The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS is a winner, critics say. Can Cadillac tempt BMW loyalists to switch brands? Photo credit: General Motors

It's a truism in the auto business that if you build top-notch products, you'll succeed -- eventually. 

But "eventually" can be a long time, as General Motors (GM 0.48%) is finding out.

General Motors has put a massive effort into making Cadillac's products as good as -- or even better than -- the best from the German luxury brands. That effort is starting to show results: The latest Cadillacs, like the new 2014 CTS sedan, are getting rave reviews from critics, many of whom have dissed GM's products for years.

But Cadillac's sales still aren't what GM would like, as many longtime BMW (BAMXF -3.53%) and Mercedes-Benz loyalists aren't showing interest. The problem: Cadillac's products have improved, but its image still needs work.

What to do? In this video, Fool.com contributor John Rosevear looks at the next big challenge facing GM's old luxury brand -- and at how the giant automaker is likely to respond.