Who Owns Cadillac: Ownership Insights

Cadillac is one of the most iconic luxury car brands in the United States. Known for its innovation and elegance, Cadillac has played a major role in shaping the automotive industry. Many people ask, who owns Cadillac today? The answer connects deeply with one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.

Cadillac Company Profile

Cadillac remains a key luxury division under General Motors (GM). It operates globally, with major markets spanning the U.S., Canada, and China, and distribution across 34 other countries. Cadillac blends rich heritage with cutting-edge electric innovation—its footprint continues to expand in a rapidly evolving luxury EV space.

Founded in Detroit on August 22, 1902, Cadillac emerged from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company. Its roots lie in precision and craftsmanship from the very start.

Today, Cadillac is not an independent company. It is a division of General Motors, the global automaker headquartered in Detroit. Cadillac serves as GM’s luxury brand, distinguished from its mass-market peers like Chevrolet and GMC.

Founders

Cadillac’s foundation rests on the vision of three men: William Murphy, Lemuel Bowen, and Henry M. Leland. Among them, Leland led the charge as the key driving force—an engineer who emphasized precision and quality. He took over after the Henry Ford Company dissolved, guiding Cadillac toward its famed reputation.

Major Milestones

Cadillac’s journey spans more than a century of breakthroughs and reinvention. Its history reflects both American innovation and the global evolution of luxury vehicles.

• 1903: Cadillac launched its first car at the New York Auto Show, stunning audiences with its engineering quality.
• 1908: Awarded the Dewar Trophy for interchangeability of precision parts—the first U.S. carmaker to win this honor.
• 1909: General Motors acquired Cadillac, making it GM’s luxury flagship.
• 1912: Cadillac introduced the world’s first successful electric self-starter, eliminating the need for hand cranking. This invention transformed driving accessibility.
• 1915: Debuted the first mass-produced V8 engine, delivering unprecedented power and performance in passenger cars.
• 1927: Launched the Cadillac LaSalle, designed by Harley Earl. This was a turning point for automotive styling, making Earl the first official design chief in the industry.
• 1930: Cadillac introduced the legendary V16 engine, establishing new benchmarks in luxury and engineering sophistication.
• 1953: Released the Eldorado, a model that became an icon of postwar American luxury and design.
• 1964: Cadillac was the first manufacturer to offer fully automatic climate control in its cars.
• 1970s–1980s: Despite challenges from oil crises and competition, Cadillac remained a symbol of success in America, with models like the Fleetwood and Seville.
• 1999: Cadillac introduced the Escalade, which became a cultural phenomenon and one of its best-selling models worldwide.
• 2013: Cadillac moved its headquarters to New York City in an effort to rebrand as a global luxury competitor (later returned to Michigan in 2018).
• 2019: GM announced Cadillac would become its lead electric vehicle brand, signaling a future dominated by EV innovation.
• 2022: Cadillac launched the Lyriq, its first all-electric SUV, receiving strong demand in both North America and China.
• 2023: The Cadillac Celestiq, a hand-built, ultra-luxury electric sedan, debuted with a starting price of over $300,000, competing directly with Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
• 2024: Cadillac revealed the Escalade IQ, an all-electric version of its most famous SUV, blending luxury with EV technology.
• 2025: Cadillac announced the discontinuation of the XT6, replacing it with the electric Cadillac Vistiq. Its EV lineup now includes the Lyriq, Celestiq, Escalade IQ, Optiq, and Vistiq. At the Quail automotive event, Cadillac also unveiled the futuristic Elevated Velocity concept, combining luxury design with off-road capability.

Who Owns Cadillac?

Cadillac is owned by General Motors Company (GM). GM is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of the largest automakers in the world and owns several brands across the global automotive industry. Cadillac remains GM’s luxury division and is a central part of its business strategy, especially in North America and China.

Parent Company

Cadillac is a luxury automotive brand owned by General Motors Company (GM), an American multinational corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. GM is one of the world’s largest automakers, producing millions of vehicles annually under multiple brands. Cadillac serves as the luxury division of GM, positioned above other brands like Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC.

Within GM’s brand hierarchy, Cadillac represents the premium market segment. It is not an independent company but rather a fully integrated division. Its operations, financial results, and strategic direction are overseen by GM’s executive team and board of directors.

Acquisition Insights and History

Cadillac was originally founded as an independent company in 1902. Just seven years later, in 1909, it was purchased by General Motors for $4.5 million.

At the time, Cadillac had already gained a reputation for precision engineering and quality manufacturing, making it a valuable addition to GM’s growing portfolio.

The acquisition marked a turning point for Cadillac. It allowed the brand to access GM’s resources, expand its production capabilities, and strengthen its position as a leader in luxury vehicles.

