Cadillac’s Problem of the Cars It Can’t Sell
05-01-16, 03:34 PM
#16
Lexus Fanatic
People have been saying that "Cadillac is making moves" for decades now. It's been 14 years since the original CTS launched yet Cadillac is still a struggling brand that's only being kept alive by the Escalade, a very mediocre vehicle that only sells because Americans love their big GMT platform SUVs.
05-01-16, 03:41 PM
#17
Lexus Fanatic
The XT5, BTW, is just now starting to reach the D.C. area, and it is next on my full-review list.
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-01-16 at 04:01 PM.
05-01-16, 03:54 PM
#18
Lead Lap
Buick's new Environ (which is done on the XT5's platform) actually starts out more expensive than the base-model XT5 itself. But, as you note, add AWD, and the XT5 suddenly costs some real cash. Not only that, but Buick also promises a less-expensive version of the Environ coming next year. (the Environ, of course, is built in China, so that country's low labor-rates should be a factor).
The XT5, BTW, is just now starting to reach the D.C. area, and it is next on my full-review list.
The XT5, BTW, is just now starting to reach the D.C. area, and it is next on my full-review list.
A typo....I'll correct that.
05-01-16, 04:57 PM
#20
Lead Lap
See if you try and compete with the Germans you need to offer a German showroom experience or the gold standard Lexus experience. Then aggressively offer Lease rates like BMW at the bare minimum.
05-01-16, 05:13 PM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
Although Lincoln's Black Label program does offer a number of customer-perks, in general that's one area where Cadillac outdoes its nearest rival. Cadillac dealerships are (usually) more impressive than those of Lincoln, because Lincoln does not have its own dedicated line of dealerships right now. Ever since Mercury folded several years ago, Lincolns are sold from select Ford dealerships, which creates two problems. First, even with the luxury-grade Lincoln nameplate, you still have sales and service in a basically Ford-grade dealership. Second, not all Ford shops handle Lincolns to start with (only select ones)....so you may have to drive some miles to find one. Cadillac, in contrast, has dealerships that, with some exceptions, usually sell and service only Cadillac products, and are designed as such. Like with Lincoln, though, sometimes you still have to drive some miles to find a Cadillac shop......a widespread dealer network is still not one of their strong points.
05-01-16, 05:31 PM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Thats not at all the case. Its true SUV sales have grown and luxury sedan sales have diminished somewhat, but to say "they don't sell period" is an overstatement. The 5 series and E Class sell 5k a month each...they still sell 6k ESs a month. Lots of luxury sedans being sold.
05-01-16, 05:37 PM
#23
Lead Lap
Although Lincoln's Black Label program does offer a number of customer-perks, in general that's one area where Cadillac outdoes its nearest rival. Cadillac dealerships are (usually) more impressive than those of Lincoln, because Lincoln does not have its own dedicated line of dealerships right now. Ever since Mercury folded several years ago, Lincolns are sold from select Ford dealerships, which creates two problems. First, even with the luxury-grade Lincoln nameplate, you still have sales and service in a basically Ford-grade dealership. Second, not all Ford shops handle Lincolns to start with (only select ones)....so you may have to drive some miles to find one. Cadillac, in contrast, has dealerships that, with some exceptions, usually sell and service only Cadillac products, and are designed as such. Like with Lincoln, though, sometimes you still have to drive some miles to find a Cadillac shop......a widespread dealer network is still not one of their strong points.
i think the most traffic a Caddy dealership has seen was when they were stuffing the newly launched basic CTS with $15k trunk money, so it made sense to get into one as a lease or even a buy instead of shelling out for a 3 series or similar
05-01-16, 05:41 PM
#24
Lexus Fanatic
The CA seems like he or she already knows the vehicle is gonna sell itself (and if its an escalade it will). Little to no intervention, ask a question about basic functionality and blank stares is what you get. Power windows are standard, leather optional is all I have heard about from those shopping the brand at chain dealerships. I`d expect at least the basic reasons why one should consider a Cadilliac before I have to pull out my smartphone lol
05-01-16, 05:46 PM
#25
Lead Lap
Thats not at all the case. Its true SUV sales have grown and luxury sedan sales have diminished somewhat, but to say "they don't sell period" is an overstatement. The 5 series and E Class sell 5k a month each...they still sell 6k ESs a month. Lots of luxury sedans being sold.
05-01-16, 05:48 PM
#26
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by coolsaber
Which are all established brandplates. Cadillac has been trying for the past couple of years to break the mold with the ATS, CTS, CT6.
05-01-16, 05:50 PM
#27
Lexus Champion
I took a test drive in an XT5 on Friday, and the dealership was impressive. Elegant and understated. I believe Cadillac has been pressuring their dealers to upgrade their facilities and separate them from the Buick and GMC brands.
05-01-16, 05:52 PM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
What did you think of the XT5?
05-01-16, 05:57 PM
#29
Lexus Champion
A nice vehicle. The ride and handling were very good and it was smooth and quiet on less than ideal streets. Nice interior with ample leather, wood and soft touch surfaces. Some hard plastic on lower panels but low enough you don't really notice them. It seems that the initial allotment of them are FWD's with AWD's to follow. With the AWD you can manually select FWD only, if desired for improved fuel economy.
05-01-16, 06:15 PM
#30
I didn't say they found the correct move to make yet. But I am seeing some positive signs. They're finally focusing their attention on the SUV market and they have plans to expand the Escalade family. It was incredibly stupid of them to focus their attention on all of these sedans which clearly haven't lighting the market on fire instead of SUV's.
Again, Johan and others have acknowledged what's going to bring them money in the future and I'm eager to see it. Cadillac needs to be come it's own brand instead of chasing the others and I sincerely hope they get there within the next 5 years. Otherwise it'll be yet another round of making moves.
Again, Johan and others have acknowledged what's going to bring them money in the future and I'm eager to see it. Cadillac needs to be come it's own brand instead of chasing the others and I sincerely hope they get there within the next 5 years. Otherwise it'll be yet another round of making moves.