CADILLAC CONTINUES GLOBAL EXPANSION, UNVEILING THE RIGHT-HAND-DRIVE LYRIQ IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

2023-11-15

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Cadillac’s all-electric global expansion continued today, with the iconic luxury brand unveiling the right-hand-drive LYRIQ in Australia.

John Roth, Vice President, Global Cadillac, said expansion of the Cadillac EV business to Australia and New Zealand followed launches of new all-electric businesses in Switzerland and Sweden.

“Cadillac is experiencing great sales momentum thanks to our strong product portfolio – and we are now  expanding our business globally,” said Roth. “The introduction of a right-hand-drive LYRIQ will enable new opportunities in important markets where EV adoption is strong.”

Launched last year, the award winning LYRIQ is Cadillac’s first EV and is based on GM’s Ultium Platform.

“LYRIQ sets the standard for the future of Cadillac. It elevates our iconic brand through artfully integrated technology, premium craftmanship and dedication to delivering spirited performance.”

According to Roth, GM’s investment in the flexible, modular Ultium battery platform enabled more efficient development of right-hand-drive variants, opening new markets to deliver further scale.

The recently launched all-EV businesses in Europe, Australia and New Zealand added to Cadillac’s global presence, which include markets from the Middle East to Korea, Mexico, Canada, and China.

“Cadillac’s bold innovative spirit defines the next generation of American luxury around the world,” said Roth.

For GM Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Jess Bala, the Cadillac brand and the LYRIQ are personal passions. In her most recent role, before repatriating to Australia, she was Director of Cadillac Planning and Product Marketing.

“I have been on a journey with LYRIQ since early in the program, and returning home with it, factory built in right-hand-drive for Australia and New Zealand, is an absolute dream,” said Bala.

“Today signals the arrival of an automotive masterpiece in Australia and New Zealand and I have every confidence people will share my enthusiasm for LYRIQ - the first model in what promises to be a portfolio of right-hand-drive Cadillac EVs for these markets.

“We will launch our all-new Cadillac EV business in both markets focused on three capital cities – Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland – offering customers a highly personalized, luxury buying, driving, and ownership experience.”

Ernesto Ortiz, General Motors President and Managing Director of Strategic Markets, Alliances, and Distributors (SMAD), said Australia and New Zealand were at a formative stage of the EV transition, presenting new opportunities for Cadillac. LYRIQ will be available in both markets as a 2025 model.

“Cadillac’s iconic brand and the LYRIQ’s bold design make it a compelling combination for Australians and New Zealanders who have an eye for quality, love technology, and want to challenge the status quo and stand out from the crowd,” said Ortiz.

“LYRIQ is a clean sheet design from the ground up, engineered for right-hand-drive markets globally from the outset, with luxury and style front of mind.”

Ortiz said, “we have all the right factors in place, and this is the right time to make this announcement for Australia and New Zealand.”
 

General Motors is represented in Australia and New Zealand by GM ANZ, an entity which features business units including GM Specialty Vehicles, Cadillac, Chevrolet Racing, ACDelco, GM Trade Parts, Holden Certified Service and Holden Heritage.  The establishment of these brands has created a foundation to provide a future direction for development of the GM business in this market.  GM ANZ is located at Turner Street, Port Melbourne VIC.