Buick Enclave Tops Segment for First Time in Initial Quality Study

HAVERHILL, MASS. (07/03/2012)(readMedia)-- When it went into production five years ago, Buick's three-row Enclave crossover represented a new direction for the brand in terms of design, technology and quality. That approach appears to be catching on with drivers, as the 2012 Buick Enclave recently topped its segment in the J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) for the first time.

J.D. Power's 2012 IQS evaluated the feedback of more than 74,000 purchasers and lessees of 2012-model-year vehicles after they had been with their new ride for 90 days. A 228-question survey was used to determine how many problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) each nameplate produced. In the Midsize Crossover/SUV segment, the 2012 Buick Enclave had the lowest PP100, besting the second-place Honda Crosstour as well as the Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander, which all tied for third.

"Owning a luxury SUV should mean that you don't have to worry about issues within a few weeks or months of leaving the dealership, and the Buick Enclave keeps you on the road and satisfied," said Bill DeLuca III, president of Haverhill, Massachusetts Buick dealership Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC. "Buick is dedicated to producing top-quality vehicles and the Enclave is a fitting example of those efforts with its premium interior materials, in-car technology and safety features."

The Buick Enclave's growing reputation for quality may be what is helping bring in new buyers to the brand, with roughly 45 percent of new Enclave customers coming from non-General Motors vehicles. Last year, the Enclave saw its best-ever sales in the United States, and 2012 looks to be another strong year with a refreshed 2013 model coming this fall.

Featuring new additions like a black-chrome waterfall grille, redesigned Xenon HID headlamps and chrome exhaust tips, the 2013 Buick Enclave receives several upgrades to its sculpted exterior styling. LED lights are now used throughout the vehicle, both in the headlamps and taillamps as well as for the new ice-blue ambient lighting around the dashboard. Meanwhile, new soft-touch materials and chrome accents add to the cabin's modern feel.

All 2013 Enclave models will also now include the IntelliLink infotainment system as a standard feature, and a new center stack will provide easier access to that technology with an LCD display, capacitive touch controls and a tri-zone climate system. Innovative engineering extends to the luxury crossover's standard safety features as well, with a new industry-first front center airbag that deploys between the driver and front passenger to protect them in far-side impact crashes.

"The Enclave promised to take the Buick brand forward when it launched, and the 2013 model will continue to do that with fresh styling and more intuitive technology," added DeLuca. "Its passengers will be safer and more connected than ever before, and we expect that more and more buyers will realize that the Enclave is not their grandfather's Buick."

About Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC:

Located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC has served automotive customers in the Merrimack Valley for more than 50 years. Their sales staff has garnered a reputation for honesty, quality and integrity, and they offer a large inventory of Buick, GMC and Chevrolet vehicles to customers in the region. Browse their inventory of new and used vehicles at www.billdelucachevroletbuickgmc.com, visit them in person at 112 - 116 Bank Road in Haverhill, or call 978-241-6126 to speak to a friendly member of their sales staff.