Cadillac Dealers Prepare To Step Up, Or Leave, Sales Game Under De Nysschen
Facebook commenters and the automotive press aren’t the only ones feeling the lash from Cadillac boss Johan de Nysschen, as dealers themselves are feeling the pressure to step up their game.
Automotive News reports that while some Cadillac dealerships have nothing to worry about, and are, in fact, completely on-board with de Nysschen’s alphanumeric global vision, those on the low end of the totem pole fear they may be selling something else if they can’t compete on the level their new boss expects of them.
Specifically, de Nysschen may want to consolidate the brand’s network of 924 dealerships into a more BMW/Mercedes-esque number — hovering in the 330 – 370 range — with a similar focus on urban markets. Though neither he nor anyone representing Cadillac have stated such plans were on the table, dealers like Claude Burns and an unnamed dealer in the Midwest are going on the offensive to maintain their spots: a new expanded floorplan for the former, lawyering-up with an attorney who represented dealers during General Motors’ bankruptcy for the latter.
As for the boss himself, de Nysschen had this to say about the future of his dealerships after his meeting with them last month in Las Vegas, where he outlined his vision for the brand and their role in it:
It’s very clear to me that many, many dealers already have risen to the challenge. On the other hand, when those customers engage us in our dealerships, we cannot afford that the experience is anything other than confirming that this is a first-class brand. And not all of our dealers are there.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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I agree that moving to NYC, the most anti-private car market in the US is dumb. Why not LA? Also, quit assuming that Caddy still sells the FWD DeVille "boat". Yeah it was dated and many had fake carriage roofs, but that was 5-25 years ago. The XTS is more modern, and not "huge". Also, they do have a dedicated assembly plant in Lansing building CTS/ATS. Up the quality would be the best bet, and make the new cars there too They are stuck with the Escalade, but should make it more exclusive and not just anyone can get it for "no money down"!
anyone remember Bill Knapp's? it was a Midwest restaurant chain with outlets in Florida as well. in an effort to increase business they hired a hot shot outsider who promptly changed the menu and significantly altered the decor thereby alienating their loyal client base. soon after they closed up shop for good. I miss the home made chicken noodle soup and chocolate cake (free on your birthday).
testing the failure to record posts. ridiculous IMO.
anyone remember Bill Knapp's? it was a Midwest restaurant chain with outlets in Florida. in an effort to increase business, they hired a hot shot outsider who promptly changed the menu and significantly altered the decor thereby alienating the client base. shortly after they closed up shop. I miss their home made chicken noodle soup and free chocolate cake on your birthday.