A Cadillac for Europe
Cadillac BLS
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
At Geneva this week, we introduced a brand new Cadillac for Europe, and some other non-U.S. markets, and I’ll tell you why. This vehicle, the Cadillac BLS, is about bringing the right products to the right markets, and doing it effectively and efficiently. It was developed specifically for European roads and drivers, and, as such, is not intended for American needs or tastes.
For a long time, GM acted like four independent regional companies. Those days are gone. We’re sharing as never before. Technology, design influence, common manufacturing practices… it’s all coming together. We’re realizing new levels of operating efficiency as a result. More importantly, we’re starting to deliver much more consistently on the product front – more sophisticated products, with the right level of differentiation by region and by brand.
And the BLS is a terrific example. It demonstrates the degree of differentiation that it’s possible to achieve with our global mid-size architecture. It’s a true collaboration of our global engineering and design teams, working together to bring a specific product to a specific market quickly and cost-effectively.
The design, unmistakably Cadillac, is the result of a joint effort of our studios in Europe and the U.S. The BLS will have Cadillac-specific technology in the chassis and powertrain that creates a distinctly Cadillac driving experience.
And the availability of manual transmissions, diesel engines and right-hand drive makes the product relevant and accessible for customers throughout Europe, including the U.K.
The BLS will be on the road in Europe within a year, and we’d love to know what you think of it – all of you, but especially those of you in Europe.
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I live in the California Bay area and would love to have a reasonably sized luxury sports sedan powered by a good diesel motor. Other manufacturers market similar cars here already, such as the Acura TSX, the Audi A4, and the BMW 3 series.
I hope that GM might begin to think about the U.S. market less as a monolith…there’s a lot of people living the coasts with “European” needs.
The BLS really appeals to me. I was very excited when I first saw it only to become disappointed when it was announced Europe only.
All these years the sales of “European” sedans has been moving upward, and these are cars designed for Europe – and the American public has been gobbling them up. What makes you think a car design for Europe won’t work here? Haven’t you heard of Saab (part of your corporate network)? What about Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, etc.?
The major differences in the past has been safety and emissions standards, and I think those in Europe must be as stringent as California. As long as you can come up with a quiet, high-output diesel (250 hp) I think you would have a ready market back here.
Hey Lutz,
I’m from NY and I have to say the BLS looks fantastic. I would also have to agree with you in that the BLS does not have to come here, as a cheaper, smaller Cadillac will probably hurt the luxury image (look what’s happening to Mercedes.)
But I have to say this, why does the BLS have a better interior than the updated DTS? With all the talk about improving interiors in North America, you guys delivered instead to Europe. And to a cheaper Cadillac of all sorts. I hope this was not what you meant when you said it was suited to more European tastes. Don’t we deserve a good interior as well? I’m scratching my head as to why a Cadillac overseas seems better built (in terms of perceived quality) than its counterparts in its home market….
Personally, I believe that Caddy could use a car the size of a BLS, right here in NA. I don’t accept the GM-think notion that Americans won’t spend the money on smaller premium cars. We seem to consume plenty of BMW 3 series, MB C-class, and Audi A4’s, right here in the US, after all.
At least from the pictures I’ve seen, the BLS’s interior FAR surpasses the CTS’s. The choice of powertrains and manual trans also makes it appealing to me.
I’ll tell you….if you could wrap this sized package into a RWD platform and sell it here…it would be virtually irresistible to me.
Thanks for listening..
Cadillac BLS to Launch in a Year
In his blog post today, A Cadillac for Europe, Bob Lutz announced that the new-small Cadillac, the BLS, will have its European launch within the year. Then he went on to make this statement:This vehicle, the Cadillac BLS, is about bringing the right pr…
Why does the interior of the BLS look ten times better than the CTS?
Bring that look over here, your American designers could use some help, or replacement!
One can only hope that the experiences associated with this new car in Europe can be brought “over here.” I’d enjoy seeing a real Cadillac run around Fort Lauderdale with its slim look and diesel power!
I am undecided about this car. I like the concept, but I wish it was headed here.
I’m the same guy who, on your first blog post way back when, begged you to bring a smaller Caddy to market to compete with the A3/A4/3-series/TSX. The CTS is a very nice car, but it’s slightly too large for my tastes. That said, I would still love to own one.
The BLS seems to be about the right size, yet it will “never” come to the US. I assume this is since it’s not being built here, so importing it to US dealers would inflate the price tag to CTS levels, which obviously makes no sense.
So why not build a version here? It’s based on the same chassis that underpins the Saab 9-3 and Chevy Malibu, is it not?
I’m 26 years old, and drive a German sedan, but I would love for my next car to be American, especially if it wore a Cadillac badge.
Right now is a prime opportunity for Cadillac to sell a car like the BLS in America. The brand is getting a lot of positive attention, and if the BLS was offered here for around $25k-$28k, it would bring a lot of new buyers into dealerships. Assuming the car’s quality was at par with its counterparts from other manufacturers, those same people who bought a BLS would come back and trade up for a CTS and eventually an STS or Escalade. See where I’m going with this?
Audi is about to do this with the upcoming US-spec A3 sport hatch, as well as BMW with its new 1-series. My point is, the entry-level “small” luxury car market in the US is about to grow, and Cadillac could be at the forefront with an offering, instead of playing catch-up a few years down the road.
Plus, an AWD BLS-V that could compete with the M3 or S4 would be an absolute blast to drive. I’ll take mine in black, please.
“It was developed specifically for European roads and drivers, and, as such, is not intended for American needs or tastes”
This is just a horrible set of preconceptions, and the failure to market a 3-series fighter is going to hurt GM for decades.
First, lots of Americans buy compact luxury sedans already. Between the A4, 3-series, and C-class, it is clear that Americans are willing to buy products with European “tastes.” Minor players like the 9-3, S40, S60, X-type and Japanese models intended to compete in this market, such as the G35, IS300, and TSX, only confirm this.
