Cadillac has announced plans to continue selling combustion engine vehicles alongside its electric lineup beyond 2030. John Roth, the vice president of Global Cadillac, acknowledged the coexistence of electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) models for several years to come.
“We want to make sure that we have that luxury of choice in the marketplace and both will have an opportunity to meet the customer needs as we look forward,” Roth stated at a recent media event.
This announcement marks a departure from previous statements by high-ranking Cadillac and GM executives, who had previously indicated that Cadillac would transition to an all-electric lineup by 2030. Rory Harvey, then global vice-president of Cadillac, had affirmed in 2021 that the brand would not be selling ICE vehicles by 2030. However, Roth emphasized that customer feedback was the driving force behind the decision to maintain ICE offerings.
“We are still on the strategy of offering an all-EV portfolio by the end of the decade and we’re going to listen to the customer and let them be our guide,” Roth stated. He described the previous commitment to a BEV-only lineup as a “mission statement.”
While Cadillac will continue to prioritize electric vehicles, spokesman Mike Albano clarified that the brand’s lineup would include ICE offerings alongside its all-electric models. This decision reflects a pragmatic approach to the transition to EVs, recognizing that customer demand will play a crucial role.
Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst for Guidehouse Insights in Detroit, commented on Cadillac’s strategy, noting that the automaker is being “deliberately vague” to navigate the shift to EVs. Abuelsamid emphasized the importance of flexibility in product offerings, as customer preferences will ultimately determine the pace of the transition to electric vehicles.
Roth did not provide specifics on whether Cadillac would adopt GM’s recent decision to reintroduce plug-in hybrid powertrains to select vehicles in North America, stating that the firm would offer what its customers want.
“We have a great internal group that is always measuring and monitoring what the customers are desiring in the marketplace. We have those conversations internally all the time.”
