• The Washington Post/Reuters, Thursday, November 30, 2006 12:15 PM

In order to capture more showroom traffic and shun lower-margin sales to car-rental companies, General Motors is prepared halve its production of Buick models. "We don't have to play hard in daily rental with Buick because frankly, we've got other brands to play that role," GM CEO Rick Wagoner says.

Buick has offered as many as seven models in recent years, but Wagoner says the automaker is prepared to accept lower unit sales with about four models. Combined with the success of Buick in China, Wagoner maintains that the push will help turn the brand around in the U.S. market, where it has struggled to attract a younger generation of buyers.

Wagoner spoke to reporters at the unveiling of the 2008 Buick Enclave at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The five-door luxury vehicle is expected to compete against the Acura MDX from Honda and the Lexus RX 350 from Toyota. Golf star Tiger Woods, who will play a central role in marketing the Enclave, also appeared.

Read the whole story at The Washington Post/Reuters »