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Buick goes big on trucks

Having celebrated its centenary last year, Buick announced that truck-based vehicles are to become a bigger part of the its model line up than at any other time in its history. For 2004, Buick launched the all-new Rainier, the only mid-size, short-wheelbase SUV in the GM family available with a V8 engine. With its combination of power, comfortable ride, interior quietness and style in a full-frame, rugged SUV, Rainier adds an athletic, youthful dimension to the Buick line up.

Truck-based vehicles such as the Buick Ranier (right) and the Rendezvous Ultra (below) are becoming a bigger part of Buick's model line up

Also new for 2004 is the luxurious Rendezvous Ultra, with elegant interior and exterior refinements that set it apart from its CX and CXL siblings. Rendezvous Ultra is the first primary front-wheel-drive vehicle to offer General Motors' new 3.6L V6 VVT (variable valve timing) engine.

Christine Mazglad, Buick marketing director for trucks, said Buick trucks are "being positioned as refined utility vehicles - combining the best Buick sedan values with the utility so necessary in today's marketplace."

These new entries are designed to help Buick build a full line of vehicles to broaden its customer base. Buick continues to offer Park Avenue, LeSabre, Regal and Century with the quality, comfort and convenience features that have given Buick its solid reputation for premium value automobiles