7.2.2006
First production Cadillac BLS rolls off assembly line in Trollhättan

Cadillac opened another chapter in its history when the first production BLS luxury mid-size sedan rolled off the assembly line at GM's manufacturing plant in Trollhättan, Sweden, yesterday.

The event was also historic for the 56-year-old GM manufacturing site, which until now has produced only Saab vehicles. The simultaneous production of both Cadillac and Saab in the facility was made possible by a 325 million Euro investment program begun there in 2000. Included in this development were extensions to the press shop, body shop and final assembly areas, improvements to materials handling systems and the phased introduction of a new paint shop.

The BLS represents the continuing growth of Cadillac in Europe and other markets outside Cadillac's traditional home market in North America. "The BLS was developed for luxury customers, with particular attention to the demands of European and other international markets," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac General Manager. "BLS is an important addition to our Cadillac portfolio; it provides a critical entry on which to grow our business in key international markets."

The front-wheel drive BLS offers expressive design, outstanding ride and acoustic comfort and marks a new era in the brand's history by including Cadillac's first turbo-diesel variant.