Fuel-Efficient Models Drive Buick Growth on West Coast Verano, eAssist account for more than 40 percent of sales in Southern California

DETROIT – Buick retail sales rose 10 percent year over year in September and are on track for the brand’s best sales year since 2006, due in part to growth in markets like California. Total sales for Buick in September were up 8 percent year over year.

Year-over-year Buick sales have increased every month since February in California and were up 39 percent in September. Cities like San Francisco and San Diego lead the growth with September increases of 58 and 100 percent, respectively. Buick is attracting customers with eAssist technology, which delivers an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg for the Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal luxury sport sedan.

The Verano compact luxury sedan, which offers Buick’s signature design and quietness in a smaller size, is also appealing to California buyers. Verano and Buick models with eAssist combined for 43 percent of September Buick sales in Los Angeles and 41 percent in San Diego.

“By adding purposeful technology like eAssist and entering new segments with models like Verano, Buick is appealing to a wider range of luxury buyers,” said Brian Sweeney, vice president of Buick Sales and Service. “Our consistent growth in competitive markets like California is a testament to design and engineering that goes into every vehicle.”

By the end of 2012, Verano will be available in dealerships with a new 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower, enough to deliver an estimated acceleration from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds while still getting an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway. Verano Turbo will have a suggested retail price of $29,990, including destination.

Experience Buick has also contributed to Buick’s growth by expanding leases from 15 percent of the brand’s new vehicle deliveries when it launched in mid-March to 36 percent in September. Experience Buick is a 24-month lease that includes SiriusXM satellite radio, OnStar Directions and Connections and oil changes in the monthly payments.

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan, Buick Verano sedan and the all-new 2013 Encore crossover. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.>