Cadillac has announced that it will replace the DTS and STS with one luxury sedan, confirming rumors that have been swirling for months. The reason for the model merger is a declining premium-luxury sedan market that has also reduced the sales of the DTS and STS. “So arguably, we don’t need two entries there anymore, given the shrinkage of that segment,†Jim Taylor, Cadillac’s general manager, said.
According to Automotive News, Cadillac sold 33,368 DTS sedans through the first seven months of 2007, down 13.9% from the same period last year. STS sales were down 24.7% compared to last year, accounting for 13,156 sales.
Taylor said the replacement model will combine the best attributes of both sedans, although he stopped short of giving a name or time frame for the new car.
Taylor also indicated that Cadillac is considering introducing an entry-level model. “Can we use (a) vehicle at $28,000 to $32,000 that would address a whole other customer group that would be under the CTS? Absolutely,†Taylor said. GM’s president of North America, Troy Clarke, has already stated that GM would like a car to slot below the CTS in Cadillac’s lineup.
Taylor also said that the idea of a flagship sedan for Cadillac is still a possibility.
