Currently, very few GM vehicles are available in right-hand drive, and only one model is available in right-hand drive (RHD) directly from the factory (that model being the C8 Corvette). Now, however, GM Authority has learned that Cadillac is poised to change all that with a few upcoming models offered in right-hand-drive. The new driving configuration for the all-electric Cadillac models will enable the luxury marque to make a stronger push in several international markets, ones where its reach and ability to compete have been non-existent.
We’ve heard rumblings about possible RHD Cadillac models for quite some time, but nothing truly concrete has been unearthed thus far. For instance, a right-hand-drive Cadillac Lyriq prototype was caught undergoing testing earlier this year, and some Cadillacs have been caught testing in Australia. Beyond that, however, the topic has been spotty, at best.
Right-hand-drive Cadillac Lyriq prototype captured in early 2023
Now, GM Authority sources tell us that GM is in the midst of a project that would see several Cadillac models offered in right-hand-drive. From what we know, this project is limited to EVs, and will not include any ICE-powered vehicles. The launch of the forthcoming battery electric Cadillacs in RHDÂ form will coincide with the marque’s push toward EVs, which is currently underway.
A portfolio of right-hand-drive models will make Cadillac a more complete player in the global auto industry, enabling the luxury marque to expand to the planet’s largest right-hand-drive markets like the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Among these four RHD markets, Cadillac has a first-party presence in Japan only; in other words, Cadillac models are available in Japan direct from the manufacturer, as opposed to through some sort of middle-man company or broker.
Critically, the move to offer right-hand-drive Cadillac EVs will be the tip of the spear for General Motors’ effort to make a stronger push into Europe as a whole. GM CEO Mary Barra stated in 2022 that The General was ready to return to the European market, and like Cadillac, the push will be similarly focused on battery electric vehicles.
2021 Chevy Corvette C8 Stingray in right hand drive
For the moment, the Corvette C8 is the only GM vehicle available in right-hand drive directly from the factory. Meanwhile, models like the Chevy Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD are converted from left-hand drive to right-hand drive by GMSV for sale in Australia and New Zealand.
Just a decade ago, GM’s portfolio of right-hand-drive vehicles was substantially more expansive, but this came to an end when the automaker sold off its European Opel-Vauxhall division, in which Vauxhall served as the right-hand-drive sister brand to Opel. A few years later, it shuttered Holden in Australia and New Zealand. At the time, Opel-Vauxhall along with Holden encompassed the entirety of GM’s right-hand-drive efforts.
We’ll report back as soon as we know more, so make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac news, GM business news, GM EV news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Long overdue but they must make sure they stick with it this time and not ignore these markets – it takes time , the Cadillac EV’s seems to offer a good alternative to the European/Korean and Japanese offerings and in a world where it’s getting more difficult to distinguish brands Cadillac has a good opportunity . The same for Chevrolet as well with the EV’s – just do it…..
Ridiculous…how many times do they have to learn. You’ve already thrown in the towel on UK, Europe and Aus. Is all this development really worth it for UK and Japan (where, let’s be honest, Cadillac is not going resonate) or Australia where the GDP is about the same as Florida. Aus is about 2/3rd the size of Canada which manages roughly 2,000 Escalade sales/year and that’s the hot product. How many cars are you going to sell in Aus…a few hundred? Let’s stay focused people!
The Cadillac EVs are hot and special products. So there is a reason why they are counting on the push to those markets by having right hand drive versions and the brand have confidence that it could work this time than the gas models with a little bit more focus. So it appears that they will have the right products in the future than a decade ago.
It will take time to increase volume and interests but it could work while Cadillac stick it out.
They went to Le Mans this year for racing and will be racing in F1 so there is a reason they are pulling out all the stops this time to make the brand relevant like it was years ago.
Ok, but you don’t need to develop right hand drive vehicles to pursue that strategy. The entire EU is left hand drive…same as the US. China same. If you can prove the strategy (I’m skeptical) those are the markets where it’s going to happen. Imo the right hand drive volume opportunity is miniscule for the Cadillac brand. I have no idea what it costs to create RHD, but its certainly millions. You’d need to sell thousands in those markets to get that money back to the bottom line.
I would challenge that the Cadillac EV’s are hot, but no question they should be doing a better job taking on Tesla with the Lyriq given it splits the difference between a Model Y and a Model X…they just haven’t found the right overall value equation as yet.
The STS was available in RH drive from the factory and it wound up being a total waste of money. Appealing to Japan, Australia and England is going to take much more than moving the steering wheel. Those markets have very limited marketing and service support much less any marketing appeal.
I used to work at Detroit-Hamtramck Plant in Detroit. I drove cars off the end of the line in final. We had a special line for right hand drive cars. I drove them every day. I dont remember when they started building but I drove them ever day I worked there which was 6 years. I retired at the end of 2003. Had 36 years and for months.
That’s a job I can envy.
Nonsense. Cadillac brand can only work on foreign markets in V series form or Escalade with V8. Eventually 2.0 Diesel XT4 and CTS 2.0 as daily drivers. There are ton of EV for various manufactured by Chinese, Koreans. Cadillac got no chance to be competion for them.
By that logic, neither does BMW or Mercedes-Benz, right?
BMW and Mercedes got strong position in Europe, Cadillac got almost zero existence now (only XT4 on selected markets). So there is nothing to compare. Cadillac got still in Europe as luxury american car or SUV with V8, so existence on this market should follow this.
Well its about time gm aligned themselves with their competitors who have been engineering their vehicles both LHD and RHD markets for decades.
GM would do well in UK and Buick brand mirrors Vauxhall in many segments. Importing Chine made models would probably break even really fast.
By exiting, Chevrolet burned bridges. It was positioned as a bargin brand & will be a tough sell
I imagine EV’s are way easier to engineer for either than front engine ICE, especially FWD ICE. That has to be a nightmare to make for both. The C8 is probably easier as well with the rear engine. So if it is easy, why not.
The real question is, will Cadillac ever sell more autos in the US than Mercedes-Benz? BMW? Lexus? They’re lucky to sell 100,000 vehicles/year in the US.