Cadillac CTS sales decreased in the United States and in Canada in September 2017.
Cadillac CTS Sales - September 2017 - United States
In the United States, Cadillac CTS deliveries totaled 1,059 units in September 2017, a decrease of about 30 percent compared to 1,503 units sold in September 2016.In the first nine months of the year, CTS sales decreased about 33 percent to 8,104 units.
MODEL | SEP 2017 / SEP 2016 | SEPTEMBER 2017 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | YTD 2017 / YTD 2016 | YTD 2017 | YTD 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CTS | -29.54% | 1,059 | 1,503 | -33.29% | 8,104 | 12,148 |
Cadillac CTS Sales - September 2017 - Canada
In Canada, Cadillac CTS deliveries totaled 35 units in September 2017, a decrease of about 64 percent compared to 97 units sold in September 2016.In the first nine months of the year, CTS sales decreased about 36 percent to 414 units.
MODEL | SEP 2017 / SEP 2016 | SEPTEMBER 2017 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | YTD 2017 / YTD 2016 | YTD 2017 | YTD 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CTS | -63.92% | 35 | 97 | -36.11% | 414 | 648 |
The GM Authority Take
CTS sales continue to suffer at the hands of newer and more modern competitors alongside nearly non-existent marketing support.
This series of events has led the CTS family to come in sixth place (out of nine) in terms of cumulative sales volume in its segment, behind the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in first, BMW 5 and 6 series in second, Audi A6/A7 in third, Genesis G80 in fourth, and the Volvo S90/V90 family in fifth (with 1,203 sales). The CTS did, however, finish ahead of the Lexus GS, Infiniti Q70, and Acura RLX.
In addition, the CTS’ 30 percent sales slide represented the second-highest drop in its class behind the Lexus GS, whose sales fell 37 percent.
We attribute the decrease in U.S. CTS deliveries to the following three factors:
- The age of the current model: though the CTS is a solid car, it is also the oldest in its segment (tied with the Audi A6). Though its age isn’t as noticeable as that of the ATS, it is still not as competitive as its most direct rivals, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, both of which have recently been overhauled as all-new models. The product’s negative attributes also include various refinement items and details, such as the cabin and the powertrain (specifically the 2.0L Turbo LTG engine and any 8-speed transmission outside the V-Sport variant). The CTS does, however, excel in terms of driving dynamics, in-vehicle technology, and safety.
- A lack of marketing support: the CTS sees extremely little advertising from Cadillac, thereby decreasing awareness of the model for potential new customers.
- The inability to retain existing CTS owners: Cadillac has not been as successful in retaining CTS customers for a follow-up purchase, either as a result of product-related reasons or being out-marketed by competitors, with customers switching to rival luxury brands in the segment.
We don’t foresee CTS sales picking until its replacement – the CT5 – arrives in the 2019-2020 timeframe.
Sales Numbers - Midsize Luxury Cars - September 2017 - United States
MODEL | SEP 17 / SEP 16 | SEPTEMBER 17 | SEPTEMBER 16 | YTD 17 / YTD 16 | YTD 17 | YTD 16 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
E-CLASS | -13.64% | 4,166 | 4,824 | -2.83% | 36,511 | 37,576 |
5 SERIES | +144.44% | 3,718 | 1,521 | +2.93% | 28,517 | 27,705 |
6 SERIES | -5.07% | 262 | 276 | -23.90% | 2,261 | 2,971 |
A6 | -24.33% | 1,210 | 1,599 | -14.09% | 11,777 | 13,709 |
A7 | -6.84% | 504 | 541 | -25.04% | 3,439 | 4,588 |
G80 | +13.82% | 1,367 | 1,201 | +339.44% | 11,856 | 2,698 |
S90 | +488.44% | 865 | 147 | +819.74% | 5,592 | 608 |
V90 | * | 27 | * | * | 120 | * |
V90 CC | * | 203 | * | * | 1,523 | * |
CTS | -29.54% | 1,059 | 1,503 | -33.29% | 8,104 | 12,148 |
GS | -37.52% | 666 | 1,066 | -49.29% | 5,560 | 10,964 |
Q70 | +36.82% | 550 | 402 | +2.51% | 4,608 | 4,495 |
RLX | -7.84% | 94 | 102 | -21.84% | 823 | 1,053 |
TOTAL | +11.45% | 14,691 | 13,182 | +1.84% | 120,691 | 118,515 |
Cumulative sales of the midsize luxury car segment grew 11 percent in September. During the first nine months of 2017, segment sales increased 1.84 percent to 120,691 units.
