GM To Build Cadillac "Flagship" In Detroit
DETROIT (WWJ) - General Motors says its as yet unnamed top-of-the line sedan will be built at the company's Detroit-Hamtramck plant, starting in the fourth quarter of next year.
"We have said that we are going to make the investments to make Cadillac a true global luxury brand," said GM CEO Mary Barra. "I'm not going to give you specifics about the details. I'll tell you it's top end. It's a vehicle we don't have in our portfolio."
The car, referred to as a "flagship" in the auto industry, will be meant to compete with vehicles like the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series, that can have sticker prices in the $100,000 range. GM recently hinted at the possible styling of a flagship vehicle with the Elmiraj concept car, shown above.
"The objective for this upcoming model is to lift the Cadillac range by entering the elite class of top-level luxury cars," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. "Currently in development, this new rear wheel drive-oriented sedan uses completely new, custom-designed materials on a unique vehicle architecture."
No word yet on a name, or the pricing, but flagship vehicles can run in the $100,00 range. Barra says GM hasn't decided yet whether to debut the car at January's North American International Auto Show.
GM recently announced that this Cadillac will be the first with limited self driving technology.
"In addition to new technology in the car itself, we are instituting innovative manufacturing techniques to assemble it with the precision deserving of a luxury make," said de Nysschen."
Cadillac sales have been down this year, even as its vehicles have won critical praise. de Nysschen, who has run luxury brands Audi and Infiniti was brought in to turn things around.
Barra says the brand has the products to accomplish that turnaround.
"I'm very excited about Cadillac. I understand it's going to take some time. We have to earn our way, and we will."
General Motors recently announced a $384 million dollar investment in Detroit-Hamtramk, which already makes the Cadillac ELR as well as the Chevy Volt, Malibu and Impala. That investment was meant to pave the way for this car. Work on that investment has already begun.
"As we drive drive success with those vehicles, it means more jobs, and kinda flows through the area, with the supply base, et cetera" said Barra, who was once manager of the Detroit Hamtramk Plant.
The announcement winning applause from community leaders including Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.
"Michigan takes great pride in being recognized as the automotive capital of the world, GM's choice to build its Cadillac flagship sedan at Detroit Hamtramck is a testament to the spirit, resolve and talented workers residing in our communities and state, and demonstrates the high quality of what 'Made in Michigan' means. And it's another sign of the amazing comeback underway that's building a strong foundation and bright future for all Michiganders."
Four of seven Cadillac models – the ELR at Detroit-Hamtramck and the CTS sedan and ATS sedan and Coupe are built at Lansing Grand River – are assembled in Michigan.
"This is another testament to the power of collective bargaining and what can be achieved when we all work together," said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who leads the union's GM Department. "Our members work hard and take great pride in creating quality products that drive the industry forward and make these achievements possible."
The Detroit-Hamtramk plant currently runs on one shift. GM has said that it would like to add a second, and even a third shift. But Barra says that depends on the success of the products made there.
"Hopefully, we'll do the right things and those vehicles will have the success in the marketplace, and we'll be able to do things like that. At the ultimate, it's how successful those products are that generate that."
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