Cadillac plug-in for January debut, in direct combat with Tesla set

DETROIT, Oct 11 Reuters)-General Motors co will go head with head electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc from January, when a plug-in-brand in the retail version of its luxury Cadillac.

GM said on Friday its 2014 Cadillac ELR-plug-in Coupé a starting price of almost $76,000 including shipping - ways in the competition with the model s federal tax credits have similar favorable Tesla could reduce the cost of the ELR for consumers up to $7,500.

GM said the two-door ELR available at national level, in contrast to the Chevrolet Volt is the first in selected markets was rolled out. Similar to the Volt ELR an electric range of about 35 km on the highway and a gasoline engine for longer range, indicating it has golf practice range a total of more than 300 miles.

ELR will bring GM one of the best selling pure electric cars in direct competition to Tesla's all-electric model S. The four door model S starts at $70,000.

Since the price cuts, the GM and other automakers have set up for their electric cars in recent months, analysts are unsure whether that has U.S. automakers realistic expectations for the new Cadillac. GM cut the Volt price by $5,000 to $35,000 in August.

"ELR makes a much bolder luxury and style statement than the Volt," said Kelley Blue Book analyst Karl Brauer. "This certainly justifies a higher price for the ELR's point, but Cadillac cannot deny the pricing reality, which we with other advanced hybrid and electric vehicles seen."

"Consumers have traditionally shied away from the price premium that require these cars generally, non-hybrid vehicles, and that has forced a wave of price cuts," he added. "Will a $75,000 ELR break through this scheme? Cadillac is no doubt just the success of equally cheap Tesla and hopes the auto follow. "But I don't know whether this level of enthusiasm and prices will be transferred to the ELR."

ELR is probably only the first step for GM in luxury electric cars offer. Doug Parks, the Deputy for global product development, has in the last month that GM would do look like other EVs in the $Giganet price range.

GM previously said ELR overseas, including the important Chinese market, will be sold later in the year 2014. Executives of the company have stressed that ELR a low sales volume will be auto.

Production of ELR will most likely start this year at the company Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, where is the Volt. Introduction of the ELR is an expected product Flash by GM luxury brand his Cadillac as the Detroit company could double in the next four years.

Read More

Cadillac ATS named car of the year at the auto show

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau

Detroit manufacturer dominates as the Detroit show 2013 opened car with the annual North American International Auto and truck of the year awards.

Cadillac claimed that introduced the coveted car of the year, with its new 2013 ATS compact luxury sedan. The new RAM was honored in the category of truck/utility 1500 pickup.

"I need someone who come up here and pinch myself to make sure that really happened," said Fred Diaz, CEO of the RAM, as he climbed the stage to collect the trophy. The price was all the sweeter, he proclaimed, this parent Chrysler was considering bankruptcy and written way dead, many, just a few years ago.

But the same could be said for General Motors, which, like Chrysler, Chapter 11 mid-2009 only with the help of a rescue operation emerged from, to produce the still controversial. That GM officials said, that is why it is so important, third-party endorsements for vehicles such as the ATS.

"When you consider that Cadillac endeavour, even as the restore standard of the world, this is an important moment," explains Dave Leone, Chief Engineer of the ATS project.

The TDB continuous coverage of the Detroit Auto Show

This is the first time in the 20 years of the voted that Cadillac has won, even though it was already nominated. RAM won once, before for the collection of 1500 - or more precisely, the truck took honors for the Dodge Division before RAM abgespaltenen independently.

The truck failed two crossovers in the first year the category officially both conventional trucks and commercial vehicles, the Mazda CX-5 and the Ford C-Max contain.

The car had against the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord squared CTS out.

A total of 49 judges from the United States and Canada increased the potential bias in the polls - a group, covering a wide range of voices, avoid other prices face. (Full disclosure, TheDetroitBureau.com Publisher Paul A. Eisenstein is member of the jury of voted.)

More than 50 different vehicles Board, a list as part of the process were initially at the voted, that contain back slowly trimmed a grueling shootout between the competitors in the appropriately named hell, Michigan.

Over the years, Detroit manufacturer 11 taken car of the year award, with Japanese makers to win three, two Europeans and Koreans twice.

On the side of the truck domestic workers have won 13 times, from today Japanese makers four times and Europeans have captured three awards.

Bear in mind that placed in the voted awards, industry observers expect strong Cadillac and RAM their victories in their marketing campaigns promote the credibility to start almost immediately.

Copyright © 2009-2012, the Detroit Bureau

Read More

GM gibt neue Cadillac Limousine Flaggschiff OK

By Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau

After give apparently much internal debate General Motors Cadillac type which means, those it needs, approved, serious pursuit of the European competition, in particular through the approval of a new 7 series competitor who will serve as the domestic manufacturer flagship sedan.