Second, GM is foolishly passing on the chance to bond with young drivers by not making a compact luxury sedan. While the CTS may compete on price with the models I mentioned above, young people often don’t want a car that large, especially here in the crowded cities of the East Coast. But these are people who often have large amounts of disposible income, and are willing to shell out over $40K for a compact. GM is leaving money on the table by ignoring these buyers, and giving other makers a head start at capturing future (and probably more expensive) purchases.
That said, bringing the FWD BLS here would also be a bad idea given that RWD is the standard in the compact luxury market, and overcoming a first generation dud can be hard to do. But that doesn’t excuse GM from failing to develop and sell a car in a very import market segment. I hope GM realizes the error of its ways sooner than later.
Gday Bob,
It’s March and that means Geneva. I love this time of the year.
I’ve reread your post, and scoured the Cadillac of Europe website and I’ve yet to figure out where the BLS lies in Cadillac’s line up. All I can figure is that it’s FWD and possibly cheaper than the CTS. Design wise, it looks like a less angular CTS. Dimensionally, I don’t know if it follows the sausage model. Is it bigger than the CTS? So what is this car for? Mid range?
I don’t like the phrase “engineered to European tastes”. It usually means better than the American version…
On a more positive note, I hope Cadillac suceeds in Europe. America needs a GLOBAL luxury brand to compete with the likes of BMW, MB, Audi, Lexus, Acura and now Infiniti. Cars like the the V series, XLR, Sixteen, and SRX are steps in the right direction to build a credible brand that does not try to pull of a leather-clad POS as luxury. I also like that you’re targeting BMW. (The internet is abuzz over the CTS-V’s triumph over the E39 M5 on the Nuerburgring) Being luxurious AND sporty is an easier sell than being just a luxury brand.
My only gripe with the Cadillac brand at present is the designs don’t seem very refined. They still feel very much like “version 0.9″. But you’re getting there with the STS and I’m sure the future will be bright for Cadillac design.
And finally, the Chevy S3X is an amazing concept. It’s beautiful. In fact, this beats any European SUV I’ve seen in terms of design. If this the kind product GM designs when they let an Aussie lead, then we should let Holden handle all US car designs. These are the kind of designs America should be producing already. These are the kinds of designs that will compete with the Japanese and European brands.
Bob,
Why can’t North America get a good refined near luxury car with an option for a diesel engine and/or a manual tranny? Seems like VW is already here with these products. What gives? Why does Europe get the cars that enthusiasts would welcome as a nice change for GM products? Not everyone in the US wants a GrandAM/G6 car with the 4-speed auto tranny and basic engine.
Please give us more engine/trans combinations in the portfolio (not more models and brands!). I think marketing would be surprised. Hopefully they are reading this blog…(and learning something about customers).
S3X is designed by the Koreans, not the Aussies.
Trollhattan announcement – The News and The Opinion
As this is sized under the CTS, it will be a better fit for the European market. Up here in Finland, the CTS is over 50,000 euros for the V6 model. If the BTS can be priced competitively with its competition I think that Cadillac might have a winner on its hands. The styling is agressive, but sculpured much cleaner in the front vs. the CTS. The interior is also an improvement over the CTS.
My hat’s off to the design team on this car. This is a
“Gotta have” design.
Dear Mr.Bob
I´m from Europe,and I work in the car sector. Last week I wrote a post about Saab.
This week I continue to think in your efforts…
I don´t believe in this new cadillac. Europe doesn´t like this type off cars, who can design and concept car for the Europeans and think like the American way???
And this kind of distribution will continue? Like other car, brands the GM group continues to put in the front of the the retail, non-qualified persons…
I think that is not the way…
Congratulations for this blog.
If you need something more, you have my mail.
Bob,
I find it very sad that this will compete with the new 3-Series, which ultimately competes with the new IS. The interior of the BLS is great, but when compared to the new IS250 it pales in comparison and fit and finish. There’s no mistaking the Saab 9-3 door panels, steering wheel, gauges, and automatic shifter. But on the other hand I do want this to come to America to compete against the TSX and others. It’s so sad that this has a better interior than the laughable CTS’s RubberMaid interior. That’s why I chose a G35, because it was more luxurious on the inside than the Cadillac. Please don’t disappoint me anymore Bob.
Bob,
One reason why European and Japanese brands have a lock on a certain segment of the U.S. market is precisely because Detroit assumes too much about what we want and don’t want. GM loyalists are starved for a small, techy, modern-looking sedan like this one from one of the traditional GM brands — something that isn’t compromised by outdated engines or transmissions such as in the G6, or hit and miss styling like in Saturn’s recent production efforts. Saab is offering a car like this, but Saab isn’t a traditional GM brand, and is often priced too high considering its laudable but still lacking 4-cylinder power.
When you do offer a smallish sedan with bold modern styling, transmissions with more than 4 speeds, and a turbocharged V6, then you’ll grab back a chunk of the market that has deserted you for imports. Whether you do that with Saturn, Cadillac, Saab, Pontiac, or a combination of those brands doesn’t matter — it needs to be done.
Personally, I think the BLS is a MUCH better-looking car than the CTS. The design is WAY more cohesive, and I would love to see it here. I agree with the previous poster who says it would be great for Cadillac to have an Acura TSX fighter. The CTS, frankly, is too expensive when decently equipped. I looked at the CTS in late ‘03, but bought an Acura CL Type S instead. I also have been unable to fully embrace the styling. The XLR seems well-engineered, but again, I’m not convinced by the styling. As for the STS, it’s a great car — and nice looking — but too expensive.
I grew up around Cadillac (I’ve lost count of how many my father has owned) and I really want the brand to succeed. It’s on the right track.
On another topic, I also agree that the S3X is a GREAT looking SUV. It may be too small for the U.S., but the styling should be emulated on a larger scale for a U.S. product.
