Cadillac v. Lincoln: Does It Matter?

Back during the 1950s and all the way through the 1980s, two American luxury car brands battled for supremacy. For General Motors, builder of Cadillacs and for the Ford Motor Company, builder of Lincolns, corporate prestige rested upon which automaker sold the most models each year. For many years, a pitched battle was raised until the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve. During those years, no one knew for sure who the sales winner was until well into January; that is when the final sales tallies were released. Today, the luxury car market has changed dramatically, so much so, that the storied battle between the two automakers no longer matters. So, what brought about this change? Several things, please read on for the details.

More Competition -- Before the 1980s, Mercedes and BMW were minor players in the luxury car market. Infiniti, Lexus, and Acura were previously nonexistent brands created during the 1980s by parent Japanese auto giants, Nissan, Toyota, and Honda respectively. Add in Audi, Jaguar, Volvo, and Saab and the competition really heats up.

Higher Incomes -- The average American family’s income level has surged over the past two decades, meaning more buyers are choosing luxury brands. Why settle for a Chevy when you can afford a Cadillac? Why buy a Cadillac when there are so many other choices for consumers?

American Quality Problems -- Both Cadillac and Lincoln have had their share of quality issues over the years. Brand confusion has reigned too as Cadillac once sold rebadged Chevy Cavaliers as Cimarrons and as so many of Lincoln’s models have failed to capture the imagination of potential buyers. European brands gained in prominence as many of their models were considered to be better engineered, better built, more fuel efficient, and just as luxurious as the American brands.

Cadillac Transforms, Lincoln Wallows -- Although Mercedes and Lexus both outsell Cadillac today, Cadillac has made dramatic improvements over the past ten years while Lincoln has not. Most Lincoln vehicles sold today are simply reskinned Fords while Cadillac has been developing and successfully marketing new models that are unique to the brand. Most Cadillac products today compare favorably with BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, and Mercedes vehicles. Most Lincolns do not compare favorably with any other luxury models. All of this has been proven out in the marketplace as Cadillac regularly outsells Lincoln by more than 2 to 1.

Yes, the luxury brand battle has changed well beyond Cadillac versus Lincoln giving consumers better vehicles and more choice. While Cadillac has successfully redone its dowdy image, Lincoln has not. That, with the increased competition from foreign makes, spells all the difference in what was once a heated battle for American luxury car supremacy.

By Matthew Keegan.

Visit the Blog about cadillac sts

New Cadillac BLS Wagon in Detail

General Motors' Cadillac division has recently presented a fresh new product at the European crowd in the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show. GM's luxury brand is adding up a new variant on its current BLS compact executive car model. Cadillac has unveiled the BLS Wagon, and announced that it will roll out in markets throughout Europe in the last quarter of 2007.

According to Jim Taylor, General Manager of Cadillac brand: “The Cadillac BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers preferring dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics. "

"This is the first Cadillac wagon in our 104-year history, and we think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their performance luxury vehicles." he added.

Just like any other Cadillac luxury vehicle, the new Cadillac BLS Wagon embodies the company's signature styling like the sharply designed contours, wedge shape, tapered lines, vertical tail lights, and Cadillac's V-shaped chrome-plated grille that marks the vehicle's distinction. The Cadillac designed team said that they are very excited because this is the first time for them to create Cadillac designs cues for a station wagon. A host of other exterior components are included in the new Cadillac BLS Wagon including jewel-like headlamps, bumper integrated fog lamps, body-colored bumper, a wide air intake, narrow chrome strip in the side windows, and rear spoiler. As expected for a GM branded vehicle, the Cadillac BLS Wagon is also equipped with quality GM parts like GM mufflers. The Cadillac BLS Wagon also comes with the latest LED lighting technology for the vehicle's high-mounted stop lamp.

On the inside, customers should expect nothing for the BLS Wagon but luxury, elegance, versatility, and comfort. Aside from the standard interior auto parts like three-spoke leather steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted remote controls, analog clock, and easy to read circular instrument panel, the station wagon is also equipped with a host of interior amenities and entertainment systems including Bose high-quality audio system, touch-screen DVD navigation system, and the latest hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone system, to name the few. The Cadillac BLS Wagon has also a spacious luggage compartment and increased payload capacity.

Now on the technical side, specifically the suspension, chassis, and powertrain system, Cadillac engineers have installed front MacPherson struts on the BLS Wagon along with four-link rear axle. Under the hood of the sleek station wagon comes a wide range of engine options – one diesel and three petrol engines to choose from. Leading the engine range is the 1.9-liter 150-hp engine featuring common-rail direct-injection system and particulate filter for an improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. For performance oriented drivers, two 2.0-liter petrol engines delivering 175 hp and 210 hp are available, plus the monstrous twin turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 petrol engine that pumps out 255 hp. These engines are coupled with a choice of six-or five-speed manual or automatic gearboxes powering the front wheels.

Watch out for the Cadillac BLS Wagon when it rolls out in European markets later this year.

By Noah Scott.