Report: Cadillac Converj EREV Headed for Production
10 November 2009
The Detroit News reported that GM has decided to produce the Cadillac Converj, an extended range electric vehicle derived from the Voltec platform. Cadillac included the Converj concept car at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. (Earlier post.) A production date has not been set, according to the report.
“Cadillac needs as much excitement in its portfolio as possible, so I think it’s a good strategy for them,” said Rebecca Lindland, director of auto industry research at IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Mass. Cadillac sales have fallen 39.2 percent this year, the steepest decline among GM’s four core brands.
At the auto show, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said if the Converj was approved, the production model would resemble the concept, likening it to the Chevrolet Camaro’s evolution from concept to production. Lutz said it would have been easier financially to produce a Cadillac electric vehicle first because a premium brand would command a higher sticker price, which in turn would help defray the cost of lithium-ion batteries.
| Cadillac Converj Concept Introduction at 2009 NAIAS. Click to enlarge. |
Competing with the luxury Fisker offering. It's plain that the market for high end automobiles will not be going away anytime soon. Fine. What the hell's wrong with a little luxury in our lives?? Especially if you went out and earned it in this hostile friggin world?
Posted by: sulleny | 10 November 2009 at 12:16 PM
It might well be a better deal than the Fiskar and it might sell reasonably well.
Fortunately, like the Volt, it may be worthwhile as a showroom attraction alone.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 10 November 2009 at 09:07 PM
Technology, unlike income, does trickle down. I have no issue with it.
Posted by: stephenboulet | 11 November 2009 at 11:50 AM