Right-hand drive production for upcoming Cadillac electric SUVs
Cadillac’s long-awaited Australian launch draws closer following news of RHD factory production for Lyriq, Optiq and Escalade IQIt’s official – well sort of, almost… Cadillac’s upcoming electric SUV models will be produced in right-hand drive, clearing the way for them to be sold in markets like Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the UK – at least according to a new report by GM Authority.
The General Motors enthusiast blog claims to have confirmation from inside sources right-hand drive Cadillacs are in the pipeline as GM prepares for its return to Europe, with its soon-to-be-EV-only luxury brand at the helm of its resurgence.
GM Authority sources say the RHD Cadillac plan will be limited exclusively to EVs, adding context to the steadily growing number of Cadillac model nameplates being trademarked in or for Australia, including Lyriq, Optiq, Escalade IQ and Vistiq.
Of course there are a lot more RHD markets than those listed above, but they are four of the most developed markets with a genuine appetite for electric vehicles and the UK will effectively mandate EV-only new-vehicle sales as of 2035.
Cadillac’s entry into Australia will inevitably be facilitated by the GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) retail network, in which it will likely share showrooms and workshops with the established C8 Corvette supercar, the locally-converted Chevrolet Silverado pick-up and the highly-anticipated GMC Yukon large SUV (once it’s confirmed for our market).
The mid-engined Corvette is the only North American-sourced global GM model currently produced in RHD, while the Yukon will probably be remanufactured from left- to right-hand drive locally alongside the closely-related Silverado by Walkinshaw Automotive in Melbourne.
Pricing and the composition of GM Australia & New Zealand’s looming Cadillac EV range remains unknown until an official announcement, which is expected this year.
But early indications suggest the American luxury brand will target the premium European vehicle market with an armada of medium, large and full-size electric SUVs, the latter of which boasts a braked towing capacity of up to 3600kg.
Related: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ revealed with 3600kg towing capacity
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Related: Cadillac and Chevrolet Silverado EV edge closer to Australia
Related: GMSV celebrates 5000th remanufactured Chevrolet Silverado
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