Lutz says: "Our intention is to establish Cadillac and Corvette as successful worldwide brands and this is not possible without a concerted effort in Europe and that means tackling the ultra-competitive British market.
The brands, while well-known names to most people and automotive icons to many, now need to be brought to market in such a way that they will appeal to a new but discerning customer base. Using European expertise to do this on a market-by-market basis fits the bespoke type of operation required to succeed."
Kroymans Corporation, based in Hilversum in the Netherlands, took control of distribution of Cadillac and Corvette products throughout Europe on October 1, 2003 by forming Cadillac and Corvette Europe.
Bert Kreber, president of Cadillac & Corvette Europe says: "The British car market is the second largest in Europe and has a strong heritage in the luxury sector. Apart from increasing our availability of right-hand drive cars it is essential to develop a new network dedicated to this high quality and distinctive brand. I am pleased to be able to announce that our partner in Great Britain is the highly respected Pendragon Group."
Responding to this announcement Trevor Finn, chief executive officer of the Pendragon Group plc says: "Cadillac and Corvette are welcome additions to our portfolio of brands and we look forward to building a dealer network in Britain which properly reflects the status and capability of the brand. Our experience with other top brands gives us the confidence to know that Cadillac and Corvette will be successful here. An important aspect of our decision has been the strength of product now coming through and the attention Cadillac’s top management team is giving to Europe."
The first Cadillac and Corvette showroom, at a site on Park Lane, was officially opened today.
The new Corvette will be sold alongside Cadillac models in the UK. The plan is to open Cadillac Experience Centres in major urban areas across Great Britain.
It was also announced that the CTS sports saloon will be available in right-hand drive from the beginning of 2005, with other models due to be available in right-hand drive in the near future.
The XLR luxury roadster and the new Corvette, for which there are no plans yet for right-hand drive production, will also go on sale early in the New Year in left-hand drive form.
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