DETROIT - With the official advertising launch still a month away, the first 2004 Buick Rainier was sold yesterday, Aug. 19.

After researching the Rainier through GM's BuyPower site, Phillips B. Hildner III took delivery of a silver Rainier on Tuesday morning from Martin Buick in Fenton, Mich. A Fenton resident, Hildner, 22, is the owner of Hiltech Computer Solutions, according to Martin Buick Sales Associate David (Grip) Griggs.

"We're thrilled to have Rainiers in dealerships," said Buick Truck Marketing Director Chris Mazglad. "Following the success of the Rendezvous, we have high expectations for the brand new Rainier. And we're happy to count Mr. Hildner as part of the Buick family."

Vehicles recently began arriving at Buick dealerships from the Moraine, Ohio, plant.

New for 2004, Buick Rainier offers a level of style, ride, comfort and performance that sets it apart from other mid-size sport utility vehicles.Rainier comes standard-equipped with a Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower, providing the power, capability and smoothness of a V-8 combined with the efficiency of a six-cylinder. For even more power and outstanding torque, Rainier is also available with an all-aluminum, Vortec 5300 V-8 engine, one of the most popular in GM's stable of dynamic powerplants. The available V-8 broadens Rainier's market appeal, enhancing both its performance and utility. Exclusive to Rainier on GM's short-wheel-base, mid-size SUV architecture, the Vortec 5300 V-8 SFI (sequential fuel injection) engine provides 290 horsepower.

Buick pre-launched Rainier with Tiger Trap, a hugely successful on- and off-line campaign to introduce the new nameplate. More than two million people viewed the Internet film starring Tiger Woods and the Rainier at www.buick.com and more than 200,000 have registered for a sweepstakes to win one more Rainier this fall.