Cadillac XT5 to Stay in Production Beyond 2026 at Spring Hill Plant

Issue #519

August 07, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly sunny w/ High of 90, low of 68.

📰 Cadillac XT5 to Stay in Production Beyond 2026 at Spring Hill Plant

🐘 30 Years of Care and Conservation: Elephant Sanctuary Earns Top Eco Award

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Cadillac XT5 to Stay in Production Beyond 2026 at Spring Hill Plant

General Motors has extended the production timeline of the Cadillac XT5, confirming that the vehicle will continue to be built at its Spring Hill, Tennessee, facility beyond 2026. This update marks a shift from earlier internal communications that indicated production would end in August 2025.

In a recent memo sent to employees by UAW Local 1853, workers were informed that not only will the XT5 stay in production into late 2026, but a refreshed version of the SUV is scheduled for launch in 2027. The updated model is expected to include interior and exterior design changes, though it will not be an entirely new vehicle in terms of architecture or performance.

General Motors also commented publicly, saying the current-generation Cadillac XT5, an important part of its global portfolio, will remain in production until the end of 2026. The company added that the XT5 will continue to live on as a next-generation gas-powered vehicle beyond that timeframe, and that it will continue adjusting its lineup to meet customer demand.

The Cadillac XT5 remains a solid performer for GM. In the first half of 2025, sales of the model reached 12,727 units—a 4% increase over the same period last year. Overall, Cadillac saw a 16% bump in vehicle sales during the same timeframe, with more than 86,000 units sold.

Looking ahead, the Spring Hill plant is set to assemble a lineup that includes the 2027 versions of the Cadillac XT5 and Chevrolet Blazer, as well as the Lyriq, Lyriq V, the newly announced Vistiq, and the Acura ZDX.

30 Years of Care and Conservation: Elephant Sanctuary Earns Top Eco Award

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee has received a major statewide honor, being named the 2025 recipient of the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Sustainable Performance. The award, given by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, highlights organizations demonstrating innovation and leadership in environmental practices.

Long known as a refuge for elephants retired from zoos and performance, the sanctuary has significantly expanded its mission in recent years to include environmental sustainability as a core focus.

Between 2023 and 2024, the organization reported a landfill diversion rate of over 98%, thanks to an aggressive composting program. More than 850,000 pounds of organic material—including elephant manure and food scraps—are now composted annually on-site and used to improve soil health, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.

Recycling has also been scaled up, with over 134,000 pounds of plastics, cardboard, metals, and glass processed in the past year. Even hard-to-recycle waste such as medical materials and batteries are kept out of landfills through partnerships with companies like TerraCycle.

Energy conservation has become another key initiative. Solar panels have been installed across four facilities on the property, now producing about 25% of the sanctuary’s total electricity needs. Battery backups further reduce reliance on the power grid and improve operational stability.

Water conservation is another area where the sanctuary has made impressive strides. Today, over 90% of the facility’s water use is met through harvested rainwater, stored in cisterns with a combined capacity of 40,000 gallons. Stormwater is also carefully managed to prevent erosion and protect local ecosystems.

Educational outreach plays a big role in the sanctuary’s broader mission. At the Elephant Discovery Center, visitors can explore exhibits focused on renewable energy, recycling, biodiversity, and climate awareness.

This environmental milestone comes during a year of additional recognition. In 2025, the sanctuary is celebrating its 30th year and was officially honored by the Tennessee General Assembly with a resolution highlighting its service to both animal welfare and environmental stewardship. Founded in 1995, the organization now operates on over 3,000 acres in Hohenwald and is home to 14 elephants.

More information about the sanctuary and its programs is available at elephants.com.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, August 7th

Friday, August 8th

Saturday, August 9th

Sunday, August 10th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 14 - 23: Tennessee State Fair (Lebanon)
Aug 22: Tennessee Titans First Pre-Season Home Game
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, August 7th

Robb Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Friday, August 8th

Shannon McCue, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Hannah Hokit, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Karli & James, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Escape, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, August 9th

Nick Bentley, Keg Springs, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Box of Rox, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Trevor Clark, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Brooks Huntley, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
NKahootz, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Benji & The Jets, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 10th 

The Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
CJ Conklin, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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