I like the interior, and the exterior design it is quite good, but I prefer the exterior design of the CTS. The interior it is quite Saabish.
Very good job with the new Global V6, overcoat with the Turbo version, it is the best way you demonstrate the capability of the global collaborative GM centers.
I always like the Subaru and the Chevy Trail Blazer and I love the Saabs, I have intention to purchase Saab all my live, it is the only car that satisfy my requirements that I search in a car useable for every day and with perfomance, safety, quality, functional…in resume, engineered and designed with logic thinking, simplicity and common sense. I always thought what will happend if Saab and Chevy or Saab and Subaru developed jointly a car. Now I saw my dream become real, but I am very disappointed with the results, only the 9-7x it can pass my requirements but…I hope that this JV can do more.
I am so sorry Bob, if this is the best expression of a brand in the common architecture of GM…and Cadillac, a brand that GM have many intention to make global and invest as needed to make it…
Why must I buy this car instead of the 9-3ss?? The interior is like the same, only the exterior is quite different and express the real design of Cadillac, but easily you can find the Saab cues and I can imagine that many Saab technology and very few Cadillac tech you can find on it. If you drive, touch and see the 9-3ss and compare the Vectra or Saturn or any Epsilon car, there is an entire world between them. All the journalist said; “The Saab that uses the same platform as the Vectra…” and that is not really true, you know better than me the big effort and knowledge that Saab put in that common design developed by all GM brands, and the rigidity for example of the Saab architecture.
I have a 9-3ss and must say you make an incredible good job with that car, there are some interior details that are common to the Vectra that must be improved…but the result I can say it is a truly Saab.(I have a 9-5 an a 9000 the last one made with Fiat-alfa-lancia that in his exterior design and platform are more similar that this Cadillac and 9-3ss, but the tech, the difference of safety, rigidity and so are totally different, you cannot put the door of the alfa-lancia-fia in the Saab).
My big fear with the next generation of 9-3 is if Russelheim gain power in the design and Saab loose it, that will be a real Saab?? or like this Cadillac?? with some exterior Saab cues and some design quirckness of the upper interior dashboard? that’s all?? I am very afraid that the next Saab will not have Saab engineering, Saab functionality, Saab quality, Saab design, not simply quirckness. As I said in other message, Saab is not strange design. You know better than me (remember the features you said in the presentation of the 9-7x about Saab) that Saab is and incredible innovate engineering center. Turbo, safety, chassis(test a pre-1993 900 and you will be imrpessed by the incredible good chassis), aerodynamics, functionaility… ake a look at all the technology that Saab offered to GM, as TechII, turbo, safety, aerodinamics, chasis and so if Saab loose this capability instead of Russelheim that make the Vectra that as you know have some difficults to sell.
I hope that will not happen. I believe in you, and GM. You make incredibly good cars. I love the Corvette, I like the Monaro, I like the Trailblazer. If Saab is only used to make Cadillac as global brand…
I hope that will not happen, and you understand as Ford with Volvo what you have in your hands and the incredible innovative powerful engineering, with the most loyal customers of the car market and more vinculated to the brand, that’s another feature.
This car can make many hurt to the German brands, but also can hurt to Cadillac’s image. The market has the word.
Greetings and many thanks to make this blog and stay nearer to the customer.
Bob,
This is my same post from the Saab thread, but its more appropriate here.
FYI, I think the new Caddy BLS intended for Europe would be a home run in New York City. NYC has 3-series everywhere; it’s trendy, classy, powerful, and SMALL. It’s the perfect Hamptons/Marthas Vineyard weekend warrior. The BLS would be a very nice competitor to it. Talk to dealerships in the area: I bet if you brought 200 of them here to the city for a test run, it would be a winner. Price it at the base 3-series level. Give the BLS a chance to succeed in major metro markets.
Eric
Hi Bob,
I live in Europe. I was strongly upset after I saw Daewoos wearing badge of my beloved – brand – Chevy. It was a horrible mistake. If Ford Motor Company had bought Daewoo I am sure they wouldn’t sell those cars as Fords or Mazdas.
As far as the Cadillac expansion is concerned I am very positive about it. I don’t want to be boring but the BLS needs AWD option. (I am not sure if it’s possible with this platform). FWD may be good but all the main Cadillac competitors are RWD.
The design is fine to me. But I am worried a bit about the interior. It looks not very original. I think it should be more like the new STS interior. The second problem are the steering wheel and gear shifter. I know GM saves money on it. But if Cadillac wants to be the benchmark it needs to use own parts.
Secondly the expansion MUST BE FASTER AND COVER ALL U.E Countries. Because if GM opens Cadillac dealerships in a few years for example in Poland or Czech Republic the cars as LR won’t be very fresh. Also the dealerships must be First-Class looking. They mustn’t look like Opel dealerhips. They must be located separately, look original and elegant. The buildings should be more like galleries for reach people.
In my opinion the whole Cadillac line-up should be sold in Europe. I know that for ex. Escalade is a bit thirsty. But believe me there are many rich people who don’t care about gas mileage.
Finally build the Sixteen!
I know that Maybach is completely unprofitable for DC. But it became a benchmark and now everyone talks about it as the best and most luxurious car in the world. If GM built the Sixteen, those people would talk in the same way about Cadillac!
Even you Bob bragged about the fact the fact STS-V uses the same leather as Maybach!
See you at the opening of Cadillac Heritage Center in Warsaw.
Best wishes for GM!
Mr. Lutz:
You say the BLS is about bringing the right products to the right markets.
How about your core, critical market, the U.S., where you keep on losing market share?
The spin is that it can take a lot of time to turn around this big ship called GM in the U.S. This simply appears to be a convenient excuse for the second best products that GM keeps churning out here.
When will the GM finally start selling vehicles that beat the pants off Toyota and Honda without huge rebates? And when will you stop losing market share? These questions, to my mind, are much more important than whether the BLS will be a success in Europe.
