On Wednesday, Cadillac Global Vice President John Roth revealed that due to customer feedback and market conditions, the company would continue to produce both electric and combustion engine vehicles beyond the initial target date.
John Roth commented on the complexity of the auto industry's evolution, saying, "The one thing I've learned in my 30-plus years about the auto industry is the auto industry does not follow a straight line and there are no absolutes." This suggests an accommodating approach towards transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) based on consumer demand and market shifts. Despite this change, Cadillac remains committed to electrifying its vehicle lineup by 2030.
Motor1, citing a company statement, highlighted Cadillac's flexible approach towards meeting future demands: "Our journey to EVs will not be a straight line. We understand the market will shift over the next six years and we’ll adjust as needed...When those customers are ready we’ll have the right vehicle for them." The luxury car manufacturer stated that feedback indicated that 60 percent of luxury customers would consider an EV during their next purchase, shaping their ongoing efforts to introduce new EV models.
Cadillac is not the first automotive brand to consider an updated approach to an electrified future. Recently, Stellantis has expressed openness to the possibility of offering combustion variants of EVs if there is sufficient demand. However, sales of EVs have slowed down in recent months, leading to production cutbacks from numerous companies and raising questions about the pace of the electric transition.
Sources: Detroit Free Press, Motor1