Corrections & Clarifications: The Verano is considered a compact sedan.
General Motors has made it official: It is ending production of the Buick's compact sedan.
The well-regarded Verano compact will become the latest car model to disappear as consumers increasingly demand boxy SUVs and crossovers instead of conventional cars. Fiat Chrysler is phasing out the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart.
"Buick is announcing that the Verano, manufactured in Orion, Mich., will be phased out in North America following a short 2017 model year run ending in October, 2016," the GM statement says. "The announcement underscores the changing consumer market dynamics where there is a growing demand for SUVs in North America."
Verano's demise was rumored earlier this month and Buick dismissed the talk at the time as "speculation."
Verano was introduced in 2011 at a time when when gas prices were higher.
A Buick spokeswoman, Jennifer Korail, added that no job losses are expected at the plant. GM is investing $245 million at the Orion plant. It said earlier this year that production of its new electric car, the Chevrolet Bolt, is expected there.
