Either way Cadillac must have a worthy diesel alternative to its high-tech gasoline engines in the European market, which
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| There is a precedent for this joint venture, with BMW having supplied GM Europe with 6-cylinder diesel engines for the Opel Omega. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Neither GM Europe nor BMW would comment on the report, there is a precedent as previously set when BMW supplied GM Europe with 6-cylinder diesel engines for the Opel Omega. BMW also currently supplies gasoline and diesel engines to its formerly owned Rover and Land Rover group, so cooperation with competitive makes is not out of the question.
The report stated that GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz had mentioned a decision could
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| Cadillac recently doubled its European sales forecast to 20,000 units by 2010. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Showing the automaker is bullish about achieving a new relationship to supply a diesel powerplant, Cadillac recently doubled its European sales forecast to 20,000 units by 2010. Five years from now, this forecast puts its future sales almost exactly where Lexus is currently, 13 years after entering the European market. Cadillac may do better than Lexus in Europe, however, as European tastes value character and exciting driving dynamics over refinement and luxury (see automotive news for Nov 24, 2004: Industry Report: Lexus Undaunted by Lackluster European Sales).