As TheDetroitBureau.com recently reported, the new model is - you by CIEL concept strongly influenced recent Cadillac will be - be connected the new ATS entry-luxury sedan through a variety of additional new Caddy products including a downsized crossover and a V-series version.

The new model is also of Cadillac push-to finally a truly global brand will Cap. Although Insider TheDetroitBureau.com should say the CIEL-based flagship also hopes that it can provide a Halo in Europe develop particularly strong demand in China, caddy, where the brand for traction long fight.

The Bureau has said that a concept version of the new premium luxury model in January next year Detroit car could occur show.

Official launch of the new model news by automotive, is apparently senior Cadillac based officials on comments while a preview of the new ATS made reported. Mark insiders had indicated that a decision in the vicinity was when they met last month with TheDetroitBureau.com ride-and-drive during an earlier ATS.

The challenge, a source said, was relieved to take over the necessary resources to the wide range of products to cover need Cadillac its import competitors. Last week TheDetroitBureau.com reports, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are planning significant extensions of its own product portfolio.

Cadillac gave a clear understanding of their goals, as it presented the CIEL concept on the Pebble Beach Concours d ' elegance August last year. The striking convertible featured a bold design that harkened back to the large caddies of the 1950s and 1960s but striking new design notes introduced and featured over-the-top materials and details such as a retractable scarf for the back seat passengers.

The flagship is not so fat as CIEL but hand is expected after a company, which would more be push in accordance with ultra premium brands such as Bentley for a "premium-ness".
Cadillac has for years longing after a 7 series competitor and initially indicated, he, with the introduction of Caddy sixteen concept on the January 2003 introduced what could Detroit Auto show. The design was submitted in part because GM used see the potential for a 16-cylinder engine as in the prototype.

Also is the manufacturer to adopt a 12-cylinder engine like some premium models. It is more likely to anchor the new model with a V-8, which can compete with the likes of the BMW 750 or Mercedes-Benz S550. A smaller and more fuel-efficient V-6 is a chance and may came in Turbo format. A new 8-speed transmission, is reportedly underway.
It is uncertain whether the Detroit manufacturer also a V-series entry, to compete with people how Mercedes S63 AMG would offer.

Is the platform for the new flagship based "Architecture" for the current CTS and abandoned Cadillac STS allegedly on a modified version of the Omega used. It would be stretched but also steps to both to lighten and stiffen to the platform.

(The next generation CTS, the ATS - will migrate on the Alpha architecture for the Compact now, even if the middle class model will actually slightly larger grow, if it used debutiert in 2014.)
Cadillac hopes to have the new flagship model in showrooms shortly after the mid-decade mark. It is much more companies in many traders as Caddy currently offers have. This year brings the introduction of the ATS and the larger XTS. If the brand new "flagship" described, Caddy had officials that the XTS as they began phrase to think that the CIEL-based model would win approval. Instead, the XTS will be a conservative segment of the buyer is aimed at that traditionally like could have chosen for the old DTS.

A flat version of the ATS, designer is now apparently in Cadillac and the development work now different convertible designs. Sources declined to say, what model could go in the open, suggesting that several alternatives to be examined. But an advertising is clearly another priority, despite relatively low demand because of the Halo potential.

Inter alia in the development, is working on a more cross-over utility vehicle under the current SRX Cadillac and one still small CUV slot follow could, given the extended and reduced range such as BMW X offered the European, 1, X 3 and original X 5.

Meanwhile granted GM after some discussion for the deletion of the long-running bling Mobile also has the means of going big Escalade to keep due mid-decade, with replacement.

Read More

Pistons buzz is Cadillac shake up the image

Helps a brand new model slipping sales boost Cadillac? CNBC's Phil LeBeau reports on the efforts of major General Motors has to revive sales caddy.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, msnbc.com of mysteries
Cadillac is hoping what shake - quite literally - with the introduction of its new flagship sedan.

XTS called, it features a new "awareness driver package", that hidden can place before a car into the blind spot, meaning, if the driver accidentally slides into the adjacent lane or if there is a potential for a collision with the car forward. Instead of flashing lights or sound a buzzer, begins the sedan driver's seat to vibrate.

But Cadillac wants to shake up the established order in the U.S. luxury market. There was a time, not many years ago, when the brand from General Motors mainly dominated its competitors, import / domestic. Car is now little more than an L2 competitors at home and all but forgotten in other countries.

"We want to regain our coat as the standard of the world", Don Butler, Cadillac said Vice President of marketing, during the first drive of the new XTS, "and we think that we have to do the login information."

The XTS replaces effectively two outgoing Caddy models, M., and DTS. But perhaps more importantly, it is part of a wave of new products, which promises to be the GM Division, roll-out in the coming years. The large sedan goes against the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-class. The new ATS, which will start slightly later in the year, addressed such as the BMW 3 series and Audi A4.

