General Motors (GM) will end production of the gas-powered Cadillac XT4 small SUV at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas in January 2025, marking a shift in Cadillac’s lineup toward electric vehicles (EVs). The move aligns with Cadillac’s broader transition to an electrified future as it phases out internal combustion engine (ICE) models in favor of a growing range of EVs.
While the XT4 currently offers entry-level luxury appeal within Cadillac’s lineup, its role will soon be taken over by the upcoming Optiq, Cadillac’s smaller electric SUV. The XT4 has been a staple for Cadillac since production began in 2018, serving as a gateway for new customers interested in a compact luxury SUV. This year, sales of the XT4 reached 15,688 units through the third quarter, representing a 12% decrease year-over-year, though it saw growth in 2022.
GM spokesperson Kevin Kelly explained, “General Motors is confident in our strong ICE and EV portfolio and will lean into growth opportunities guided by customer demand.” Kelly reiterated GM’s $391 million investment in the Fairfax plant, where it will begin production of the all-new Chevrolet Bolt EV in late 2025.
The Fairfax plant, currently making the Chevrolet Malibu alongside the XT4, will see some temporary changes as GM transitions production lines. Malibu production is ending this month, and XT4 production will conclude in January. To accommodate the new Bolt production, GM plans to bring back one production shift in October 2025 and a second shift in the first quarter of 2026.
This shift is also expected to affect approximately 1,445 United Auto Workers (UAW)-represented employees, with temporary layoffs planned when production for each model ends. GM is currently planning on laying off 686 employees when Malibu production ends and another 759 when the XT4 production halts in January.
Cadillac, meanwhile, is preparing to launch three new electric models—Escalade IQ, Optiq, and Vistiq—in addition to its recently launched Lyriq and ultra-luxury Celestiq EV models. “Cadillac will offer our most comprehensive portfolio ever in 2025 with twelve models and a mix of ICE and EVs,” Kelly said, pointing to Cadillac’s rapid shift to EVs in recent years.
Source: The Detroit News
 will end production of the gas-powered Cadillac XT4 small SUV at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas in January 2025, marking a shift in Cadillac's lineup toward electric vehicles (EVs). The move aligns with Cadillac’s broader transition to an electrified future as it phases out internal combustion engine (ICE) models in favor of a growing range of EVs.){kind=link}