Dealerships

Cadillac Live interactive digital showroom launches in five U.S. states

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Dec 10, 2019, 1:38 pm

Buyers are being empowered to change up their shopping habits with the new Cadillac Live interactive digital platform.

Photo courtesy of Cadillac

Cars.com research recently revealed that the dealership experience is a major pain point for new car buyers. Automakers are continuously working to enhance that experience and lately there has been a push to revolutionize the sales model with more digital integration.

Cadillac, a division of General Motors, has launched Cadillac Live, a digital shopping platform designed to bring elements of the dealership experience to shoppers' smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. When using Cadillac Live, customers enter a digital showroom via an online portal to view the features and specifications of up to 10 Cadillac models. Once in the system, they can speak with a Live product specialist, who can answer vehicle and purchase-consideration questions.

Cadillac Live Lounge The Cadillac Live Lounge features cars and SUVs from the entire Cadillac passenger vehicle lineup. Photo courtesy of Cadillac

"Luxury consumers are looking for a seamless, one-on-one shopping experience, whether online or in-person," said Melissa Grady, Cadillac chief marketing officer. "Cadillac Live offers a high degree of personal service, with time-saving conveniences and extended hours, reflecting today's evolving shopping habits and our customers' expectations."

The move to digital is a logical one for Cadillac. Data from Google shows that twice as many car buyers start their research online versus at the dealership.

Cadillac Live Agent A Cadillac Live agent helps shoppers explore new vehicles. Photo courtesy of Cadillac

Customers are able to do everything but test drive and pull the trigger on buying a new vehicle via Cadillac Live. Here's how Cadillac says it works:

Shoppers can explore every detail of a Cadillac vehicle with the help of a Live agent, who is equipped with an iPhone X, Osmo Mobile gimbal and Bluetooth headset, providing two-way audio and one-way live video. That means shoppers can hear and see the agent, while the agent can hear – but not see – the shopper. The agents are also equipped with a digital interface to share color, wheel and accessory choices. Live agent sessions are available on-demand or can be scheduled for a future date. Additionally, shoppers can invite a partner to join a Live session.

As Cadillac struggles to remain a relevant brand for buyers, the implementation of a less confrontational shopping experience via a device that can be used at the convenience of the customer is an intriguing move that may pay off. Seventy-one percent of customers report switching to a competitor's product after finding their selection process easier according to the 2017 Cassandra Shop Report, which specifically focuses on millennial and Gen Y buyers.

The pilot program is available in five states: California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Every dealership in each of those states was offered the opportunity to take part in the program with 160 opting in. Of that 160, 38 of those dealers are based in Texas.

Cadillac Live Lounge Agent Shoppers can ask questions in real time. Photo courtesy of Cadillac

Cadillac Live agents are available to connect with shoppers Monday-Thursday, from 9 a.m.-1 a.m. ET, Friday, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. ET, and Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. ET. Customers can schedule future sessions with a Live agent during off-hours.

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web

Trending News

 
 

New Car

Fresh body styling, tech breathes life into 2022 MINI John Cooper Works models

Hardtop and softop versions the MINI John Cooper Works have been updated for 2022.

Photo courtesy of MINI

MINI recently announced refreshed model information about more traditional Cooper models. Enthusiasts have been patiently waiting for the plans for the performance-focused John Cooper Works models to be made public. Now those retails are known.

The 2022 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop and Convertible will feature newly fashioned round LED headlights, a larger hexagonal grille, large side air intakes, modified front scuttles, and a diffuser on the rear apron.

MINI's twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sits under the hood of both models and generates 228 horsepower and a maximum torque of 235 pound-feet of torque. The engine moves the MINI Hardtop from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds when equipped with its standard six-speed manual transmission. To cut that number to 5.9 seconds, opt for the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The cabrio has a 6.3 zero to 60 mph time and has its engine paired exclusively with the automatic transmission.

2022 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works

2022 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works

Photo courtesy of MINI

1 / 57

The rag top of the MINI JCW Convertible opens in 18 seconds via the touch of a button at speeds up to 18.6 mph. Buyers can get the MINI Yours soft top that features a woven-in Union Jack graphic.

Two 85-millimetre stainless steel tailpipes serve as the car's available exhaust option.

MINI's engineers have fine-tuned the car's sporty suspension and given the car a sports brake system co-developed with Brembo and 17-inch JCW light alloy wheels. Eighteen-inchers are available, including a new JCWW Circuit Spoke two-tone designed wheel.

