Cadillac Lyriq buyers offered $5,500 discount if they sign an NDA to allow tracking

GM spokesperson Michael Albano has confirmed GM’s trial program after anonymous sources revealed that GM offered specific buyers a $5,500 discount on their Lyriq vehicles as long as they allowed the automaker to track their cars. 

Customers who accept the discounted offer will be required to sign a nondisclosure agreement with GM. While terms of the NDA were not disclosed, it is expected they include a stipulation that customers involved cannot talk about any issues located during the experiment. 

Albano noted that tracking GM customers will help the automaker “learn more about how Cadillac customers use their EVs and will also help it spot production faults or software errors early.” The program is unique in that automakers typically conduct these analyses through their employees instead of actual paying customers. 

In a statement to the Detroit Free Press, Albano said, “As [GM] transform[s] [its] business, the launch of [its] first all-electric vehicle, Lyriq, provides Cadillac some unique learning opportunities.” He added that GM has “engaged a small group of early customers” who have agreed to “share their vehicle information and customer behaviors.”

While not explicitly confirmed, Albano suggested the program will allow GM to gather data much quicker than it could by using an outside firm to conduct the analyses. He said the chosen participants are “early adopters” who are “tech-savvy and they want the first and the best.” He also indicated that the participants are primarily located in Los Angeles, Detroit, and New York. 

Albano said that Cadillac will “use these learnings to elevate the experience for all our customers.” He referred to the vehicle’s launch as “critical” and said GM is “doing everything possible to get this launch right.” He also declined to provide any more details about the agreement. 

Gathering live, real-world data from customers driving newly released vehicles is unusual for automakers, but there is speculation that another primary reason GM is conducting the project is to locate issues as soon as possible and avoid a widespread recall and potential lawsuits like other automakers have faced related to some of their electric vehicles. 

The Cadillac Lyriq is being produced in Tennessee with GM’s new Ultium cell battery system that is already being used in vehicles such as the 2022 Hummer pickup truck, and GM plans on using it in future electric cars. Prices of the Lyriq start at $59,900 for the Debut edition and $64,900 for Luxury editions.