[alk3997]

Rather than post the estimates each week, I've dropped back to a monthly figure. I'm also now using only the official GM numbers for the month in question.

For January 2004, 227 XLRs were produced. With the 976 XLRs (including the Neiman Marcus editions) produced in calendar year 2003, this brings the total number of XLRs to 1203 production-level XLRs.

For the overall '04 model year, this production rate would result in approximately 2,600 XLRs by the end of June.

 

[Tony P in FL]

We dealers just recieved a memo stating that there would NOT be as many XLRs produced this year as initially projected. As such, dealer's allocations for the rest of the year have been adversely affected.

Just figured I'd let everyone know.

 

[paulr44]

I know that the dealers may be unhappy about this, but those of us who are owners aren't.

I still love it when when I get stared at by other drivers and "walkers" who are "impressed" by the best looking car on the road!!

:angel

 

[coolcat]

I know that the dealers may be unhappy about this, but those of us who are owners aren't.

I still love it when when I get stared at by other drivers and "walkers" who are "impressed" by the best looking car on the road!!

:angel

Untill the 05 Corvette hits the street later this summer.

 

[DFXLR]

Hi Folks,

It is very sad that the delivered production number is not going to be achieved. While this is a fantastic hipro vehicle I am very disappoint from what I have learned via this forum with problems the customer has had it with the XLR. This is in light of the fact that I took delviery of a NM#25 with my wife for our 25th Anniversary and it has performed flawless lessly.

I think Cadillac it a great division of GM but it can not affort and other '87 to '92 Allante screwup that finally resulted in a great vehicle in '93. I know I bought two '93's new in '92.

The CST and Escalade as well as other efforts on Cad's behalf is great but it has to be above reproach in order ot make it in today's world market.

HAPPY MOTORING,


DFXLR

 

[Quixotic]

Whose production estimates are they not going to make? I've been told over and over again that 1700 was the expected number for 2004. I believe they will make that number.

 

[Tony P in FL]

I'm just passing along what Cadillac has told us. 1700 was the number, but now it's less. How or why is anyone's guess.

As far as problems people are having, don't take the talk on internet forums too seriously. There have only been one or two MAJOR problems that I've seen here, and that's relatively low comapred to some other ultra luxury cars.

One of my XLR owners is a certified car nut, and owns (among other things) an SL 600, Viper GTS and a Z8. According to him, the XLR has been more trouble free than any of his more expensive exotics.

 

[Quixotic]

Tony,

Yes, you can't take anyting on the Internet too seriously.

Interesting about the Z8, SL600 and Viper experience, but it's just one person. Can't draw too many conclusions from one occurance.

 

[Tony P in FL]

Exactly! :thumbs

 

[XLR2003]

Whose production estimates are they not going to make? I've been told over and over again that 1700 was the expected number for 2004.

The projected number for all of the 2004 model year was 5,000 units. 1700 was the production estimate for the 2003 calendar year.

 

[alk3997]

Using some real-world numbers, the actual production number for calendar year 2003 was 976 instead of 1700. That is almost 60%. The one question in that number is whether the 1700 included the NM edition cars. For a lot of estimates those are not included.

But, if we assume 60% of pre-planned production then the final number for model year 2004 would be about 3,000 XLRs, which is about where Cadillac seems to be heading, give or take a few hundred XLRs.

 

[Quixotic]

I think it would be very helpful to everyone if factual comments had some attribution associated to it. In the case of this thread, where do the number come from? Obviously if you are stating an opinion or personal experience, attribution is not necessary.

 

[DFXLR]

Quixotic,

alk3997 is getting his production number from the bilble publication of the automotive industry,Crain, Automotive News, which is a weeking publication that arrives every Monday like clock work. In this publication the next to the last page contains a full disclosure vehicle production with a breakdown by mfg model.

In the case of the XLR the numbers work out as follows:

First month of production of non-deliverable vehicles accounting for 24

The first delivery able units began production in June '03

Production from Feb. to June '03 totaled 317 units. But its not clear when production of deliverable units actually began.

Total units built by the close of '03 (12/27/03) = 1,707

Estimated total of Deliverable units in 2003 = 1,370

As of the February 9 edition of Automotive News we have the following stats for Jan. 1st through to Feb 7:

Production from 1/1/04 to 2/7/04 = 485 (384 in Jan & 101 in Feb.)

Approx. Total Model Year deliverable XLR production = 1,875 thru 2/7/04

Again, all of the above from Automtive News, can also be obtained via the web at www.autonews.com

I hope this give you some comfort in the numbers.

DFXLR

 

[alk3997]

DFXLR, thanks. You are correct in the source for the weekly numbers.

The monthly numbers I'm getting from the official GM monthly press release. The press release has the monthly production numbers for all GM vehicles. The advantage of the GM numbers is that they are not estimates.

Sorry if I didn't mention that before. I thought I had indicated the source in either the Nov or Dec production numbers.

 

[DFXLR]

alk3997,

I took your information for granted because I knew where it was coming from but did not think about others that would not have known. I did not take any notice of you providing any clarification of your source as you mentioned but I have not covered every entry. In any event they know now.

DFXLR

 

[jamsto]

Reduced Production

I spoke with the Sales Manager at the local Cadlillac Dealer on Thursday and he confirmed that production is down and that his allocation was cut by one unit. He also advised that my 2nd XLR had been built was on its way and should be here this week.

 

[DFXLR]

jamsto,

Did your Cadillac dealer give you any insight as why production was down, i.e., lack of orders or production problems that eat up time?

DFXLR

 

[Mr XLR]

XLR Numbers

As a XLR dealer that has gone through the extensive training and has watched all the launch and follow up videos it has been said many times Cadillac would produce Appox. 22 roadsters a day. that can change to a lower amount from time to time due to strict quality controls.

XLR2003 was correct, they had published that the original amount of XLR's were going to be about 1700 in the 2003 calendar year. That was based off of a production that was originally slated to begin in late April with a slow and steady ramp up to 22 roadsters a day.

Since the NM Editions were the first XLR's to be delivered to the dealers in September there was about a 4 month shortage for 2003. That is why ther was the recent reduction in allocation.

Thank you
Allen

 

[DFXLR]

Mr XLR,

Interesting explanation. However, I think there is the possibility of that the profitering folks in the market that have XLR's on ebay in most cases asking excessive prices combined with a longer than expected production time frame per unit is screwing up the process of getting the XLR in to the ultimate end user's hands.

An example is the NM's. When I got my PIN number on Oct 15 it was explained to me very clearly that if I did not go all the way through to purchase that the car would go to back up PIN holders. Something happened along the way because the very first ebay XLR's were NM's. I am not sure of the details of how they got there and I know it is a free market. But, if Cadillac wants to this car to really work for them, and any future models as well, they need to be made available to the end user without a bunch of high binders in the middle.

But then this problem is one that has been going on for a long time and one that needs to be taken into consideration by all manufactures.

DFXLR

 

[Mr XLR]

NMs On Ebay

Rememember many individuals put their NM editions on ebay long before they received the vehicle. Also many were received as early as the very end of August to the end of September. Our 8 NM editions did not arrive until September 19th. the actual first truck to leave Bowling Green with only XLR's on the carrier with out Corvettes, let alone all NM Editions.

I know of dealers that had their XLR's yanked away because they were trying to sell the vehicle to another individual not the awarded pin holder. Many dealers purchased the NM Editions from the awarded pin holder and sold the vehicle as used. The pin holder had to purchase the vehicle & pay all taxes that may appy. Then the dealer could get it as used.

A dealer,employee of the dealership or their families were not eligible to purchase a NM edition.

Thanks
Allen