22 January 2009 - Cadillac Australia Delayed Indefinitely

[XLR8 V8]

http://www.excelerate.com.au/downloads/XLR8V8/Cadillac.jpg

22 January 2009
Cadillac Australia Delayed Indefinitely

GM Holden today announced that the introduction of Cadillac into Australia had been
delayed indefinitely.
GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said: “With the downturn of the
Australian automotive market and the broader global financial situation, we have made a
common-sense, commercially responsible decision to not introduce a new brand into the
exceptionally challenging Australian market at this time.
“GM Holden was faced with making a significant investment to launch a new, niche brand
into a tough market.
“There is only one chance to properly launch this brand in Australia and in these
challenging times, we believe we couldn’t give it the best chance of success.
“This was a difficult decision but the only viable decision.
“There is no doubt the Cadillac CTS is a magnificent vehicle and the response since it was
revealed at the Australian International Motor Show in October 2008 has been very
positive.
“But obviously since then the market for new cars has continued to deteriorate, the
challenging broader economic environment remains largely unchanged and the exchange
rate has worsened for imports.
“At GM Holden we will devote our energies towards our core operations that include a
range of alternative fuel technologies, a second car line at Elizabeth to build a new fuelefficient
4-cylinder small car and future generation Commodores for Holden.
“Our Premium Brands, Saab and HUMMER, will continue to focus on sales and planning
for future introductions of new models”.

Source: GM Holden Media Release

[HSVDKB]

Sensible decision given the whats happening in the automotive markets. The Hummer though will be an even bigger sales challenge.

[Hamico]

While disappointing, this was kind of expected.

[vzss05]

While disappointing, this was kind of expected.

True, not a surpirise, but its a shame we wont see the CTS here, I think it would have been a great vehicle

[Goggles]

good move - no matter what, the Caddy would have stolen sales from the Commodore and Statesman/Caprice and I don't think Holden could afford for that to happen.

[Brettly-2008]

While disappointing, this was kind of expected.

Not the worst news but it may signal bad times ahead for GM(H). In these 'troubled' economic times, I seriously hope know one at GM US makes any silly decisions regarding manufacturing arms in "challenging markets" such as Australia.

Would be a shame to see Holden put to rest all because of a transient global market which, let's face it, is all this 'credit crisis' is.

[BigFella]

i could see that one commin.

but big lol at talking about the premium brands like saab. Saab is now an EPIC FAIL! wors cars ever and only 2 models and nothing has changed with those cars over the las5 15 years.

if they want a premium brand p!ss off saab and cring caddys

[steve arnold]

What about the new Camaro has that been shelved as well?

[Hamico]

What about the new Camaro has that been shelved as well?

For Australia it has, exports in right-hand-drive have also been delayed to 2012, but you can take this as indefinately as well......GM don't have the money to throw around anymore

[alchupanibre]

isnt GM letting hummer and a european label go?