Cadillac isn't for old folks anymore?

[///M-Spec]

Originally posted by M5Power

Ahh - you're a car person. Widowed women feel differently - they want big, plush stuff, and if their husband was a war veteran, which is often the case, they want a US-made product. LeSabre or Deville, then.[/B]

My friend, I think you're missing the point. Today, Cadillac's average buyer is ~60 years old. Bernard and Esther have an established preference for the brand because they've been buying Caddys for over 20 years--rich old people are notoriously set in their purchasing ways.

In 20-30 years, all the Bernards and Esthers of the world will be pushing up dandelions. So who will Cadillac turn to? The people who will be 60 in 2030 are only 30 years old TODAY. You and me, bubba... and guess what? We like IMPORTs. We have always liked imports. If Cadillac continues to produce the same type of cars in 20-30 years, there will be no one left alive to buy them.

They know this. That is why cars like the CTS, XLR and Escalade exist. That is why they have changed their styling across the board. That is why they offer a manual tranny after 30 years. That is why they have Zep playing 'Rock n' Roll' as their anthem (which, by the way specifically targets people who are ~40).

Originally posted by M5Power
Ha! C320 with a 215-hp 3.2L V6 starts at $35,200 with vinyl upholstery, power seats, traction control, antilock brakes, front and rear side airbags, keyless entry, and a Bose sound system. A sunroof is $1185, 6-CD is $400, full leather is $1440, and heated seats are $650 - auto is $1325. Total package on that one is $40,200.

Our friend the Mazda 6s with a 220-hp 3.0L V6 starts at just $21,220. Similarly, it has traction control, antilock brakes, keyless entry, and a power seat. Full leather is just $860, side curtain airbags are only $450, a sunroof is just $700, a Bose 6-CD is just $635, and heated seats are just $220 - auto is $500 on that, for a grand total of just $24,600 - completely trumping the Merc with every one of the same features. Ouch! How does Merc get away with that? Premium brands - pah!
[/B]

So I take it you're trading in the 7er for a Crown Vic?


///M-Spec

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by ///M-Spec
My friend, I think you're missing the point. Today, Cadillac's average buyer is ~60 years old. Bernard and Esther have an established preference for the brand because they've been buying Caddys for over 20 years--rich old people are notoriously set in their purchasing ways.

In 20-30 years, all the Bernards and Esthers of the world will be pushing up dandelions. So who will Cadillac turn to? The people who will be 60 in 2030 are only 30 years old TODAY. You and me, bubba... and guess what? We like IMPORTs. We have always liked imports. If Cadillac continues to produce the same type of cars in 20-30 years, there will be no one left alive to buy them.

Oh. Makes sense, I guess, but I don't want to go any further into this end of the discussion - anything I say about my preferences thirty years from now is pure speculation, especially as Mars gets closer and closer.

The average buyer age of the Escalade is 53.

Oh, and - I don't like imports. Fact is, I hate them - all things equal, I'd much rather support the American factory worker. Of course, we all know all things aren't equal, which is why I have a fleet of imports (still have a Jeep though - and those are made in the good ol' you ess of aay, as 'they' say).

They know this. That is why cars like the CTS, XLR and Escalade exist. That is why they have changed their styling across the board. That is why they offer a manual tranny after 30 years. That is why they have Zep playing 'Rock n' Roll' as their anthem (which, by the way specifically targets people who are ~40).

Is it also why I currently want an SRX? Whoa - they've got me!

So I take it you're trading in the 7er for a Crown Vic?

No, but as I was writing that last night I realised that if the C-class is outdone by the 6, my 3-series is probably, too - I haven't checked yet out of fear. Aaah!

 

[///M-Spec]

Originally posted by M5Power

Oh, and - I don't like imports. Fact is, I hate them - all things equal, I'd much rather support the American factory worker. Of course, we all know all things aren't equal, which is why I have a fleet of imports (still have a Jeep though - and those are made in the good ol' you ess of aay, as 'they' say).[/B]

Bah. Screw those lazy union bastards.

Originally posted by M5Power

No, but as I was writing that last night I realised that if the C-class is outdone by the 6, my 3-series is probably, too - I haven't checked yet out of fear. Aaah! [/B]

::cough::ack::WRX::cough::hack::


///M-Spec

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by ///M-Spec

::cough::ack::WRX::cough::hack::


///M-Spec

Nah - WRX is too performancey - not why I got my car.