Cadillac Will Offer Free Scheduled Maintenance on All 2011s

Cadillac said today it would offer free scheduled maintenance on its 2011 model year vehicles as part of its effort to improve customer service -- and to match similar offers being made by other luxury brands, Automotive News reported.

The 4-year/50,000-mile program is called Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance and includes scheduled oil changes, tire rotation, engine and cabin air filters and a vehicle inspection.

Last week, Lincoln announced a similar free maintenance program for 2010 and 2011 models but only for vehicles purchased and leased through Sept. 7. Lincoln’s program is for 3 years/45,000 miles.

Unlike Lincoln and European luxury brands BMW and Jaguar, Cadillac’s program doesn’t include wear-and-tear items such as brakes and windshield wipers. A spokesman said Cadillac decided against including wear-and-tear parts because “cars are going to have a lot different schedules and requirements, so it’s hard to level that out for everyone. There is a disparity in what a typical customer’s needs are.”

The spokesman said Cadillac announced the program today because production is about to begin on the 2011 models. Cadillac expects those models to arrive at dealerships in late summer.

Kurt McNeil, Cadillac’s vice president of sales and service, said in a release that the program is also expected to bring more customers back to the dealership for service. BMW of North America has said that 97 percent of its customers return to the dealer for service because of its 4-year/50,000-mile maintenance program.

Cadillac’s scheduled free maintenance includes existing programs such as a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Cadillac never has offered a scheduled maintenance program covering all its vehicles, the spokesman said.

Through May, Cadillac’s U.S. sales have risen 32 percent over the same period a year ago. Other brand increases include Audi, up 31 percent; Lincoln, 12 percent; BMW division, 6 percent; Mercedes, 26 percent; and Lexus, 23 percent. Total U.S. sales increased 17 percent over the five-month period.