Cadillac forsakes its family, becomes separate business, moves to the Big Apple

By Nick Jaynes September 23, 2014

cadillac becomes separate business moves big apple grille — Image used with permission by copyright holder

And just like that, it was gone.

In a show of sheer brilliance and familial disdain, Cadillac announced this morning it will officially leave Detroit and relocate its headquarters in New York in 2015.

Additionally, the brand will further separate itself from the rest of General Motors, becoming a “separate business unit” and the “center of excellence for [GM].”

This move is part of a larger plan for Cadillac to further legitimize itself over the coming years. It seems the new heads of the iconic American luxury brand – including former Audi head and current Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen – don’t foresee mounting a successful challenge to German sport luxury dominance without a strong disassociation from GM.

Related: Cadillac planning high-end halo car for 2015 production in Detroit

In my opinion, it makes complete sense. It’s GM’s incestuous history that holds Caddy back from greatness. Take the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe, for example. It’s a brilliant car … or would be, rather, if 30-year GM veterans hadn’t designed it. I believe in my heart of hearts, they don’t know how to make a compelling luxury sports car.

Yes, this is a bit of a slap in the face to the rest of GM. That, however, is a good thing. I hope the other brands take this as a wakeup call. GM’s old minds and culture simply can’t compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.

If Nysschen can get away from GM and run the company the way he sees fit, I predict nothing but brilliance from the new Cadillac. Whether GM will truly let that happen or not will have to be seen. I am personally hoping it will.

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Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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