XTS Drivers Decide How Gauge Cluster Appears

Cadillac’s new XTS lets drivers decide the design and theme for the luxury sedan’s gauge cluster, an industry-exclusive feature that allows the choice of four layouts from simplistic and minimal to ultra-informative.

The experience is powered by CUE, Cadillac’s in-vehicle experience for connectivity and control and is available on XTS models with the Premium or Platinum trim level.

Controlled by an intuitive multi-directional switch on the steering wheel, the 12.3-inch LCD screen replaces traditional analog dials. Each of the four cluster layouts continually displays vehicle speed and fuel information, just like the dials of old. What’s new is the reconfigurable display technology that enabled Cadillac designers to formulate options for both the design and type of information displayed. The result is four distinct clusters that skew to particular styles of luxury sedan drivers. 

“We spent time with owners of all kinds of vehicles to learn how they used the radio, navigation, phone settings, and other user connectivity features,” said Scott Martin, senior creative designer in charge of building the digital cluster layouts. “Most drivers fall into one of four different categories in terms of the amount of information they want to see at any given time, so we built the XTS gauge cluster layouts to appeal to any one of those drivers.”

The “Balanced” display is the default cluster design for XTS, designed for drivers who prefer a traditional layout while determining the size and graphic quality of the display. The layout features three “zones” across the screen, displaying a speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, radio station information, and outside temperature.

The “Performance” layout is intended for enthusiast drivers who want information on the car itself. The clean look features a large speedometer on the right and tachometer on the left. The driver can also modify the display with other performance-driven information such as fuel consumption and tire pressure.

The “Enhanced” cluster display option is for the uber-connected driver. The web-inspired design features a navigation map on the left and digital speed and fuel readings on the right. The layout is simple and clean, allowing the driver to pull up and scroll through all the information pages with the touch of a button.

The “Simple” cluster layout is designed for the minimalist who desires a more sparing approach to graphics. The cluster focuses on speed, fuel and audio, with additional information available at the driver’s request.

Each cluster layout allows users to view more information through a “screen-within-a-screen” feature. This smaller display in the center of the speedometer and tachometer images lets users view navigation routes and control the radio, among other features.

“Drivers can also further customize each layout to their own personal liking,” Martin said. “They can flip through all the information pages to permanently display their favorite preset radio stations, check tire pressure, navigation, fuel range, and temperature among other features.”

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

Courtesy of Cadillac Media

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Cadillac ATS Wins Urban Car of the Year Award

The all-new Cadillac ATS today was named 2013 Urban Car of the Year by Decisive magazine. This award is part of the Urban Wheel Awards held annually each January at the North American International Auto Show.

The ATS was chosen in part for its performance when tested in urban environments for comfort, ease of maneuvering and technical sophistication. The Urban Wheel Awards judging panel spent several months determining the most stylish, practical and attainable new vehicles for 2013 before settling on winners for car, truck, and green vehicle of the year.

"The ATS is the latest and most significant step in Cadillac's long-term mission to return to being the standard of the world,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “That makes it especially rewarding to have ATS recognized by experts on the leading edge of cars and culture."

Each of the Decisive magazine Urban Vehicles of The Year will be featured in the winter issue of the magazine, which will also be online at www.decisivemagazine.com.

"The renaissance at Cadillac shows no signs of abating,” said Randi Payton, founder of the Urban Wheel Awards, now in its 17th year. “With the good-looking and fun-to-drive ATS, Cadillac is wading into one of the most competitive automotive segments in the market with a very strong contender."

A compact sport sedan, smaller than Cadillac’s centerpiece CTS product line, the new ATS is the lightest car in its class with a unique architecture designed for nimble driving performance. The new ATS is offered in rear- and all-wheel drive versions, with a choice of powerful and efficient four and six-cylinder engines.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

Courtesy of Cadillac Media

Don't forget about Cadillac Defining Moments!

Happy Monday fans! Remember to go to Dolphins.com/Cadillac to register for your chance to win an Alumni Weekend prize and choose your favorite defining moment. Good luck!

Magic Magnets Give Buick Crossovers AWD Refinement

When snow inevitably starts falling over the General Motors Proving Ground in Michigan this winter, Buick engineers will use the conditions to put the finishing touches on the Encore luxury small crossover. It arrives early next year as the brand’s first entry into the burgeoning small crossover segment.