By making Cadillac its flagship luxury brand, GM established a foundation that would help Cadillac dominate the American luxury car market for decades.

Role within General Motors

Cadillac continues to play a central role in GM’s long-term vision. In recent years, GM designated Cadillac as the lead brand for its electric vehicle (EV) strategy. This means Cadillac is often the first to debut GM’s latest EV platforms, technologies, and design innovations.

Models such as the Cadillac Lyriq, Celestiq, Escalade IQ, and Optiq represent GM’s push into the electric luxury segment, with Cadillac at the forefront. GM’s investment in Cadillac reflects its strategy to compete not only with established luxury automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus, but also with newer EV-focused competitors such as Tesla and Lucid Motors.

Shareholders and Control

Since Cadillac is part of General Motors, its ownership is tied directly to GM’s shareholders. GM is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GM. The largest shareholders are institutional investors, including The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, Capital Group, and State Street.

These institutional investors do not own Cadillac directly but exert influence through their ownership of GM stock. Decision-making authority for Cadillac rests with GM’s leadership team, led by CEO Mary Barra, and the company’s board of directors.

Other Relevant Details

Cadillac has expanded globally under GM’s ownership. While its strongest markets are the United States, Canada, and China, the brand has also developed a presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its reputation as a luxury innovator has helped GM position Cadillac as a global competitor in the premium automobile space.

GM has also leveraged Cadillac’s prestige to launch new technologies. Over the decades, Cadillac has introduced groundbreaking features such as the electric starter, V8 engines, automatic climate control, and advanced driver-assist systems. Now, under GM’s EV-focused strategy, Cadillac serves as the launchpad for Ultium battery technology and other cutting-edge innovations.

Who Manufactures Cadillac?

Cadillac is manufactured by General Motors (GM), one of the largest automotive companies in the world. GM owns Cadillac entirely and oversees its strategy, production, and global operations. Cadillac functions as GM’s flagship luxury brand and is positioned as the leader in electrification among GM’s portfolio of brands.

Manufacturing Plants in the United States

Cadillac production is concentrated in GM’s U.S. facilities. The most important plant is the Spring Hill Manufacturing Plant in Tennessee, where the Cadillac Lyriq and other future electric vehicles are assembled.

The Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant (Factory Zero) in Michigan also contributes to EV production, including upcoming Cadillac models. Historically, plants in Texas and Kansas have produced Cadillac combustion-engine models such as the Escalade and XT series.

Manufacturing in China

Cadillac has a strong manufacturing base in China through SAIC-GM, a joint venture between GM and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation. Plants in Shanghai and Jinqiao produce models tailored for the Chinese market, including the Cadillac Optiq. This allows Cadillac to meet rising demand in Asia and strengthen its global presence.

Electric Vehicle Manufacturing and Ultium Platform

Cadillac’s new electric lineup, including the Lyriq, Celestiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ, is built on GM’s Ultium battery platform. The Ultium Cells joint venture, co-owned by GM and LG Energy Solution, manufactures batteries that power Cadillac’s EVs. This partnership ensures a reliable supply chain for Cadillac’s future expansion in electric mobility.

Handcrafted and Bespoke Production

For exclusive models like the Cadillac Celestiq, production is not mass-manufactured. Instead, each vehicle is hand-built at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. This facility is dedicated to low-volume, highly personalized production, giving Cadillac a unique edge in ultra-luxury craftsmanship.

Who is the CEO of Cadillac?

Since Cadillac is a division of General Motors, it does not have its own standalone CEO. Instead, its leadership falls within the broader structure of GM’s top executive team.

Chair and CEO of General Motors

Mary T. Barra is the current Chair and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, a position she has held since January 15, 2014. She was elected Chair of the Board on January 4, 2016.

Her ascension to these roles marked a milestone—Barra is the first woman to lead a major U.S. automaker. She began her career at GM at age 18 and steadily climbed the ranks through numerous engineering and managerial positions before becoming CEO.

Barra’s background is rooted deeply in engineering and operations. She earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University and later an MBA from Stanford University.

Her GM journey included roles as plant manager, vice president for Global Manufacturing Engineering, Global Human Resources, and Executive VP for Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain. These roles gave her a comprehensive view of product development and production at GM.

Leadership Style and Achievements

Barra has been widely recognized for her leadership. In 2025, she topped Fortune’s list of the 100 Most Powerful Women, earning the #1 spot for the fifth time. Her longevity in the CEO role is notable; she has surpassed the average Fortune 500 CEO tenure, now exceeding 11 years.

