Big Apple Caddy?

Q: Is it true that Cadillac is leaving Detroit and will now be built in New York City? A: No. But I know why you might be a little confused. An announcement was made in September that Cadillac is moving its headquarters to New York. That corporate office will, according to early reports, be located in a chi-chi loft in SoHo. The idea is to be closer to the people in one of its best markets. The folks involved in designing and engineering the brand will remain in Detroit, and the car will continue to be built at plants in Michigan, Canada, Texas, China and Mexico. To readers: Sometimes I share reader input because it is illuminating, once in awhile I do so because it disputes, with good cause, something I wrote. Today I do so because, well, you’ll see. “I’m writing to comment on your recently shared observation that drivers that aren’t as good as decades ago. I agree. Drivers are less aware (playing with the new doo-dads in their cars, eating, texting, etc.) and also simply not as skilled in the intricacies. Some of the latter may not be due to lack of driver education, some is just because of lack of common sense. I also find younger drivers in general seem to have a shorter attention span than decades ago. The instant gratification factor is at play. We’ve traded ovens for microwaves, news for snippets, snail mail for email, etc. Everything is rush-rush, and it has led to a lack of patience. That, coupled with self-absorption … leads to less-than-competent drivers. However, I disagree with your statement that ‘carmakers will run out of technological add-ons to keep the stupid and self-absorbed from maiming themselves and innocents in their paths.’ We have created some amazing robots, and they can build cars, paint them, and even drive them. I have no doubt that a robotic car will be safer than one piloted by a human moron. At least the robots don’t get distracted texting!” A sad state of affairs! Maybe we can contribute, one at a time, to altering the fact that it’s possible machines would be better at this not-very-complex activity than humans? What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.