GM planned Cadillac launch in Australia before it closed Holden

Cadillac’s launch in Australia has been planned since 2015 – long before GM decided to shutter the Holden brand.

Set to launch in Australia next year with the all-electric Lyriq SUV, Cadillac’s expansion into Australia and other key right-hand-drive markets will eventually see it offer a ‘portfolio’ of EVs Down Under that could also include the Escalade IQ and the smaller Optiq, which is yet-to-be-revealed (officially at least).

“It really dates back to about 2015,” Cadillac’s global vice president, John Roth, told Wheels. “And that’s the early vision of the Ultium platform and what Cadillac can become.

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“When you look at that time frame, I wouldn't say there's a point in time that said this is Australia and New Zealand's place in the world. It was more the enablement of right-hand drive and the fact that we knew back then that in order for us to be truly tier-one luxury, you have to have a right-hand drive offering.

“Now coming to market, fast forward to today, Australia, New Zealand is our first right-hand drive market. It’s been 8-10 years in the making.”

GM officially shuttered its Holden operations in 2020 but company execs were diplomatic when asked if they were expecting any lingering resentment from Aussie buyers.

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“I started at Holden,” said GM Australia and New Zealand managing director, Jess Bala. “I understand it. I wasn’t here when it all happened but obviously I watched it very closely and many of my friends and colleagues here went through it. And obviously we’ve had a big contingent join me over in the US as well which is awesome", said Roth.

“But we’re going to continue to recognise it [Holden’s closure], it is there, but also understand that we’re bringing something very different to market now to meet the market needs and the customer needs now. And I think people are going to be very accepting of that.

“We just need to get bums in seats and I think that’ll speak for itself.”