(March 2, 2013) DETROIT — More than six of 10 Cadillac customers in February traded in something other than a prior model Cadillac, evidence the luxury brand is attracting new customers with its expanding product line.

Cadillac sales were up 20 percent in February, the fifth consecutive month of growth. Overall retail sales for the brand marked the best February level since 2006, with individual retail purchasers accounting for 91 percent of all sales. Through the first two months of 2013, Cadillac sales are up 32 percent.

“As we continue to grow, it’s positive to see new customers coming to Cadillac for the first time,” said Chase Hawkins, U.S. vice president of Cadillac sales. “That momentum is being driven in particular by the new ATS sport sedan, which had its strongest month since launch.”

Sales of the new ATS in February were 22 percent higher than in January. In February, almost eight of 10 ATS buyers traded in something other than a Cadillac, and 58 percent of ATS buyers had non-General Motors’ trade ins, or had no trade in at all.

ATS, named 2013 North American Car of the Year, hit the market last fall and competes in the compact sport sedan segment, the highest-volume category in the luxury auto industry.