Butler tips on the whole, the Cadillac one still up market in the not-too-distant future production version of CIEL concept car is moved, which raves on the auto show circuit moved this year. A prototype of an updated, could according to sources on next January Detroit Auto show presented.

Even then, Cadillac officials admit her line-up still relatively thin are compared to competitors such as Mercedes. The German manufacturer now offers a score of coupes, sedans, convertibles, crossovers, sports car and all-terrain vehicle.

While Caddy do not intend a one match it will roll out at least one brand new model annually for the foreseeable future continue to GM CEO Dan Akerson during an appearance on the Beijing motor show in April announced.

"they are still a work in progress," said analyst Aaron Bragman, IHS automotive. "But their share will grow simply by entering new segments."

It is not the first time that Cadillac hoped has for a turnaround. It started a much-touted 'Renaissance' with the introduction of the first generation CTS sedan a decade ago. This led the manufacturer so called art & science design theme, an edgy look, which vaguely back sounded distinctive and dominant as the huge fins 59 Eldorado to offerings of Cadillac.

But a number of subsequent products, such as such as the short-lived XLR Roadster, failed expectations, which tend to all revive but steam with the STS and DTS.

Cadillac began around things back on track with the introduction of a second generation CTS, especially if it packs from the CTS Coupe, which considered most distinctive offer in today's luxury car market. And it tightened its performance V-series, the latest CTS-V, one of the most powerful cars on the market.

CTS a core remains line-up, the Cadillac even though the next generation sedan slightly larger, better between the compact ATS and XTS full-size position will grow. In the meantime, show sources, is that at least one more crossover utility vehicle in the works as a complement to the current SRX model.

The SRX is proposing that Caddy could provide some surprises. The original version was largely ignored, but the new update is a challenge of the long-time market leader in the segment of the Lexus RX now.

Like its competitors caddy is meanwhile an increasing emphasis on technology, including not only the new driver package consciousness, but also the Cadillac CUE system. In contrast to competitors infotainment systems, a driver - such as pairing allows CUE a Smartphone or a target type - in plain English, rather than a complex hierarchy of rigid commands learn to type commands.

But commands that U.S. buyers is back in the exhibition space a different subject entirely. Until 1990, are expected to routinely one sell Cadillac quarter-million vehicles per year. Last year hardly 152,000 was almost two thirds of the volume of the main rivals such as BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. Worse, despite repeated efforts, Cadillac largely able to gain traction on the European market.

China is a different story. Where GM is itself the dominant manufacturer and Cadillac is fast on ground win. Analysts like Bragman believe it will make even better, as soon as it starts production models like the XTS it this year bypassing hefty import duties. CEO Akerson told reporters during the Beijing show that his goal is it Chinese Cadillac sales to 180,000 a year in a half decade.

There was a time when Caddy defined race. The name, Cadillac, was emphasized in the output 1913 by Webster's dictionary as the definition of the ultimate perfection - something the manufacturer with a copy of the dictionary on display in Beijing.

While the term still in use, has a long time since Cadillac as the apex of the luxury car market it was seen. But not from lack of trying. In its 2009 bankruptcy, GM is intent on regaining his broader global leadership and Cadillac, the simple, that resurrection must be.

Read More

GM recalls about 20,000 Cadillac SRX globally

General Motors Co said it is recalling almost 20,000 Cadillac SRX crossover vehicles, mostly in China and the United States, due to potential transmission defects.

GM's Chinese joint venture, Shanghai GM, is recalling 9,862 of the compact luxury SUVs in that country, while GM is recalling 8,789 in the United States. A small number in 20 other countries are also affected, a GM spokesman said.

Shanghai GM is a joint venture between GM and SAIC Motor Corp.

The vehicles affected in the recall are from the 2010 and 2011 model years, and were built at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

GM, in a letter to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said it received a customer letter in June alleging unintended vehicle motion in a 2011 SRX as the customer tried to shift between park and drive and then back to park. The customer reported that he stopped the vehicle with the service brake and then set the parking brake.

GM said in the letter to NHTSA that it found in some cases the transmission shift cable was not properly routed in the vehicle's engine compartment. A deeper investigation by the automaker found potential claims dating back to the fall of 2010.

A GM spokesman said there have been no reports of accidents or injuries in any countries affected by the recall.

In a separate announcement, GM said on Wednesday it is recalling 3,150 Chevrolet Captiva crossovers sold to rental car agencies in the United States for a power steering overheating issue that could lead to an engine compartment fire. The model years affected are 2011 and 2012.

The Captivas being recalled also were built at the Ramos Arizpe plant.

If the vehicle is inadvertently driven with the transmission in manual mode and left in first gear for a prolonger period of time, its power steering fluid may overheat and cause a leak that could result in a fire, GM said. There have been no reports of fire.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.

Read More

Cadillac seeks to regain lost luxury turf

Rebecca Cook / Reuters

Cadillac is betting that it can regain its once-lofty standing with the launch of a series of new products that includes the big XTS sedan that made its debut earlier this month at the annual Los Angeles auto show.

