Cadillac Ends The ELR Plug-In
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Cadillac has quietly pulled the plug on the ELR, a high-line version of the Chevrolet Volt, due a decidedly weak response by American motorists. The Caddy plug-in hybrid has been out of production since March.
Launched with high expectations just two years ago, the Cadillac ELR never seemed to charge up the market. Originally priced at $76,000, or nearly double that of a Volt, Caddy tried a number of tricks to build momentum including about $11,000 in price cuts.
But dealers moved only 1,024 ELRs last year, or barely seven percent of the total for the Chevy Volt. Through April of this year, sales of the luxury plug-in dipped to a meager 357, or barely one per Caddy dealer.
Though the ELR initially generated positive reviews for its exterior styling and interior refinement, critics came up with plenty of reason to steer clear. Range, in battery mode, was minimal, and while the battery-based coupe was quicker than the first-generation Volt, it was still slow off the line. For not much more money, buyers could opt for an all-electric Tesla Model S with better range and performance.
Cadillac officials signaled the ELR was in trouble when they revealed there were no plans to update the luxury plug-in, even as the Chevrolet Volt moved to a second-generation design yielding better mileage, improved performance and a roomier interior now capable of seating five adults.
Launched with high expectations just two years ago, the Cadillac ELR never seemed to charge up the market. Originally priced at $76,000, or nearly double that of a Volt, Caddy tried a number of tricks to build momentum including about $11,000 in price cuts.
But dealers moved only 1,024 ELRs last year, or barely seven percent of the total for the Chevy Volt. Through April of this year, sales of the luxury plug-in dipped to a meager 357, or barely one per Caddy dealer.
Though the ELR initially generated positive reviews for its exterior styling and interior refinement, critics came up with plenty of reason to steer clear. Range, in battery mode, was minimal, and while the battery-based coupe was quicker than the first-generation Volt, it was still slow off the line. For not much more money, buyers could opt for an all-electric Tesla Model S with better range and performance.
Cadillac officials signaled the ELR was in trouble when they revealed there were no plans to update the luxury plug-in, even as the Chevrolet Volt moved to a second-generation design yielding better mileage, improved performance and a roomier interior now capable of seating five adults.
