The automakers executed their sales strategy during the third quarter, and they're working to extend the crucial $7,500 EV tax incentive.The U.S. government's authorized $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle (EV) purchases is now officially no more (it ended Sept. 30). That created a significant pull ahead in EV demand as interested buyers raced to take advantage of the incentive on the available inventory. For automakers, it offered an opportunity to unload some inventory, because the last place any autom ...

Core Insights - General Motors has introduced the Cadillac Elevated Velocity, a new concept car aimed at enhancing the brand's all-electric luxury crossover segment [1] - The vehicle features a "lifted yet elegant design" with 24-inch wheels and multiple driving modes to improve performance [1][2] - The term "elevate" signifies both the lifted chassis for off-road capabilities and an elevated luxury experience [2] Company Strategy - The Elevated Velocity builds on Cadillac's existing luxury EV portfolio, which includes the Lyriq and the Optiq [2] - The design continues the principles of Cadillac's previous "Opulent Velocity" concept car revealed in 2024 [3] - Concept vehicles like the Elevated Velocity are used by automakers to assess customer interest and showcase future brand directions, rather than being intended for consumer sale [3]

Core Insights - Cadillac anticipates that approximately one-third of its U.S. vehicle sales in 2023 will be all-electric models, despite slower-than-expected industry adoption of EVs [1][3] - The brand plans to offer five electric vehicles by the end of 2023, including the recently launched Escalade IQ and Optiq, alongside the existing Lyriq and upcoming Vistiq and Celestiq models [2][3] Sales Projections - Cadillac aims for EVs to constitute 30% to 35% of its total domestic sales by 2025, a significant increase from 18% in 2024, which equates to approximately 29,072 vehicles [3] - In 2022, EVs made up 8.1% of the roughly 16 million vehicles sold in the U.S., falling short of the expected 10% [4] Market Strategy - Cadillac has revised its strategy to not exclusively offer all-electric vehicles by 2030, instead focusing on customer demand to guide the elimination of gas-powered vehicles while maintaining a full EV lineup [4][5] - The company emphasizes that its EV portfolio will complement its gas-powered offerings, aiming to attract new customers [6] Product Launches - The Escalade IQ, starting at around $130,000, is positioned as the largest all-electric SUV, targeting the large SUV market for EVs [7] - The Optiq, priced at approximately $55,000, serves as an entry-level EV and is expected to compete in the electric crossover segment, which is currently led by the Lyriq [8] Production and Partnerships - The Lyriq is produced in Tennessee and is expected to remain Cadillac's top-selling EV, while the Optiq is manufactured in Mexico [9] - The Optiq will feature a new partnership with Dolby Laboratories for its "Atmos" surround sound technology, which will be integrated across Cadillac's lineup [8]