AutoNews:Hug fest? Not at Cadillac

Although I wish JdN success, it will not likely occur based upon his plans. As one of the comments to the article states, JdN should have told those hiring him he wanted an entirely new brand since his plan has turned out to be merely imitating the German luxe brands model for model. I wonder how JdN would score on a test of Cadillac heritage trivia? JdN says he wants to be uniquely American, not like the Germans, but his actions and stated plans are to mimic the German luxe brands model for model. It is foolish to think Cadillac must match them model for model without first focusing on getting the existing product line-up up to par. Certainly more SUV's/crossovers are a priority--should have been here yesterday. It was stated in another thread that the ATS Coupe has just broke 1000 sales after three months on the market? Obviously not exactly a momentous take-off for what ought to be stellar model in the line-up! It's product--product--product that should be the emphasis, and bringing up the styling of all of the existing models should be a priority. Making the generation III CTS more bland in appearance has torpedoed the model. XTS should be axed due to its awkward proportions--but replaced by an attractive CT6 but with a real name! (The new naming scheme just does not sound aspirational!) The CTS Coupe (generation II) should have been updated by a new front clip with vertical light pipes like CTS gen-III and ATS, and XTS, and given minor updates such as door mirror signals, CUE dash and machined alloy wheels (like offered on ATS), and other new tech features, and it would have continued to lead the Coupe segment in sales--it was beating out its competitors in its segment with nary a change from its '11 introduction! CTS Coupes have presence on the road. Yet now we have ATS Coupe, another "dud," with bland styling, joining the ELR collecting dust in the new showrooms, and likely some guru will announce "Coupes don't sell, they're a small market," etc. With a history of great Coupes, Cadillac should have continued to own that niche but possible only with bold, crisp, distinctive styling as a 'halo' model for the brand! SRX replacement should have arrived or be imminent. As I've said, all models should offer special editions or Platinum series--continuing Cadillac's heritage of over-the-top luxurious interiors, etc. Although I don't have a crystal ball, I have less and less confidence in JdN's plans as his focus often changes, but I truly hope he succeeds.