I have seen many posts calling for more diesels to be offered in the U.S. The problem is that they are currently banned from new sales in several of the largest states due to emission requirements. The earliest they can be offered may be late 2006 which is when the EPA has mandated a switch to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel in the U.S.
http://tinyurl.com/6ku6d
“What’s more, California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Maine have created stricter clean-air regulations preventing automakers from selling new diesel cars within their state borders.
Paauwe said she expects it will be easier for automakers to meet emissions standards in mid-2006 with the introduction of low-sulfur diesel, which she likened to the unleaded version of gasoline.”
Mr. Lutz,
Please don’t keep this car outside the USA. I personally consider something like the CTS or STS too large for my needs, but ths would be the right size Caddy. I’d hate to have to buy from another foreign manufacturer.
“It was developed specifically for European roads and drivers, and, as such, is not intended for American needs or tastes”
I am a proud 2004 CTS owner, American products buyer and GM car loyalist. With that said Bob, I am personally insulted by the above comment. That comment typifies what you and the rest of GM don’t understand about the American car buyer and why the Japanese brands are demolishing you in sales. I happen to love the new BLS and am purely confident that GM would sell the heck out of them in the US. This is exactly the size, style, quality, interior etc. that Americans want in an American car. The problem is there are few to no American cars that offer this. Hence most people go to the Japanese brands which offer exactly what the American buyer wants.
Bob, I think the BLS is great-looking. That design is what the CTS should look like. When you compare the two side-by-side, the BLS triumphs in every way. I hope that in the BLS, we see a good hint of what the next CTS will look like. The CTS is a nice car overall, but the look is a bit too funky.
Mr. Lutz,
I have been writing responses to most of your posts and am an avid GM fan, beleive me when I say I only want the best for the company.
The BLS is exactly the kind of design work GM as a whole needs to be producing. I also concur 100% with the earlier posting about the S3X. I am beginning to see the globalization of design in more American efforts, and I just hope it takes off into a wildfire of its own.
GMNA has always been adept at producing handsome/distinctive designs, just not with the typical refinement of Europeans or the Japs. They managed to make the faces interesting but the bodies were convoluted, I’m glad we’re beginning to see a change. The BLS demonstrates Caddy’s design theme yet again, but it doesn’t stray too far, I think it’s fresh enough and different enough from the CTS that it will catch fire.
I believe it’s time to really exploit the entire Caddy design motif and take this theme where it should have always gone, not with visually dull STS/DTS. Come on Lutz, don’t disappoint, don’t hold back, and bring us some truly stunning designs that will have people crawling back to you at all cost, based on pure “Gotta Have”, raw emotion. Thanks…
Bob,
This post essentially just said, “we’re only offering the BLS in Europe beacause Europeans have different tastes.”
That’s nice, but not terribly helpful. Your readers would like a little more detail…they’re interested in hear WHY you think the BLS suits European needs and not American needs.
What is different about tastes in the two regions? How does the BLS speak to this difference? What makes the BLS different from other Cadillacs?
Being American, I can’t understand why the Europeans would want an underpowered, undersized luxury car.
But I could be wrong.
However, I think the name BLS is one of the worst names for a car ever.
Take it to the states as well as Europe.
The plant in Trollhaten, Sweden, made 128,000 cars last year only half its capacity. GM can easily make enouph BLS’s for America and its population of 300 million. Falling market share, eroding profits, ebbing confidence on Wall Street, possible bond downgrade, management shake up, poor public perception, lackluster and warmed over designs. Yet it’s still business as usual at GM. You just don’t get it do you, the diagnosis is your sick and your not getting better.
Like Chrysler you need to bet the farm to turn around your 25-year slide, you will never get to 40% of the U.S. market again, you can but you won’t, that would mean taking risks and selling cars in America like the BLS, the Chevy S3X. Establishing Buick as a design heritage leader as it always was and making a car for every purse and purpose. GM is still the best automobile company in the world but it has to remember how it got that way.
Sell the BLS here. The BMW 3-Series was designed for Europe, as were all the German cars sold here. Thats why people buy them.
The BLS should match up with the 3-Series, the CTS the 5-Series and the STS the 6 or 7-Series. Makes sense, no?
But you must improve the front end grill and the interior-soon!
The DTS is old formula front wheel drive — personally I think it should look retro.
After looking at the BLS pics, all I can say (and this goes for the CTS also), is that the back end needs work also. The red stoplight that goes across the top of the trunk with the badge underneath looks cheesy.
And I really wish you would get the chrome bar above the grill off the hood. It looks awful.
Bob, now this is very serious here. My family has owned since the early ’70s — over 40 GM products — we are a strictly GM family, but are finding it hard to get new vehicles form GM because I find that too many GM cars and trucks are not only too bland but also lacking in technology.
5-speed automatics no multi-valve engine and what was the trail of thought with the 5 cylinder in the new S trucks? We almost bought it but no guts no glory. Now I sat this please bring some of these new designs for Europe to us in North America like this Cadillac BLS and the s3x should be brought to us in the Pontiac brand this would bring Pontiac back to true excitement.
I am seriously thinking of jumping ship to Lexus and buy their new IS sedan. I want to buy a new 2007 GM full size and maybe even a Cadillac 2007 Escalade, but I am getting tired of waiting for these new models.
Please Bob at least release some new pictures or even concept pictures with computer camoflauge to give us GM loyalists at least something to hope for. If GM at least released some teaser pictures it would make people wait for these new trucks and stop the consumers like myself from jumping ship to other brands. Bob I love GM please do something I am a professional who hates the market share slide GM is having but you guys are making it worse by hiding to much from your loyalists.
I am buying three new vehicles for my family soon and the only GM product I am buying is the Saturn Sky, what I need is a good full size truck not the old model and I want a new Cadillac Escalade 2007 models I am talking here. I presently own a ‘99 customized Grand Am GT which I spent $22,000 on and won best of show with it and a 2004 Envoy SLT. I have so many ideas for GM I might be the next Lutz who is the greatest by the way.