By Paul A. Eisenstein

Once known as the “standard of the world,” Cadillac has been anything but a benchmark for carmakers in recent years as imported brands such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have dominated the U.S. luxury market.

But now Cadillac is fighting back, betting that it can regain its once-lofty standing with the launch of a series of new products that includes the big XTS sedan that made its debut earlier this month at the annual Los Angeles auto show.

Cadillac will follow up next year with the addition of the compact ATS, and it has more new models on the drawing board.

A few years ago it might have seemed “a stretch” for Cadillac to even imagine a comeback in the U.S., admits Don Butler, general marketing manager for the General Motors division.

In the “new (luxury) world old formulas don’t apply, so we had to start over” with the XTS, a premium luxury sedan that replaces two slow-selling Cadillac models, the STS and DTS, Butler said.

Caddy isn’t the only upscale domestic car brand that’s hoping to convince car show visitors in Los Angeles -- the nation's largest luxury car market -- that it can become relevant again.

At this year’s show, Ford’s Lincoln division showed off updates to two of its own products, the big MKS sedan and MKT crossover. The two 2013 models get revised fascias and grilles, new wheels and modest improvements in performance and fuel economy. They’re also getting the updated version of the MyLincolnTouch systems designed to address recent criticism of the brand’s infotainment technology.

“This is truly marking the beginning” of Lincoln’s design renaissance, said Max Wolff, the brand’s chief designer, although he also hinted that the big news for Lincoln won’t be revealed until January when Detroit plays host to the North American International Auto Show -- generally thought to be the most important show in the auto show calendar.

There, the automaker plans to unveil a concept version of its next-generation Lincoln MKZ, the most popular sedan in its portfolio. The concept vehicle will introduce an all-new “face” for the luxury brand that will abandon Lincoln’s time-tested “waterfall grille” and move to a series of horizontal slats that are almost wing-like in appearance. The show car version will also feature an all-glass roof that will be able to open like a hard-top convertible.

The revised grille will reappear on a production version of the MKZ debuting at the New York auto show next April, although it’s not clear if the glass roof idea will be carried into production.

But the dramatic changes coming to Lincoln underscore the concerns Ford has for the Lincoln division, which has become little more than an also-ran in a market where it once vied with Cadillac for dominance.

Cadillac hasn’t stumbled quite so badly, but it has been struggling in recent years after what appeared to be a significant turnaround early in the new millennium. The maker scored big with the first generation of the compact CTS sedan, which introduced Caddy’s distinctively edgy “art and science” design theme.

In a segment of the car market where manufacturers have traditionally opted for softer designs, the “art and science” design “language” was a bold standout. But after hitting a market home run with the CTS, Cadillac failed to score with the next run of offerings, like the STS, the DTS and the XLR sports coupe.

The products simply fell short of the competition in terms of interior refinement, ride and features, analysts contend.

Cadillac won’t make those mistakes again, insists Mark Reuss, president of GM’s North American operations. The goal, he insists, “is to win in the intensely competitive luxury market, not just compete.”

Besides offering a striking exterior shape and a much more refined interior, the new XTS will introduce Cadillac’s new CUE -- an infotainment system that can be programmed using normal speech rather than requiring users to learn a complex and often confusing series of rigid commands.

These high-tech features have become a critical differentiator in the luxury market, notes Derek Kuzak, Ford’s global product development czar.

Lincoln thought it had a leg up on the competition with the MyLincolnTouch infotainment system, but, underscoring the risks of relying on high technology, the Ford luxury brand was slammed for problems with the touch-sensitive system. Indeed, influential Consumer Reports magazine lifted its sought-after “Recommended Buy” rating from several Lincoln products this year.

The carmaker hopes to win back that endorsement with the updated MyLincolnTouch, and then show that its styling and performance are also relevant with the product offensive it is kicking off in Los Angeles this month.

But both Lincoln and Cadillac won’t have an easy time of it. Even established luxury brands such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes are ramping up their own efforts. Lexus, in particular, is expected to be especially aggressive in the months ahead, hoping to recover the momentum it lost due to product shortages caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan last March.

And second-tier players such as Audi, and also Nissan’s Infiniti brand, are hoping to gain ground with their own expanding line-ups.

Then there’s the Koreans, and Hyundai in particular.

It scored an unexpected coup a few years back when its first luxury offering, the Genesis sedan, was named North American Car of the Year. The even bigger and more lavish Equus has so far this year handily beaten the company’s sales expectations, and Hyundai’s own new offering at the Los Angeles show, the big Azera, will target entry-luxury buyers who might have gone for more traditional offerings like the Lexus ES350.

Based on initial reviews, Cadillac and Lincoln are gaining visibility and credibility. But whether they can win back luxury car buyers is another matter entirely.

