Calillac Head of Sales Germany Chan Uk Jun. Foto: Cadillac Europe

eMove360°Interview: Cadillac Head of Sales Germany Chan Uk Jun

On the sidelines of the eMove360° Awards 2024 ceremony at the Westin Grand Hotel Munich, we had the opportunity to talk to Chan Uk Jun, Cadillac Head of Sales Germany, about Cadillac’s return to Europe and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

Congratulations, the Cadillac LYRIQ has been selected as a finalist in the Electric Vehicle category by the expert jury of the eMove360° Awards 2024. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us.

General Motors is launching the Cadillac brand in Europe as an all-electric brand. How did the decision come about?

Chan Uk Jun: Cadillac can look back on 120 years of tradition – a history characterised by numerous innovations. In the future, Cadillac will continue to define the luxury of tomorrow with its bold design and advanced technologies to create unrivalled experiences. We look forward to bringing Cadillac to Europe with an all-electric offering, as the brand has always been at the forefront of innovation – from the first standard V8 engine and electric starter to the automatic transmission. Our vision at General Motors is to realise a world without accidents, emissions and congestion. The transition to electrification is crucial to this.

What challenges has Cadillac faced and continues to face in its introduction to the European market?

Chan Uk Jun: While Cadillac is known in Europe as the epitome of American luxury, few have had the opportunity to personally experience the outstanding comfort and distinctive character of the brand. This makes it all the more exciting for us to bring Cadillac closer to European customers and to inspire them with the three core elements that characterise the brand: Design, technology and performance.

However, we cannot simply rely on importing our tried and tested vehicles and copying the recipe for success from home. For the Cadillac LYRIQ, we have carried out extensive tests in Europe in order to adapt it to the demands and road conditions in our target markets. This includes, for example, a special suspension set-up, high-performance summer tyres, Brembo brakes and optimised steering feel.

What opportunities do you see?

Chan Uk Jun: We are optimistic about the growth and increasing interest in the premium segment. Regardless of the dynamics on the automotive market, we are still seeing a high demand for vehicles that fulfil the highest standards of comfort, performance and exclusive design.

A Cadillac is always a bold expression of style, and our customers are looking for just such a product.

Two years after its market launch in the USA, General Motors is sending the LYRIQ to Europe. Why did you choose the LYRIQ to conquer Europe?

Chan Uk Jun: With the LYRIQ, we set ourselves the goal of offering the market an exciting new alternative – and we have really succeeded. Its striking silhouette, the frameless panoramic glass roof and state-of-the-art features such as the 33-inch LED curved screen with integrated Google services for infotainment make the LYRIQ a dynamic and inspiring vehicle that offers pure driving pleasure.

What does the near future look like? Will other all-electric Cadillac models follow?

Chan Uk Jun: Yes, our European customers can look forward to the Cadillac OPTIQ in the near future. The OPTIQ expands Cadillac’s EV portfolio and enables our customers to enter the luxury class at a competitive price. We are also committed to bringing advanced technologies such as Super Cruise, our proprietary and industry-leading Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), to the market. General Motors is working with European authorities to develop the necessary regulatory framework for the approval of Super Cruise in Europe.

What is Cadillac’s sales strategy in Europe?

Chan Uk Jun: We are focussing on a hybrid sales model. This means that Cadillac models are available both in stationary dealerships and online. Customers can configure the vehicle from the comfort of their own home and arrange a test drive at one of our locations (including Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin), where they will receive detailed information and support from our employees.

In the stationary area, both our own locations and selected dealerships serve as points of contact. Dealers that we also include in our Business Elite programme also offer fleet customers a comprehensive and first-class service – from ordering the Cadillac fleet to servicing and even remarketing the vehicles.

How does Cadillac want to serve its customers in Europe? Is service guaranteed? Maintenance?

Chan Uk Jun: Currently, customers in Germany can rely on a nationwide service network at twelve locations to receive expert care and maintenance for their vehicle. As we continue to expand our market presence, we are also continuously expanding our service network.

What are Cadillac’s long-term plans for Europe?

Chan Uk Jun: In the long term, our vision for Europe is to bring highly differentiated EVs to the market, characterised by superior performance and design, offering customers the choice they need to make the switch to EVs.

Our market entry comes at the right time and we want to position ourselves permanently in Europe. With Cadillac, we are not only bringing an iconic brand with over 120 years of history, but also innovative solutions for sustainable mobility. For us, Cadillac is the perfect starting point to bring these technologies to Europe and help shape the future of mobility.

Thank you for the interview.

You can read this interview and other articles on electromobility & autonomous driving in the current eMove360° magazine. Download PDF or order print version at sabine.metzger@emove360.com

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13.01.2025   |  

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