Call me Bob, check my GM records on my personal purchases in Canada and come see my custom Grand Am which I use to educate kids about street racing and wreckless driving. I get tons of media attention on my car and my safety program that I designed and I run a multi million dollar operation.
Help BOB
“Being American, I can’t understand why the Europeans would want an underpowered, undersized luxury car.”
Petrol prices in the UK are $6/gal today.
For all who are yearning for a Cadillac BLS in the USA…the new Saturn Aura is virtually the same car as the BLS (which BTW is a horrible, horrible name). They should have put the “T” at the end “BLST” and wound up with bulls**t. The new Saab 95 should be an identical car to BLS. Try the 93 (also same Epsilon platform). So before you get off on your rants, the BLS is coming here soon as Saturn Aura.
If the BLS came to America, it would get ripped hard by enthusiasts and the media for being:
1. a FWD Epsilon Caddy (malibu/G6); (G6 – another idiotic name)
2. underpowered
3. not up to Caddy Luxury stds
So, it is the correct decision IMO not to bring it to the USA. (Unless you are going to call it a Saturn or Saab).
For those that expect to take the car to USA, that’s quite difficult, some difficulties have Saab with the dollar-euro(and swedish korona) to export his Trollhattan products to USA, adding the cadillac won’t help.
Looking at the car and knowing the Saab origin, I don’t find where to put the car in the “strategic clock.” I am afraid if the customer will perceive the added value and position the car in the “differentiation” or “focused in differentiation” where are the German brands, also with the entry of Cadillac what will happend to Saab?? It will pass to “differentiation” to hybrid??
Yes, the volume of the Cadillac and the new entry it could make the differentiation between the brands, but…
As you say this seems the perfect car to compete with the German cars in Europe, but not with this type of strategy. It hurts Cadillac and also Saab, when the product it is fantastic.
I do like the BLS. However, after owning three used Buick LeSabres (1986, 1995, and 1998), I bought two Chevrolet Malibus (2004 and 2005) and owned the 2004 for 4 months and the 2005 for about 1 month. I believe the BLS and Malibu are on the same platform. Part of the reason was the ride was just, too, well “European” for me — and I’ve heard the Malibu was “softened” for American tastes. Even the less expensive Chevrolet Cobalt I now drive has a significantly smoother ride than the Malibus.
Not every American wants a car that rides like a European car. Those who can do can easily find one at any Mercedes, Saab, or BMW dealership — let’s leave some inexpensive options open for those of us who’d rather not feel every little bump in the road.
Bob,
As a European I cannot think of any one who’d actually buy this car. In Europe “American car” is the same as “Big car of bad quality,” hence why would anyone buy a small American car? And by the way, if it really was designed for Europe, it should have been an estate — all sports sedans in Europe are outnumbered several times by estates. That is the reason why there are no a3 sedans, and the VW Jetta isn’t sold in Europe.
A final comment regarding the true meaning of “design for europe” — it means too expensive for the U.S. market! GM would never introduce another car that they have to loose money to sell in the U.S. (like they do on the SAAB 9-3).
Hey Bob…
This American already buys cars “developed specifically for European roads and drivers” and would like to get a decent small car from GM that “is not intended for American needs or tastes.”
Please don’t suggest something that’s already in the GM stable built off of this platform like the 9-3. Short of bringing the Opel Speedster here (like Lotus has done with the Elise) with a GM brand badge, GM needs more Euro-tuned vehicles that have manuals and a bit stiffer ride than normal and are affordable. For the price of the Saabs (save the 9-2) I’d rather go after a used Corvette.
Bob,
I personally like the design and packaging of this car, especially with the diesel, manual trans, and RHD. It shows there’s a little more commitment to really trying to sell something in Europe. However, the execution will make the difference…if the product isn’t differentiated from the Vectra and the 9-3 enough then it won’t fool people.
However, there is one trump card that might draw Europeans into the fold…Cadillac styling is truly unique, and the BLS offers something different than the conservative Audis and Benzes and the awkward BMWs. I’m glad the Trollhatten facility is being used to keep employment there and to help save Saab; however if this car was produced in America it might be a) considered more of a true Cadillac and b) much cheaper.
And for those who pine for this vehicle in the USA…with the 9-3, Malibu, G6, and upcoming (and promising) Aura…there’s enough of these already here. We don’t need another Trailblazer/Envoy/Ascender/Bravada/9-7x/Rainier. If you want this vehicle so bad, go buy a 9-3 and save Saab.
More Warranty for HUMMER
Hummer today announced that starting in 2006, all of its vehicles will get a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty. This is an upgrade from the current and standard 3/36k. HUMMER says this move is to put HUMMER more inline with other premium brands. Hey, sounds…
Better Warranty for HUMMER
Hummer announced that starting in 2006, all of its vehicles will get a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty. This is an upgrade from the current and standard 3/36k. HUMMER says this move is to put HUMMER more inline with other premium brands. Hey, sounds good …
Mr. Lutz,
A few comments about the new BLS…
I certainly would love to see it come to the U.S., however, as Cadillac should be a true performance-oriented premium brand, do not do so until the Epsilon chassis is available in AWD. The bad press of a front-wheel-drive small Cadillac would not help reposition Cadillac as you are currently trying to do.
Personally, I don’t understand my fellow Americans’ fascination with large=luxury. I have owned a CTS and liked it a lot, except that it was too big. A BLS (why not BTS?) with the 2.8l high-content V-6 would be just about perfect – especially w/ AWD and manual transmission.
While I’m on the topic of what Cadillac “should” offer in the U.S. …how about you take the ‘flexible’ architecture that is Kappa, stretch it enough to accept the 2.8 and 3.6l high-feature v-6’s and build a baby XLR to compete against the Z4, SLK, and TT. That would be an excellent addition to the Cadillac family.
