Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Cadillac CTS gets limited-edition colors ahead of redesign
Cadillac added a pair of limited-edition CTS vehicles to its lineup on Friday. Silver Frost and Stealth blue will join the car’s color palette. Only 100 Silver Frost Cadillac CTS-V coupe will be produced with the low-gloss matte finish while the new blue will appear on all body styles.
The Silver Frost will go on sale in March. The color will only come on the performance-oriented V models offering features such as colored Brembo brake calipers, high polished or satin wheels and suede covering for the interior.
A new Cadillac CTS is expected to debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show; special editions are a common way for manufacturers to maintain interest in an outgoing model before redesigned vehicles are available for sale.
Cadillac says the finish was realized by applying a 30-gloss clear coat, as opposed to an 80-gloss found in standard finishes. The paint will still emit a low sparkle but the finish will be distinctly matte.
The company also says owners won’t have to significantly deviate from their normal paint maintenance, though they do note that the finish has to be hand-washed. It also can’t be waxed, and if bugs or sap get on the paint, they should be removed immediately.
The Stealth blue paint will be offered the CTS coupe and all CTS-V models, with a limited run starting in March. The blue is a standard finish hue, requiring no special care. Optional Twilight blue leather is offered to go with the paint.
Customers will be able to order the new colors at dealerships beginning this spring.
Source: AutoWeek
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Cadillac ATS Drives U.S. Sales, Market Share Growth
Brand sees highest January retail sales in 23 years
DETROIT – Driven by the new ATS sport sedan, the North American Car of the Year, Cadillac U.S. sales increased 47 percent in January. Growing demand by individual buyers made January the best month for Cadillac domestic retail sales in 23 years.
Cadillac estimates that it gained approximately three percentage points of share in the U.S. luxury market in January, more than any major luxury brand.
“The award-winning ATS and the consistently strong SRX crossover drove a surge in demand this month,” said Chase Hawkins, vice president of Cadillac sales. “When you look inside the numbers, we’re even more encouraged to see our products building momentum, drawing new luxury consumers and expanding our brand.”
Ninety-four percent of Cadillac sales in January were retail, the highest since 1990. Growth was strong in the crucial East and West coast markets. Retail sales increased 41 percent in California and 42 percent in New York.
The new ATS gained on its European rivals in January. Market share in its segment nearly doubled in January compared to the previous month, to an estimated 12.5 percent.
ATS has a crucial goal of attracting new buyers to Cadillac. In January, 56 percent of ATS buyers came from competitors, or did not trade in any other car. One-fifth of ATS buyers are under the age of 35, twice the rate of Cadillac in general.
SRX had its best January ever, gaining more than four points of market share to claim the No. 2 position among midsize luxury crossovers and SUVs. The 2013 model year SRX included design and technology updates inside and out, helping drive strong consumer demand.
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.
(Courtesy of cadillac.com)