Buick Rendezvous Ultra to be revealed in New York

April 11, 2003 - The Buick Rendezvous is almost a case study on what one can do to a platform. When it came rolling out in 2001 as a 'crossover' vehicle, there were few who didn't have inside information who knew that it was based on the same platform that's used for the Chevy Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Olds Silhouette minivans. And all things considered, the Rendezvous is finding itself to be comparatively appealing in the marketplace, with 4,888 Rendezvous sold in March 2003. The same month, of the GM minivans, only the Venture outsold it (with 8,514), while the other two fell well below it (Montana 3,467, Silhouette 1,848).

One could plausibly (and correctly) argue that the design DNA for the Rendezvous is based on the Pontiac Aztek, which preceded it in the market. The Rendezvous outsold the Aztek in March as well (Aztek 2,676). Importantly for Buick, the Rendezvous is attracting a much younger buyer than normally finds their way into a Buick showroom.

To keep things a bit more interesting, Buick is unveiling the upscale version of the Rendezvous, the Ultra, at the New York Auto Show. This is a vehicle that is using monochromatic exterior colors and a body-colored grille in the right direction, one that accents a sense of quality, with light touches of chrome on the body side cladding and fascia. There are three monochromatic color choices for the Ultra: Sagemist Metallic, Dark Steel Blue Metallic, and Black. The other trim levels (the CX and CXL) have two-tone accents that don't exhibit the same level of refinement. The Ultra rides on 17 inch, 10-spoke, machine-faced aluminum wheels with Goodyear Fortera P225/60R17 tiires.

Inside, the seats are upscaled with neutral-colored sueded fabric seat inserts, wood accents on the IP center stack and steering wheel, and chrome door handles. According to Chris Mazglad, marketing director at Buick, "Rendezvous Ultra's interior and exterior design is clean, sleek and sophisticated." The division expects that it will represent 10% of the model mix.

	Buick Rendezvous Ultra to be revealed in New York by Gary S. Vasilash
	Click for larger images	April 11, 2003 - The Buick Rendezvous is almost a case study on what one can do to a platform. When it came rolling out in 2001 as a 'crossover' vehicle, there were few who didn't have inside information who knew that it was based on the same platform that's used for the Chevy Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Olds Silhouette minivans. And all things considered, the Rendezvous is finding itself to be comparatively appealing in the marketplace, with 4,888 Rendezvous sold in March 2003. The same month, of the GM minivans, only the Venture outsold it (with 8,514), while the other two fell well below it (Montana 3,467, Silhouette 1,848). One could plausibly (and correctly) argue that the design DNA for the Rendezvous is based on the Pontiac Aztek, which preceded it in the market. The Rendezvous outsold the Aztek in March as well (Aztek 2,676). Importantly for Buick, the Rendezvous is attracting a much younger buyer than normally finds their way into a Buick showroom. To keep things a bit more interesting, Buick is unveiling the upscale version of the Rendezvous, the Ultra, at the New York Auto Show. This is a vehicle that is using monochromatic exterior colors and a body-colored grille in the right direction, one that accents a sense of quality, with light touches of chrome on the body side cladding and fascia. There are three monochromatic color choices for the Ultra: Sagemist Metallic, Dark Steel Blue Metallic, and Black. The other trim levels (the CX and CXL) have two-tone accents that don't exhibit the same level of refinement. The Ultra rides on 17 inch, 10-spoke, machine-faced aluminum wheels with Goodyear Fortera P225/60R17 tiires. Inside, the seats are upscaled with neutral-colored sueded fabric seat inserts, wood accents on the IP center stack and steering wheel, and chrome door handles. According to Chris Mazglad, marketing director at Buick, "Rendezvous Ultra's interior and exterior design is clean, sleek and sophisticated." The division expects that it will represent 10% of the model mix.