Thanks for offering up this great way to communicate directly with the folks in management at GM. I, for one, appreciate it.
Gmo, I don’t know in which part of Europe you live, but here in Belgium the VW Jetta is quite well known, albeit as VW Bora (a name they don’t use on English-speaking markets, for obvious reasons).
The BLS looks like an interesting car, especially for European drivers who get a company car under the BMW/Mercedes price level. Now their choice is basically limited to Audi A4 in basis trim, Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra and on some markets, Peugeot 407, Saab 9-3 and Alfa 156. The Cadillac – if properly prized – would be a welcome addition.
Well, at least they’ll be stuck with an automatic, too.
I’ve wanted American cars to offer true manual trannies with their 6 & 8 cylinder cars, not just their entry-level 4 cyl. cars (excepting GTO & Corvette). The new smaller Cadillac seems to address this, but I hope that it would spread to the rest of their offerings, like the new Saturn Aura. I have a 2000 Saturn LS, and it would be sooooo much better with a manual. Auto should come with a pillow.
So, to sum up, manual trannies aren’t just for Europeans. Thanks for listening.
The BLS looks hot, inside & out.
That car would fit in here with a deisel/electric hybrid powertrain. Even a regular deisel or gas engine would work. I think Caddy needs a smaller car priced in the mid $20s to school the Camrys and Accords.
A $25,000 Caddy would sell at least 500,000 cars a year here in the U.S.
When are you gonna bring back Camaro or the Chevelle? Chevy needs a “Muscle Car” other than the Vette. I want a Chevelle with an LS2 base engine and an SS with an LS7. Then give the Vette a bigger powerplant. Call it the LS8 or the BEAST. Make it out of the VORTEC 8.1L block. I mean a Corvette with 500 cubic inches under the hood would be sweet. And you gotta up the HP anyway since the Mustang is getting that 550HP version.
Peter!
Yes, the old Bora is for sale in Europe, but the new Bora will (at least according to press releases I’ve read) be U.S. only.
I think Europe is starting to notice Cadillac, even if sales numbers don’t necessarily bolster this fact. Take some time to read articles at topgear.com — they absolutely love the CTS-V and really respect the SRX. But those are pricey cars. What Cadillac needs to do in Europe is make a compelling, albeit “affordable” car with a high-quality interior and good driving dynamics. And, I presume, this is what the BLS represents.
No one on this board can argue that Cadillac has seen a resurgence in the United States with models such as the CTS and STS. It’s time, maybe, to focus on other markets. Let me just say this: I think American car buyers are demanding more from their cars. They want power, they want luxury and they want value. That’s why the American car makers are losing market share. Hard plastics won’t cut it when you can have soft-touch, well-made materials and more power for less money. (I always thought there was no “replacement for displacement.” Hm.) But I honestly believe Bob Lutz cares about quality and performance just as much as he cares about pleasing shareholders.
I do believe that GM has made some mistakes in the past, and when I see one, I’ll call them on it. For instance, I have no problem with platform/engine sharing. Volkswagen shares engines and parts with Bentley, but no one says the new Continental GT isn’t all Bentley. GM, on the other hand, tends to change very, very little. The Equinox and the Torrent for example. Who is GM kidding? But it just seems to me that every one of Bob Lutz’s posts is immediately bashed. Let’s give some credit where credit is due. GM is improving. I don’t own a GM car, nor have I ever owned a GM car. But I am a “car guy” like Lutz is a car guy. I honestly believe that, given time, he will make a vehicle that will make me consider my first GM car.
Bob, I totally disagree you on this one. It is that mindset that “GM knows best for the American enthusiast” that has kept most of us from seriously considering a GM as an alternative to the European marques. Now is Cadillac’s opportunity to change that perception.
Seriously, Cadillac needs a car like the BLS that captures the essence of the brand (and styling) at a more “entry” level price — something that is smaller and sportier. Sure in the short term a BLS might cannibalize some sales from the CTS, but when it’s time to update the CTS, there would be an opportunity to further differentiate the two. The point is, in order to capture the under 40 market (like me), Cadillac needs an entry level car to compete with the 3 series, 93, A4, S40, TSX, IS, etc.
I also disagree with the notion that NA should be satisfied with the Saab, or worse, Saturn versions of this car. Neither has the styling or brand equity that Cadillac currently has in the U.S.
Please reconsider the BLS for NA!
I can’t help but thinking about what a huge splash this car would make had it been RWD.
Certainly, I understand the investment required to either modify Sigma or even go with a new architecture for a BLS-sized RWD product. I also understand the incredible cost savings of basing this car on the 9-3.
But the reason for those cost savings, are perhaps this car’s most controversial aspect.
I wonder if in the long run that turns out to be a wise move?
-Charlie
GM and its leadership are embarked on a noble task. I fear they are unable to meet its demands. The old series of marques, with a logical financial ladder to climb from Chevy to Cadillac seems to get in the way of engineering and sales progress. There are too many smart competitors worldwide, each aching to get a piece of GM’s hide. It no longer seems reasonable to believe that each of the several divisions can aspire to have the “best” product.
I think there is too much less-than-best product being placed into the market by GM.
KISS is the way to go. Fewer brands, each the very best in its niche.
We want it. It has AWD!
Why are you crushing the EV1s?
TO Dave:
I totally disagree with you. The BLS has nothing to do with what Cadillac is trying to convey in the USA. The FWD Epsilon does not compete with the cars you mention above. The CTS is a totally different car (and market) than a good looking Cadillac FWD Epsilon car. The CTS is the entry market for Cadillac. Plus RWD.
In the USA, the BLS would be panned as another Cimmaron! Cadillac certainly can NOT afford this type of press!! A smaller Cadillac could be possibly built off of the new Kappa RWD, but not the Epsilon. If you want an Epsilon, go get a 9-3, a G6 or the new Saturn Aura.
