The Backstory of Cadillac’s New Massage Chairs

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Cadillac XTS, Escalade offer seats that knead and roll to relieve stress

cq5dam.web.1280.1280DETROIT – No time today to make it to the spa or schedule a visit with the massage therapist, no problem. On two 2015 models, Cadillac is offering front driver and passenger seats that can knead, roll and relax your back as you drive. An anti-fatigue option is also offered for the driver.

The 22-way adjustable heated and ventilated seats now have a luxury option with a massage seat that works in the upper shoulder area, back lumbar or cushion.

“Many Americans have the common misconception that massage is just a luxurious way to relax. The benefits of massage are actually wide-ranging, especially for those that work that monotonous daily grind behind a desk or the wheel of car,” said Dr. Leena S. Guptha, board chair, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

While the seat is unable to provide the same experience as a trained practitioner, it can at least offer some comfort for a driver and passenger.

“This feature gives customers another way to improve their drive,” said Elizabeth Hayes, General Motors engineering group manager. “Once a massage setting is stored, a driver simply has to push the button and engage the luxury option. It is our goal to always find ways to make getting from point A to point B a little more pleasant.”

How it works
The massage seats’ settings can be stored in the car’s memory like the seat positions. With a toggle switch or activation button, both on the outboard base of the seats, the driver and front seat passenger can direct the illustration of adjustments on the infotainment screen. The desired massage and intensity can both be controlled from the screen.

Once the optimal massage is found, the driver can save the kneading, rolling or anti-fatigue setting by pressing the memory button on the door. Reactivation can then occur by simply pushing the button on the seat base.

The massage seat is available on the XTS Premium and Platinum Collections and on the Escalade Platinum Collection.

About The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is an independent, private, nonprofit organization that fosters the highest standards of ethical and professional practice through a nationally-recognized Board Certification credential. NCBTMB’s Board Certification is the highest voluntary credential attainable in the massage therapy and bodywork profession, demonstrating a deeper commitment to the profession, the public, and employers with more education, hands-on experience, passing a thorough background check, and maintaining a current CPR certification. NCBTMB’s Board Certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certified Agencies (NCCA)—a national, non-governmental, public protection and standards-setting organization. For more information on NCBTMB or Board Certification, please visit www.ncbtmb.org.

Upcoming Top-End Product Named Cadillac CT6

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CT6.  So the new large Cadillac is like a 6-Series BMW, and the current CTS should be renamed CT5?  And the ATS can be a CT3?  Hmmmm

DETROIT – Cadillac announced today that its new, high-technology car positioned at the top of its range will be called Cadillac CT6.

“The Cadillac CT6 continues our brand’s elevation and global growth,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, Cadillac chief marketing officer. “CT6 will constitute an entirely new approach to the prestige sedan, emphasizing a dynamic driving experience and advanced technology.”

When it launches in late-2015, the CT6 will expand the Cadillac range upwards – meaning it will not replace any current product. Positioned above today’s CTS and XTS product lines, the CT6 aims to join the elite group of top-class large luxury cars.

Currently in development, the new RWD-oriented sedan uses advanced, lightweight materials and new body construction techniques to reduce fuel consumption while enhancing driving dynamics and safety.

“This Cadillac will be the lightest and most agile car in the class of top-level large luxury sedans,” said Travis Hester, executive chief engineer, Cadillac CT6. “Using the lessons learned from our dynamic ATS and CTS product lines, we have developed an entirely new vehicle architecture for the CT6. It will employ a mixed material philosophy that combines the best and most efficient components optimized for each area of this new top-of-the-range car.”

The model name CT6 is derived from Cadillac’s use of CTS for its centerpiece carline, the current version of which is Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2014, Road & Track’s Best Luxury Sedan and one of Car and Driver’s “10Best.” The name also indicates a coming shift to a simplified naming convention for future Cadillac models. Under this strategy, familiar lettering like “CT” would be used for car models, with the number indicating the relative size and position of the cars in the hierarchy of Cadillac models.

“As we expand the portfolio, we can assist consumers in placing the cars within a structure, as they compare cars both within our showroom and across the market generally,” Ellinghaus said. “However, this will be an evolutionary process – we will only change a product’s name when the product itself is redesigned or an all-new model is created, as in this instance.”

The Cadillac CT6 will be assembled in Detroit, part of a previously announced $384 million investment in the Detroit-Hamtramck plant. Tools and equipment unique to the CT6 were installed recently at the plant. Production is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015.

New Cadillac to come from Hamtramck

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The current Cadillac sedans/coupes come from Lansing Grand River, with the exception of the ELR which is made at Hamtramck (can I buy a vowel?).   This was the main hub for Cadillac before the new plant at LGR, so it is familiar ground for Cadillac lovers.

Still no word on engines in the new car, but good news it is coming sooner rather than later.

 

Full Release:

DETROIT – Cadillac announced today it will elevate its growing portfolio with a new, top-end, high-technology car. The as-yet unnamed Cadillac will go into production in the fourth quarter of 2015 at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

The addition of this new Cadillac is part of a previously announced $384 million investment in the facility on Detroit’s east side. Tools and equipment unique to the Cadillac model were installed recently.

“The objective for this upcoming model is to lift the Cadillac range by entering the elite class of top-level luxury cars,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “Currently in development, this new rear wheel drive-oriented sedan uses completely new, custom-designed materials on a unique vehicle architecture.

“In addition to new technology in the car itself, we are instituting innovative manufacturing techniques to assemble it with the precision deserving of a luxury make.”

Positioned above today’s CTS and XTS product lines, the new top-of-the-line Cadillac adds to rather than replaces any model in the portfolio. The model name will be announced soon. It will make its public debut in the first half of next year.

Said Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder: “Michigan takes great pride in being recognized as the automotive capital of the world, GM’s choice to build its Cadillac flagship sedan at Detroit Hamtramck is a testament to the spirit, resolve and talented workers residing in our communities and state, and demonstrates the high quality of what ‘Made in Michigan’ means. And it’s another sign of the amazing comeback underway that’s building a strong foundation and bright future for all Michiganders.”

Four of seven Cadillac models – the ELR at Detroit-Hamtramck and the CTS sedan and ATS sedan and Coupe are built at Lansing Grand River – are assembled in Michigan.

“This is another testament to the power of collective bargaining and what can be achieved when we all work together,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who leads the union’s GM Department. “Our members work hard and take great pride in creating quality products that drive the industry forward and make these achievements possible.”

Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly opened in 1985 and spans two cities – Detroit and Hamtramck. It is the home of GM electric vehicles, including the Cadillac ELR and is the company’s most complex plant in North America building five models on one production line. GM has invested more than $1 billion in the plant over the last five years.

“This is wonderful news for Michigan. For 110 years, Cadillac has been building beautiful, cutting-edge vehicles right here in Michigan, and today’s announcement just reinforces how exciting the future is for Cadillac, GM, and our state,” said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “I am thankful for (GM CEO) Mary Barra’s commitment to Michigan and American manufacturing.”