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I read that Detroit's problem has always been (across the board for all brands) inability to scale down production to match current demand, which in turn made them incentive addicts. They essentially make a car and then try to sell it. Others often have mindset that they won't make a car until they have some evidence it's actually needed somewhere. It can be a real order (customer's or dealer's - BMW operates that way), deep market studies, or simple case of matching cars that sold (Japanese reportedly do it that way). In other words - they want to (at least virtually) sell the car before making it. Detroit makes it first (because you know, union contracts, sales targets, etc.) and then find a customer for it. Any attempt of changing that mindset, while positive in general long term, requires willingness of taking short or even longer lasting intermediate pain of sales drops, production shutdowns and contract breaks with minor dealers.
For comparison, Tampa Bay (not including Sarasota) has 3 BMW, MB, 2 Audi and 2 Acura, 1 Jaguar store, and only 4 Cadillac stores, which doesn't sound bad. But extend the radius to just 50 miles and the picture changes dramatically: it adds about one dealer for Sarasota for all Germans, one store in Lakeland for BMW and MB, but Cadillac's network grows to 13 stores. Considering sales numbers and it is clearly nuts. May be convenient, but there is no pricing power. I'm sure those dealers are hurting, too. This of course quickly rolls downhill into contentious relationships with customers, as dealer that doesn't have any money will not support their customer.
Cadillac's management keeps wanting to have the cake and eat it. They want large sales, no incentives and high prestige - we all know that ain't gonna happen. You can pick two. They probably know it, too - but their stakeholders are too entrenched and simply unwilling to take the necessary real steps to fix it - they rather pretend doing something and then act surprised that things are not going as planned.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2018 430i Gran Coupe
No one really wants a Cadillac, even if they do want a great driving car.
Edit: Let me rephrase, people who want a great driving car will buy a Cadillac. People who want a status symbol badge won't give Cadillac a second thought and most buyers fit the latter category.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Now I like the CTS, but I really think Caddy needs to stop with these half size cars. The ATS is a 3 series fighter, but it's smaller on the inside. The CTS is a 5 series fighter however, it's is smaller inside, and slight larger then a 3 series. I would assume if they want to compete with the 3 and 5 series they need to be competitive on all fronts. For my next car I'm leaning towards the new 5 series, but will look at the A6 and E class, but the CTS isn't on my list until it competitive in the interior space like the other cars.
'16 has been perfect. These new Caddys are really nice cars. They're built well. They use very nice materials in them, they look great, and they perform and handle great. But, that's not what people want from Caddy. They want the Caddy that's in the Escalade.
Not sure I'll buy another, but so far, I'm loving the '16 version.
But, as others point out, it's not enough to build a really good car. Perception is what makes people pony up. Funny, people are willing to buy the most expensive Cadillac, but it's the poorest performer. Again, perception.....
The best Cadillacs are the ATS and the CTS, but people are avoiding them. I know resale is terrible, but I bought my CTS for what a cheaper 3 series or C300 would cost. But, it's as good, and in many respects better, than the E Class or 5 Series.
I saw an M235i convertible at the car show this past winter. If I had my check book with me, I would have bought it on the spot. Luckily, my rational angel replaced my demon by the time I left the car show.
FN: Add the Jag XF to your lookieloo list. Probably not as spacious as the Germans, but, a really nice overall ride...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Beautiful car that drives surprisingly well.
As you say, not as spacious as a 5, E or A6, but about the interior space of the CTS, which is really more than I need anyway.
As most of you are tired of hearing me saying
Another problem, aside from the dubious reputation of the past tarnishing their quite good products of the present, is, as you have all mentioned, unrealistic pricing. This seems to keep their sales figures firmly rooted to the same numbers, year after year.
And say, where's Jaguar? I'm actually quite worried about that company. Let's hope jumping into the SUV market will save them---if that flops, I think you can kiss them goodbye. They are only at 25% of their 2002 U,S, sales figures.
Cadillac, on the other hand, has been pretty consistent, hovering in the 200,000 range per year since 2002. They seem to be on a 175,000 pace for 2016. So, same-o, same-o for Cadillac.
Volvo is at about 70% of its 2002 numbers, and seem to be on an upswing of sorts.
Volvo, I think they stay. New owners will want to keep the US market in place. New product us helping.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
While the XE is a handsome, muscular looking beast, I really wish they had gone away from the Germans sedan styling theme of same sausage, different lengths. But, along with the F-Pace, as their likely bread and butter models, can't start too out there, I guess.
My XF, still flawless at 29+ months and ~26k miles. Well, the windshield wipers are due to be replaced, so not perfect!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I don't know the answer to this: does anyone else offer 4/50k included maintenance?
I didn't even know any of this when I went to buy the caddy. It was a nice bonus. I've looked at the possibility of extending the warranty, but it just isn't cost effective when what it comes with is as long as it is.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance covers the first three services (10,000 miles, 20,000 miles, and 30,000 miles) at no charge.*
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
One salesman kept harping on the free maintenance thing, and I just had to flat out tell him, free maintenance is nice, but it "doesn't sell the car."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I think that maintenance thing was actually a fairly strong selling point, at least to me, but it might have been too few covered services, leaving cars prone to long term issues and dealers unhappy, because they were unable to upsell during those four years.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
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but, nothing stopping you from changing the oil as often as you want to, on your dime!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I think BMW found that a few too many non-badge buyers are driving the heck out of these cars, and M brakes are very expensive to service and replace (pads and rotors).
2018 430i Gran Coupe
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2018 430i Gran Coupe
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/bmwmaintenanceprogram.aspx?mobileoverride=true
2018 430i Gran Coupe
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
If you lease 36/15, you are out of the maintenance plan for the last 7.5 months, if it drops to 3 yr, 36 K
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Wipers are generally cheap, so not much value there, especially that there are some decent aftermarket wipers for $20 or so, but it seems like just pettiness from their part to cut that one. Whatever. I guess dealers can now charge those uninformed good money for their "genuine" wiper and even add "installation fee" for good 30 minutes of hard work of super-certified technician. BTW, this is not first time I see pettiness in their conduct. My navigation (it's older-generation, still hard disk based system) doesn't have a single automotive store (like AutoZone, etc.), or other brand dealerships in it. Just ridiculous, if you think about it.
I'll live, but I'm quite disappointed overall. Just confirms to me - there is no reason for any kind of loyalty. It's all "what you have done for me lately". It's OK, I'll do the same.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
A reporter is looking to speak with someone who recently got a great deal on a new luxury brand vehicle (BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Jaguar, etc.). If you're willing to share your story, please reach out to pr@edmunds.com by no later than Friday, May 20, 2016.