Update : Susan Docherty Appointed GM Vice-President of Sales

When LaNeve’s departure was announced yesterday, GM CEO Frtiz Henderson suggested he might look outside the company for a replacement. Instead, Henderson promoted from within the corporate ranks, as he believes GM’s complicated sales structure would be somewhat difficult for an outsider to learn.

“I’d be very nervous about putting someone into the sales function who didn’t understand how it worked at the time we’re going through a dealer restructuring like we’re doing,” Henderson told Automotive News.

Docherty will assume the VP role beginning October 16, the day after LaNeve leaves. She will likely not retain her title as general manager of Buick-GMC, but GM has not yet announced any candidates or appointments for the position.

Source: Automotive News

Profile : Buick Company

Buick, which is currently owned by General Motors, was founded in 1903 by David Dunbar Buick. It was later acquired by Chevrolet and General Motors' founder William C. Durant who aimed the marque—with Oldsmobile--for the well-to-do customer right underneath Cadillac.

Though there have been a few notable exceptions (e.g., Buick GNX, Riviera, Skylark), Buicks are well-known for their conservatively styling and sedate handling. The brand is one of the oldest in the world, claiming kinship with siblings Cadillac, Oldsmobile (now defunct), and rivals BWM and Mercedes-Benz. It also has some of the oldest buyers as well: 64 years old according to J.D. Power and Associates. In an effort to attract younger buyers, GM had the brand develop, in 2000, new vehicles such as the Rainer and Rendezvous SUVs and the Terraza minivan. All have been replaced by the Lacrosse and Lucerne sedans and the seven-passenger Enclave crossover. Recently, GM has announced Buick will produce "Super" versions (from the marque's 1950's series) of the Lacrosse and Lucerne. Both Super versions are scheduled to debut in model year 2008.


LaCrosse Engine Performance & Fuel Economy
2,994 cc 3.0 liters V 6 front engine with 89.0 mm bore, 80.2 mm stroke, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder LF1
Unleaded fuel 87
Gasoline direct injection fuel system
18.4 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 15.3
Power: 194 kW , 255 HP SAE @ 6,900 rpm; 217 ft lb , 293 Nm @ 5,100 rpm