Encore’s “Active On-Demand” all-wheel drive is designed to give the vehicle the fluid drive characteristics and sure-footed traction Buick drivers expect but in a smaller, lighter package. Unlike traditional systems that engage all four drive wheels after slip is detected, Encore uses a magnetic charge to engage a clutch at the rear axle preemptively when the vehicle is at rest because slippage is most likely to occur just as the vehicle begins to move. If no slip is detected, a computer control automatically disengages the preemptive torque to the clutch once the Encore is underway, returning the system to a primarily front-drive operation.

“A Buick all-wheel drive system has to deliver the best traction possible, and it has to do it in a way that’s totally imperceptible to the driver,” said Encore Chief Engineer Jim Danahy. “We engineered Encore’s lightweight, responsive and refined system to deliver on the expectations of demanding luxury buyers.”

Buick engineers used their experience developing an all-wheel drive system for the Enclave luxury crossover SUV and applied it to Encore’s smaller packaging. The Enclave uses similar technology. To fit Encore’s weight and space needs, engineers worked with BorgWarner to develop a new, more compact coupling for the rear axle.

Reduced weight benefits Encore’s handling, as well as fuel economy. With all-wheel drive, Encore’s EPA-estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Beyond weight savings, the advantages of Active On-Demand all-wheel drive for the driver include rapid activation and deactivation, more control over the transfer of torque, more refined performance in tight turns and parking situations and better integration with safety systems like ABS and stability control. 

“Technology is allowing us to translate Buick’s quiet, comfortable ride to smaller vehicles than we could before,” said Danahy. “This all-wheel drive system, like turbocharged engines and Buick QuietTuning technologies, allows drivers to experience that Buick DNA with unprecedented efficiency and maneuverability.”

According to the 2012 Harris Poll AutoTECHCASTSM Study, “familiarity with all-wheel drive continues to climb” and one third of all new car buyers would consider purchasing the technology on their next new vehicle. Consideration of all-wheel drive is greatest among luxury crossover/SUV owners, along with owners between 35-54 years of age. Among current all-wheel drive vehicle owners, 83 percent consider it an important feature for their vehicle.

In addition to the upcoming Encore and the redesigned 2013 Enclave, Buick offers all-wheel drive for the 2013 LaCrosse V-6 luxury sedan.

Courtesy of Buick Media

Cadillac Defining Moments

Go to Dolphins.com/Cadillac to register for your chance to win an Alumni Weekend prize and choose your favorite defining moment.

 

Listening Helps Cadillac ATS Shape Interior Acoustics

The all-new Cadillac ATS sport sedan employs high-tech electronics to manage interior noise, following a simple piece of parental advice – “Listen!”

The new ATS contains three microphones inside the cabin that carefully monitor, and then adjust, interior sounds to create a proper environment for Cadillac’s sport sedan.

Active sound control technology proactively monitors the ATS’s cabin for unwanted noise and works to eliminate it. Alternately, passive sound-deadening in the form of covers, foams and other materials built into the vehicle absorb, block and eliminate vibrations, wind noise, and noise from passing cars.

Working together these technologies reduce the ATS’s overall sound levels by 3 decibels while idling, or the equivalent of making the vehicle nearly 50 percent quieter.  

“Not all noise is unwanted, especially in a vehicle like ATS,” said vehicle performance engineer James Murphy. “While wind rush penetrating a closed window is undesirable, the driver does want to hear the vehicle respond with power during spirited driving.”

On the “active” front, Cadillac sound engineers worked with audio experts from Bose to create sound management technology that offsets low frequency “boom” noises between 40Hz and 180Hz.

“Imagine the feeling that goes through your chest at a rock or hip-hop concert when the bass hits you,” said Kent Ting, noise and vibration engineer. “That is similar to the ‘boom’ noises the Bose Active Sound Management system addresses by providing a cancelling noise signal.”

Three Bose microphones constantly monitor sound quality and deliver a counterbalance of noise through the vehicle’s speakers to cancel unwanted noises. The microphones are strategically placed above the interior door frame on the front driver and passenger and rear driver’s side to listen to the same sounds the occupant would hear.

