October 2017 Cadillac Sales

17 Months. That is how long Cadillac has sold more cars and SUVs worldwide than the month before. The dance between Cadillac's two largest markets continues with double-digit growth in the Chinese market putting the US in second place by over 3000 units for the month(17018 vs 13931). Chinese sales were up year-over-year by 36.1% (4516 units).  The amusingly titled 'Rest of World' was also up by double-digits (19.9% or 357 units).  In contrast, the US was largely flat (down 17 units or 0.1%).   US sales of the XTS sedan (up 726 units or 49.6%) along with strong sales of the XT5 crossover (942 units or 19.5%) almost offset drops in other sedans. This month saw double-digit drops in the ATS (664 units or 41.7%), CTS (245 units or 23.9%), as well as the flagship CT6 (520 units or 39.5%).  Even the mighty Escalade saw a joint drop of 166 units year-over-year. As we have said before, the luxury market has turned quickly toward crossovers in a way that Cadillac was not prepared.  The XT5 has been the sole offering and is single-handedly been responsible for keeping the sales story in the US from being much worse.  Though, it appears that things are getting ready to change - the sales press release this month contained a reference to the new XT4 that will hit the market in 2018.  Sales of even a single new crossover model will flip the recurring sales story in the US and likely push the Chinese market back into second place for a time.