She also consistently ranks among industry-leading women in the automotive sector. For instance, she was among eight GM leaders named in the 2025 edition of “100 Leading Women in North American Auto Industry” by Automotive News—her 20-year streak on the list continues.

Strategic Vision and Recent Initiatives

Under Bar­­ra’s direction, GM has pursued a dual strategy: transitioning toward electric vehicles (EVs) while also supporting internal combustion engines (ICE) to retain flexibility amid shifting consumer demand. As recently as 2025, she reaffirmed GM’s belief in an all-EV future, even while approving major investments in a new V-8 engine plant.

She has also steered GM through geopolitical and economic challenges. The company anticipates up to $5 billion in tariff-related costs—yet Barra remains focused on expanding domestic manufacturing, shifting supply chain elements to the U.S., and engaging constructively with government policy.

Financially, despite headwinds, GM increased its quarterly dividend by 25% and launched a $6 billion share buyback program under her watch. Even with profit down in Q2 due to tariffs, GM maintained its full-year outlook, thanks largely to Barra’s strategy on cost mitigation and domestic production ramp-up.

Cadillac’s Leadership Under GM’s Structure

While Cadillac is guided by GM’s top leadership, it also benefits from brand-specific oversight. Mary Barra’s strategic choices—especially around EV prioritization and luxury branding—directly influence Cadillac’s direction.

Cadillac plays a central role in GM’s EV vision. Under Barra’s leadership, the brand has introduced flagship models like the Lyriq, Celestiq, Escalade IQ, and Vistiq. She championed simplified EV architecture (reducing part count by 24% on the Lyriq) and positioned Cadillac as a global luxury leader, even stepping into motorsports with Formula 1 entries to elevate its prestige and reach global audiences

Cadillac Annual Revenue and Net Worth

Cadillac’s financial performance is tied to General Motors, as it is not an independent publicly listed company.

In 2025, General Motors reported annual revenue of around $170 billion, making it one of the largest automakers globally by sales. This figure represents steady growth compared to prior years, even amid challenges such as rising tariffs, supply chain adjustments, and heavy investment in electric vehicle production.

Within this structure, Cadillac contributes as the luxury division of GM. Although GM does not break down Cadillac’s exact earnings separately, Cadillac’s role as the lead electric vehicle brand has increased its financial importance to GM.

With strong demand for electric models like the Lyriq, Celestiq, and Escalade IQ, Cadillac’s share of GM’s revenue has expanded compared to its traditional footprint in prior decades.

Here’s an overview of Cadillac’s historical revenue and net worth:

Cadillac’s Contribution to GM

Cadillac has experienced renewed growth in 2024 and 2025, especially in North America and China. Its electric lineup has been well received, with conquest sales from luxury competitors and Tesla contributing to higher volumes. The Lyriq, in particular, has become a sales driver, accounting for a growing percentage of Cadillac’s revenue.

Analysts estimate Cadillac’s contribution to GM’s global revenue at roughly $7 billion to $10 billion annually in recent years, a figure expected to grow as Cadillac expands its EV lineup and increases exports. This makes Cadillac a strategic brand, not only for revenue but also for its role in leading GM’s technological innovations.

Cadillac Net Worth

In terms of brand valuation, Cadillac remains one of the most valuable luxury automobile marques in the world. As of August 2025, Cadillac’s estimated brand value is around $12 billion, ranking it alongside other premium automakers such as Lexus, Volvo, and Acura.

The brand’s net worth is largely tied to its heritage, its product portfolio, and its leadership in EV innovation. Cadillac’s move toward ultra-luxury electric models, such as the Celestiq, has also elevated its prestige and strengthened its competitive standing against Rolls-Royce and Bentley in niche high-end markets.

Financial Outlook

Looking ahead, Cadillac is expected to grow further as GM pushes toward its all-electric future. With multiple EV launches scheduled through 2026, Cadillac’s contribution to GM’s revenue could increase significantly over the next decade. Its growing market in China, combined with strong North American demand, positions Cadillac to expand its share of GM’s total revenue.

The combination of historical brand strength and future-focused electric innovation makes Cadillac a key driver of GM’s financial growth and strategic vision.

Brands Owned by Cadillac

Cadillac operates several exclusive brands, models, and entities under its own name. These ventures highlight the company’s shift toward electrification, bespoke luxury, and global expansion.

As of 2025, Cadillac manages a diverse portfolio that includes cutting-edge electric vehicles, flagship luxury sedans, and even a Formula 1 team. Here’s a list of the major brands owned by Cadillac:

Cadillac Lyriq

The Cadillac Lyriq is Cadillac’s first fully electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV. Launched in 2022, it is assembled in North America at Spring Hill, Tennessee, and in China. The Lyriq introduced GM’s BEV3 platform and Ultium battery technology, along with an enhanced version of Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving. It has become a flagship model that helped Cadillac spearhead its shift to electrification, even earning a “Luxury Car of the Year” award in Germany in 2024.

