CADILLAC is poised to dramatically increase UK sales with the introduction of up to four new models by 2006. For Cadillac to compete competitively with chief rivals Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz the General Motors-owned manufacturer must expand its product portfolio particularly in western Europe - the world's biggest market for luxury cars - according to Cadillac general manager John Smith.

Last year Cadillac began importing the £40,000 Seville into the UK and other western European markets for the first time - Cadillac's first product offering in its global quest and now on sale in 80 countries outside the US - and 'over the next three years we will need a minimum of three if not four models to establish a meaningful position in Europe and long term we would need a fifth vehicle', said Smith during a press conference at Cadillac's headquarters in Detroit.

Such a move would see the Seville joined by a sports utility vehicle and, more controversially for General Motors-owned sister companies Vauxhall/Opel, the next generation Catera - an Omega rival. The current Catera on sale in the US is derived from the European-built Omega but the new Catera would be American-built and designed with size and price crucial so as to avoid a potential sales clash with the Vauxhall Omega.