyed

46,313 original owners of 2006 model-year vehicles

in October 2008.”

Out of those 2 years old surveyed vehicles; the most frequently reported problem was wind noise, followed by brake noise, peeling paint, brake vibrations and problems with a vehicle’s lights. Buick owners reported an average of 122 problems per 100 vehicles, where as 126 problems were reported on Lexus and 170 as many for the average industry.

It is interesting to know though as how Buick LaCrosse would perform beyond its three years ownership. As well as its performance to counter the “substandard” perceived image values. Whilst the JD Power 3^rd ranked Toyota sold more than 44,000 units of Camry in August 2008 alone, the sales for Buick for the whole year was merely 36,873 units of LaCrosse. The average Camry and Accord buyers were a lot younger than Buick’s, and apparently the past “Badge Engineering” has had hurt Buick and in particular the whole GM car sales.

It is also another interesting point that the incoming 280Hp DOHC V6 engine from 2010 LaCrosse shares basic engine which had scored well into Ward’s 10 best engine as early as the year 2000. In terms of engine and drive train, Buick should have a bullet proof formula. Likewise the new car chassis is 20% more rigid than its predecessor; it should provide better handling, road-holding and NVH performances. What’s more important the new car has been fully armed to compete head to head with Camry.

The Government Motor err General Motor engineers have incorporated better insulation design into LaCrosse, the new car now boasts a quiet 36dB of noise level at 70 mph cruising speed. Furthermore the new car is also lavishly equipped with 8” touch navigation screen, Bluetooth connectivity, RDS audio system with satellite, CD & MP3 player, climate control and Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management.

All ingredients for successful car sales are already within, perhaps with a little help of Clunker Cash Incentive as well as Buy American Mandate would spice a bit. After all the close loop cycle of tax payers’ repayment might be financed back to back by buying the true Government’s new cars, hence the “Substandard” perceived image values could be somehow naturally eroded. Would you think a Shelby-LaCrosse a good "Re-badging Strategy"?