Newsmaker breakfast launches WAS Media Day, on site, with Cadillacês CEO de Nysschen
Media Day on site at the 2015 Washington Auto Show (WAS) began Thursday, Jan. 22 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for a full day of press announcements and presentations by government and industry luminaries. The Newsmaker Breakfast, sponsored jointly by the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) and the International Motor Press Association (IMPA), provided a good warmup. Auto Show Chairman Kevin Reilly remembered his start as a Hyundai dealer 27 years ago and marveled at the technological advances, such as accident avoidance, and the different types of alternative fuel vehicles now on the show floor.
The Washington Auto Show is the intersection of industry and government so in the end we create great cars and good policy, Reilly said.
WAPA President Melanie Batenchuk praised the WAS Made Across America event, the day earlier, Jan. 21, for showcasing the positive economic impact the auto industry has on the economy. Said IMPA president emeritus David Kiley, This is an industry that moves the country, literally. He marveled that nearly 17 million cars are expected to be sold this year, up from 11 million just a few years ago. And Daniel Jobe, president of Capital Cadillac Co., introduced the industry keynote speaker, Cadillac Global President Johan de Nysschen.
De Nysschen spoke contextually referencing Cadillacês 112-year history and bright future.
The forecast for Cadillac has turned positive, de Nysschen said. Cadillac now produces driverês cars, with expressive design, riding dynamics and craftsmanship. GMês luxury division will have eight all-new vehicles by the end of the decade, with an investment of more than $12 billion.
The V-Series is Cadillacês latest new lineup, and de Nysschen showcased the CTS-V at The Washington Auto Show. With 640 hp, it is the most powerful car in Cadillacês history, boasting a top speed of 200 mph, ideal for the Capital Beltway, de Nysschen quipped.
On March 31, Cadillac will introduce the CT6, a top level large sedan with advanced body structure and advanced weight reduction, thanks to mixed materials used in its composition.
[Weight reduction] is the rocket science of automotive technology today, de Nysschen said. The large CT6 will be as fuel-efficient and agile as a midsize vehicle.
Later this year, Cadillac will introduce start-stop technology and cylinder deactivation as two ways to save on fuel consumption. The company will continue to explore alternative powertrains such as the concept EV shown in Detroit earlier this month, and plug-in hybrid and battery technology, said de Nysschen.
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