Cadillac would loose its momentum by bringing the FWD Cimmaron er, Epsilon to this country. Think about it. Buy the Saturn Aura. Its FWD and good looking. Make Bob Happy.
The BLS is as much an American car for Europe as the 9-7x is a European car for America. Please! Both are simply desperate attempts to find quick profit.
I find it a bit oxymoronic, as well, that the “art & science” theme that was touted as being distinctly and purposefully “American” but is also now appropriate for “European tastes.” And exterior cues aside, even GM’s European cars, as the 9-3 has shown, aren’t European enough in handling and performance themselves to merit being in the same category as the 3-series, C-class or A4, which as a brand Cadillac will be competing against.
As for the name, instead of BLS, how about Cimarron (remember that disaster?) This is the exact reason why you won’t see the BLS in America: maintaining luxury car status for Cadillac is sadly as much about price point as it is product offering. And besides, we already have it, in the more refined form of the Saab 9-3.
I’ve written a few comments on this board, and appreciate the opportunity to do so. But being a designer, I have never understood why American automotive manufacturers have yet in this day and age to build a superior car in terms of both styling and performance (I think the automotive press can vouch for that assumption) versus its European and Japanese counterparts. Where is the car that makes Americans proud to call it their own? To get back on subject, that car would seem to be Cadillac, given all the history, and current marketing spin, surronding the badge.
But as the “art & science” theme demonstrates, GM should take a page from the Japanese and first try and rip off that with which they are trying to compete before offering up a “better alternative.” As the saying goes: “amateurs borrow, professionals steal.” Cadillac will never be a serious contender for BMW or Mercedes until it has a product that can DIRECTLY compete with them. Trying hard to be unique is trying hard to distract people from making a side-by-side, and ultimately disappointing, comparison.
If the Saab 9-3 isn’t doing well in Europe, a Saab with a chunky slab of sheet metal over it won’t either.
I agree with Sean. Well said.
The BLS sounds like a good car, and hopefully it will improve the Cadillac brand’s fortunes in Europe.
I’m very glad to see the exterior styling is not “softened” like it was for the STS here, which I feel is a big mistake and helps Cadillac maintain an edgier and hipper image. It should stand out.
It’s a shame the interior styling looks much better than what we’re treated to in Cadillac’s new cars here like the CTS, SRX, and XLR.
If you want Cadillac to really play globally, and maintain momentum in North America the interior design and materials quality really needs to be addressed – and fast.
congratulations, your blog just received a positive comment in one of Germany’s most influential magazines (Der Spiegel) – in contrast to the Boing blog.
Dear Bob,
wonderfull new car. I was at the autrai in amsterdam to get a look and feel of the new STS. Since this time i try to order one. But noone in Europe is able to tell me the real price and package of the car. If you want to sell Caddy´s in Europe you have to invest some in information. See Caddy website in the US with full information and the Caddyeurope website with nearly nothing on it.
Hope to get a least this great car until may. If not i have to stay on a german car.
Patrick
Germany
Dear Mr. Lutz,
Especially you should know Europe better than any other Chairman of a major US Car Company. When I looked at the German Cadillac website, I saw that you offer the Escalade for Germany as well.
This SUV consumes up to 26.1 Litres Super-fuel! You must be jokin… A litre of that fuel actually costs 1.16 Euros in Germany. I’m really afraid that it will be cheaper to take a plane for any distance. How many of that cars do expect to sell over here? 2? 5?
Good luck anway!
Best regards:
Guido
Dear Lutz, sorry to say that but this car does not fit to Europe. Few people will buy it because others will look at it just with a smile. There might be no facts but the image and design and stomach feeling is somehow …hm – regards from an average European guy
What exactly is the added value your car has to offer?
Most of us Europeans consider American cars to be thirsty, technologically out-dated, oddly designed means of transport, and little more – even the more prestigious cars like the Viper and the Corvette get a smirk when one sees that it normally takes them some 50% more engine to get the same power output as a Porsche, BMW or Merc.
Why would I give up my bimmer for a Cadillac?
I saw the BLS in geneva. Before I say more, let me stress how much I appreciate that GM is improving things in general.
But the BLS… jeez.
First of all, the name. is anybody at GM aware of the fact that regular folk tend to fill in their own vowels when they see a name consisting of consonants? Peugeot learned this lesson the hard way when they tried to sell the 204 TRD in the UK, and people sniggeringly called it the “turd.” Now, why would anybody want to drive a car that in some circles will be nicknamed the cadillac bulls**t?
Next, the interior. If this is a car meant for Europe (and not just for American GM staff based in Europe), then why the hell does it have interior fittings colored light blue? Does GM really think that polyester suits and golf trousers are the style of the future?
And what about the prominent pushbutton interior door locks? Here’s a news flash: in Europe, we don’t lock our cars from inside when we drive through town.
I could go on and on… where a 9-3 is restrained and elegant, where a Vectra is economical and cheerful, the BLS is flashy, overloaded, pretentious. Who needs it?
I say you should atleast market the car up here in Canada as the small car market is more European in nature as we prefer smaller more fuel efficient vehicles. I think Toyota and their Scion brand are nuts for not shipping them up north as well. They would sell like crazy in our metropolitan areas. People are exporting them up here and reselling them. The BLS would sell well in our country and I can’t imagine it would be hard to certify.
Do what you will, but if you have a great product you should sell as many as you can everywhere you can and be d**ned the marketing guru types that pigeon hole countries with a narrow minded stereo type view on the world. This car will sell. Give us the opportunity to buy it.
I think you’re making a big mistake by not naming the cadillacs. Everybody knows exactly what car you are refering to when you say “Eldorado or Seville”. When people say “CTS or XLT or BFD” we think, “is that the sporty one, the big one or the cute one etc”. Get the picture? You could use the real name and “BLT” or whatever, and the public would know what car you were talking about. Let the public decide if they want to use the letter designation or not. If it catches on, ok, if not the name is enough.
