Report: Buick Questions Verano's Future

CARS.COM — As gas prices remain relatively low, and sales of crossovers and SUVs continue to climb, sedans are on the chopping block. The latest causality of this trend could be the Buick Verano, USA Today reports. Buick will reportedly stop selling its smallest sedan next year in order to focus on developing and manufacturing SUVs.

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A new version of the compact sedan debuted in China last year, but it will not make its way to U.S. dealerships. The current Verano debuted for the 2012 model year, and Buick sold 41,042 of them during its first year, according to Automotive News. Sales have since cooled considerably, with only 31,886 sold in 2015.

Buick won't comment; brand spokesman Stuart Fowle called the report "speculation" and told USA Today, "We have no plans to announce regarding the future of that model. We're focused on selling the car we have in showrooms today."

The brand's renewed focus on SUVs is clear, however. Sales of Buick's Encore subcompact SUV rose 38 percent in 2015 and will likely continue to climb thanks to the updated version unveiled at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. Buick also unveiled a new SUV this year; the 2016 Buick Envision goes on sale next month.

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