Cadillac Celestiq

The Cadillac Celestiq is an ultra-luxury, hand-built electric sedan that began production in early 2024. Crafted at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, it is Cadillac’s bespoke flagship offering, constructed on a low-volume line comprised of sophisticated features such as a smart glass roof, a full-width touchscreen, and highly customizable interior materials. Each model is custom-made, with clients selecting finishes and trims through a concierge experience at Cadillac House. It is positioned at the pinnacle of Cadillac’s luxury portfolio.

Cadillac Optiq

The Cadillac Optiq is a compact electric crossover SUV introduced in late 2023 for the Chinese market and expanded to North America by early 2025. Built through the SAIC-GM joint venture in China and at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, the Optiq offers both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive options using Ultium battery architecture. It serves as a more accessible entry point into Cadillac’s electric lineup while maintaining premium features and styling.

Cadillac Vistiq

The Cadillac Vistiq is a three-row all-electric SUV introduced in 2025 to succeed the outgoing XT6. As a premium electric alternative, the Vistiq offers enhanced luxury and technology at a higher price point than the XT6. It is part of Cadillac’s comprehensive EV strategy to phase out combustion SUVs and cater to families seeking an electric luxury option.

Cadillac Escalade IQ

The Escalade IQ is the electric version of Cadillac’s iconic Escalade SUV, launched under Cadillac’s modern EV transformation. It retains the three-row luxury format but replaces traditional powertrains with a fully electric drivetrain and advanced technology. This model underscores Cadillac’s commitment to electrifying its most emblematic offerings.

Cadillac F1 Team (Cadillac Formula 1 Team)

In a bold expansion beyond road vehicles, Cadillac in 2025 entered the world of Formula One with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. Created through a collaboration between GM and TWG Motorsports, the team serves as Cadillac’s racing arm on the global F1 stage. Management includes Graeme Lowdon as team principal and an experienced technical staff drawn from top F1 backgrounds. The effort represents Cadillac’s bid to elevate its international prestige and performance brand image.

Final Words

Cadillac is owned by General Motors Company, one of the largest automakers in the world. While GM shareholders ultimately control the brand, Cadillac remains the flagship luxury division of GM. With its history of innovation, leadership under GM executives, and future focus on electric luxury vehicles, Cadillac continues to play a critical role in the global auto industry.

FAQs

Who is Cadillac owned by?

Cadillac is owned by General Motors (GM). It has been part of GM since 1909 and serves as the company’s flagship luxury division.

Who originally owned Cadillac?

Cadillac was originally founded in 1902 by Henry Leland and a group of investors who took over the remains of the Henry Ford Company. It was named after French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac.

Who is Cadillac made by?

Cadillac vehicles are made by General Motors. GM designs, engineers, and manufactures Cadillac cars and SUVs in plants across the United States and China.

Who owns Cadillac Escalade?

The Cadillac Escalade is owned by Cadillac, which itself is a division of General Motors. It is one of Cadillac’s most iconic luxury SUVs.

Does GM own Cadillac?

Yes, GM owns Cadillac. General Motors acquired Cadillac in 1909 and has remained its parent company for more than a century.

Who makes Cadillac vehicles?

Cadillac vehicles are manufactured by General Motors at plants in the U.S. and China. Models like the Lyriq and Celestiq are built in specialized facilities, while Escalade and XT-series models are made in GM assembly plants.

Who owns Cadillac GM?

Cadillac is a division of General Motors, so its ownership lies entirely with GM. Shareholders of GM indirectly own Cadillac.

Does BMW own Cadillac?

No, BMW does not own Cadillac. BMW is a separate German automaker. Cadillac is exclusively owned by General Motors.

Who owns Cadillac Motors?

Cadillac Motors is fully owned by General Motors. It has been a GM subsidiary since its acquisition in 1909.

When did Ford own Cadillac?

Ford never owned Cadillac. Cadillac was actually formed after Henry Ford left the Henry Ford Company in 1902. The investors reorganized the company into Cadillac with the help of Henry Leland.

Is a Cadillac a Chevy or Ford?

A Cadillac is neither a Chevy nor a Ford. It is a luxury division of General Motors. While Cadillac and Chevrolet are both GM brands, they operate separately with different target markets.

Is Cadillac owned by Chevy?

No. Both Cadillac and Chevrolet are owned by General Motors but operate as separate divisions.

Does China own Cadillac?

No. Cadillac is an American brand owned by General Motors, although it has a strong presence in China.