Cadillac Plans New Start In Europe

DETROIT, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly created organization, Cadillac Europe, will be established to manage import, distribution and marketing of a selected range of Cadillac models specified for the European markets. The vehicles will be retailed through a fully authorized Cadillac sales and service network in key European markets. Specific details will be announced at a later date.  

"Europe is an important market for Cadillac," said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager.  "Re-establishing distribution of our premium offerings is good news for those who seek import exclusiveness."

At the Geneva Motor Show, Cadillac presents the CTS Coupe for the first time in Europe.  Slated to arrive in North American Cadillac showrooms this summer and this fall in Europe, the CTS Coupe is a new luxury sports coupe designed to become the visual centerpiece of the brand's revised lineup.

The Coupe is a classic 2+2 layout bolstered with advanced technology, such as a rear-view camera system and a performance-oriented suspension, combined with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The Coupe joins the CTS Sport Sedan, the 556-horsepower (415 kW) CTS-V and new CTS Sport Wagon as the foundation of Cadillac's lineup. A high-performance V-Series edition of the Coupe will also be released this year.

In Geneva, Cadillac will also exhibit the new CTS Sport Wagon, CTS Sport Sedan and the range-topping CTS-V. The new CTS Sport Wagon will be available as of model year 2011, while the CTS Sport Sedan and the CTS-V are available now. Additionally, Cadillac will present the new SRX, a midsize luxury crossover, featuring a completely new design combined with an efficient, high-technology engine. The new SRX goes on sale in Europe with model year 2011.

The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will also be shown in Geneva. The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the first full-size luxury SUV worldwide featuring the fuel-saving Two-Mode Hybrid System. This vehicle offers more than 40-percent fuel consumption reduction in city driving and dramatically reduced exhaust emissions, while offering all the advantages of a spacious luxury SUV.

Two-Mode Hybrid technology can operate the vehicle solely on battery-electric power during idling or low-speed driving situations. The permanently all-wheel-driven Escalade Hybrid also incorporates Active Fuel Management technology that enables the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate on only four cylinders in certain driving conditions to save fuel.

About Cadillac

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and global expansion. More information on Cadillac can be found at www.cadillaceurope.com.

SOURCE General Motors