Cadillac XTS sales decreased in the United States and in Canada in January 2018.
Cadillac XTS Sales - January 2018 - United States
In the United States, Cadillac XTS deliveries totaled 1,220 units in January 2018, a decrease of about 34 percent compared to 1,849 units sold in January 2017. The performance represents the model's lowest January sales performance since January 2013.| MODEL | JAN 2018 / JAN 2017 | JANUARY 2018 | JANUARY 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTS | -34.02% | 1,220 | 1,849 |
Cadillac XTS Sales - January 2018 - Canada
In Canada, Cadillac XTS deliveries totaled 17 units in January 2018, a decrease of about 45 percent compared to 31 units sold in January 2017. The performance represents the model's lowest January sales volume since at least January 2014.| MODEL | JAN 2018 / JAN 2017 | JANUARY 2018 | JANUARY 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTS | -45.16% | 17 | 31 |
The GM Authority Take
Cadillac XTS sales continued to suffer in January, with the premium luxury sedan posting its lowest January U.S. and Canadian sales volume in history. Even so, the model remained the best-selling vehicle of its segment, beating out the Lincoln Continental (see Lincoln Continental sales) and Acura RLX.
We attribute the ongoing decrease in U.S. XTS deliveries to the following factors:
- The age of the current model: though the XTS is competitive in its class and has received a mid-cycle enhancement for the 2018 model year, it is also the oldest car in its segment, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to the newer, more modern Lincoln Continental and, to a certain extent, the Acura RLX.
- An almost complete lack of marketing support: the XTS sees extremely little advertising from Cadillac, thereby decreasing awareness of the model for potential customers.
- The inability to retain existing XTS owners: Cadillac has not been as successful in retaining XTS 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 or to other models within the Cadillac lineup.
- The ongoing change in consumer-level vehicle purchase dynamics that favors CUVs and SUVs at the expense of other vehicle types, such as sedan.
As such, we do not foresee XTS sales picking up any time soon, despite the 2018 refresh being a potential interest generator. We should also note that the XTS’ primary competitor – the Lincoln Continental – has rapidly narrowed the sales gap with the XTS during the 2017 calendar year, and will likely continue doing so in 2018.
However, the XTS holds a notable advantage in terms of overall sales volume potential since it has a broader fleet/professional vehicles lineup comprised of five models that cover the gamut of the livery market. By comparison, the Continental is only available in a single livery variant, as Lincoln has tasked livery-specific duties to the MKT.
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Luxury Sedans - January 2018 - United States
| MODEL | JAN 18 / JAN 17 | JANUARY 18 | JANUARY 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTS | -34.02% | 1,220 | 1,849 |
| CONTINENTAL | -30.16% | 815 | 1,167 |
| RLX | +67.50% | 134 | 80 |
| TOTAL | -29.94% | 2,169 | 3,096 |
The full-size premium sedan contracted 30 percent in January.
For informational purposes, we are providing sales figures for full-size prestige luxury cars, which are similar in size to the XTS but generally have significantly higher starting prices and buyer demographics/profiles.
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Prestige Luxury Cars - January 2018 - United States
| MODEL | JAN 18 / JAN 17 | JANUARY 18 | JANUARY 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-CLASS | +29.46% | 1,569 | 1,212 |
| 7 SERIES | -33.58% | 362 | 545 |
| CT6 | -0.95% | 628 | 634 |
| LS | -58.57% | 116 | 280 |
| A8 | -55.91% | 112 | 254 |
| G90 | -20.94% | 370 | 468 |
| TOTAL | -6.96% | 3,157 | 3,393 |
About Cadillac XTS
The Cadillac XTS is a full-size premium sedan that consists of the XTS Sedan and XTS V-Sport Sedan. The vehicle was the first Cadillac model to be introduced after GM’s bankruptcy in the 2009-2010 timeframe and is larger than the compact Cadillac ATS and midsize Cadillac CTS. It is a similar size to the full-size Cadillac CT6 prestige luxury sedan.
The current, first-generation XTS was introduced for the 2013 model year. The vehicle is based on the extended-length wheelbase variant of the GM Epsilon platform known as Super Epsilon. The same platform underpins the second-generation Buick LaCrosse and tenth-generation Chevrolet Impala.
For the 2018 model year, the XTS gets a midcycle refresh, with revised exterior styling, slight revisions to the trim level structure, two new exterior colors along with revised interior color combinations and pairing. It also gets improved front seats for higher levels of comfort as well as revisions to the suspension system to provide more comfort for occupants. There’s also a host of technology improvements, such as the addition of new active safety features, the new CUE 3.0 infotainment system and more. For more on the updates, see 2018 Cadillac XTS changes.
Cadillac had plans to discontinue the XTS around the 2017 model year, but has decided to continue selling the model and give it a midcycle refresh. Even so, it is expected that the model will be discontinued in the vicinity of the 2019 – 2020 calendar years, with the Cadillac CT6 serving as its indirect successor.