The Cadillac BLS is a sharp car. I love the new Cadillac styling. I fell in love with the CTS at first sight. The possibility of having a lower cost (than the CTS) Cadillac is remarkable. It is too bad that the US will have to wait, but I think the Cadillac BLS would fit well in the US Cadillac lineup. Especially since I think there is going to be a shift to smaller, fuel efficient vehicles in the US. Why not have style, luxury and fuel efficiency all in one nicely wrapped package.
“It was developed specifically for European roads and drivers”
That doesn’t seem to hurt BMW sales in the US, or Mercedes. You need to be confident in the Cadillac brand. It is good enough to sell the BLS with success in the US if you can price it competitively to the 3 series.
I am a 30ish Californian and I drive a WRX, another car that people didn’t think Americans would understand. I would consider the BLS. Cadillac is a prestige, performance brand again. If the BLS can compete in Europe it can compete here.
hey Bob,
I truly believe that the new cadillac should come to N.A. It would give the chance to the people who can’t afford one the opportunity to purchase one. Think about it!
Congratulations on expanding the cadillac brand.
A few comments for those who don’t like the interior, the model shown is a concept car so has a lot of carry over fittings from the 9-3.
As for selling it in the USA, it’s a hard call, but it would need to suceed in Europe first, that would give it cachet, otherwise it would just be written off as a Cimarron without any vowels!
Unfortunately the snobbery about European brands with US connections seen already with jaguar, is a pretty hard negative to overcome, and GM just doesn’t have the money of Toyota to produce a Lexus and sell it as a loss leader.
I love the BLS and think it is the perfect Cadillac to bring to Canada. Smaller cars are very popular here and I would buy a BLS in a second if it was available here (currently I’m looking at a CTS, which is great, but a little large for my tastes).
I want a BLS for America. Doesn’t GM realize that some Americans want European-style cars. This is why Americans import expensive German sports sedans. For years, I have been wishing GM would offer a quality sedan that was available with a manual transmission (because I don’t like automatics) and a diesel engine (i highly value fuel economy). Now … GM has this car but has decided to not even offer it in America? I don’t understand the theory of not giving people what they want.
How can this vehicle possibly make sense. This is what you get when you have product/brand leaders who need to build their own empires. GM should have saved the money and used it towards creating break – through products.
Separately why is Hummer getting so much investment and empire building. Wouldn’t the overhead being built be better spent again on break-through products perhaps branded as Chevrolet, Cadillac or GMC?
I would jump at a CTS if it had the interior of the BLS. I honestly don’t think you can come up with an explanation on why the BLS interior would not be suitable to American tastes. If you are willing to try however I will at least listen.
With the introduction of the Solstice and Sky, which are both very exciting products, and will send the competition reeling. What are the plans for a ‘heritage’ designed Camaro, of the size of the Solstice and Sky, but with the ‘05 Mustang nostalgic look? I really feel, and most consumers I think would agree, Ford really hit the nail on the head with the ‘05 Mustang. What would make a better ‘Car and Driver’ cover than a snarling ‘05 Mustang and nostagic Camaro with the driving/fog lights on and some smoke drifting by.
If you would like to drive the Caddy BLS, why don’t you visit your SAAB dealer? The 9-3 model is the same car with some differnt body parts. The view from driver seat is very similar. Try it! It IS a good car.
Cadillac, here’s a special note:
I know the BLS will go on sale in Europe in early 2006, and I know it will offer a 1.9 Diesel Engine, a 2.0 Engine, and a 2.8 turbocharged engine that debuted in the Saab 9-3 SprotCombi, but I want the BLS to go on sale here in the United States of America in late 2007!
I would think that the BLS is the very type of automobile that Cadillac as well as GM needs right now in the United States. In light of recent published sales figures, it’s very evident that the mid-level, mid-size luxury/sports car offerings from BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura dominate this segment in the US and substantially contribute to overall declining units sold.
Bob
I read an article that you were going to ship the CTS to Europe with the Merc 2.7 litre diesel next year. Is that right, or was I dreaming? I don’t want a BMW or a Merc, because everyone and his dog has got one of them. Help me please and ship them soon.
Bob,
I grew up in Detroit and for the last 30 years I’ve been hammered by my coastal and global friends for that fact. Big, slow, unresponsive, unreliable – that is what Detroit means to the world.
Cadillac re-opened my eyes to the big 3 and GM. I think the STS, CTS, XLR, SRX and Escalade are all great cars. They need some more interior work, but they are all a step in the right direction.
The BLS to me is a step backwards. The styling is great, but what you have is a Chevy Malibu/SAAB 9-3 with some new skin. To compete with BMW, Mercedes Audi and the Japanese luxury brands, you need a hot-RWD or AWD compact luxury sedan. You need a ‘gotta have product’ that is marketed based on lifestyle, aspiration and performance, rather than meaningless features, and no brand diferentiation.
I want more than anything to look to GM for a new car. I can’t. Only the CTS and STS are appealing to me, however what truly want is a small sports sedan or coupe (see 3 series) with great handling, RWD, manual tranny (or a clutchless sequential manual that lets the user do the talking), and some real guts. I drive a 9-3 right now – it is a boring, unreliable, underpowered car. It is a GM.
Please invest in quality cars. Develop a RWD platform. Get out of the ’shotgun’ approach to branding (toyota has 3 brands, DC has 3 or 4, GM has 10?). Get out of the ‘can’t do’ mentality and into building ‘MUST HAVE’ cars. Please make me want to buy a GM car!
Thanks and best of luck to GM.
Since it appears to be too expensive to cut a Sigma to BLS size, then give the US market a next-gen car with a heavily rear-biased AWD, please. And please change the name to BTS.
Well it’s 2008,and it’s clear the BLS has not sold well in the markets it was aimed at. Its primary problem is the interior. It just looks to ordinary. Look at Lexus IS250, or Mercedes C Class. No comparison.