Buick hails better sales, new models, younger buyers

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan makes its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan Sunday, January 11, 2009.

When you think of hot car brands with lots of mojo right now -- Hyundai and Ford come instantly to mind -- there's one other famous name that might be overlooked: Buick.

Tiger Woods' former favorite is the subject of a lot of favorable news today, such as:

• Better sales. General Motors says the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, shown above, just posted its best sales month in April since it was introduced. Sales are up 237% from a year ago, with demand so strong that GM has added a third shift its Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kan.
• Younger buyers. The Los Angeles Times ran a story today headlined "Buick Pulls Off a Dramatic U-Turn" about the comeback in the brand. The best news for GM, writes Jerry Hirsch, is that Buick is actually attracting younger buyers. But don't get too ramped up: From an average buyer age of 64 three years ago, today's Buick customer is now 61, says J.D. Power and Associates.
• New models. Buick plans to add three new vehicles to broaden its appeal. Besides the new midsize Regal on the way, Buick will also bring a compact car and small crossover, reports Scott Burgess in the Detroit News. Buick will have such a young line that by 2013, the oldest vehicle will be the Regal, due to be introduced in the next couple months.