Cadillac President employing Floyd Mayweather-like marketing tactics?
#1
In my daily check in on CTS-V news I came across this FB post from Johan D. What do you all think about this type of commentary from the head individual in charge? I rather enjoy it, as long as the specified cars can back it up. Competition is good for the consumer. I guess what stands out is how direct he is in reference to the "German fanboys." Will these tactics help re-build the brand image Caddy needs to take market share? Is building beasts ("V" cars) the way to get (younger) buyers into non-V models? Surely (as planned) they need more models to choose from which will help.
Side note: Could Lexus take any advice from Caddy (V) in regards to "F"?
Side note: Could Lexus take any advice from Caddy (V) in regards to "F"?
Last edited by GSthe4th; 04-24-15 at 05:00 PM.
#2
Lexus Fanatic
What do you all think about this type of commentary from the head individual in charge?
That's not to say, though, that auto execs always peddle junk. Virtually all new cars now, regardless of nameplate, are much better than they were 30 years ago. And the CTS is indeed a good competitor.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-24-15 at 05:00 PM.
#3
Lexus Fanatic
Attachment 360522 In my daily check in on CTS-V news I came across this FB post from Johan D. What do you all think about this type of commentary from the head individual in charge? I rather enjoy it, as long as the specified cars can back it up. Competition is good for the consumer. I guess what stands out is how direct he is in reference to the "German fanboys." Will these tactics help build the brand image Caddy needs to take market share?
I'm afraid Cadillac does not get it, people don't really want their cars.
#6
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Bold statements but not sure if it helps the brand or what purpose it serves in the big picture. Interestingly enough though I just visited a Cadillac dealer today to get info on & test drive a new SRX and it along with the dealership was quite impressive. If I wasn't set with a purchase of a NX F Sport, the SRX would definitely be in the mix of choices.
#7
Lexus Fanatic
side note: Could Lexus take any advice from Caddy (V) in regards to "F"?
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-24-15 at 05:28 PM.
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
For what it's worth, Cadillac are doing well in China with their ATS-L and CTS-L stretched models and they're doing a big marketing push on the performance aspects of the brand. Johan D seems to be continuing that "imported from Detroit" tagline that was used years before.
Lincoln, for all the talk of the popularity of their "presidential" heritage, can't seem to sell a darn thing to the Chinese - I've only seen one MKZ in my time there, compared to loads more Maseratis.
Lincoln, for all the talk of the popularity of their "presidential" heritage, can't seem to sell a darn thing to the Chinese - I've only seen one MKZ in my time there, compared to loads more Maseratis.
#9
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by chromedome
Johan D seems to be continuing that "imported from Detroit" tagline that was used years before.
Lincoln, for all the talk of the popularity of their "presidential" heritage, can't seem to sell a darn thing to the Chinese - I've only seen one MKZ in my time there, compared to loads more Maseratis.
#10
I'm a firm believer that cars have to earn their praise. I never judge a car by what CEOs or marketing people say in PR statements......too many times I've found it isn't so. That's not to say, though, that auto execs always peddle junk. Virtually all new cars now, regardless of nameplate, are much better than they were 30 years ago. And the CTS is indeed a good competitor.
Return on investment will involve a global approach, of course. Will be interesting to see if Caddy is able to take back some of the American market.
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
Whatever! Aside from the Cadillac Escalade, GMs Cadillacs have no prestige value whatsoever. Its kinda like the IS-F, most AMG or BMW M buyers would rather have the MB or BMW badge. I'm afraid Cadillac does not get it, people don't really want their cars.
Originally Posted by GSthe4th
Even if the general public doesn't see Caddy as "prestigious," it doesnt mean that their cars arent worthy competitors to the mentioned brands. That would be ignorant to conclude.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-24-15 at 09:28 PM.
#12
Lexus Champion
That post was probably not written by Johan himself but by Cadillac Marketing / PR. It was just posted under his name for the marketing perception. Companies have PR people dedicated to nothing but social media -- Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. -- to ensure that they get their message out in a consistent fashion.
But... My impression of that PR post was tainted by the following news article... Modern Caddies may be able handle, brake, steer and corner well, but they cannot stop. (I know that the recall is for older cars but that headline, juxtaposed with the FB post, was interesting.)
Cadillac calling in 4,900 CTS-V models for brake issue
General Motors is recalling just over 4,900 first-generation Cadillac CTS-V sedans built between September 6, 2003 and June 11, 2007. The affected vehicles are largely registered in cold weather states where rock salt is used on roads.
General Motors is recalling just over 4,900 first-generation Cadillac CTS-V sedans built between September 6, 2003 and June 11, 2007. The affected vehicles are largely registered in cold weather states where rock salt is used on roads.
#14
Dynamically the base ATS and CTS platforms have been proven to be quite dynamic and well reviewed... I have no doubt the ATS-V reviews, which will be out very very shortly, will be quite positive.
As we've discussed in previous threads before, Cadillac's current problem is pricing. Just because their cars might be much improved, doesn't mean they can move pricing up along side competitors in one fell swoop. They would have done well to employ a value proposition on pricing, that would attract people who might be willing to give them a chance, and then word of mouth would have spread more organically.
Pricing right along the German rivals seems to have kept people from even trying out the Cadillacs, which leaves all their hard work in product development unnoticed.
However, Cadillac's commitment to strong halo vehicles and a distinct focus on that a full V vehicle should be is impressive.
As we've discussed in previous threads before, Cadillac's current problem is pricing. Just because their cars might be much improved, doesn't mean they can move pricing up along side competitors in one fell swoop. They would have done well to employ a value proposition on pricing, that would attract people who might be willing to give them a chance, and then word of mouth would have spread more organically.
Pricing right along the German rivals seems to have kept people from even trying out the Cadillacs, which leaves all their hard work in product development unnoticed.
However, Cadillac's commitment to strong halo vehicles and a distinct focus on that a full V vehicle should be is impressive.
#15
One feature that Caddy used to have on V-models was a nice, meshed-grille made of real brushed-metal, not just painted or shiny-coated plastic. Considering that the RC-F another full-F-models start at over 60K, for that price, instead of a black grille, I think that Lexus could consider using the same kind of nice metal grille-netting, even with the spindle shape. At least offer it as an option if not standard.
Cadillac's OEM grille was a bit more tasteful.