Some Cadillac’s won’t qualify for the extended warranty.
In a move reflecting a growing industry trend of expanding warranty and maintenance plans, Cadillac today matched its new vehicle warranty on certified used cars. Used vehicle coverage is now the same as the new-vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty for up to six years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. Cadillac said that it now covers more of its certified pre-owned vehicles than BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, which have similar programs.
The used car buyers, “Certified Pre-Owned vehicle owners” in marketing talk, will also receive free 24-hour roadside assistance, courtesy transportation and a three-month subscription to OnStar and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Most owners of 2011 and newer models also will be eligible to buy Cadillac’s Premium Care Maintenance. Previously reserved for new vehicles only, the maintenance plan covers oil and filter changes, engine air and cabin filters, tire rotation and multi-point vehicle inspections at owner’s manual-recommended intervals.
The popularity of leasing in the luxury market during the past 4 years as the U.S. auto market started its slow recovery, creates an increasing supply of used vehicles. Cadillac claimed that the changes to the pre-owned certification match Cadillac’s expanding product portfolio in terms of elevating resale value. Cadillac’s expanded product portfolio has resulted in a 37% increase in U.S. during 2013 with the XTS and ATS selling more than 10,000 units each.
“We expect lease returns to double this year,” said Chase Hawkins, vice president of Cadillac U.S. sales and service.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
