Insiders at General Motors have revealed that Cadillac is pushing forward with its development of right-hand drive models, which means the brand could make its way to New Zealand in the not-too-distant future.
A report from GM Authority states that the American carmaker intends to sell multiple models in markets such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
The publication adds that Cadillac is only interested in offering its electric vehicles to the likes of Kiwis, with its internal combustion engine models seemingly off the cards. Sorry V8 lovers, no CT5-V Blackwing for you.
We can likely expect the new Lyriq to be offered here, alongside the Optiq and fully electric Escalade IQ, if the brand does decide to venture down under.
Things become all the more believable when you hear that several Caddys have been spotted with steering wheels on the right side in Australia, understood to be testing their might against the continent’s tough conditions. Trademark filings for each of the aforementioned models also popped up across the ditch a few months ago, according to CarExpert.
Locally, it’s likely General Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) would handle both sales and servicing of Cadillac vehicles offered in New Zealand, as well as in Australia.
While there’s no official word on the brand’s arrival just yet, recently appointed Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand Jess Bala says that our market is “critical” to GM’s international strategy. That indicates there will be a new brand on the block pretty soon.
“Across Australia and New Zealand, we will remain focused on putting the customers first by bringing winning products and a world-class ownership experience,” says Bala.
“GM Australia and New Zealand has a strong foundation for future growth, deploying new technologies, and building new partnerships to surprise and delight our customers.”