Cadillac-CTS-Coupe-2011

Cadillac is launching a four-year, or 50,000-mile maintenance program for the 2011 models, starting with the arrival of the CTS Coupe later this summe

America’s luxury brands are seemingly engaging in a game of high-stakes maintenance.

Days after Lincoln launched a three-year, or 45,000-mile program for new cars bought or leased this summer, Cadillac has upped the ante.

Cadillac is offering four years or 50,000 miles, besting Lincoln in time and travel. All 2011 models are covered. The program is dubbed Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance, and it includes oil changes, tire rotation, cabin air filters and inspections. The program will debut on the 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe, which is the first ’11 model to arrive this summer.

Longer maintenance programs generally have proved not to be a huge gamble. But if this bet pays off, it could rake in considerable brand loyalty for Caddy.

Cadillac is adding Premium Care Maintenance as a way to extend customer service beyond the sale,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac sales and service. “The program is designed to raise satisfaction for owners by ensuring access to expert service. It should lead to higher loyalty rates for dealers by establishing them as a valued resource for our customers.”

YES, you had to get past the “Springtime for Hitler” finale, a platoon of models stomping down the runway clad all in black leather and with the knee boots and peaked motorcycle caps that hardly anybody wears anymore except aging leather daddies and the architect Peter Marino. Oh, and the neo-Fascists who make their headquarters in Milan.