- CTS sales include Cadillac CTS Sedan, CTS V-Sport Sedan, and CTS-V Sedan
- E-Class figures include Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan, E-Class Wagon, E-Class Coupe and CLS-Class
- BMW:
- 5 Series figures include BMW 5 Series sedan and 5 Series Gran Turismo
- 6 Series figures include BMW 6 Series coupe, 6 Series convertible, 6 Series Gran Coupé and 6 Series Gran Turismo
- Though they are split out on the sales chart, we count these models as a single model given that they are all mechanically related and target similar customers
- Audi:
- A6 figures include Audi A6 and S6
- A7 figures include Audi A7, S7 and RS7
- Though they are split out on the sales chart, we count these models as a single model given that they are all mechanically related and target similar customers
- Q70 figures include Infiniti Q70 and Q70L
- S90, V90, V90 CC include:
- Volvo S90, the sedan variant of Volvo 90 series
- Volvo V90, the wagon variant of Volvo 90 series
- Volvo V90 CC, the ruggedized wagon variant of Volvo V90
- Sales figures for the Jaguar XF and Maserati Ghibli, which compete in the midsize luxury car class, are not included since Jaguar does not disclose sales by vehicle line
About Cadillac CTS

2017 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Carbon Black
The Cadillac CTS is a midsize luxury sedan family that includes the CTS Sedan, CTS V-Sport Sedan, and ultra high-performance CTS-V variant. The vehicle slots above the compact Cadillac ATS and below the full-size Cadillac CT6.
The current, third generation CTS was introduced for the 2014 model year. The vehicle is based on the extended-length wheelbase variant of the GM Alpha platform. The same platform underpins the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro while a shorter variant of the same architecture underpins the Cadillac ATS.
For the 2018 model year, the CTS gets a new exterior color, an automatic heated steering wheel, the all-new CUE 3.0 infotainment system, and the deletion of the Carbon Black Package. The vehicle is expected to be replaced by an entirely new, next-generation model called Cadillac CT5 for either the 2019 or 2020 model years. As such, the 2018 model year CTS could be the last year of the current, third-gen model.
The Cadillac CTS is built exclusively at the GM Lansing Grand River factory in Michigan operated by GM USA. The vehicle is currently not offered in China, which will likely change for the CT5, since we expect a GM China factory to build the next-gen vehicle for the Chinese market.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Cadillac CTS September 2016 sales
- In the United States, there were 26 selling days in September 2017 and 25 selling days in September 2016
- In Canada, there were 26 selling days in September 2017 and 25 selling days in September 2016
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Comments
Cadillac’s CTS is dull as there’s no excitement with this car.. it might be different if the base engine was the LGX 3.6L V6 making 335 hp with the LF4 twin-turbo 3.6L V6 being the mid-range engine; but while the LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8 is the standard engine of the CTS-V, it would be interesting if the LT4 was available as an option even the base CTS even if it would be speed limited meaning the car would be capable of great burnouts, it wouldn’t be capable of the near 200mph top speed.
So does the fact that the rest of the competitors in this segment offer the same engines (that’s are oftentimes less powerful) as those offered across the CTS line also make them sans “excitement”? Or the fact that the car drives better than the rest?
No one races these cars… very few, really. But they enjoy the day to day driving experience.
No, the problem here is exactly what is outlined in the article: no national marketing from the onset, terrible on the ground marketing from dealers (supported by the national team).
CTS, CT6 CAN HARDLY TELL THEM APART…THE NAME AND THE ACTUAL CARS. CUSTOMERS ARE EITHER CONFUSED OR BORED BY THE CARS.
Not being able to “tell apart” models from Mercedes or BMW (and coming soon, Audi) has not held back those brands… and it is definitely not holding back Cadillac, which has the most design differentiation between its vehicles.
Things aren’t looking any better with the revised XTS on the market. Despite competing in differing segments, many Cadillac customers are likely noticing the relative overlap in size and pricing of the CTS and XTS sedans. Thus, opting for the larger, yet cheaper XTS. Can’t wait for the new replacement model to come and rectify this situation! CTS driving dynamics with XTS comfort, volume and pricing is a sure fire way to get sales going again!
Indeed, the replacement can’t come soon enough, though I’m not sure about the “comfort” aspect.
The CTS is highly comfortable already… the XTS is simply “floaty”. Doubt the CT5 will have that as its attributes.
That’s US sales. Worldwide, it’s dead last.
Worldwide, the CTS still outsells the likes of the Q70, RLX, G80 and GS… so worldwide, the CTS remains mid-pack. That said, it is way behind the German rivals in terms of global sales volume… and that’s largely because Cadillac has been absent from key global markets such as Europe. That will change around 2020-2021 calendar year.
The bottom line here is this is the oldest cat in a segment that thrives on the latest and greatest.
Then the CTS also is buying time till the Alpha update is ready.
Then factor in the CT6 also taking sales here.
This is just some of the painful transition they have to go through.
Finally in a low volume segment percentages are not the great numbers you see at Chevy.
We already know that the new XT4 will be first to come out with the all new Escala horizontal headlight styled front end. Soon after, the entire Cadillac lineup will soon also receive the Escala makeover.
Since we continue to see Mercedes C and BMW 3 grow in size, the ATS may also need to grow to survive. Near term, more money spent on a totally new CTS (to become the CT5), may be the best money spent. A new ATS may still follow, since a stretch version is a big seller in China.
I believe all cars need to grow a bit in order to compete with crossover based vehicles. Maybe roof height needs to be a bit taller with a slightly higher seating position?
I give GM/Cadillac big credit for how well engineered the ATS,CTS and CT6 sedans are.
If they’re so well engineered, why do they rate at the bottom of the barrel in reliability. 27th out of 27th.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/car-brands-reliability-how-they-stack-up/
For anybody who dismisses JD Power or Consumer Report which are both factual based, then find something better.