“Electric vehicle buyers in Australia and New Zealand will be the first in the world to
be able to purchase the all-electric Cadillac LYRIQ in right-hand-drive – marking a
milestone moment for automotive luxury in both countries.
“The Cadillac LYRIQ, which will be available in Australia and New Zealand as a 2025
model, is a fully electric SUV that redefines modern luxury as the industry moves to
electrification,” said John Roth, Vice President, Global Cadillac.
Factory-built in right-hand-drive and with standout design, technology, and
performance, the Cadillac LYRIQ will help luxury buyers transition more confidently
towards electric vehicles.
“Cadillac is experiencing great sales momentum thanks to our strong product portfolio –
and we are now expanding our business globally,” said Roth. “The introduction of a
right-hand-drive LYRIQ will enable new opportunities in important markets where EV
adoption is strong.”
“LYRIQ sets the standard for the future of Cadillac. It elevates our iconic brand
through artfully integrated technology, premium craftmanship, and dedication to
delivering spirited performance.”
Jess Bala, Managing Director GM Australia and New Zealand, said the all-electric
Cadillac portfolio in Australia and New Zealand would begin with the LYRIQ, and
grow with more entries.
“Cadillac will be in a position to offer a fully electric portfolio by 2030,” said Bala.
“Launching our all-new, all-electric Cadillac EV business in Australia and New
Zealand positions us well to be able to select the right models for these markets –
just as we are doing with LYRIQ.”
“The launch of Cadillac signals the introduction of our modern automotive luxury
brand for our markets – one which features electric vehicles front and centre with the
promise of more models to come.”
“On a more personal level, I am beyond excited to be part of the team bringing
Cadillac to Australia and New Zealand and am so incredibly proud to be doing so
with the stunning all-electric LYRIQ.”
Australia and New Zealand are at a formative stage of the EV transition, which
presented new opportunities for Cadillac and were important factors in selecting
these countries as the first right-hand-drive markets for Cadillac LYRIQ, said Ernesto
Ortiz, President and Managing Director of GM’s Strategic Markets, Alliances, and
Distributors.
“Cadillac’s iconic brand and LYRIQ’s bold design make it a compelling combination
for Australians and New Zealanders who have an eye for quality, love technology
and want to challenge the status quo and stand out from the crowd,” said Ortiz.
The introduction of Cadillac and LYRIQ – and the focus on three capital city launch
markets with an exclusive EV portfolio – presented an opportunity to re-imagine the
luxury sales and aftersales experience for customers.
In keeping with the luxury position of the Cadillac brand, dedicated ‘Experience
Centres’ will be established in Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland. Together with an
intuitive online presence that will enable customers to explore and buy fully online,
these will be the foundations of the retail strategy for the Cadillac EV business in
Australia and New Zealand.
“Our Cadillac ‘Experience Centres’ will be destination locations, where customers
can discover more about Cadillac as a modern luxury brand and explore, test drive,
and buy a LYRIQ,” said Bala.
“Whether customers want to shop fully online or in-store, we will provide experiences
that engage the senses, anticipate desires, and enable our customers to go on
extraordinary journeys.”
For customers who would like to be the first to put their hand up to purchase a
LYRIQ when it arrives in Australia and New Zealand, they can visit
www.cadillacanz.com/register.
Bala is not the only Antipodean involved in bringing the factory built right-hand drive
Cadillac LYRIQ Down Under, with a number of Australians playing an integral part in
the program including Michael Simcoe, Andrew Smith, and Travis Hester.
When asked for his thoughts about the launch of Cadillac LYRIQ in Australia and
New Zealand, Travis Hester, Vice President – Enterprise Product and Manufacturing
Solutions, said: “Cadillac has always represented the peak of technology and
sophistication, so it is fitting that LYRIQ is the first right-hand-drive GM EV product to
be exported to Australia and New Zealand.
“The LYRIQ offers an unparalleled driver and passenger experience and is perfectly
suited to the Australian luxury buyer.
“I am thrilled that the LYRIQ is leading Cadillac and GM’s commitment to transition to
EVs on a global scale.”
Andrew Smith, Executive Director, Global Advanced Design and Global Architecture
Studio added “I am extremely proud of the team and of the LYRIQ. It elevates
Cadillac in every way.
“LYRIQ is stunning, and it is a really special feeling knowing friends and family back
home will have the opportunity to experience it.””
More details to come!
Thanks for reading! For more GMSV news and reviews, visit Tarmac Life.
Words by Matthew D’Souza, pictures courtesy of GMSV NZ media.
