This week, Buick and GMC are bringing in over 1,000 dealership sales and service consultants for a behind the scenes look at how GM designs, builds and tests the world’s best vehicles. The Buick and GMC VIP Experience, now in its third year, is being held this week in Michigan at GM’s World Headquarters, Milford Proving Grounds and Lansing Delta Township (LDT) Stamping and Assembly Plant. Yesterday, I attended the Product Experience events held at the Milford Proving Grounds which allowed attendees to learn about and test new Buick and GMC models against key competitors. The event kicked off with a keynote address from GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson. He said, “We are not playing for the next year, but for the next 30 years.” He pointed out that GM has accelerated by billions in our investment in new products just this year. With his desire to make GM great again, he asked that each of us be “all in” each and every day with the goal of transforming the company back into the American success story. Akerson’s address challenged attendees to put the customer at the forefront of everything we do. He also highlighted the recent success experienced by the Buick and GMC brands.
Following Akerson’s keynote address, attendees were sent out to the actual testing tracks of the proving grounds to experience the products first hand.
On a city course, they drove the 2013 Buick Encore, a sophisticated, quiet, good looking and capable small luxury SUV that will be introduced to the market early next year and is sure to be a segment defining hit. On the ride and handling loop, they experienced the new 2013 GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, which are both expected to increase their already high 50 percent conquest sales rate. Additionally, on the other half of the ride and handling loop, they drove the 250 horsepower (hp) Verano Turbo boasting more power and speed than Acura ILX and Audi A3. There was also a little drag racing involved. On the 7.2 percent grade, they were able to drag race Sierra HDs towing 7,000 lb. trailers head to head against Ford and Dodge trucks. The new 3.6L V6 engine in the 2013 GMC Terrain was also put to the test against a V6 Dodge Challenge and Ford Edge Sport. The 301 hp high-feature V6 engine was fast enough to consistently beat both vehicles in timed 1/8 mile drag races on Black Lake. Attendees also toured the LDT Stamping and Assembly Plant. This plant is a LEED certified plant, making it one of the most environmentally friendly plants in the world. Additionally, they build the world class Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia models. This behind the scenes look at how our vehicles are built really provided the attendees with a great appreciation for the quality and precision that go into each and every product. The Buick GMC VIP Experience certainly fired me up and I’m certain the thousands of dealership employees will go home and win in the marketplace each and every day. With great products and excellent customer service, Buick and GMC can accelerate sales at an even faster rate and achieve our goal of industry leading customer satisfaction. Buick and GMC are two brands pulling hard on our collective rope to make General Motors great again. They are all in, I am too. Come on in and join us! |
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Buick and GMC Bring GM's Vision to People at the Front Line
