((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto)) by Gilles Guillaume
U.S. automaker General Motors GM.N unveiled its luxury electric Cadillac Lyriq in France on Monday, an expansion of its market in Europe after its return last year and a test of whether online-only sales will attract car buyers. wealthy cars.
In October, GM announced it was launching sales in Switzerland, the first step in an all-electric return to European markets since the sale of the Opel and Vauxhall brands in 2017.
Unlike its home market where it relies on an extensive dealership network, European customers can customize and purchase their Cadillac EVs entirely online.
European automakers are scrambling to build more affordable EVs, under pressure from Chinese rivals and slowing demand growth. Jaclyn McQuaid, GM’s European director, told reporters at a launch event in Paris that electric SUVs are expected to remain the fastest-growing segment for zero-emission vehicles.
“If you look at the battery electric vehicle market in France, it’s the luxury market that has seen the strongest growth,” Ms McQuaid said. “It is on the luxury market that we are currently focusing
The best-selling electric car in France last year was Tesla’s Model Y SUV TSLA.O , which has a starting price of 42,990 euros ($46,500) in that market.
Highlighting Cadillac’s French heritage – French adventurer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded Detroit in 1701 – Mr McQuaid said other electric models would follow using the same architecture as the Lyriq, which is made in Tennessee .
In Switzerland, the Lyriq has a starting price of 82,000 Swiss francs ($93,100), but GM has not released pricing for France.
Cadillac is also planning a showroom in Paris and the Lyriq will be available to order online starting March 23. The luxury electric vehicle is expected to launch in other European markets, starting with Germany, by the end of the year.
($1 = 0.9244 euros, 0.8811 Swiss francs)