Buick and GMC are doing pretty well out there in the rough and tumble auto industry. So far this year, both GM brands have sold a combined 400,000 new vehicles. If this pace continues for the brands, each will record its third consecutive year of sales increases. There are also some other interesting things occurring for Buick and GMC.

“Conquest sales” (labeled conquests because an auto company manages to steal away a loyal buyer from another manufacturer) were at over 40 percent for both brands. Buick was also the only automotive brand in the U.S. to reduce the average age of its buyer during the past five years. (Not something to be dismissed, since Buicks have been known traditionally as geriatric-only rides.) GMC is also roping in the babes, as female buyers are on the up and up.

So what’s this all mean? More innovation and newer models, of course!

Over the next year, GM will roll out that red carpet of automobile glory and introduce nine new or significantly updated models. This is starting with the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV and GMC Arcadia crossover SUV this fall, just in time for people living in the colder, snow-prone locales to drive safely on their icy and slippery roads.

Then comes the Buick Encore (small luxury crossover) in early 2013, a Buick Regal (luxury sport sedan), Buick Lacrosse (luxury sedan), and the GMC Sierra and GMC Sierra HD (full-size pickups) and the Yukon and Yukon XL (full-size SUVs) next year.

They’re like Santa’s reindeer. “On Enclave, Arcadia, Encore and Regal. Now Lacrosse, Sierra, Sierra HD, Yukon and Yukon XL.” (It works a bit, no? And, yet again, here is another marketing idea for a major American auto company.)

But GM ain’t done. Oh no. GMC will re-introduce the GMC Canyon next year, bringing back the midsize pickup truck. The Canyon will be built in Wentzville, Missouri, and marketed to folks looking for a truck that’s both agile and efficient.

GM (posing as Santa Claus) released the following picture of the new models (reindeers).

Why put 11 cars in this picture when it’s clearly stated on top that there are 9 new models? Why is there no explanation for six cars being blacked out? Why are two older models included here? This is a ridiculously confusing picture, and I hate it.

Marketing and advertising departments at these companies continue to baffle me.