Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Update Buick Encore Verano Adding More Safety Standard
Unlike other brands Buick has been focusing on making more advanced features standard than optional. Take the successful eAssist system that accounts for 25 percent of sales for the Regal and Lacrosse. Both those vehicles dropped the standard 4-cylinder for the more advanced and fuel efficienct eAssist system for no additional cost.
First came fuel economy now the focus is on safety. "We want to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road." said Buick Marketing Manager of small cars Jennifer Nardicchio. This is the philosophy behind the technologies that are being integrated into the Buick Verano and upcoming Encore.
Nardicchio stressed just how important rearview cameras are to the Buick buyer. Buick is making this technology standard for 2013, but they want to take it one step further by adding Rearview Cross Traffic Alert. This system uses auditory beeps and visual cues in the rear view camera display to warn drivers in incoming cross traffic as they pull out of a parking spot.
The 2013 Buick Encore will receive another camera as well . A camera based frontal collision warning system similar to the one found on the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox will be standard on the Encore platform. This system uses one front mounted camera that takes multiple pictures per second and analyzes the size difference of each image to calculate distance. GM representatives explained that this was based off the same basic principals as the human eye. This system will not apply the brakes but will give a red illuminated visual as well as auditory beeps in hopes the driver will regain attention and apply the brakes.
While none of these systems are ground breaking in terms of safety the big difference that Buick offers is the fact that these are standard and not optional features. Buick is setting a precedent by offering standard safety features that competitors typical package as an option. This is a smart move by Buick because instead of making people choose less safety to save money they are leaving more money in consumers budgets as they price shop for an intro luxury vehicle. I am very much looking forward to drving the 2013 Buick models equipped with these safety features.
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