Read More

Cadillac sees building Ciel concept flagship

DETROIT — Cadillac is expecting the go-ahead to build a new flagship based on the same platform as the Ciel concept car.

General Motors is expected to give the go-ahead to Cadillac’s flagship Omega project before year-end, according to senior sources, the maker’s top management encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive reaction of the luxury division’s new Ciel concept vehicle.

It’s unclear whether a convertible or sedan version based on the big Omega platform would be first to market, but there is a clear consensus that Caddy needs a super-premium model if it is to have a chance of regaining its position as “standard to the world,” as its long-time ad slogan declared.

Living in poverty Cartoons: Poverty is no laughing matter, but these cartoons may help ease the pain.

Extreme couponing sparks backlash Maybe we should be working longer The economic toll of single parenthood USPS needs to act more like a business

Omega would be just one in a wide range of new offerings that would be added to the Cadillac line-up, officials told TheDetroitBureau.com, helping the once-dominant marque fill in the so-called “white space” between its current model mix. That will include not only a new plug-in hybrid — but very likely some more conventional hybrid-electric models, as well.

Adding a “flagship” to the line-up is critical, said Cadillac design director Clay Dean during the Ciel’s first public showing in Detroit. The concept convertible was first revealed, earlier this month, during the run-up to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it generated “wows” from both potential customers and the gathered media.

The decision to show the prototype was strongly influenced by the need to make a formal decision on the Omega project, which would target a market segment above the coming Cadillac XTS — itself the replacement for the largely unloved Caddy STS sedan. While there is strong support for the super-premium project there was concern whether the public would accept the idea of something so bold.

“We do have this residual positive sentiment but the fact is that we’re not relevant for many consumers,” said Don Butler, the division’s marketing chief.

That had worried some top GM managers all the way up to the chairman’s office. But a car like Ciel, Cadillac is betting, would put the brand back on the radar for even the most affluent buyers, challenging the status quo of luxury brands like Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The convertible, with its dramatic suicide-door design and subtle hint of Caddy’s classic fins, was chosen to represent the brand’s future strategy because ragtops tend to have more emotional power than sedans.

Design chief Dean hinted that a hardtop version is already in hand and could be shown publicly in the months to come.

Precise timing for a production version of the big car is a closely kept secret though sources indicate the maker hopes to have it to market by mid-decade, at the latest.

By then, Cadillac’s line-up will be significantly bigger than it is today. In the coming months, the marque will launch both the small ATS sedan and the XTS, the latter model aimed at “modernizing and redefining” the brand’s image, suggested Butler.

Also on tap is the Cadillac ELR, a high-end version of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle — a plug-in in more popular vernacular. The Cadillac version will use completely new sheet metal, a unique interior, different suspension tuning — and a significantly updated version of Volt’s gas-electric powertrain, noted Dave Leone, GM’s chief engineer for rear-drive and performance vehicles.

The ELR is based on the popular Cadillac Converj concept vehicle and when it comes to styling, stressed Leone, “The concept car is the (production) car.” On the technical side, however, he said “there’s still some optimization going on.”

Most significantly, the ELR will use a newer version of the lithium-ion power pack provided by GM’s battery partner SG Chem. That means it will hold more power, among other things, for a given mass. While it would be possible to downsize the pack to get roughly the same electric-only range as Volt, it appears more likely that Cadillac will take advantage of the higher energy density to delivery better range, improved performance — or both — Leone hinted.

GM is making a significant push into battery propulsion, and ELR is not likely to be the last “electrified” vehicle in the line-up, said the engineering chief. It is “very likely” that not only will there be several more hybrids in the Caddy line-up but that “you will see more than one (hybrid) technology.” That might mean one model focusing on fuel economy but another taking advantage of the potential performance benefits of electric propulsion.

Might Cadillac also make a push into diesel? For the moment, Leone and other officials downplayed that option. The high-mileage technology would be more appealing if Caddy were a bigger player in Europe, but diesels are not yet big enough in the U.S. to justify the investment, the maker believes, and there’d be even less traction in China, Cadillac’s second-largest market.

During the Ciel preview in Pebble Beach, GM’s global design chief Ed Welburn suggested the brand is working on more new products than ever before. That apparently isn’t limited to the models it has already confirmed. Models like the ATS, XTS and ELR are “just the bow wave,” General Manager Butler echoed at the Monday Cadillac meeting.

That reflects the broad product proliferation that has swept through the luxury car market, said Aaron Bragman, auto analyst with IHS. “It’s the reason why BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been able to grow so much. Now Cadillac has to go after those white spaces.”

As for the Ciel convertible or a hardtop alternative, Bragman said it is an essential addition to the line-up to be considered a truly global luxury player. “They need a flagship. And it needs to be a truly striking flagship.”

Copyright 2011 The Detroit Bureau. All rights reserved.

