Originally Posted By: PimTac
Reading the article, it mentions that Cadillac is developing new models to compete with Audi and the like. That just confirms that GovMo is ten years behind and out of step. It’s too late for them.
Cadillac already competes with Audi, BMW, Lexus, Infinity, Lincoln, Jaguar, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo. As for performance, Cadillac is right in the battle, with an awesome chassis and great engines, and its been that way for 10 years or so now.
Cadillac's big problem is an image they can't shake: From the choice of pimps & old folks during the past 40 years, coupled with the weird styling they often choose to put on them, Cadillac is always struggling to impress. Many people just don't like the chunky, sharp-angle styling.
These days if you want to impress your peers or potential clients, you get a European luxury badge or possibly Japanese luxury badge. If you get a Buick, Cadillac, or Lincoln, people think you believe Bob Hope is still the coolest person to ever live. They think you're out of touch with the times. Its really only an image of course, but people apply emotional image impressions all the time. (Its wrong.)
Some performance enthusiasts have embraced the Chevy small-block CTS-V's in the past few years though, but that's also not quite enough. Yes, in the 'hood, the Escalades are popular, but that's not enough sales. Altogether, Cadillac has survived though of course.
Now we see the ATS's days are numbered, an excellent chassis & engine. That chassis was applied to the newest Camaro to help make it about the best sports car around. The ATS's issue is that polarizing styling.