Cadillac posts biggest sales increase since 1976 as brand continues to build on momentum

New car sales numbers released for May further prove that Cadillac has clearly reestablished itself as a premium player in the world of cars.  

According to an official company press release, the luxury automaker’s year-to-date sales show an increase of 38 percent, Cadillac’s largest since 1976. That makes the 110-year old brand the fastest growing major automotive brand in the U.S.

The nearly 40 percent sales increase marks the luxury carmaker’s 12^th consecutive month of sales growth.

Leading the sales charge is the award-wining ATS sport sedan. According to Cadillac, roughly 70 percent of ATS consumers are buying their first Cadillac, which suggests that the brand’s goal to appeal to younger consumers is likely paying off as well. 

 The XTS luxury sedan, introduced in the summer of 2012, had its best retail sales in May as well. All in all, Cadillac’s total sedan portfolio is up 122 percent so far in 2013.

Having an opportunity to send time with the new ATS and the XTS, I can attest to the fact that the cars are a stark contrast from those previous Cadillacs you likely said you’d never get caught driving, let alone buy.  With a focus on building on the momentum of  cars like the current CTS and SRX crossover,  the new sedans showcase the strides Cadillac has made over the years in key areas including styling, technology and overall performance.

Apparently, as indicated by the brand’s recent sales numbers, a lot of other people felt the same after test driving the cars.   

Even the Cadillac Escalade, which is scheduled for a redesign in the near future, is reporting its best May sales since 2008.

Overall, General Motors ranks No. 4 in U.S. luxury-vehicle sales, behind Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus brand, according to an Automotive News report. But the sales increase is still impressive for a brand that a few years ago wasn’t even on the radar for a lot of luxury car buyers.

Add to the mix the upcoming launch of the all-new CTS sedan and the all-electric Cadillac ELR, and the growth potential for Cadillac gets even more interesting as a true contemporary competitor now in the luxury car market.   

Still, we’d like to know – has Cadillac’s progress over the years changed your perception of the brand? Tell us in comments.