Buick's future began to come into focus this week as reports surfaced about two key new models.


In addition to the slick new 2010 LaCrosse sedan that goes on sale shortly, it looks like Buick will add a smaller midsize sedan in about 18 months and a compact car sometime after that.
Buick needs to bolster its product line fast. The Toyota Prius alone outsold the entire Buick brand in 2008. Buick's model line currently consists of the aging Lucerne large sedan and the Enclave crossover SUV.
The 2011 Buick Regal midsize sedan will be several inches shorter and several thousands dollars less expensive than the roomy LaCrosse, Automotive News reported.
LaCrosse prices start at $27,135 and run up to about $42,000 for a model loaded with all-wheel drive, dual-screen rear video and other features.
That's not enough to support the brand, however, and GM needs Buick to offset some of the sales it will lose when Pontiac closes and Saturn becomes independent.
The yet-to-be named compact probably will be a sedan, though sources say that decision isn't locked in yet. Based on the same vehicle architecture as the upcoming 2010 Chevrolet Cruze compact, it appears to be a candidate for production alongside a new subcompact car at GM's Orion plant.
Buick escaped the ax when GM shed brands like Saturn and Pontiac. Buick is viewed as a GM asset largely because it is a hit in China, the world's fastest-growing auto market. Buick is profitable and prestigious in China, and GM is determined to use that foundation to rebuild the brand in America.
A couple of stylish, well-equipped cars positioned below the LaCrosse are a good place to start.
The LaCrosse is intended to use room, comfort and technology to compete with cars like the Acura RL, Lexus ES 350 and Lincoln MKZ.
The new Regal and the unnamed compact will build upon the Opel Insignia midsize and Astra compact, respectively. GM's European Opel brand was intended to be the source of Saturn's future vehicles, but that plan went out the window when GM sold Saturn to Roger Penske.
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The cars' engineering is too good to waste, however, and some aspects of Opel design also work for Buick, as the Insignia-based Regal already sold in China demonstrates.


The cross-pollination of engineering and design done in Europe, Detroit and China appears to have succeeded with the LaCrosse.
An afternoon's drive from Ann Arbor through the Irish Hills recently showed the roomy sedan to be comfortable, quiet and nimble. Its contemporary design could win Buick some of the younger buyers it craves.
Americans took care of electronics, exterior design and interior quiet. China created the elegant and spacious interior.
The next critical step for Buick will be convincing American buyers that the brand is something more than an old-man's car or a boring and beat-up rental.
That's a tall order, but the pieces appear to be in place with the LaCrosse, the Insignia -- winner of Europe's prestigious car of the year award -- and the new Astra that goes on sale in Europe next year.
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz was one of Buick's staunchest defenders when he ran GM product development. In his new job overseeing the automaker's marketing and design, he'll be responsible for convincing American buyers that he was right.