Buick Encore Pleasantly Surprised GM, Dealers As Demand Far Higher Than Analysts’ Predictions

When the Buick Encore compact crossover was introduced, some questioned if it was the right vehicle for the brand, but apparently GM underestimated initial demand for the Encore.   When the car was introduced in January, dealers report to the Automotive News that demand was "red hot", but subsequent shipments of the little CUV from GM Korea slowed as the Encore competed for production slots with its Opel Mokka sibling whose sales have been strong in Europe.  The supply issue was made worse when Encores were kept portside in New Jersey waiting for "a retrofit". Currently, dealers report now having a sufficient supply after production has increased. For their part, Buick says that tight supply is solely due to sales that were "triple or quadruple" GM's projected sales in recent months. GM says that dealers now have an adequate supply but some say demand still "far exceeds" current supply. Previous to the Encore, Buick's most recent success has been the compact Verano, and the Encore's sales of just over 12,000 units in its first six months was better than the Verano's performance in its first six months on sale. They sold another 3,000 or so units in July so the Encore is already on track to exceed analysts' predictions of between 13,600 and 18,500 annual sales. It's already surpassed the lower figure and is likely well surpass even the most optimistic predictions as well. GM isn't the only one who underestimated the Encore's demand. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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