We like Cadillac. Despite the marque’s lamentable, half-hearted products from the “malaise era” of American cars and even later, today’s Cadillac is an engaging, sharp, luxurious thing. If all were right in the world, the automaker would have no trouble with sales.
And yet here we are, and Cadillac’s sales remain so lackluster, the manufacturer has had to begin offering ludicrously steep discounts just to clear out dealership lots. Consumer Reports has indicated that discounts of up to $15,000 off sticker price – and beyond – are possible for the Cadillac CTS, XTS, and ELR.
For instance, Consumer Reports writes that you can get a $2,000 cash incentive, plus a $4,000 dealer allowance on the base CTS (MSRP: $59,000). Tack on another $4,000 loyalty cash if you currently own a GM, or $5,500 if you’re leasing from the manufacturer. That brings the discounts up to $6,000 to $11,500, although savings of up to $15,000 have been cited.
And then there’s the price-inflated ELR – Cadillac’s re-bodied Chevy Volt – which stickers at $75,000. It has a $15,000 dealer incentive; with some other of the above incentives, Consumer Reports says, that could quickly grow beyond $17,000. And then, of course, there is a $7,500 tax rebate for buying an EV. All told, the price could be knocked down to (or just below) $50,000.
As fans of the automaker, we look forward to a day when massive discounting is no longer a necessity for Cadillac to unload its stockpile of excellent cars. But of course, as consumers, their loss is out gain.
Comments
I don’t think the average public is interpeting “sharp” styling the way Welburn and company intended. Timeless automotive styling has never included awkward angles and absurdly distorted elements. Cadillac needs to back away from its polarizing Acura-like styling and return to a cleaner, more refined approach. Perhaps Cadillac needs to look to Aston Martin for inspiration instead.
“Timeless automotive styling has never included awkward angles and absurdly distorted elements.”
*coughTailfinsCough*
Recent Cadillacs have the heart of a Chevy, now they are closer to having the price of a Chevy!
I think what Anon’s comment refers to is glitzy over the top styling or understated styling . You don’t get this glam look from BMW or Audi , or from Lincoln,whose sales are climbing nicely , as opposed to Caddie whose sales year to date are down approx. 6 % If you have to resort to a lot of wow factor to sell a vehicle , then what are you hiding , is a thought that comes to mind ? Lets take this a little farther afield …. what top selling car in North America and is about the most plain Jane thing ever to be sold here in the last ten years ? The Camry , right ? I bought one for the wife in 2004 and it is almost invisible from the outside . But when you get inside you are faced with a physical impossibility in that it feels and looks much bigger . Quality materials , neat tidy understated dash , spacious seating , the back seat for me at 6 ft is amazing , I could ride here all day if the wife would drive it on the highway .The 4 cyl. engine is a marvel , so quiet and fuel efficient .
What does it tell you about the best selling car in North America , first that critics and forum contributors pan it as being unexciting BUT still it is the overwhelming peoples choice . These are transportation machines and the first and foremost consideration for buyers here is reliability for the long term , which starts the momentum of a solid reputation . It is fed by excellent quality of materials and components , for the money , excellent resaleability , low long term maintenance costs and top quality customer service . Tell me , how many Cadillacs over the past decade can boast to claim any one of these areas that , for me , that go into making a strong reputation ? Please , name one , just one ???
It’s true, it seems to me that they’re trying to portray that their cars are of e equal quality to imported cars. *IMO they are the only cars that are better or equal to imported German cars.* but they need to price them more domestically, I me 2014’s CTS/CTS-v style & feel. It’s an american car at its finest IMO. About the pricing of they should seek it cheap & let people experience & trust the electric generator/battery energized car for now, as for the style; this quote is from the elr’s homepage ” “What’s next?” For those who recognize the possibility of “what if” and dismiss the thought of what can’t be done. It’s for those who seek opportunities to move the world forward.*; it seems that there isn’t that many people. I personally don’t like the air cents & overuse of indents & curves, the 2013/14 CTS were perfectly balanced with a look all its own & a statement staying we’re ready for the next generation + this ain’t your grandpop’s caddy.
Unlike BMW, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Jaguar (who were both struggling for survival not too long ago) Cadillac has to overcome its big-finned, land yacht Grandma image. Younger buyers who haven’t experienced that image are who Cadillac is gunning for. I love the ELR, but it’s a “Cadillac” – the same brand my Grandmother traded-in every two years. Cadillac’s racing program is a great tool for changing their image. And I love the sharp lines. If Cadillac really wants to wake up new American buyers, offer some limited edition colors beyond the boring Auto Industry Standards – yawn (white, red, black, gray). The psychology behind a car color is very entrenched.
The plain fact is that Cadillacs current line-up needs a shake up . Consumers that for instance bought a CTS 4 years ago and now want to trade it in on a new model are confronting sticker shock . To get back into one is going to set them back another 6-7000 dollars . Is the new design worth that much more ? Sales tell you NO ! The XTS is going away soon as it was developed pre-bankruptcy and they needed to fill the gap having the DTS ‘s demise . The XLR is nothing more than a Volt with a different skin . The public is much smarter than that . Having a fire sale doesn’t do the marque any good . Lets hope the new SRX is a big hit because Lincoln is right on its tail . And the CT6 isn’t going to solve all of Cadillacs problems . It is going to take the brand a couple of product cycles to turn things around .
“The XLR is nothing more than a Volt with a different skin .”
Outstanding! A 2 door, hardtop, RWD, sports car that can get over 100+ mpg with its gas assisted, EV powertrain!
I’ve always been a Bowtie guy (and so the rest of my family). That said, if money was no problem for me I’d definitely have a CTS-V or ATS-V in the driveway. It’s a shame that sales aren’t up to par right now with the current (and may I say fantastic) line up that Cadillac has right now.