Cadillac is planning a new entry-level sports saloon to take on the BMW 3-series, the car maker has revealed. The announcement was part of a relaunch of General Motors that includes 25 new models by 2011.
Available with rear or optional four-wheel drive, the entry Cadillac will be given a distinct sporting nature in a bid to steal sales from BMW and Mercedes.
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“We are determined to repeat what the CTS has already achieved in design, quality, driving dynamics, performance and fuel economy to grow our presence in this high-volume and highly competitive segment,” said GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson.
Cadillac hasn’t ruled out bringing the new car to the UK. “Cadillac has aspirations to be a global brand and the size would suit the European market,” a spokeswoman told Autocar.
Cadillac is readying five new models, including the all-new SRX and CTS Sport Wagon, while Chevrolet has 10. Buick and GMC are also preparing 10 new cars, including a Buick plug-in hybrid compact crossover in 2011.
As part of the restructuring of GM, company bosses are now looking to include customers as much as possible in model planning.
“Our customers are the reason we’re here. It’s critical to have their voices help shape our products, and their experience with them,” said Henderson. “Their feedback helps us learn and evolve so we can continuously improve our cars and trucks, and our customer relationships.”
In addition to “Tell Fritz”, a website feature in which customers can provide feedback, GM will use its FastLane blog to launch “The Lab”, a microsite featuring future projects by its design team.
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