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Although he stopped short of announcing the re-birth of Cadillac in SA, General Motors vice president of global product development Bob Lutz hinted that two Cadillac cars were being considered for this country - the mid-sized BLS and the slightly larger CTS.
These models would be pitched head-on against certain BMW models, notably the 3 Series, both in terms of their marketing and pricing.
Speaking in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday, Lutz said the return of Cadillac to SA would depend on the setting up of a distribution network of retailers which could meet the required standards of customer satisfaction and investment.
The network would also sell Saab cars from Sweden as well as the Hummer H3 4x4 which is to be made for right-hand-drive markets at a new facility in PE.
Although Lutz stopped short of announcing the re-launch of Cadillac, a media release issued after his speech, and referring to the two Cadillacs, said:
"GMSA is planning to introduce both models early in 2007 in a range of both petrol and diesel derivatives and to expand the range into other segments within 12 months thereafter."
Insider sources told me a selection process for dealers was already underway.
Both the new Cadillac models are built in Trollhaten, Sweden.
The Cadillac BLS is equipped with a 2.8-litre turbo-charged V6 petrol engine and will compete against BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.
The Cadillac CTS is slightly larger, is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, and will compete in the large luxury car segment.
"The one mistake we won't make this time around is in terms of our pricing," I was told. "Pricing is going to be very competitive."
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