Happy Birthday Caddy

FOR RELEASE: August 19, 2002

Cadillac Celebrates A Century Of Excellence

Cadillac Motor Car Formed On August 22, 1902

DETROIT - Cadillac, known from its early days as the standard of excellence in the automotive industry, has enjoyed a rich and storied history over the past century. From its beginnings in 1902, when precision machinist Henry M. Leland founded Cadillac Motor Car and introduced the Cadillac Model A, to the introduction of the bold new 2003 CTS model, few nameplates have permeated American culture the way Cadillac has over the past 100 years.

"At Cadillac, our heritage reminds us of who we were, it illuminates who we are, and it calls us to become what we might be," said Mark LaNeve, Cadillac general manager. "Our remarkable heritage is a chronicle of expressive ingenuity, a history of bold, break through design and cutting-edge product innovation, and it gives us great inspiration as we move forward."

Even as Cadillac designers envision the future with new products such as the 2002 Escalade and EXT, the 2003 CTS and the upcoming XLR and SRX, they embrace the underlying spirit that has guided Cadillac's notable achievements: a commitment to apply the superior designs and sophisticated technologies to the automobile. This marriage of design and innovation is at the core of Cadillac's product portfolio.

Cadillac, unlike many automakers from the industry's early days, has survived 100 years of ups and downs, including recessions and the Great Depression, wars, gasoline rations, and much more. Along the way, the Cadillac has become an icon and has inspired its own culture, including hundreds of car clubs, highly decorated art cars and creative retrofits. Even vintage Cadillac hearses were once graced with elaborately and beautifully carved Gothic wooden side panels, transforming them into decidedly unconventional works of art. More than any other automotive brand, Cadillac has attained the status of popular culture icon. Cadillacs have appeared in music, movies, television and fine art, often used as the quintessential representation of luxury and success in achieving the American Dream.

"Cadillac has played a defining role in our culture," said LaNeve, Cadillac general manager. "Throughout our history, Cadillac has been the standard of excellence. In the post-war years, it took on additional meaning as a symbol of American pre-eminence. Cadillac changed and shaped the entire automobile industry, and its influence continues to be felt today throughout our popular culture."

Long considered the standard of the world, it's no secret that Cadillac has encountered some stiff competition over the last few decades. Cadillac has always and continues to rise to the challenge and is currently building renewed marketplace momentum. The DeVille, Escalade, EXT, CTS and upcoming XLR and SRX are world-class vehicles that can compete with the strongest, most powerful contenders. Cadillac's new lineup of luxury vehicles offers precise handling, active safety features, infotainment options and innovative solutions in bold, breathtaking styling packages.

As Cadillac looks back on its century in the automotive business, it continues to draw upon the high points of its colorful, distinguished 100-year past. It also has learned from the inevitable bumps it encountered on the journey of designing, manufacturing and marketing vehicles. As the division moves forward, Cadillac enters a new era and is building its way back one vehicle at a time. Cadillac knows its mission, has a strong plan, and the products to make it happen. One hundred years in the automobile business represents a most exciting, even extraordinary moment in Cadillac's history, one well worth celebrating.