Currently reading: Cadillac plans 3-series rival
The ATS will compete against the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class

General Motors has confirmed it will launch a new entry-level Cadillac at the end of 2012.

The new saloon, dubbed ATS, will slot in below the CTS, competing against the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class. "We've ceded this segment of the market to our foreign competitors for far too long," said GM boss Dan Akerson.

The new car will be based on GM’s rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform, which is also set to also underpin the next-generation CTS and Chevrolet Camaro models.

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The car will be built at GM's Lansing assembly plant, which the firm is investing $190 million (£118 million) in readiness for the new small saloon. Akerson said of the plan, which will also create around 600 jobs: "This investment demonstrates GM's commitment to Cadillac and to a strong US manufacturing base."

Although precise details of the car have yet to be revealed, GM has previously said that the ATS will feature hi-tech engines and optional all-wheel drive.

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Dr.Car 2 November 2010

Re: Cadillac plans 3-series rival

supermanuel wrote:
Australia drives on the left...?

yeah

Dark Isle 2 November 2010

Re: Cadillac plans 3-series rival

Well, I'm glad it'll be made in RHD form and the all-wheel drive option sounds interesting. (I think Audi and Subaru are the only other manufacturers to offer this in the compact executive segment.)

However, they really do need a diesel to have any success in Europe. All of the ATS's rivals offer at least one diesel, and it's invariably the best seller in the range. They could buy some GM diesels as found in Vauxhalls, I suppose, but they're a bit rough around the edges and no match for something from Bavaria.

Peter Cavellini 2 November 2010

Re: Cadillac plans 3-series rival

Arrange these words into a sentence, dead a horse flogging?