One brand that has yet to be mentioned is Buick which is about to launch their new compact SUV, the Envision crossover.
"The Envision fills an empty spot in Buick showrooms, which currently feature just two crossovers: the sub-compact Encore and midsize Enclave. Without a complete roster of crossovers, Buick has not fully capitalized on surging demand for crossovers. By introducing the Envision to U.S. customers, Buick is now jumping into the SUV market with both feet.
The Envision should have little trouble gaining traction. The smaller Encore was Buick’s top seller in 2015, and one of the Envision’s main competitors, Ford’s (F) Lincoln MKC, became the brand’s No. 2 seller in its first full year of sales.
Crossovers are doing so well that the Envision will join Buick’s crossover lineup “largely without taking sales from the other two” SUVs, according to IHS Automotive senior analyst Stephanie Brinley."
But alas, the 2016 Envision crossover is already being produced for sale in the US market made in China.
"Peterson acknowledged that the Envision’s origins may turn away some buyers, yet history is on Buick’s side.
“We’ve seen this in the auto industry going back to cars from Japan and Korea. There’s some initial reaction, but for the most part, people look at whether the brand I’m buying it from has the reputation” in performance, safety and other areas, Peterson said. “I think Buick has that reputation.”
Analysts say importing the Envision is a natural evolution for Buick, the best-selling GM brand in China. Buick already ships the Encore to the U.S. from a plant in South Korea, while the Cascada will be imported from Europe.
“I doubt that it will make much of a difference for consumers,” Brinley said."
How could our economic development experts be so wrong? That is: unless the actual plan is corporate welfare to contractors and developers.
And have you been paying attention to this new state wide bond proposal they're pitching? Seems there's a little known clause in there that allows them to change what the money gets spent for. Wonder why they felt the need to add that?
