GM President Mark Reuss recently spoke at Monterey Car Week about Cadillac’s future and the company’s overall strategy. As the president of GM, Reuss has a unique perspective on the company’s brands, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Buick. He is responsible for various aspects of the business, from research and development to manufacturing and electric vehicle initiatives. Reuss is also an avid motorsports enthusiast and track driver who has seen GM’s involvement in racing expand through Chevrolet and Cadillac.
During the interview, Reuss discussed the Opulent Velocity concept car, which not only represents the next stage of Cadillac’s EV expansion but also commemorates the brand’s 20th anniversary in motor sports. When asked if the Opulent Velocity is a vision of Cadillac’s future, Reuss explained how it builds upon the design language introduced with the Celestiq concept. He noted that Cadillac aims to incorporate elements of the Opulent Velocity into its future product portfolio, focusing on technology, performance, and elegance.
The conversation then shifted to Cadillac’s electrification strategy, which has recently seen a change in approach. Initially, Cadillac aimed for full electrification by 2030; however, the brand now intends to offer a range of powertrain options to meet customer preferences. Reuss emphasized Cadillac’s ability to adapt its manufacturing capacity and let the market dictate the demand for different powertrains. He highlighted the success of the Lyriq, Cadillac’s luxury EV, which has become the second-best-selling luxury EV globally.
Reuss also discussed the current state of the U.S. auto market and GM’s positioning within it. He emphasized GM’s history of catering to customers of all income levels and interests, offering a diverse range of vehicles from the Chevy Trax to the Buick Envista and the forthcoming Celestiq. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, Reuss expressed confidence in the market’s stability, projecting annual sales of around 16-16.3 million vehicles. He attributed GM’s ability to maintain strong sales and low incentives to the company’s product strength and fair pricing.
Finally, Reuss touched on the new Corvette ZR1, which was on display at Monterey Car Week. He spoke about the engineering challenges and innovations involved in developing a car that meets the high-performance standards expected from a ZR1. Reuss explained how the decision to create a mid-engine car allowed for greater flexibility and creativity among the engineering team. He praised the talented individuals within GM who work tirelessly to push boundaries and elevate the company’s products.
Overall, Reuss’s insights provide valuable perspectives on Cadillac’s future, GM’s electrification strategy, the state of the auto market, and the engineering achievements behind the Corvette ZR1. His words reflect a company that is committed to innovation, performance, and meeting the diverse needs of customers at various price points. As GM continues to navigate the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, it is clear that Reuss is leading the charge with a vision for a successful and exciting future.