How Cadillac continues to revolutionize the auto industry 118 years later

Born in 1902, right from the outset there was something different about Cadillac - innovation was in the DNA of the brand. Founded by Henry Leland, Cadillac broke new grounds from the beginning with the introduction of many industry-firsts, fast forward to now the brand is leading the charge when it comes to cutting-edge technology, design and performance.

There is no denying that Cadillac has continued to shape the modern motoring landscape through its innovations over the past 118 years. For instance, Cadillac was the first company to introduce interchangeable parts in automobiles, the electronic self-starter, ignition, and lighting - a first for any production car at the time. In addition,another world-first was the launch of a car with a fully-enclosed cabin – something that was unheard of. Not only did it provide protection from the elements, it provided added safety.

More or less everyone has heard the phrase ‘The Cadillac of…’ it exemplifies the finest of the finest and it still does. In 1927, Cadillac brought onboard Harley Earl to design the LaSalle convertible coupe, the first car to be designed from a designer's perspective. The result was an elegant vehicle and an overarching design philosophy, that made the Cadillac brand known for beauty and luxury. 

Today, Cadillac continues to innovate. Take Super Cruise for example – it has redefined autonomous driving like no other. Unlike similar systems that merely rely on cameras and sensors, Super Cruise also adds LiDar and map data as an additional layer of safety to ensure precise autonomous performance. 

More recently, Cadillac unveiled its vision for its EV portfolio. Led by LYRIQ, Cadillac will redefine the all-American luxury over the next decade with transformative EVs. The LYRIQ is based on GM’s next-generation, modular electric vehicle platform and driven by the Ultium propulsion system, enabling Cadillac to offer customers a variety of range and performance options. With range being one of the biggest factors when it comes to selecting an EV, Cadillac is designing the LYRIQ to offer beyond 300 miles of range on a full charge, based on internal testing.

But that’s not all, Cadillac is gearing up for the launch of the iconic 2021 Escalade which has been completely redesigned to deliver improved driving dynamics and greater passenger and cargo capacities. A staple vehicle on the roads for over 20 years, the fifth-generation Escalade is packed with industry exclusives, first-to-market technology advances including a curved Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen and the first AKG automotive audio system.

Holding safety at the forefront of everything it does, Cadillac is equipping the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade with OnStar – GM’s pioneering in-vehicle safety and security system, providing customers with enhanced levels of safety and security, connectivity and Wi-Fi to keep them seamlessly connected at all times.

All in all, over its rich 118-year history, Cadillac has perhaps contributed more to the automotive industry than any other brand and it continues to be a force and shape the industry to this day.