When General Motors announced the $75,995 price tag for their Cadillac ELR EREV coupe, many were surprised about how much higher it was than the starting price of its platform mate, the Chevrolet Volt. The ELR may have one of the most luxurious interiors of Cadillac’s lineup and a fuel-sipping powertrain, but that’s apparently not enough to back up that price, because some Cadillac dealers are offering huge rebates on the car according to Gas 2.
The information apparently stems from an email sent out by Tropical Cadillac in Bradenton, Florida. The dealer said they “just got $12,000 off incentives on the purchase of a new Cadillac ELR,” which is in addition to Florida’s $7,500 dollar tax credit for EVs. In total, that’s $19,500 off the original asking price.
Gas 2 thinks these massive incentives are indication that the ELR is in trouble. Being a low volume vehicle, Cadillac never intended to sell very many, however we doubt it intended to offer $12,000 off its initial asking price either.
Comments
I’d like to take this opportunity to say I told y’all so.
The ELR is a product for a market that doesn’t exist. Nobody wants a glorified FWD commuter car with a hybrid system and a Cadillac badge. They should have called it the Cimmaron hybrid, because that’s basically what it is.
I’m sure it has a very nice interior. I’m sure its very well engineered. I’m sure people do think it looks good. I’m sure it has lots of numbers that are good for a car like the ELR. I’m sure all the things the ELR apologists say are true, but the simple fact is: PEOPLE DON’T WANT THIS CAR.
I don’t think the dress up fooled anyone one bit. That’s big bucks for a Chevy volt in disguise….
Thats more in line with how much this vehicle should have cost in the first place, about 55k.
It’s true. Just got a massive discount…
I just received an ELR and I must say I absolutely love it. Although it’s a slouch on acceleration, the feel and luxury is certainly there. We finally have an i8 and Tesla killer if we truly want it. GM should tune the battery and generator for more power. There is a 2 year supply of ELR’s sitting at dealers and there may be a way to move them quickly with these massive discounts and the following suggestions which could completely turn around sales and EV PR:
1- turbo or supercharge the engine generator
2- swap or tune the batteries with more power
3- combine battery and generator power on full acceleration
4- The fuel should allow for E85
5- Offer to out-source solar on homes since it can be used in lieu of the grid
6- Continue to offer free home chargers
Most bloggers and critics cite the ELR as slow and not comparable to Tesla and the powertrain as being close to the Volt for twice the price. Well, my response is simple; offer an advertised special lease price, figure out the 6 suggestions above and fight the i8 and Tesla with all resources of GM as needed. Otherwise, ELR will fail and so will the advancement of EV’s for all. The General should reward its ELR customers and currently has physical cars ready to roll. Let’s do it…
I Had My First Look This Weekend And I Didn’t See A Volt. This Car Looks Stunning. The only Unattractive Thing Is The List Price, But Ask A Prius, Or Tesla Model S Owner What The Think Of Their Car. Beauty Is In The Eye Of Those Who Can Afford The Car In The First Place. Lighten Up On Caddy & GM & Give Them A Chance.
“Gas 2 thinks these massive incentives are indication that the ELR is in trouble.”
Really? Whatever gave them that idea? Or perhaps the fact it still has never hit 100 units sold in a single month yet was already an indication?
Just a continuation of the complete marketing screwup by GM of a very good car.
Best-case scenario: by putting $12k on the hood, they are trying to sell down the 2014 in advance of the next model year. That will likely make an impact and slowly do the job, as $55k (after credits/rebates) is what they should have been priced in the first place. Then, for the next model year, they announce “updated” pricing, which will be a $65k (not $76k) list price.
This car is what it is. GM just took a Volt tuned it a little and slapped a show car body on it just for some media and just to have a electric car in a short time to buy time till they get the car they are working on.
This car was not expected to sell in great volumes and not expected to be segment leading. It was just put out there for a short term anchor in the market for coming product.
The Volt will be replaced soon as well as this car. I suspect we will see a Electric sedan from Cadillac in the not too distant future as GM has the parts and just needs to get it put together.
Even if they do not sell another ELR it has served it purpose in media attention and press as that is what it’s true mission was.
When you see what is next step then you will understand where this is going to lead.
I really do not know why GM put the Voltec crossover MPV5 on ice to release the Caddy, they should have released the Orlando sized 7 passenger capable model and swept the market in my opinion. Too many marketing people think the upscale models are so needed when there is a whole segment waiting to be tapped! Tesla will soon release the model X and wait and see this will be a big seller!