In China, Chauffeurs Drive a Cadillac

[mgescuro]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20214143/

In China, Chauffeurs Drive a Cadillac



China is car crazy. On the streets of Beijing, bikes are being replaced with autos, and with the growing wealth, one all-American brand is finding a new identity and new customers.

Here's a staggering stat: Ten years ago, one in 1000 Chinese owned a car; now that's up dramatically to one in 20.

For the new rich, it's luxury vehicles they're buying. But along with Mercedes and BMW, Cadillac is finding a niche, especially among younger males who want to drive a symbol of American success.

“Caddies are expensive. The cost of a fully-loaded SLS, Caddy's top seller in China -- $780,000 RMB, the average household income of customers -- about a third of that,” said Karen Rafferty, Cadillac China’s brand director.

Even so, customers pay cash for their cars. About 70 percent of the customers in that Shanghai dealership paid for their vehicles upfront, usually using a credit card.

It's Saturday in Shanghai, and the cars are pulling back into the lot at one of the newest Cadillac dealerships in China. Test drivers-- virtually 100 percent of those invited to attend – are all potential customers in one of Cadillac's fastest growing markets in the world.

More at Link

[CobaltSScrazy]

now if we could only get Cadillac to offer THAT kind of service in america. can you imagine cadillac cafe's and cigars and wines? maybe a sushi bar and some fine cuisine italian style while shopping for you vehicle. Personal invites to testdrive cars? sounds like Cadillac to me, not some of these pretender 'combined' dealerships in America. The Chevy-Cadillac ones are the WORST w/ aveo's next to XLR's being the most horrific offenders!

CobaltSScrazy

[give_it_all_]

Those credit card companies must be making a killing off of those sales!

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by give_it_all_

Those credit card companies must be making a killing off of those sales!

you'd be suprised just how good at saving people are outside America and the UK. Its probably Check cards.

[AZ-CHINA]

CTS (SRX and XLR and ESCALADE) is an owner driving car. SLS is a business vehicle in China, does need a chauffeur to drive.

4.6L northstar 320hp SLS is selling at RMB708'000.00, equales USD93'200.00, this is why German vehicles like China since they are evenly expensive.

2008 CTS model is good for Chinese market if price is not too much.

[guitarlix]

Originally Posted by CobaltSScrazy

now if we could only get Cadillac to offer THAT kind of service in america. can you imagine cadillac cafe's and cigars and wines? maybe a sushi bar and some fine cuisine italian style while shopping for you vehicle. Personal invites to testdrive cars?

That's EXACTLY what Lexus is doing in America. Attend any Taste of Lexus event to experience it. (it's free)

Cadillac has the right formula in China and they're cultivating the right brand image. That's wonderful for the future of the brand in that country. But here in America, it is burdened with an image and dealer problem. You CANNOT pair Cadillac dealership with other GM brands. That's a big mistake right at the start - no one's going to come to your showroom to begin with. (other than GM diehards)

So you're already putting yourself at a disadvantage compared to the competition.

Sell the premium experience and you'll sell Cadillacs.

[Commodore]

Will the new CTS be sold in China?

[chinamonty]

This is current lineup.
http://www.gmchina.com/english/autom..._showroom.html
Dont know about future models.
Good to see some more input from China. Good to see you online AZ-China . I nearly had to visit Hangzhou today but ended up staying in Shenzhen

[asim]

Originally Posted by give_it_all_

Those credit card companies must be making a killing off of those sales!

I heard from somewhere else that 80% of the Chinese car buyers (about a year ago or two) paid in cash, up-front, at the dealer. They would essentially bring $30k of cash in a paper bag when they decide to purchase. lol

[steve333]

Looks like you can buy a Chevy Epcia in China. Someone better check their spelling on that website!

[AZ-CHINA]

Originally Posted by chinamonty

This is current lineup.
http://www.gmchina.com/english/autom..._showroom.html
Dont know about future models.
Good to see some more input from China. Good to see you online AZ-China . I nearly had to visit Hangzhou today but ended up staying in Shenzhen

1, there will have a CTS Coupe in China as a new model.

2, welcome to China chinamonty, my MSN messenger: aaronzhou0571@hotmail.com

[Hollywood]

Originally Posted by guitarlix

That's EXACTLY what Lexus is doing in America. Attend any Taste of Lexus event to experience it. (it's free)

Cadillac has the right formula in China and they're cultivating the right brand image. That's wonderful for the future of the brand in that country. But here in America, it is burdened with an image and dealer problem. You CANNOT pair Cadillac dealership with other GM brands. That's a big mistake right at the start - no one's going to come to your showroom to begin with. (other than GM diehards)

So you're already putting yourself at a disadvantage compared to the competition.

Sell the premium experience and you'll sell Cadillacs.

I'm not sure what's going on in the US, but in Canada, Cadillac is switching to separate showrooms. My father's dealerships are beginning construction in the next month. They are to be separate buildings with their own sales staff. The service department is allowed to be shared.

This is how it should be. When it's done I'll post pics. (Not sure what the expected completion date is).

[samkung]

Originally Posted by steve333

Looks like you can buy a Chevy Epcia in China. Someone better check their spelling on that website!

Nah dude do u really think people in China cares about the car's name in english

[chinamonty]

Originally Posted by asim

I heard from somewhere else that 80% of the Chinese car buyers (about a year ago or two) paid in cash, up-front, at the dealer. They would essentially bring $30k of cash in a paper bag when they decide to purchase. lol

More likely 300K in a rubbish bag. Chinas largest note is 100RMB so its a bundle of the suckers!

[Snafu_SS]

Originally Posted by CobaltSScrazy

now if we could only get Cadillac to offer THAT kind of service in america. can you imagine cadillac cafe's and cigars and wines? maybe a sushi bar and some fine cuisine italian style while shopping for you vehicle. Personal invites to testdrive cars? sounds like Cadillac to me, not some of these pretender 'combined' dealerships in America. The Chevy-Cadillac ones are the WORST w/ aveo's next to XLR's being the most horrific offenders!

CobaltSScrazy

OH WAIT!!!

I got one better!!! Here in Bowling Green we have the Martin Cadillac KIA STORE!!!!!

The KIA dealer is at least separated by a small distance from the Cadillac showroom...but still...why on Earth???