“Passive” noise cancelling materials are woven into the vehicle in unassuming places, following the attention-to-detail-approach taken by ATS engineers. Some examples include:

    Roof – between the roof’s base sheet-metal and the interior lining, the ATS is treated with sound- deadening material that lessens noises like rain hitting the vehicle.
    Windshield and front side windows – Instead of traditional tempered glass, the ATS features acoustically laminated glass, which is made up of a sheet of sound-absorbing laminate sandwiched between two layers of glass. This limits the sound of wind rush and other traffic while driving.
    Rocker sections are injected with sound-absorbing foam that reduces noises made by the tires on varied road surfaces.
    Undercarriage – An underbody aero shield and wheelhouse covers serve a dual purpose of blocking road noise while driving, and trapping powertrain noise at idle.
    Powertrain – The ATS’s engine uses laminated steel, acoustic covers, isolation, and glove-fitted foam materials that contribute to reducing noise and vibrations under the hood. All of these materials are especially helpful in minimizing noise from the high pressure Spark Ignition Direct Injection system, which typically produces a “tick-tick-tick” diesel engine type of noise when the vehicle is idle.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

Courtesy of Cadillac Media

Great feedback from one of our customers!

"On behalf of my husband and myself we want to extend many congratulations with regards to an exemplary individual you have as part of your service team.  Mike Sutherland has gone above and beyond the call of duty and always, always goes the extra mile for us. We have been clients of Cadillac (Williamson exclusively) for almost five years now and we can honestly say that we are beyond pleased with the outstanding service we have received and God willing, our next purchase/lease will be yet another Cadillac. Have a wonderful day. Kind Regards, Kelly & Ernesto Aviñó"

 

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Buick’s October Retail Sales Highest Since 2006

Buick’s 13,384 sales for the month of October 2012 were not only a 14.5 percent year-over-year improvement, they were also the brand’s highest retail sales since 2006. What’s more, sales to individual customers were up 15 percent year-over-year — the sixth consecutive month of the increase. The positive results put Buick on track to achieve its best retail sales year since 2006.

One of the regions in which The Tri-Shield brand is growing at a rapid pace is (this author’s old stomping grounds) Miami — a city known for its trend-setting style, which — among other things — includes flashy cars, many of which are imports. Retail sales of Buick vehicles increased a whopping 117 percent in metro Miami, with more than twice as many car shoppers choosing Buick this October compared to the same time period in 2011.

“Miami is a unique and challenging market,” said Greg Ross, Buick regional zone manager for Florida. “Luxury brands often outsell more affordable brands and the mainstream segments are import-oriented, too. Buick’s growth in this image-conscious market is all about great products, advertising and dealers.”

Apparently, the Experience Buick lease program is to thank for the uptick, according to general manager of Williamson Buick-GMC in Miami Mark Naszradi. The program offers a 24-month lease that includes SiriusXM satellite radio, OnStar Directions and Connections and oil changes in the monthly payments. Since launching in mid-March, the amount of Buick buyers in Miami choosing to lease (as opposed to finance) has grown from 47 percent to 65 percent. In addition, Buick leasing has more than doubled since the introduction of Experience Buick.

Courtesy of GM Authority

Buicks Are ‘In’ This Season in Trend-Setting Miami

Buick’s October retail sales were the highest since 2006, putting the brand on track for its best retail sales year since that year. Year-over-year sales to individual customers increased for the sixth straight month, up 15 percent. Total Buick sales, including those sold to executive fleets and other commercial customers, also grew by 15 percent.

Miami – a city dominated by luxury and import vehicles – is among the places where Buick is growing rapidly. More than twice as many metropolitan Miami car shoppers chose Buick in October compared to 2011, with retail sales up 117 percent.

“Miami is a unique and challenging market,” said Greg Ross, Buick regional zone manager for Florida. “Luxury brands often outsell more affordable brands and the mainstream segments are import-oriented, too. Buick’s growth in this image-conscious market is all about great products, advertising and dealers.”

Mark Naszradi, general manager for Williamson Buick-GMC in Miami, credits Experience Buick for attracting new customers to his showroom. “The new approach to leasing has really helped us,” Naszradi said. “Miami is a big leasing area.”

Experience Buick is a 24-month lease that includes SiriusXM satellite radio, OnStar Directions and Connections and oil changes in the monthly payments. Since launching in mid-March, lease penetration has grown from 47 percent of Buick sales in Miami to 65 percent in October.

Nationally, leasing has more than doubled since the introduction of Experience Buick.

The new 2013 Enclave luxury crossover is now arriving at dealers with many new standard features, including the industry’s first front center air bag and an IntelliLink voice command system. Enclave retail sales were up 1 percent year-over-year in October.

