LaCrosse with eAssist—GM’s light electrification system—uses a compact lithium-ion battery pack and small electric motor to aid the performance of a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter gas engine, while advanced start/stop technology allows the vehicle to operate on just electricity while at rest. eAssist replaced a conventional 2.4L gas engine in the 2012 LaCrosse lineup, which averaged 11% of 2011 sales.

Fuel prices historically have helped drive sales of four-cylinder LaCrosse vehicles. When sales peaked for eAssist’s predecessor, the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel was $3.90, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Gas prices are again on the rise, up more than 50 cents a gallon since the beginning of 2012. Many predict US fuel costs to reach an all-time high this summer.

Retail sales of the LaCrosse—eAssist and V-6 models included—were up 24.9% in February, a month in which it was Buick’s top-selling nameplate.

The eAssist powertrain is standard on the 2012 LaCrosse with a suggested starting price of $31,045 including destination. Buick recently announced eAssist technology will be standard on the 2013 Regal luxury sport sedan. It is currently available on that vehicle as a stand-alone option.