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Almost half of US Cadillac dealers say no to ELR plug-in hybrid

If you've got $75,995 (or so) burning a hole in your pocket and a hankering for the new Cadillac ELR, you'd better call your local dealer before you burn up shoe leather and gasoline to head down there. According to a report on Edmunds, only about 56 percent of the brand's 940 dealers have signed up to carry the premium plug-in hybrid. As much as we'd like to see the more affluent among us driving on electricity, we can certainly understand the dealers' apparent lack of enthusiasm. The article cites costs of up to $15,000 for tools and training to sell the ELR. Show floor real estate is another consideration for dealers who aren't enthusiastic about sacrificing space for a for a vehicle with initial sales – just 46 units nationwide in the first two months, but that volume is expected to increase – that are as mediocre as our first drive impressions. Still, for those locations that co-habitate with Chevrolet dealers who already participate in the Volt program, the extra expenditure shouldn't be too onerous. The two vehicles share the same basic electro-mechanical drivetrain, so those dealerships should have most of the needed infrastructure already in place. The bulk of ELR sales, according to Cadillac's global marketing director Jim Vurpillat, are expected to be in along the coasts, in places like California, Miami and New York. Featured Gallery 2015 Cadillac ELR: First Drive View 25 Photos News Source: Edmunds Green Cadillac Electric cadillac elr

GM seeks national mandate for zero-emissions cars

DETROIT — General Motors says it will ask the federal government for one national gas mileage standard, including a requirement that a percentage of auto companies' sales be zero-emissions vehicles. Mark Reuss, GM's executive vice president of product development, said the company will propose that a certain percentage of nationwide sales be made up of vehicles that run on electricity or hydrogen fuel cells. GM says a nationwide program modeled on such a requirement in California could result in 7 million electric vehicles, or EVs, on U.S. roads by 2030. California wants 15.4 percent of vehicle sales by 2025 to be EVs or other zero emission vehicles. Nine other states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York, have adopted those requirements. In January, California Governor Jerry Brown set a target of 5 million zero-emission vehicles in California by 2030. The Trump administration criticizes California's ZEV mandate, saying it requires automakers to spend tens of billions of dollars developing vehicles that most consumers do not want, only to sell them at a loss. Reuss told reporters that governments and industries in Asia and Europe "are working together to enact policies now to hasten the shift to an all-electric future. It's very simple: America has the opportunity to lead in the technologies of the future." A national mandate also would create jobs and reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and "make EVs more affordable," Reuss added. GM, the nation's largest automaker, will spell out the request Friday in written comments on a Trump administration proposal to roll back Obama-era fuel economy and emissions standards, freezing them at 2020 levels instead of gradually making them tougher. Under a regulation finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency at the end of the Obama administration, the fleet of new automobiles would have to get 36 miles per gallon by 2025, 10 mpg higher than the current requirement. But the Trump administration's preferred plan is to freeze the standards starting in 2021. Administration officials say waiving the tougher fuel efficiency requirements would make vehicles more affordable, which would get safer cars into consumer hands more quickly. GM on Thursday said it doesn't support the freeze, but wants flexibility to deal with consumers' shift from cars to less-efficient SUVs and trucks.

Try the TB12 Method with Tom Brady's fancy Escalade limo

ESPN's 10-part documentary "The Last Dance" recently gave viewers an inside glimpse at the basketball GOAT Michael Jordan's rides. This week, the public has a chance to ogle one of the football GOAT's vehicles, and it's significantly different from any of the car's MJ drove. While No. 23 was most often seen in speedy sports cars, Tom Brady just listed a Cadillac Escalade limo for $300,000, or best offer. Posted by Becker Automotive Design, the builder of the vehicle, this is a 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Mobile Office. The Escalade has been stretched by 20 inches, including 10-inch lengthened rear doors, and it features additional headroom thanks to a five-inch extended-height roof. Inside, the rear row facing forward features three regular seats upholstered by Becker. The added middle row that looks toward the rear of the vehicle features two six-way power reclining VIP seats with electric leg rests. The VIP view sees a 32-inch HD LCD TV, while a 12-inch screen is mounted behind the VIP seats. Additionally, the Escalade has a Savant remote-control audio-visual system, two aviation-style folding tables with burlwood veneers, and a "high-end mobile internet router that allows for multiple service providers." “Parting ways with my Becker ESV wonÂ’t be easy," Brady said in a provided press statement. "From day one it became my sanctuary from the outside noise. I took pride in picking out all the customizations of the ESV; from the trim of the seats to the color of the rug. With such limited time in my busy schedule, the ESV gave me those extra minutes to study my play book, make phone calls and be with my family. Immediately my productivity went up and my stress came down. I hope the next owner will take great care of her; she will always be a part of the Brady family.” P.R. speak aside, the Cadillac is surprisingly cheaper now than it was when Brady purchased it. The ESV originally sold for $350,000, and with 13,000 miles on its clock, it is now listed for $300,000, or best offer. Considering Brady is the greatest football player of all time, no debate, and is set to have his own nine-part ESPN documentary, we wouldn't be surprised if the best offer is higher than the asking price. Maybe he'll take the money and trade up for a Lexani Escalade Mobile Office. Related Video: