An American Tradition Continues: New Presidential Era Begins with a New Cadillac...

An American Tradition Continues: New Presidential Era Begins with a New
Cadillac Presidential Limousine
President Obama to Christen New Car at Jan. 20 Inaugural Parade

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans celebrate the
inauguration of a new president of the United States next week, another new
Cadillac will grace Pennsylvania Avenue to lead the proceedings. President
Barack Obama will ride in an all-new Cadillac Presidential Limousine,
continuing a long tradition of Cadillac limousines that have served many U.S.
presidents.
"Cadillac is honored to again provide a new Presidential Limousine," said
Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. "This is
a great American tradition that we're delighted to renew with an all-new car
featuring the best of Cadillac's dramatic design and technology."
The image of an American president greeting crowds from a Cadillac
limousine dates to President Woodrow Wilson and the early days of the
automobile, and continues into a historic new era. The latest Cadillac
Presidential Limousine is a completely new design, succeeding the DTS
Presidential Limousine that debuted in 2004. The new car incorporates many of
the dramatic design and technology features of new and highly acclaimed
Cadillac vehicles in a purpose-built format tailored to specific and exacting
specifications befitting presidential transport.
Inside and out, the Cadillac Presidential Limousine includes many of the
brand's signature design elements. Assertive, modern and elegant, the front of
the car includes the intricate, dual-textured grille made famous by Cadillac's
most popular current models, the CTS sport sedan and Escalade. Vertical design
elements, such as the car's front and rear lighting, mirror those used on
production models.
For largely functional reasons, such as optimal outward visibility, the
car is slightly more upright than its predecessor. However, this new Cadillac
Presidential Limousine occupies roughly the same overall footprint on the road
as the previous model, with a similar size and proportion.
The side and rear profiles of the new Presidential Limousine are classic,
elegant forms, evocative of Cadillac's STS and DTS luxury sedans. Inside the
cabin, the car includes the finest examples of Cadillac's recent renaissance
in design, technology and craftsmanship. The cabin blends modern design and
technology with old-world craftsmanship. Major aspects of the cabin are cut
and sewn by hand, the same process used in popular Cadillac models such as the
CTS sport sedan.
Naturally, many purpose-built aspects of the car are specially designed
and prepared for presidential use. The rear passenger area includes an
extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility
and useful mobile office features.
The car was designed, developed and tested by specialists who adhered to
an extensive set of specifications. It was subjected to an extreme testing
regimen to ensure performance that achieves precise functional requirements.
In doing so, security provisions were undertaken at all times during
development to ensure the car's functional capabilities are preserved and
confidential.
An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the center of the rear
seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals
are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag is placed on the
right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front
fender when the president travels in the vehicle. High-tech LED spotlights
illuminate the flags at night.
About Cadillac
Cadillac is a division of General Motors Corp., and a leading luxury auto
brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered an historic
renaissance led by dramatic new designs and global expansion. More information
on Cadillac can be found at www.cadillac.com .
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) Founded in 1908, GM manufactures its cars
and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks
were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet,
GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and
Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety,
security and information services. More information on GM can be found at
www.gm.com .
SOURCE General Motors Corporation

David Caldwell, Cadillac Communications, +1-313-665-7252,
david.caldwell@gm.com