Read More

Cadillac envisions building CIEL concept flagship

DETROIT - Cadillac expected green light a new flagship, based on the same platform as the CIEL to create concept car.

General Motors is expected to give green light to the Cadillac's flagship Omega project before the end of the year, senior sources, encouraged by the mostly positive reaction of the Division's luxury new CIEL concept car of manufacturer's top management.

It is unclear whether a convertible or limousine, which would be based on the large Omega platform first to the market, but it is a clear consensus that Caddy has a super premium model, if it have a chance, once again, its position as the "Standard in the world" as the longtime ad slogan.

A piece of France in the Berkeley Hills life Inc. listing of the week: only 30 minutes from San Francisco, blue shutters and a red tile roof this property make look it at home what more in Provence. Life Inc.: Why rent? We make money anyway give Huggies baby Boden buoyancy fashion life Inc.: ditching lunch breaks in droves Cadillac high with striking concept car will

Omega just one in a variety of new offered is that the Cadillac line-up would be added, TheDetroitBureau.com, said officials in the so-called "white space" between the current help the once dominant brand, model mix to fill. Include, not only a new plug-in hybrid but very probably somewhat more conventional hybrid-electric models, as well.

Add a "flagship" of the line-up is critical, said first public demonstration in Detroit during the CIEL Cadillac design director Clay Dean. The concept convertible was first, earlier of this month, in advance of the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it generates "Wows" of potential customers and the collected media.

The decision, the prototype was point strongly influenced a market segment of the upcoming Cadillac XTS objectives by the need formally to the Omega project, would - even the replacement for the largely unloved Caddy STS sedan. While there is strong support for the super-premium project there was concern whether the public would accept the idea of something so bold.

"We have the residual positive mood, but the fact is that we have not for many consumers", said Don Butler, marketing director of the Division.

Was afraid of some GM executives to the Office of the Chairman. But a car as Ciel, Cadillac is betting, would the brand back on the radar for even the wealthiest buyer on the status quo of luxury brands such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The convertible, with his dramatic suicide door design and subtle note of caddies classic fins, was elected to the brand strategy represent, because Ragdoll tops have tends to be more emotional power as limousines.

Design Chief Dean hinted that a hardtop Coupe version is already in hand and be publicly shown in the months was to come.

Precise timing for a production version of the big car is a closely guarded secret, although sources indicate that the manufacturer hopes to market it, at the latest by mid decade.

In the meantime is Cadillac line-up are much larger than it is today. In the coming months, the brand will start, the small ATS sedan and XTS, proposed the latter model "Modernisation and redefinition", the image of the brand, Butler.

Even in tap water the Cadillac ELR is Volt extended range electric vehicle, a high end version of the Chevrolet a plug-in in popular vernacular. The Cadillac version is all-new sheet metal, use a unique interior, different suspension tuning - and a much improved version of the Volt-gas electric drive, Dave Leone, GM chief engineer for rear-wheel drive and performance.

ELR Leone is based on the popular Cadillac Converj concept vehicle, and if it emphasizes styling, "The concept car is the car (production)." On the technical side but, said he "there are still some tweaking goes."

In particular, the ELR used a newer version of the power pack lithium-ion of the GM battery partner SG Chem. This means that she will keep for a given mass more power. While it would be as the possible, the Pack electric-only scale to shrink volts, it seems more likely that Cadillac will - use better product range, improved performance higher energy density or both - Leone suggested.

GM makes a significant push in battery drive and ELR not likely the last "electrified" vehicle in the line-up, the engineering chief said. It is "very likely", which not only will be several more hybrids in the Caddy line-up but that "you see more than one (hybrid)-technology." This could mean a model with a focus on fuel economy, but a different taking advantage of the potential performance benefits of electric cars.

Cadillac also a push in diesel could make? For the time being, Leone and other officials played down this option. The high performance technology would be more attractive, if Caddy not big bigger players in Europe, but diesel enough, in the yet to justify the investment, the manufacturer believes United States, and even less traction in China, Cadillac would it second largest market.

While Beach works GM global design head Ed Welburn proposed - the brand of the CIEL Preview in Pebble for more new products than ever before. This is obviously not limited to the models that it has already promised. Models, such as the ATS, XTS and ELR bow "only the wave", ECHO General Manager Butler in the Cadillac session Monday.

That reflects the comprehensive dissemination, which has swept luxury-car market which, said Aaron Bragman, auto analyst at IHS. "It is the reason why BMW and Mercedes-Benz could grow so much." "Now, Cadillac has to go, after this space."

As for the CIEL convertible or a hardtop Coupe alternative Bragman said an essential complement to that considered a global luxury player line-up. "they need a flagship." And it must be a really striking flagship. "

Copyright 2011 the Detroit Office. All rights reserved.

Read More

Cadillac will highly striking concept car

The sky's the limit with the new Cadillac CIEL-concept car- or so it seems with the striking convertible, the references to the future flagship model in the development of luxury brand of General Motors.

