In a recent announcement from General Motors (GM), it has been revealed that production of the Cadillac XT4 compact crossover will undergo a significant pause throughout much of the calendar year 2025. This decision stems from the company’s plans to retool the factory where the XT4 is manufactured, in order to integrate the revamped Chevy Bolt EV into the production lineup.
According to reports by The Detroit News, alongside a planned production halt for the Chevy Malibu, the assembly line for the Cadillac XT4 will be temporarily shut down, leading to workforce layoffs for the duration of the pause, as confirmed by GM spokesperson Kevin Kelly.
The pause in production is set to commence after January 2025 and is expected to last for most of the year, with late 2025 being the current estimated timeline for the resumption of XT4 assembly. During this period, workers involved in building XT4 units will experience layoffs but will receive support in accordance with the provisions outlined in the UAW-GM agreement.
The retooling efforts at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City will enable it to produce the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV, anticipated for the 2026 model year. Unlike its predecessor, this new Bolt will utilize GM’s advanced Ultium-based EV technology.
Upon completion of the plant updates, both the Bolt EV and XT4 will be manufactured on the same assembly line at the Fairfax plant. This strategic decision provides GM with the flexibility to adapt to changes in customer demand efficiently.
It’s worth noting that Cadillac has indicated a shift in its long-term strategy, stating that it no longer plans to have a lineup consisting solely of electric vehicles by 2030. Instead, the company will continue producing internal combustion engine (ICE) models while progressively increasing the number of electric vehicles in its portfolio.
While the pause in Cadillac XT4 production may cause temporary disruptions, it reflects GM’s strategic efforts to adapt its manufacturing capabilities to accommodate the evolving automotive landscape, particularly with the integration of electric vehicle technology.