GM Tools
2012 Buick Lacrosse with eAssist
November 15, 2010
Buick is become the fastest growing brand in the US, attracting new customers with our winning product portfolio. To continue our exciting brand renaissance, this week Buick will feature a new addition to the family at the Los Angeles Auto Show: 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist technology.
The 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist advanced fuel-saving technology provides class-leading highway fuel economy of 37 mpg while maintaining the luxury, performance, and value expected from Buick’s flagship sedan.
The eAssist “light electrification” system produces a 25-percent increase in fuel economy with no compromises in the driving experience
- Regenerative braking captures up to 15 kW of electricity, charging an advanced 115V lithium-ion battery to supply up to 15 hp of electric power assist during acceleration
- Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero vehicle speed and automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stopped minimizes fuel consumption
- Provides customers with a full-size luxury sedan featuring 37 mpg highway and 25 mpg city for about $30,000 (final pricing has not been announced)
- eAssisttechnology will be standard on all 2012 LaCrosse models with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine
Meeting the changing demands of the market, this car continues the transformation of Buick. We’re excited for it’s arrival to our showroom. More information can be found at buick.com in the “Future Vehicles” section.
Marianne Ballas
President
Ballas Buick GMC
5715 West Central Avenue
Toledo, OH 43615
July 14, 2010
Dear Marianne:
Honda. Volkswagen. Nissan. Infiniti. These are the cars that I have driven over the last 15 years. Now, I drive a Buick LaCrosse.
Motor Trend predicted that the new line of Buicks would entice younger import drivers like me to buy American. I’m happy to be living proof that they’re correct. Raised in a family that grew disappointed with American automobiles of the 1970s and 1980s, I was taught that only imports were worth my consideration. With a weak economy and Detroit recovering, however, I thought it was time to reconsider that point of view.
As my Infiniti lease entered its final year, I began to look for American cars to replace it. I looked at the Ford Taurus, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKZ. I also considered the new LaCrosse. With its clever advertising (“Yes, we’ve had work done”) and slick design, I was intrigued.
I walked into your dealership eight months ago on a rainy Monday night and met Kate Zanella. She gave me a beautiful brochure for the new LaCrosse and encouraged me to contact her with any questions. I read the brochure carefully that night, and my girlfriend observed that the car was “made for me”. We were both impressed with its careful attention to details, design, and performance – elements I hadn’t attributed to American cars before.
This began a months-long friendship with Kate. I called her every couple months, took test drives, and keep in touch about the LaCrosse. Kate was warm and professional throughout, investing her time even though I was far from purchasing. In those eight months, Kate was the only person to keep in touch with me; I suspect the other dealerships decided I wasn’t worth chasing.
You have a talented asset in Kate; she exceeded my expectations in all ways. I was clearly smitten with the car, but she didn’t push a “hard sell” or talk dollars until I was ready. And when we did, I thought her amount was very fair – no need for tough negotiations. Indeed, working with Ballas was enjoyable. It made me wonder if leasing a care could be…pleasurable?
Kate has told me a lot about your dealership. I’m particularly impressed with its emphasis on building a “family.” Kate has been a member of this family for many years. And when I spoke with Kate’s colleague Shane, he talked about working at Ballas years ago and “coming home” to the dealership more recently. This is important because it means I’m likely to see familiar faces when I return to Ballas for maintenance. It also tells me that you value people and are willing to invest in long-term relationships. I hope this is the beginning of one between me and Ballas Buick.
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention the car. It’s simply outstanding. All the hype is true.
My Infiniti was fully-loaded, but it still didn’t have as much luxury or bells-and-whistles as the LaCrosse. I love the ambient lighting at nighttime, the comfortable seats (three cheers for cooled seats!), the heads-up display, magnificent navigation system, Harman/Kardon stereo, oversized sunroof, back-up cam with the steering guides, and the shockingly quiet ride. These aren’t just marketing gimmicks; they’re components of an incredible driving experience.
I’ve already begun to advocate for Buicks among my family and friends. Most of them drive imports, so I know it will be difficult to get them excited about American cars again. But everyone who has gone for a ride in my new LaCrosse is wholly impressed. Of course, I’ll send any interested shoppers over to Kate.
So here we are: two weeks in and a happy customer. I look forward to working with your dealership on service and maintenance. And who knows? If my experience with Ballas continues to be so positive, maybe I’ll be a customer for life.
Best of luck to you and your dealership,
Zachary Vassar
cc: Kate Zanella