It is a hard year for Cadillac, but the once dominant brand is intent on regaining the momentum, that it seemed to have ten years ago. That is, if it for the first time that edgy, to distinguish the brand "Art & science" design theme, for which often a tendency, a bit too much to look the same from other luxury nameplates.

During the CIEL - what means "sky", in French - discharge, as GM global push Design Director Ed Welburn head to head for the prototype, the Caddy against the best cars offered by luxury segment leaders of Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz would position still has not received company insiders.

Food in life Inc.: between the weak economy and high unemployment, it is not surprising that many people eat at their desks, rather than a proper lunch select pause. Cadillac wants high with striking concept car life Inc.: Gets a villa for sale, the medieval life Inc.: learn from my car purchase experience ConsumerMan: the Bank of America and Citi great vulnerability

GM management has given has already green light for a variety of other new Cadillac models, which they hope to expand the brand appeal, is.

"You a flagship must succeed today in your portfolio in the luxury market", said lead designer Clay Dean, Cadillac.

The CIEL is a hint of what such a car could be. Almost as long as the large Escalade Sport utility vehicle, the prototype in convertible form in last week of Pebble Beach Concours d ' Elegance appears likely a number of changes would subject before the encounter showrooms. First, you can start form in sedan.

Although the concept called offers what Welburn "a touch of a fin", deans goal was not to go retro, but take art & science topic which edgy even more in the future.

The original CTS sedan was the design concept and the first significant bump in demand for the brand in decades. But the subsequent products - such as the larger STS sedan and XLR Roadster, which ended up with a blow, caddies answer to the classic Mercedes-Benz SL - what many to questions whether CTS was a one-shot wonders.

The latest version of the medium-sized model has again good reviews and buyer enthusiasm, and so has a stylish remake of the SRX crossover. But two powerful products can no brand in the luxury market today, analysts caution, especially as Cadillac lead position rival massive product dissemination.

Look at Mercedes. Two decades ago, the automakers discussed whether extended the small c-class, mid-luxury E-class, then add the big S-class and the SL roadster from. Today includes the automakers of the line-up, the smaller a- and B-class range, the GLK, G and M-class transitions, the V class-van and a long list of sedans and coupes.

"I think they have acknowledged that they had fallen behind have", said Dave Sullivan, automobile analyst at AutoPacific, to Cadillac. "they are no longer the standard of the world, as they have long been announce."

It's not that the Detroit brand to restore not that image, and new products are crucial for the recovery of the amount. In addition to the second generation CTS sedan, a striking new version of the Coupe, a station wagon and super-high-performance V-series versions was added to Cadillac.

Other new vehicles are in the works. Last week confirmed GM officials, she had reversed a previous decision and will now bring the acclaimed Converj concept on the market. The version of the plug-in hybrid - the parts of a drive train with the established Chevrolet Volt - will synchronize the ELR.

GM will add also, a new small car, provisionally called the ATS, and a replacement of the much maligned STS which are marketed as the XTS.

The next CTS, are now somewhat larger and more luxurious, on products such as the BMW 5-series and Mercedes.

A decision as to whether CIEL add should by the end of the year, Cadillac sources available. It would take a further three years probably, internally referred to as the "Omega" vehicle will lead the market. Few expect the over-the-top design of the CIEL - what would grill the first production 4-door convertible in half a century - but the subject of design with its signature Cadillac, would significantly affect the final product.

Clearly, several company officers stressed that Omega project strongly influenced by the potential demand in emerging markets, especially China, where luxury cars in high demand are. In fact that has contributed to an unlikely turnaround for caddies sibling brand, Buick, Herald, one of the best-selling in the booming Asian nation.

Chinese buyers have some surprisingly picky, proven, because many luxury car owners prefer to be chauffeured, they should be many rear seat room and facilities. The CTS has been updated for Chinese traders - China's buyers as the latest Buick flagship, lacrosse, largely designed to the requirements of more expansive.

Cadillac has fought, to foreign markets in recent decades, especially Europe, analyst Sullivan warns "It will not be easy" to North America in the future. But with a wider range of products, Cadillac officials hope that they better, against the rival everywhere where they, whether in the US market, Europe, or new markets, competing from the place for luxury brands, are positioned.

© 2011 msnbc.com.  Reprints

Read More

Volt-based Cadillac luxury EV create GM

DETROIT - General Motors co. confirmed Wednesday that it will build a luxury electric car on the technology in its Volt plug-in hybrid Cadillac used based, as the automaker also plans for a fully electric car for his mainstream Chevrolet brand studied.

GM does not open, synchronizes the timing for the production of the battery powered Cadillac the ELR, but people familiar with the plans said, that the plug-in hybrid model is created in the year 2013 as 2014.