The Cadillac XTS is built at the GM Oshawa plant in Ontario operated by GM Canada for North America and at the Shanghai-GM Jinqiao North plant operated by GM China for the Chinese market.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Cadillac XTS January 2017 sales
- In the United States, there were 25 selling days in January 2018 and 24 selling days in January 2017
- In Canada, there were 25 selling days in January 2018 and 24 selling days in January 2017
- Cadillac XTS sales include:
- XTS Sedan
- XTS V-Sport Sedan
- XRS Professional Vehicles, including:
- W20 Livery Package
- W30 Coachbuilder Stretch Livery
- B05 Armored
- B9Q Coachbuilder Funeral Coach
- V4U Coachbuilder Limousine
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM incentives and offers
- Cadillac XTS info:
Related Sales Reporting
- Running GM sales results
- Running Chevrolet sales results
- Running Cadillac sales results
- Running Cadillac XTS sales numbers
- Running Buick sales results
- Running GMC sales results
- January 2017 GM sales results
- U.S. GM January 2017 sales results
- U.S. January 2017 Chevrolet sales results
- U.S. January 2017 Cadillac sales results
- U.S. January 2017 Buick sales results
- U.S. January 2017 GMC sales results
- GM Canada January 2017 sales results
- Canada January 2017 Chevrolet sales results
- Canada January 2017 Cadillac sales results
- Canada January 2017 Buick sales results
- Canada January 2017 GMC sales results
- GM China January 2017 sales results
- Global January 2017 Cadillac sales results
- U.S. GM January 2017 sales results
Comments
I understand that the FWD Large lux sedans and the RWD large lux sedans are two different segments, but since sales figures for both were put into the article; I am going to consider them the same class for the purpose of this comparison. with that being said; the XTS is technically the second best selling in its class, in addition to being the best selling Cadillac sedan…………….all with almost no advertising. Even though most of the sales are probably fleet sales, its still a sale. In business; money is money, and money is good.
The XTS has this substantially higher sales volume for two primary reasons:
1. Lowest price in its class (when looking at the overall segment full-size premium and prestige luxury sedan segments)… a factor that also applies to the Continental, and
2. Broad range of fleet-only models and sales, which account for 30-40 percent of XTS sales volume – something that no other model in this class enjoys
In this case, the “money is money, and money is good” factor doesn’t really apply – since high fleet sales typically result in:
1. Extremely little to negative profit margin for Cadillac or GM on the front end,
2. Lower residual values
So what ends up happening is that not only does GM/Cadillac not make much money on the initial sale (on the front end of the deal), they also then have to “pay in” more money to a lease deal (which are vital in this space) in order to make the residuals of the model equal or as attractive as the rivals. And then they’re stuck with a product that has worse reputation in the retail marketplace due to the fact that it has a lower residual value.
Then, there’s the factor of warranty repairs sapping even more money on the back-end of the deal, meaning that GM/Cadillac is footing repair costs (parts, shop time expenses, plus providing a loaner and/or rental vehicle while the car is in the shop) from a deal from which they 1) already made very little money from on the initial transaction and 2) paid more into the transaction if it’s a lease deal. It’s like a three-way loss at the end of the day, which is unfortunate – but it explains why GM was so adamant about moving away from daily fleet sales.
That said, I should note that not all XTS fleet sales are to daily rental fleets. Some are to commercial accounts, which are significantly more lucrative than a daily rental fleet transaction. But even then, they are stuck with a car that’s worth less from a residual standpoint (than it could have been without the fleet sales) while also carrying negative consumer opinion due to the lower residuals (which could impact repeat purchase consideration).
Its my least favorite vehicle in their lineup. It has an inflated look that feels very 2005; very cumbersome.
I only ever see them as black cabs around here.
As someone who grew up riding in Cadillacs including 60, 65 and 73 Fleetwood’s, 73 Eldorado, two different 78 Devilles, 89 Brougham, 98 Deville and 2010 CTS sport wagon the XTS to me is the only car that tries to be what a Cadillac traditionally has been, a comfortable full size car that will seat 5 to 6 big guys like myself and ride over Michigan’s cratered roadways without loosening your teeth.
The exterior styling took a hit with the MCE. Although there are undoubtedly other factors at work, It was a step backwards that couldn’t have helped sales. I’ve seen ONE on the road.
I don’t know about that. I see the styling of the MCE as more attractive than the pre-MCE model.
For a car this old it’s still holding it’s own against some premium autos . The Mercedes is all new and is King of the segment . Unfortunately the MCE didn’t give it the boost that may have been expected even though it looks better and more in tune with the Cadillac family .
Is not the Continental a ” premier Luxury ” car ? What constitutes the difference between Luxury and a Premiere Luxury?
In Black Label trim it surely competes with an Audi or LS and a G90 .
Just like the CT6 is Cadillacs premium Luxury car so is the Lincoln Continental for Lincoln / Ford .
What is a bit worrisome is when Cadillac finally stops XTS production I don’t see that customer base going to CT6 , to big of a price difference . Just maybe they go to the new CT5 or 4 . But a lot is going to depend on price and ride quality because that is XTS’s draw . And that is a huge difference between the CT6 and Continental , licoln went for more of an old school ride and Cadillacs focus is on a more Euro type .
One word Cadillac..Escala! If you build it they will come….