Buick-GMC Dealerships To Offer Loaner Cars?

2011 Buick Regal

October 12, 2010

2011 Buick Regal

Owning a luxury car has its perks. And while the soft hides, real wood veneers, and more exclusive badges certainly don't go unappreciated, some of the most valued perks—especially for repeat luxury-brand shoppers—are related to the kind of service you get when you return to the dealership for scheduled maintenance, a recall, or a repair: Is the dealership respecting your time? Are they allowing you to keep the image that vehicle provides, while it's in for service?

While free loaner vehicles have been par for the course for most luxury brands, like Cadillac, for many years, General Motors' Buick and GMC brands—combined at dealerships—now might be offering the perk. According to Bloomberg, citing Buick and GMC sales VP Brian Sweeney, GM may start offering free loaners within the next few weeks.

Typically, these programs provide a vehicle that's a step up in prestige, image, and/or price compared to the vehicle they're bringing in. So no, you likely wouldn't be given a loaner GMC Canyon while your Buick Enclave is being serviced.

It makes sense for business and sales, too. These programs get people with products that are several years old into new vehicles. Buick and GMC, which have product portfolios that have significantly changed over the past couple of model years, could especially benefit from this.

GM just announced this past week that it will be producing a smaller 2012 Buick Verano sedan, which will join the new 2011 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Lucerne, and Enclave in the Buick lineup. The GMC Terrain was also introduced last year.

[Bloomberg, via Autoblog]

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