Cadillac Thinking Expansion, Plans to Double Global Lineup by 2016

Cadillac Thinking Expansion, Plans to Double Global Lineup by 2016

In the latest step of General Motors’ strategy to become a global heavyweight, its luxury arm, Cadillac, is planning to double its global lineup in the next three years.  This expansion has already begun with the introduction of the 2014 Cadillac ELR, unveiled earlier this week at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. At the center of Cadillac’s lineup expansion are the family cars and crossovers, which are expected to grow to 10 models by 2016. At least one new family car and crossover are expected to include a flagship model. The BMW 1 Series is also in the crosshairs of an all-new Cadillac small car, which is expected to arrive during this expansion.

For Cadillac, this expansion should be a much-need shot in the arm of sales, which fell late last year. Executives with the automaker wouldn’t go into detail but they did say Cadillac’s lineup will expand.  Automotive critics have waxed poetically over the all-new 2013 Cadillac ATS and if the ELR can imitate its more mainstream sibling, the Chevrolet Volt, it too should help boost GM’s image.  The 2014 Cadillac ELR is slated to go on sale early next year and across the world later on after that. Not every expert is on board though, with some saying it may take as long as 15 years to build up its brand in Europe alone.

Nevertheless, Cadillac is focusing resources to help boost its reputation in China, which bought 200,000 units over the past couple of years. That figure is down from 241,000 units sold back in 2007 alone. Cadillac will even begin XTS production in China in two weeks. Across the pond, however, the American luxury nameplate continues to be a specialty brand.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR is joining a lineup that already features the XTS, CTS, ATS, Escalade, and SRX. A full-size luxury sedan is also believed to be in the works to combat the BMW 7 Series and may be called the LTS. A compact five-passenger crossover is also believed to be in the works and will go up against the BMW X1. Another variant of this proposed compact five-passenger crossover is a bigger, seven-passenger SUV with the BMW X5 in its sights. An ATS coupe is also believed to be on the way and should arrive by early 2015. An ATS convertible was also kicked around, but company execs later decided to put it on the back burner.

What say you? Should Cadillac expand its lineup to take on its German adversaries? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

Source: Reuters