 

Courtesy of GM News

GM Reports Third Quarter Net Income of $1.5 billion as EBIT-adjusted increases to $2.3 billion

General Motors Co. announced third quarter net income attributable to common stockholders of $1.5 billion, or $0.89 per fully diluted share including the impact of special items, which reduced net income by $0.1 billion and diluted earnings per share by $0.04. In the third quarter a year ago, GM’s net income attributable to common stockholders was $1.7 billion, or $1.03 per fully diluted share.

Net revenue in the third quarter of 2012 was $37.6 billion compared with $36.7 billion a year ago. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted was $2.3 billion compared with $2.2 billion a year ago.

“GM had a solid quarter because customers around the world love our new vehicles and we’re also seeing green shoots take hold on tough issues like complexity reduction, pensions and Europe,” said Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. “We are going to keep playing offense with growth products like the Chevrolet Onix, Opel Mokka and Cadillac ATS and continue to systematically address business risks.”

Senior Vice President and CFO Dan Ammann added, “While we still have a lot of work to do, especially in Europe, it is encouraging to see our results begin to reflect the discipline we are bringing to bear on the overall business.”

GM Results Overview (in billions except for per share amounts)

 
   

Q3 2012
   

Q3 2011
Revenue    
$37.6
   
$36.7
Net income attributable to common stockholders    
$1.5
   
$1.7
Earnings per share (EPS) fully diluted    
$0.89
   
$1.03
Impact of special items on EPS fully diluted    
$0.04
   
-
     
     
 
EBIT-adjusted    
$2.3
   
$2.2
     
     
 
Automotive net cash flow from operating activities    
$3.1
   
$1.8
Automotive free cash flow    
$1.2
   
$0.3

 

Third Quarter Segment Results

    GM North America (GMNA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $1.8 billion compared with $2.2 billion a year ago.
    GM Europe (GME) reported an EBIT-adjusted of $(0.5) billion compared with $(0.3) billion a year ago.
    GM International Operations (GMIO) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.7 billion compared with $0.4 billion a year ago.
    GM South America (GMSA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.1 billion compared with near breakeven results a year ago.
    GM Financial earnings before tax was $0.2 billion, up slightly compared with a year ago.

Cash Flow and Liquidity

For the quarter, automotive cash flow from operating activities was $3.1 billion, up $1.3 billion from a year ago, and automotive free cash flow was $1.2 billion, up $0.9 billion. GM ended the quarter with very strong total automotive liquidity of $37.5 billion. Automotive cash and marketable securities was $31.6 billion.

Pension De-Risking Transactions

During the quarter, approximately 30 percent of eligible U.S. salaried retirees accepted GM’s offer to receive a lump sum payment in lieu of ongoing pension benefits. In addition, GM expects to close in early November a previously announced transaction through which The Prudential Insurance Company of America will assume responsibility for pension obligations covering GM’s remaining eligible U.S. salaried retirees.

Through annuitizations and lump sum payments, approximately $29 billion of GM’s U.S. salaried pension liability is expected to be eliminated compared with an original estimate of $26 billion.

In connection with these transactions, GM expects to make total cash contributions to its U.S. salaried pension plan of approximately $2.6 billion. In addition, GM will record an approximately $2.9 billion pre-tax charge in the fourth quarter as a special item. GM originally estimated that it would make a cash contribution of $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion and record a charge of $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion.

Fourth Quarter Outlook

GM’s consolidated fourth quarter EBIT-adjusted will follow typical seasonal trends with results estimated to be similar to or slightly better than the same period a year ago.

GM also indicated that to the extent positive financial trends continue the reversal of a significant portion of its valuation allowance on U.S. and Canadian deferred tax assets is possible in the fourth quarter of 2012. At Sept. 30, 2012, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets in the United States and Canada were $35.6 billion and $3.2 billion. In addition, valuation allowance reversals could result in goodwill impairment.

Europe Outlook

GM currently estimates GME’s EBIT-adjusted for the 2012 calendar year to be in a range of $(1.5) billion to $(1.8) billion, depending on the level of restructuring activity in the fourth quarter. In addition, the company is targeting full-year 2013 EBIT-adjusted for GME to be slightly better than 2012. Break-even EBIT-adjusted results are targeted by mid-decade.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Courtesy of Cadillac Media