The team has also worked on the available Adaptive Suspension, adding new frequency-selective damper technology that operates with an additional valve acting on the traction side. Additionally, the maximum damping force of the Adaptive Suspension is up to 10 percent higher than before.

MINI buyers will get their cars equipped with the company's redesigned 8.8-inch infotainment touch screen display with a black panel design. Two different color schemes are available for the displays on the central instrument display - Lounge and Sport. In Lounge mode, the display surfaces appear in relaxing shades of blue and turquoise. Switching to Sport mode causes the screen backgrounds to glow in red and anthracite. If desired, the color worlds of the displays can be linked to the standard MINI Driving Modes.

The JCW sport seats have integrated headrests and the model gets an anthracite-colored roof lining, a stainless steel pedal gallery and a model-specific gearshift or gear selector lever.. There's a Nappa leather steering wheel with fresh multifunction buttons, grey contrast stitching, and a John Cooper Works logo on the center spoke.

MINI will sell the models with new comfort, connectivity, and driver assistance equipment packages. The roster of new options includes a heated steering wheel, lane departure warning in the Driving Assistant and the Stop & Go function for Active Cruise Control.

Pricing for the 2022 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop starts at $32,900 and maxes out at $33,900. The Convertible has a starting MSRP of $38,900 and stretches to $44,900 in its top-tier trim level. Every model has an additional $850 destination and delivery fee.

From Your Site Articles

Trending News

 
 

New SUV

More details of 2023 Cadillac Lyriq revealed, including price and charging speed

The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq offers 300+ miles of range and a good amount of passenger space.

Photo courtesy of Cadillac

The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq was shown for the first time last year with plenty of teasing to go along with the information regarding its battery electric powertrain. Now the automaker is showing off more of the SUV, including its interior, and revealing more about the crossover's powertrain.

The 2023 Lyriq rides on Cadillac's rear-wheel drive Ultium platform. It's a few inches wider and longer than the 2021 Lexus RX 350, but its wheelbase is considerably longer 109 inches vs. 121 inches) becuase of the lack of limitations with an electric powertrain. The Lyriq bests the interior dimensions of the RX everywhere except in the hip-room category where its front and rear seat fall short by more than an inch.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq: Exterior

2023 Cadillac Lyriq: Exterior

Photo courtesy of Cadillac

1 / 30

The Lyriq weighs about as much as a Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Powering the Lyriq is a 12-module, 100 kilowatt-hour battery pack. Cadillac estimates that the car will deliver 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, making it slightly more powerful than the 2021 Cadillac XT5. The automaker figures that the pack will allow for over 300 miles of all-electric range with a full charge.

Initial information shows that all-wheel drive will not be available.

The Lyriq is able to charge at DC fast charing stations at a rate of up to 190 kilowatts. That enables it to add 76 miles of range in abut 10 minutes and 195 miles of range in 30 minutes when charging in optimal conditions. For home charging, Lyriq is able to charge at a rate of 19.2 kilowatts, which allows it to add up to 52 miles of range per hour of charge. Trickle charging will yield a gain of 3.5 miles of ranger per hour of charge time.

Cadillac engineers have given the Lyric Regen on Demand technology, which allows drivers to control how quickly the Lyriq slows down or comes to a complete stop during a pressure-sensitive paddle on the steering wheel.

The car's black crystal grille and long lighting blades give the car unique features and tie it in with the Cadillac family's looks.

A long list of standard and available features has been revealed for the model. The roster includes: Super Cruise, 33-inch LED display, active noise cancellation technology, LED headlamps with a choreographed lighting sequence, a 19-speaker AKG sound system, KeyPass digital vehicle access, dual level charging cord, 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, and 22-inch dynamic split-spoke Reverse Rim alloy wheels.

The car's standard 20-inch wheels come wrapped in all-season, self-sealing tires. The available 22-inchers get all-season, low-profile, self-sealing tires.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq: Interior

2023 Cadillac Lyriq: Interior

Photo courtesy of Cadillac

Only two exterior paint colors are available: Satin Steel Metallic and Stellar Black Metallic. Interior color schemes include Sky Cool Gray and Noir.

The interior of the Lyriq is very similar to that of the Escalade. Like its big brother, the Lyriq has a large, curved screen that spans half the dashboard.

With its rear seat folded, the Lyriq has about twice the cargo space as the Lexus RX. Behind the rear seat, the Lyriq bests the RX's cargo space by 12 cubic feet.

The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ is expected to go into production in the first quarter of 2022, with pricing starting at $59,9907. It will be produced at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly plant.

From Your Site Articles

Trending News