Key Stats
- Founded: August 22, 1902 in Detroit, Michigan
- Parent Company: General Motors (since 1909)
- 2024 U.S. Sales: 160,204 vehicles (8.8% increase from 2023)
- 2019 Global Sales Record: 390,458 vehicles worldwide
- Headquarters: New York City (relocated from Detroit in 2014)
Cadillac stands as one of America’s oldest automotive brands and a cornerstone of luxury vehicle manufacturing. Named after French explorer Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, who founded Detroit in 1701, the brand has shaped automotive history for over 120 years.
The company operates as the luxury division of General Motors. Cadillac vehicles compete in the premium segment against European and Japanese rivals. The brand sells vehicles in the United States, Canada, China, and 34 additional markets worldwide.
From developing the world’s first electric self-starter in 1912 to pioneering computer technology integration in vehicles, Cadillac has consistently introduced innovations that later became industry standards. The brand continues its legacy with electric vehicles like the Lyriq and the upcoming all-electric Escalade IQ.
Cadillac History
1902
Cadillac Automobile Company established on August 22 by Henry M. Leland, William Murphy, and Lemuel Bowen from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company.
1903
First Cadillac vehicles displayed at New York Auto Show. The company gathered over 2,000 firm orders due to precision manufacturing and reliability.
1905
Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing merged with Cadillac Automobile Company, strengthening engineering capabilities.
1906
Cadillac became the first volume manufacturer of a fully enclosed automobile, setting new standards for passenger comfort.
1908
Won the prestigious Dewar Trophy for interchangeability test in the United Kingdom, recognizing the most important advancement in the automobile industry.
1909
General Motors acquired Cadillac, establishing it as GM’s luxury division under William C. Durant’s leadership.
1912
Cadillac became the first manufacturer to incorporate an electrical system enabling starting, ignition, and lighting. This innovation won a second Dewar Trophy.
1927
LaSalle brand introduced as Cadillac’s companion marque, designed by Harley Earl and marking the beginning of automotive styling departments.
1999
Cadillac Escalade introduced, becoming an iconic full-size luxury SUV that remains the brand’s flagship model.
2023
Cadillac Lyriq launched as the brand’s first all-electric vehicle built on GM’s Ultium platform, marking the transition toward an all-electric future.
Cadillac Co-founders
Henry M. Leland
Master machinist and precision engineer from Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing Company. Leland persuaded investors to continue automobile production and provided his single-cylinder engine design that became the foundation of early Cadillac vehicles.
William Murphy
Detroit businessman and financial backer who previously invested in Henry Ford’s ventures. Murphy provided crucial capital and business acumen to establish the Cadillac Automobile Company after Ford departed.
Lemuel Bowen
Financial partner alongside Murphy in the original Henry Ford Company. Bowen contributed investment capital and helped secure the business foundation needed to transform the struggling company into Cadillac.
Cadillac Competitors
The luxury automotive market features intense competition from European, Japanese, and Korean manufacturers. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have led U.S. luxury sales since the 2000s, displacing Cadillac from its historic position.
In 2023, BMW sold 362,244 units in the United States compared to Cadillac’s 147,214 units. Lexus, Acura, and Genesis from Asian manufacturers have captured significant market share through reliability and value positioning.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Key Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW | BMW Group | Germany | 7 Series, X7, iX |
| Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz Group | Germany | S-Class, GLS, EQS |
| Lexus | Toyota | Japan | LS, LX, RX |
| Audi | Volkswagen Group | Germany | A8, Q8, e-tron |
| Lincoln | Ford Motor | United States | Navigator, Aviator |
| Acura | Honda | Japan | MDX, TLX, RDX |
| Infiniti | Nissan | Japan | QX80, Q50 |
| Genesis | Hyundai | South Korea | G90, GV80, GV70 |
| Porsche | Volkswagen Group | Germany | Cayenne, Panamera |
| Land Rover | Tata Motors | United Kingdom | Range Rover, Defender |
Cadillac Revenue
Cadillac generated approximately $16 billion in global revenue in 2022 according to market analysis data. The brand represents a significant portion of General Motors’ overall automotive revenue.
U.S. sales drive the majority of Cadillac revenue, with China serving as the second-largest market. The Escalade remains the highest-revenue model due to its premium pricing above $80,000.
Cadillac Market Cap
Cadillac operates as a division of General Motors rather than as a separate publicly traded entity. GM's total market capitalization stands at approximately $72 billion as of December 2025.
The brand's value contribution to GM remains substantial given its premium pricing and profit margins. Cadillac accounts for roughly 6% of GM's total U.S. vehicle sales but generates higher per-unit revenue.
Cadillac Acquisitions
As a division of General Motors, Cadillac does not independently acquire companies. However, GM acquisitions directly benefit Cadillac's technology and capabilities.
GM acquired Cruise Automation in 2016 for approximately $1 billion. This self-driving technology company developed autonomous vehicle capabilities that GM has integrated into Cadillac's Super Cruise hands-free driving system. Super Cruise now operates on more than 750,000 miles of roads across North America and comes standard on premium Cadillac models.
The acquisition of OnStar capabilities in 1996 brought connected vehicle services to Cadillac ahead of competitors. OnStar provides safety, security, and navigation features across the Cadillac lineup. GM made OnStar Basics standard on all 2025 Cadillac vehicles for eight years.
In 2023, GM acquired Tooling & Equipment International and ALGOLiON to strengthen manufacturing capabilities. These acquisitions support Cadillac's transition to electric vehicle production including the Lyriq and upcoming Celestiq ultra-luxury sedan.
GM's 2010 acquisition of AmeriCredit formed GM Financial, which provides financing services for Cadillac customers. This captive finance arm offers competitive leasing and loan options that support Cadillac's luxury positioning and sales volume.
FAQs
When was Cadillac founded?
Cadillac was founded on August 22, 1902, in Detroit, Michigan. Henry M. Leland established the company from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company with investors William Murphy and Lemuel Bowen.
Who owns Cadillac?
General Motors owns Cadillac as its luxury vehicle division. GM acquired Cadillac in 1909 under founder William C. Durant. The brand has remained part of GM for over 115 years.
What does the Cadillac name mean?
Cadillac was named after Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, the French explorer who founded Detroit in 1701. The brand's crest logo derives from his coat of arms.
Where are Cadillac vehicles manufactured?
Cadillac vehicles are manufactured at GM facilities in the United States and China. Key U.S. plants include Factory ZERO in Detroit for electric models and Spring Hill, Tennessee for the XT5 and XT6.
Is Cadillac going all-electric?
Cadillac plans to offer an all-electric lineup by 2030. The brand launched the Lyriq electric SUV in 2023 and will introduce the Escalade IQ, Optiq, and ultra-luxury Celestiq as part of this transition.