2012 DETROIT AUTO SHOW

Buick crossover is among GM's Detroit auto show entries

The new Buick crossover is expected for the 2013 model year. Industry sources have said it will be built on GM's front-wheel-drive Gamma subcompact platform, which underpins the Sonic and the Opel Meriva MPV.

Photo credit: BRENDA PRIDDY
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DETROIT -- General Motors will unveil a production version of a new Buick crossover at January's Detroit auto show, the automaker confirmed today.

The crossover will join three other worldwide debuts GM plans for the Detroit show, including two Chevrolet concept vehicles from GM's North Hollywood, Calif., design center, a GM spokeswoman said.

Chevrolet also will show the Sonic RS, a sport version of the subcompact launched this fall.

GM also plans to unveil the rear-wheel drive Cadillac ATS, a sport sedan designed to rival the BMW 3 series, product chief Mary Barra said last week.

GM hasn't released any details of the Chevy concepts or the Buick crossover.

Insiders have referred to the new Buick as the Encore or "Baby Enclave" during its development.

The crossover is expected for the 2013 model year. Industry sources have said it will be built on GM's front-wheel-drive Gamma subcompact platform, which underpins the Sonic and the Opel Meriva MPV.

The crossover will be the second in Buick's U.S. lineup after the full-sized Enclave.

Two years ago, GM disclosed plans for a small Buick crossover as part of a two-year product plan designed to instill confidence in the marketplace after the automaker's emergence from bankruptcy in July 2009.

The vehicle had been expected for the 2012 model year.

Unlike Saab, Pontiac and Saturn, Buick was spared elimination as part of GM's 2009 restructuring.

Buick's U.S. sales dropped 7 percent in November but have increased 18 percent this year to 162,659 units.

It is GM's third-biggest volume brand in the U.S. market behind Chevrolet and GMC and ahead of Cadillac.

You can reach Mike Colias at mcolias@crain.com.


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