Cadillac XLR Likely Dead
The termination of the XLR is due to poor sales — the retractable hardtop convertible’s sales were down by about 29% in 2008, selling 1,250 units — and GM’s continuing financial woes. Not building or supporting the Caddy will reportedly save GM some of its precious bailout dollars.
The product cut is part of a just-announced initiative by GM to cut another 2,000 jobs from its dwindling payrolls, according to Automotive News.
The Bowling Green Assembly — the factory that produces the XLR and Corvette — is closed until Feb. 23. About 154 workers at the factory will be laid off by March 1, including about 40 workers who were dedicated builders of the XLR.
The XLR and XLR-V were recently refreshed for 2009, including a new grille and enhanced interior appointments. The XLR’s price range is $85,215-$104,215. It’s the only Cadillac to reach a six-figure MSRP.
The XLR roadster, while not a sales success, leaves Cadillac without the bragging rights of having a truly upscale vehicle in its lineup. However, if you ever sat in one, you’d know it never compared to other cars that fall in the same price range.
GM will end XLR (BG Daily News)
