GM President Talks Cadillac
 |
Setting the record straight on Cadillac
From Mark Reuss
President General Motors
"When people ask me if we're working on the future of Cadillac, I say, "We're working on the Cadillac of futures."
Even as we work to get there, we remain laser-focused on the flurry of activity around Cadillac today. Some recent media reports, including in this publication, have questioned Cadillac's strategy and neglected its progress.
Cadillac's modern brand identity is well established, and we are building an arsenal of products and technologies that will differentiate Cadillac and take it to the next level in the marketplace, despite the slings and arrows of the pundits and naysayers. In fact, by every critical measure — sales, quality, dealer engagement and customer satisfaction — Cadillac is making great progress.
Momentum continues to build in 2019. Cadillac retail sales rose about 4 percent in the second quarter, led by our expanded SUV lineup:
- Since being launched last year, the XT4 quickly became and remains the bestselling vehicle in the segment.
- Escalade remains No. 1 with a bullet in large luxury SUVs, despite nearing the end of its life cycle. It has an 8,000-unit lead over its nearest rival while delivering significant profitability for our dealers.
- XT6 deliveries began in June, and we sold more than 1,000 units in July before its August media launch. We expect it to do even better based on the largely positive reviews, despite a hotly competitive segment and recent reports to the contrary in this publication.
Before we do, a word about internal combustion: Internal combustion engines have a critical role in Cadillac's portfolio now and into the foreseeable future. We have a firm grasp on the value they provide our customers to meet their lifestyles.
We have customers who need to tow things, and the XT6 and Escalade have powertrains that handle those tasks with reassuring ease. Also, we have customers who want the palpable thrill and exhilaration of out-and-out performance, and our V-series vehicles will meet and beat their expectations.
We intend to exceed customer expectations in every aspect of the vehicle, no matter the vehicle, inside and out, from the driving experience to passenger comfort and convenience. No trade-offs, no compromises. We have a signature ride character that can be defined as isolated precision, meaning the ultimate in ride refinement without sacrifices — the best of both worlds. You can have isolation and feel connected to the road at the same time. You don't have to feel forced to make a choice.
Add to that a host of connectivity and advanced technology features, including a bit of the future today with Super Cruise, which spreads from CT6 to CT5 in 2020, on its way to reaching the entire Cadillac lineup.
The excellence in our product offerings extends to the entire sales and ownership experience. We continue to see improvements in all critical areas, not only sales but also in quality and dealer satisfaction, as evidenced in the most recent third-party studies and surveys available. We'll also continue to think and act beyond the traditional sales model to provide a range of mobility solutions and services.
This is all happening right now at Cadillac. It's going to accelerate the brand's momentum and reputation as we advance toward a future that's going to be even more exciting — and electric. As an automotive lifer, I find it reassuring and inspiring to know that one of the industry's most storied brands is going to lead the way.
Before we do, a word about internal combustion: Internal combustion engines have a critical role in Cadillac's portfolio now and into the foreseeable future. We have a firm grasp on the value they provide our customers to meet their lifestyles.
We have customers who need to tow things, and the XT6 and Escalade have powertrains that handle those tasks with reassuring ease. Also, we have customers who want the palpable thrill and exhilaration of out-and-out performance, and our V-series vehicles will meet and beat their expectations.
We intend to exceed customer expectations in every aspect of the vehicle, no matter the vehicle, inside and out, from the driving experience to passenger comfort and convenience. No trade-offs, no compromises. We have a signature ride character that can be defined as isolated precision, meaning the ultimate in ride refinement without sacrifices — the best of both worlds. You can have isolation and feel connected to the road at the same time. You don't have to feel forced to make a choice.
Add to that a host of connectivity and advanced technology features, including a bit of the future today with Super Cruise, which spreads from CT6 to CT5 in 2020, on its way to reaching the entire Cadillac lineup.
The excellence in our product offerings extends to the entire sales and ownership experience. We continue to see improvements in all critical areas, not only sales but also in quality and dealer satisfaction, as evidenced in the most recent third-party studies and surveys available. We'll also continue to think and act beyond the traditional sales model to provide a range of mobility solutions and services.
This is all happening right now at Cadillac. It's going to accelerate the brand's momentum and reputation as we advance toward a future that's going to be even more exciting — and electric. As an automotive lifer, I find it reassuring and inspiring to know that one of the industry's most storied brands is going to lead the way.
