As I think we’ve all learned by now, Cadillac has a tough row to hoe in establishing themselves in the European markets as a viable luxury maker.

Back in 2003, we were told to expect 20000 units per year later in the decade.

Now, Cadillac has restructured their sales channel and revised the targets down to 10000 units per year.

Given that sales of the BLS have not taken off like they’d hoped, even this number is being viewed as aggressive and potentially optimistic (let’s hope the new CTS w/ diesel will help hit those numbers).

Read about it at:

Automotive News (via Petrol Head): Cadillac lowers its sales target in Europe

Categories: News, BLS, CTS
No Comments »

You remember the BLS, right?

The front-drive, Epsilon-based, sub-CTS sedan that is built in Saab’s factory in Sweden (alongside the 9-3) has had a rough go trying to crack the European market.

Starting late this year, the wagon body style will be added to try to turn things around.

GM announced today that the wagon will make it’s public debut at the Frankfort Motor Show in September with an on-sale date in November.

In addition, they announced even more Saab technology transfer in that the BLS will offer an ethanol-fuel engine option (much like Saab’s BioPower).

Read on for the entire press release.

Show me more… »

Categories: News, BLS
1 Comment »

Automotive News is reporting that Cadillac is unhappy with sales of the STS and DTS sedan. In part, this is due to customers waiting for the refreshed 08 STS due out later this year.

Sales of the DTS in May were down 20.7% while sales of the STS were down 18.1%.

GM’s VP of sales is less than pleased, saying “I’m not satisfied with STS and DTS sales, so we’re working on very specific plans to get that back on track.”

Combine higher ad spending with the freshened STS should get that back on track. Though, even with more ads, it is questionable if the DTS sales will rebound much without some sort of update.

Also noted by executives at Cadillac are vague plans to bring out a sub-CTS sedan as well as a new product above the CTS…this fits nicely with rumors of a rear-drive BLS, upmarket CTS, and the DTS/STS being replaced by a 7-Series/S-class fighter.

Categories: News, BLS, CTS, STS / SLS, DTS, Rumored Models
No Comments »

Edmunds InsideLine (via AutoBlog.com) is reporting that suppliers and other sources are hard at work on the new GM Alpha mid-size/rear-drive platform.

This new rear-drive architecture will serve as the basis for the next Cadillac BLS and allow Cadillac to move the CTS up to compete against the BMW 5-series/Mercedes E-Class (letting the 3-series sized BLS be a true 3-Series competitor).

This platform will be shared with Pontiac (for a new G6) and Saturn (for a new sub-Aura sedan/coupe).

Expect the new BLS to debut in the 2010 time-frame.

Autoblog.com: Alpha RWD platform set to invade GM lineup

Categories: News, BLS, Rumored Models
No Comments »

According to the good folks over at Autocar.co.uk, GM is poised to take back direct control of their UK distribution of Cadillac, Corvette (which is sold in Europe as its own brand), and Hummer.

While no details are yet available on what changes GM will make – they are likely aimed at improving dismal sales of Cadillac in that market (Cadillac has sold all of 600 cars in the UK since 2004).

Expect an official announcement in the coming days.

Read the Autocar article at:

Autocar.co.uk: GM to Take Back Control of Cadillac UK

Categories: News, BLS, CTS
No Comments »