Report: Cadillac XT4 Crossover Being Built at Fairfax Assembly in Kansas City
Cadillac has not been shy about the fact that it’s adding the new XT4 crossover to its lineup, but it hasn’t gone out of its way to say much about it apart from the fact that it’s coming. According to sources familiar with the luxury brand’s plans, General Motors is prepping its Kansas City assembly plant for XT4 production ahead of a possible 2018 launch.
Per Bloomberg, multiple individuals have stated that Cadillac is already in the midst of building XT4 prototypes at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant. This makes sense as a point of origin for the XT4 as it will be built on a platform similar to that of the Fairfax-built Chevrolet Malibu. GM cut a third shift at Fairfax in 2017 due to lagging sales of the Malibu, and the introduction of a hot new crossover with similar production components would help firm up employment while bolstering Cadillac’s lineup for 2018 and beyond. GM also allocated a $245 million investment to Fairfax in 2016 to accommodate production of a new crossover.
General Motors spokesman Tom Wickham declined comment.
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Cadillac’s most recent confirmation of the new XT4 crossover came earlier this month as the brand announced its second-best sales year in 115 years. The Cadillac XT4 is seen as a way for the brand to recoup its sagging sales in the United States and increase its momentum in China, which in 2017 became Cadillac’s biggest volume market.
“In the US, our focus on high-quality business has seen overall revenue growth being supported through higher transaction prices, while Cadillac residual values continue to strengthen, leaving us well positioned for 2018 and beyond, in preparation of our new product offensive starting with introduction of the XT4 later this year,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen.
De Nysschen also confirmed in December that the reveal of the XT4, which has already been spotted testing in the wild, will likely come early “so we can get it on the road.”
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News Source: Bloomberg
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