The 2 ELR Coupe revives plans for GM Cadillac Converj concept car, the recognition for his bold design when shown at the Detroit show won 2009 car in the year.

The sources asked not identified information on the introduction of the GM, announced as first luxury electric car not.

The news comes at a time when Toyota Motor Corp. started marketing its 2012 has Prius Plug-in hybrid, a competitor to Chevrolet Volt. A plug-in, Cadillac would be a competition to $97,000 Karma hybrid sedan, Fisker Automotive as a model 2012-out roll is.

With the announcement of ELR GM continues its push to the mantle of "greenest automaker of the world" by Toyota to take. GM needs as more fuel cars such as the industry towards the more stringent requirements of US pushes other large automakers, which are instead of 2025.

Former GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz of the Converj 2009 as a concept vehicle, something that car manufacturers routinely do to build excitement for their brands and explore design ideas introduced.

A year later the Board approved the automaker the Converj for production, but later reversed the decision and since then the timing of an electric Cadillac was uncertain. GM scrapped plans for what would have been in this year a second electric vehicle for the brand.

GM Chief Daniel Akerson has GM aggressive towards electric vehicles risks since take the top job offers as prepared for an initial public car manufacturers to reduce the participation in the possession of the US Treasury a year ago. The Government has about one-third of the GM common stock.

GM push under Akerson has centered on roll-out-plug-in hybrid technology in a wider range of vehicles to its investment in which money-loss Volt draw. By the Volt technology in the luxury brand could GM reap more profits and technology costs.

"The concept generated immediate enthusiasm," said Don Butler, Vice President of marketing, Cadillac in a statement. "The ELR offer slightly not different vorhanden-- the combination of electric drive with distinctive design and the fun of luxury coupe drive."

In the Volt a 400 pound has lithium ion battery, so that a just s number of 25 to 50 miles. After the battery is empty, a 1.4 litre petrol engine provides makes.

Toyota says that its Prius Plug-in hybrid have a number of 475 kilometers and can drive 13 miles on electricity alone on a full charge. With the battery fully in 90 minutes one charged conventional household 110-volt outlet.

GM said ELR would be but no detail on his offer is of a lithium ion battery like the Volt.

GM officials made it clear that the ELR persons entitled to appeal closely associated creates buyers with HP and performance luxury brand.

In may sources Reuters that GM is a plans, said on plug-in hybrid based on the Cadillac SRX crossover platform develop canceled.

GM checks also a fully electric car of brand Chevrolet building the sources said. The battery for the car Powertrain would be supplied by A123 Systems Inc, which was awarded a contract from GM for unspecified future electric vehicles

An all-electric Chevy small car would be a competitor for Nissan Motor Co leaves that end was introduced last year as the Volt.

GM cars under the mark ' Chevy ' are small car as the sail in China, the beat in India and the upcoming Sonic in the United States markets. GM and its China partner, SAIC State, have agreed, work together to develop electric-drive vehicles.

A Chevy spokesman declined who comment on these plans. "We study other (body forms), but we are simply not prepared to announcements," said Mike Albano.

GM plans to revive the Converj concept first reported by the website green car reports.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.

Read More

GM Recalling 47,000 Cadillac SRXs in the United States

DETROIT - General Motors co. is reminiscent of more than 47,000 Cadillac SRX crossover vehicle in the United States because of an error with the passenger side airbags.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in documents written on your Web site Friday, said that head protection airbag is the right side in a crash, not inflate if no one is in the front seat.

As a result a right passenger in the back seat can be protected and could in front or side crash, hurt the Agency said in the documents. GM said no injuries were reported.

Airbag sensors in the 2011 SRX, SUV-like vehicle the nimble and effective, because it is based on car basis, are so programmed that the passenger side airbags clear, if no one is in the front right seat, the Agency said. But, the conflicts with the user's Guide that says that the airbags inflate regardless of whether the seat is occupied.

"Because the actions of the airbag and the operating instructions do not match, the vehicle is not compatible" with federal safety standards, NHTSA said.

The recall affects between 2 Feb. SRXs 2010 and April 29 this year produced and sold in North America. Traders will reprogram the airbag sensors to fix the problem free of charge. GM will notify owners by mail from Friday.

GM said that the callback is also about 3,000 SRX models sold in Mexico and Canada.

Copyright 2011, the associated press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Read More

GM recalls more than 44,000 Cadillac CTS sedan

DETROIT - General Motors co more than 44,000 Cadillac CTS sedan is remembered for an error that could cause a rear unstable.

The recall concerns CTS vehicles from model year 2009 and 2010. The CTS is the best-selling car Cadillac.

GM said it would begin to owners of vehicles recalled covered notify that. Dealers will check cars under recall and replace a potentially broken rear toe link.

GM said it expects the part on about to replace 20 vehicles covered by the recall. Said the automaker knew that it caused no injuries or deaths because of a failure of the faulty part.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.

Read More