What are the pros of CT6 over its direct rivals?
We are trying to combine with the positives of the large luxury sedan with the dynamics of the lower level sedan. So, that is a very unique positioning. We really can’t compare ourselves with competitors as they are a lot into their respective segments. We are offering our customers the driving dynamics of a smaller vehicle with the indulgence of the segment above that – with connectivity, Bose Panaray system etc.
What is your expected market share from this particular model?
We don’t talk about market shares in terms of straight numbers but we assume that will be in addition to our current volume. So, that will be on-top market share for us. We also believe that we will get market share from the two segments due to the unique positioning of the car.
What are the characteristics of a CT6 customer and how will you define them?
The CT6 customer is someone who is very focused on driving and our car allows him to do that without compromising on the space we are offering at the same time. So, the Cadillac customer will always be someone with an entrepreneurial spirit. He represents being bold, being sophisticated and being optimistic. Our target group in the future will be the millennial segment.
When is the car available in the GCC market?
First week of July.
How is the company performing in the Middle East right now?
Cadillac closed 2015 with a 20% increase over 2014. Obviously, the SRX sales have come down due to the model reaching the end of its lifecycle – so, that’s expected. However, with the XT5 launching in the coming weeks, the sales are expected to rise again.
What is the best-selling model from Cadillac currently?
The Escalade.
What is the future model road map for the GCC?
The GCC will always remain a SUV heavy market. But the trend will be moving towards the smaller-SUV side. But we want to cater to the different sedan segments as well – from small sedan to large luxury sedan. We are planning to add more models that are missing from the Cadillac portfolio. We are looking at adding SUVs at the lower end and also replacing the ATS and CTS range.
How’s the UAE performance as compared to other GCC markets?
UAE is the market with the most potential for us. The premium segment is the largest in the region – for example KSA and at the same time, KSA is largest in terms of volume for us. The UAE is focused more on smaller SUVs while KSA is focused on larger SUVs and sedans. So, in the coming years, we are going to fill the gaps with more models and eventually both the markets will even out.
What challenges are you facing in the GCC region?
We are facing similar challenges as compared to other makes – oil prices playing a major role thus leading to a slowdown in sales. But, at the same time, we as a manufacturer are set up in such a way that we react quickly. When the oil prices change in the GCC, it helps our fellows in the US to react to those macro-economic challenges. Other challenges include high competition in the market. We need to find our niche and with our new direction, we are getting positive feedback for our approach.
Will the CT6 take market share away from the CTS?
I don’t think so. The reason being simple: the segment we are catering to (called the Lux Car 4) is a very broad segment. So, you have everything from a price point of AED 160,000 to AED 500,000. The CTS caters to the lower end of the spectrum while the CT6 caters to the higher end. Thus we can offer customers the particular car depending on their price point.
Check out Car Prices and Specs for Cadillac CT6 and Competitors
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