Cadillac to produce new small luxury car

GM Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson has announced that Cadillac will be adding an all-new small luxury car to its portfolio and that it will be produced at the Lansing Grand River assembly plant. The intention was made public during the announcement of an investment worth $190 million in that GM plant. Thanks to this investment 600 jobs will be created and will result in the addition of a second shift.

“America’s fastest-growing luxury brand this year is about to get even more competitive with the addition of an all-new small luxury car,” said GM Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson. “This investment demonstrates GM’s commitment to Cadillac and to a strong U.S. manufacturing base.”

This value of investment joins the $3.1 billion of new U.S investment that has been made by GM in 21 U.S. plants since emerging from bankruptcy in July 2009. Thanks to this amount the American company was able to create or retain more than 7,900 jobs.

Lansing Grand River is GM’s second-newest U.S. factory. Built in 2001 this assembly plant is the production home of the Cadillac CTS and STS as well as their V-series performance versions.

Joe Ashton, UAW vice president of the GM Department, said, “Today’s announcement is further proof of what UAW President Bob King said earlier this summer, ‘The UAW recognizes the paramount importance of innovation, flexibility and partnership with management to respond to global economic pressures.  We are proud to play our part in the turnaround at GM.  Our mission is to make the highest quality products for the best value.”

This year the Lansing Grand River started producing the CTS Coupe, a model that has received good critics from the automotive press for groundbreaking design and outstanding performance. The Coupe extends the CTS line, which has been named to Car and Driver’s 10 Best list over the last three years. The CTS Coupe shares design cues with the CTS Sport Sedan but it has a wider track, lower roofline and shorter length.

The timing of the new Cadillac and the new jobs as well as the start of the second shift will be announced later.