Future of the Cadillac division

[Jesda]

Originally Posted by jjm01

GM's bank accounts were always filled by selling big cars. And when they stopped making big cars, their accounts were filled by selling big trucks. What does this tell you? That the American people like big, powerful, comfortable, traditional American vehicles! They don't want these Euro-centric and environmentally friendly vehicles. Why doesn't anyone at GM seem to get this???

I agree with almost everything you've said, but the appeal of a large car varies by generation and demographic.

There's a segment of the population that emerged in the 1980s -- young professionals. They express their success by purchasing entry-luxury cars. There's less technology and comfort, but its all made up for with style and handling. The 3-series, CTS, and G35 dominate this segment.

Its profitable to cater to this crowd, and I agree that Cadillac should be focusing on the rest of the lineup for when these CTS owners are ready to trade up.

[JackB]

There is also a segment of the crowd that have owned Cadillacs for years [like myself] are retired and may be interested in owning a smaller Cadillac like a CTS. Part of the reason is the styling on a CTS is up to date where my current 2002 DHS can stand up to the latest DTS models. It would be nice if the CTS boys would squeeze a little better mileage out of the car and still maintain reasonable pick up and possibily improve long distance driving comfort as well.

[Rantz_alot]

found a nickle today so will spend it here ... before I purchased my 09 DTS III Platinum I was convinced I wanted a CTS. It was named Car of the Year and had a lot of positive automotive media reviews; well, the rosy reviews did make me suspicious as I have seen that movie a few times in autos, audio, photography, etc. A clear case of the manufacturer priming the pump with market development dollars to posi-spin their new product, and for the product that will generate the greatest profit levels for all in the distribution channel.

I drove the CTS, it was nice and loaded to the hilt with everything. Keep in mind I was coming out of an 03 Town Car so I did see the CTS and feel it as much smaller, and yes it felt a bit more nimble. But I am a boulevard cruiser type that has always liked big rides, although getting after the rumbling V8 for fun is unsurpased. Just yesterday, had to pass a guy in the middle lane cause he hogged up the left lane in his one-ton lifted Dodge dually at 75mph (and with no mud gaurds, rude or what?) so clicked the signal and pulled out, half-throttle her and she roared into passing gear with that long throat and woooosh that was it, 90+ mph in a jiff and man it was sweet; and I told myself I am sure damn glad I bought the N*

so yes the CTS would have made that pass in the same quick way, but totally diferrent feel. I see them around alll the time; and thats another issue.... just like the 3 series, G35 (very nice) etc, they are everywhere and that is because they are the leading volume seller for the Division; see the profits. The CTS is nice, but when I did my comparison I could see that it was a newer generation design/build than my DTS and that is was targeted for volume and max profit. I suspect Cadillac makes a lot more per unit of CTS than for DTS; that is why there is little investment in market development for DTS today. the money for the company is in the CTS. The materials on the interior were sub-par in my opinion albeit they adopt that more cool techno look that seems to sell, but lots and lots of plastic that is done just so-so.

Anyway, when I did my side-by-side with the CTS DTS, for me it became a pretty quick decision that the DTS in all her glam, was the ride for me. I must say that I get looks and compliments on my DTS everyday I have her out, and it comes from all segments of the demography. Yesterday, the young 18-19 yo student summer-jobber filling my tank (we dont pump our own gas in Oregon) couldn't ooooh n aah enough about the car. I like that stuff, others dont care one way or another but I have always enjoyed showing off a cool car and this DTS does it.

wwhhhooooosshhhhh

[JackB]

You make some good points and I am concerned about the comfort on long trips with the CTS as well...HOWEVER, I am frustrated that my 2002 DHS is, in my opinion, and that of many others, is pretty much equal in styling to a new DTS. Don't get me wrong it is stylish but getting long in the tooth. GM has not done all that much to the design in years and it should be time for a major facelift. I keep getting the feeling that the manufacturers of Town Cars, big Fords and the DTS think they can maximize profit by offering a big car to our age group without having to do much in the way of styling change. The DTS is starting to look old which is not unusual as the basic style has now been around for years. I am very reluctant to sink another 50 grand into a car that doesn't look all that much differn't from the one I have which is now almost 8 years old.
I also agree with you that the Northstar would be missed in going to the CTS.