Report: Cadillac ATS failing to command BMW 3 Series-like pricing as hoped

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Cadillac, Luxury

2013 Cadillac ATS - front three-quarter view

The BMW 3 Series has long been the benchmark for small and sporty luxury vehicles, but the Cadillac ATS has come on strong in its short time on the market as a true rival in this segment. As impressive as Cadillac’s new compact sedan is, however, Automotive News is reporting that the car is still lagging behind the 3 Series when it comes to actual transaction pricing.

According to the article, the average transaction price for the ATS is $39,459 while the 3 Series is at a much larger $44,764, but, just as importantly, Cadillac has about $500 more in incentives on the ATS compared to BMW. Transaction prices are much closer to cars like the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. Of course, this is all with the ATS trying to take on its small,sport sedan rivals with a single bodystyle and limited powertrain options compared to the numerous options available from the German automakers in this class.

This uneven battle won’t last long, though, as recent spy shots have revealed that Cadillac is hard at work on a high-performance ATS-V and an ATS Coupe. No official word as to when either of these models will be unveiled, but with auto show season set to kick off, we’re expecting sooner rather than later. The best news for the ATS is that the Automotive News says sales of the ATS are on target and that 74 percent of ATS buyers are new to Cadillac – two important factors for the brand as it tries to break into this tough segment.

Cadillac ATS failing to command BMW 3 Series-like pricing as hoped originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM failing to keep Hummer, Pontiac and Saturn buyers in the fold

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials

General Motors badgeThe Wall Street Journal is reporting that General Motors has been unable to hold onto the loyalty of new car shoppers who formerly owned vehicles from one of the automakers now-defunct brands. Hummer, Pontiac and Saturn owners are now turning outside of the GM family for their new purchases.

Despite the fact that GM has offered up to $1,000 to those customers during January and February, around 71 percent of Saturn owners traded their vehicle for another brand this year. Likewise, 70 percent of Pontiac drivers opted for a different make when it came time to replace their vehicle in 2011.

While 23 percent of Saturn drivers switched for a Chevrolet, 35 percent turned in their keys for a Honda, Toyota or Ford product.

Speaking of Ford, the report notes that Blue Oval is suffering from similar woes when it comes to Mercury customers. Those buyers headed towards other automakers at a rate of 65 percent this year.

GM failing to keep Hummer, Pontiac and Saturn buyers in the fold originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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