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Holden has confirmed that Cadillac's appearance in New Zealand this time next year will be spearheaded by the rear-drive CTS sedan - but it acknowledges that other models carrying the famous all-American badge will be available.
One model likely to appear after the CTS breaks the ice is the next-generation SRX, a luxury crossover wagon and rival to the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, BMW X5, Volvo X90 and Audi Q7.
The SRX was launched in the US in 2004, to mixed reviews. It looked bland, cabin quality was shoddy and it didn't strike a chord with US buyers. Cadillac fixed the interior and sales picked up. But the carmaker continued to be criticised for not marketing the SRX as well as it could have.
However, Cadillac parent General Motors plans to replace the SRX in 2009 with a model reportedly badged the BRX, timing that falls into production schedules for right-hand drive markets where sales of crossover models are strong.
The BRX model is expected to offer the same specifications as the current SRX, a choice of V6 and V8 engines mated to a six-speed gearbox and rear and all-wheel-drive. The SRX sells in the US for between US$36,990 ($47,957) and US$44,990.
The CTS is a mid-size four-door introduced in 2003 as the replacement for the Catera in 2003. It is credited with rejuvenating the Cadillac brand, in the face of continuing competition from luxury brands such as BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.
The CTS rides on the new rear-wheel drive GM Sigma platform and is built in Lansing, Michigan.
It was also assembled in China in 2006, but assembly was discontinued because of poor sales in that market.
GM Holden chairman and managing director Chris Gubbey says the arrival of the CTS in New Zealand and Australia is the next step in Cadillac's global expansion.
"Cadillac is undergoing a brand renaissance and global expansion driven by dramatic design and technical innovation," he said.
He said the CTS offered a dramatic design, serious V6 performance and sports car handling that would win over performance and luxury car lovers in both markets.
"It will appeal to both markets' prestige car buyers and quickly establish itself in a segment traditionally dominated by European brands," he said.
Cadillac has repackaged itself under parent GM and turned its attention towards younger buyers and global sales.
Gubbey said Cadillac wanted to move the brand forward globally, taking advantage of the right-hand drive portfolio and increasingly incorporating the needs of global customers in the vehicle development process. The US badge will be managed in New Zealand and Australia by GM Holden's premium brands division under director Parveen Batish. Saab and Hummer are in the portfolio.
Cadillac dealers on both sides of the Tasman will be appointed within the existing premium brands network.
Gubbey said the CTS would be perfectly at home in the performance market. It is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine running on unleaded 91-octane and delivering 227kW and 370Nm of torque.
Both markets will have the choice of two performance tuned suspension packages with six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include a stability control system and front, side and curtain airbags.
