Cadillac coming to NZ
Consumers in New Zealand and Australia will be the first in the world to be able to buy the all-electric Cadillac LYRIQ in right-hand drive (RHD).
It will be available in both countries as a 2025 model with John Roth, vice-president of Global Cadillac, saying the SUV “redefines” modern luxury as the industry moves to electrification.
“Cadillac is experiencing great sales momentum thanks to our strong portfolio and we are now expanding our business globally,” he adds. “The introduction of a RHD LYRIQ will enable new opportunities in important markets where EV adoption is strong.
“It 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.”
Jess Bala, managing director of Australia and New Zealand, says the all-electric Cadillac portfolio in both countries will begin with the LYRIQ and then grow with more entries.
“Cadillac will be in a position to offer a fully electric portfolio by 2030,” says Bala. “Launching our all-new, all-electric EV business in Australia and New Zealand positions us well to be able to select the right models for these markets – just as we are doing with LYRIQ.
“The launch of Cadillac signals the introduction of our modern automotive luxury brand for our markets – one which features EVs front and centre with the promise of more models to come.”
Australia and New Zealand being at the formative stage of the EV transition has presented new opportunities for Cadillac and were important factors in selecting these countries as the first RHD markets for the LYRIQ, explains Ernesto Ortiz, president and of GM’s strategic markets, alliances and distributors.
“Cadillac’s iconic brand and LYRIQ’s bold design make it a compelling combination for Australians and New Zealanders who have an eye for quality, love technology, want to challenge the status quo and stand out from the crowd.”
Dedicated Cadillac “experience centres” will be established in Auckland, Melbourne, and Sydney. Together with an intuitive online presence that will enable customers to explore and buy fully online, these will be the foundations of the retail strategy for the Cadillac EV business in both countries.
“Our experience centres will be destination locations where customers can discover more about Cadillac as a modern luxury brand and explore, test drive and buy a LYRIQ,” says Bala.
“Whether customers want to shop fully online or in-store, we will provide experiences that enable our customers to go on extraordinary journeys.”
Building on more than 120 years of innovation, the LYRIQ is Cadillac’s first all-electric model. It is manufactured at the Springhill plant on a dedicated RHD line.
At its heart is GM’s Ultium battery – an “innovative” EV propulsion architecture with flexible, modular construction. It spans Cadillac’s entire global footprint, delivering outstanding power, range and performance.
Ultium enables an entire line-up of high-volume crossovers, SUVs, full-size pick-ups to low-roof luxury cars, all designed from and built on the same core architecture.
