Saturn FAQs

[Saturn team]

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We appreciate the many comments we have received from ImSaturn members, and we want to do our best to answer your questions and to keep you update on developments with the Saturn brand.

Q. UPDATE (4/28/09): In his press conference April 27, CEO Fritz Henderson said Saturn production will be phased out by the end of 2009. What does that mean?

A. In our need to move "faster and deeper" with restructuring, GM is accelerating a resolution for the Saturn brand. That means GM will be reviewing expressions of interest from potential investors until June 1, 2009, and will work to have an agreement in place with the winning investor by the end of this year.

Q. What does that mean for Saturn owners?

A. You can still get your Saturn vehicle serviced by any Saturn retailer. Your warranty will be honored, and, as noted in question 3 below, and you can find the retailer nearest you by visiting Saturn.com. If there is no Saturn retailer nearby, or if it is an emergency situation, you can bring your Saturn to any GM dealer for warranty repairs. If you have trouble securing warranty service at a non-Saturn GM dealership, please contact Saturn Customer Assistance, or call 1-800-553-6000.

Q. If GM sells Saturn, who will make Saturn cars?

A. That will be up to the buyer of the Saturn brand, not GM, to decide. We have told potential investors, however, that we are looking for a partner to provide vehicles that are right for the Saturn brand: fuel-efficient, safe, and affordable.

Q. Would a new buyer have cars ready for 2010?

A. Depending on the deal negotiated, GM would consider offering contract manufacturing for the new owner of the Saturn brand.

Q. UPDATE (4/17/09) What’s the latest update on Saturn? Is the offer by Black Oaks Partners/Telesto legitimate?

A. Since mid-February, a sub-committee of Saturn retailers has been studying the feasibility of alternative options for the future of the Saturn brand. Steve Girsky has been working with them on this process.They have identified multiple parties who are interested in the possible sale or spin-off of Saturn. The group led by Black Oaks Partners is one of those groups. We cannot provide information on other interested parties, and it is simply too early to speculate about any eventual outcome.

UPDATE (3/31/09): See Jill’s email to owners

UPDATE (3/9/08): Newspaper Report: Retailers May Save Saturn Brand
There have been many media reports recently about the future of the Saturn brand. One of the most comprehensive articles appeared on March 8 in the Nashville Tennessean.

UPDATE (3/7/09)Well-known consultant retained by Saturn retailers: The Saturn Franchise Operation Team (FOT) sub-committee that is evaluating the potential spin-off of the Saturn Distribution Corporation has retained the services of advisor Steve Girsky, of S.J. Girsky and Co. Girsky will act as an independent business consultant to the sub-committee as they study options for the potential operation of the Saturn brand as a standalone enterprise.

“The spin-off of an independent Saturn would break new ground in the auto industry and would give the brand a new chance to build on its tradition of innovation,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “Girsky’s extensive expertise will be a tremendous asset to the FOT sub-committee as this process continues.”

UPDATE (3/2/09)
Below are a few answers to some of frequently asked questions.

1. Why is GM phasing out Saturn? While Saturn has been a strong brand with loyal customers, it has continued to be unprofitable for the manufacturer under the current business model. Saturn retailers, however, have historically been profitable. That is why Saturn is investigating the potential sale of the brand.
2. If Saturn goes away, what happens to my warranty? Will I be able to get replacement parts? Absolutely nothing happens to the warranty. General Motors stands firmly behind its warranty obligations for every vehicle it produces. GM is also committed to maintaining the availability of service parts.
3. The Saturn retailer where I bought my vehicle has closed. Where should I take my vehicle for warranty repairs? You can take your vehicle to any Saturn retailer for warranty service. To find the nearest Saturn retailer, visit Saturn.com. You can also call the Saturn Customer Assistance center at 1-800-553-6000 if you have other questions.
4. If Saturn is sold, who would design and manufacture its products? That would be negotiated between the new owners of the brand and potential vehicle suppliers.
5. If Saturn never turned a profit as part of GM, what factors will allow it to make money as an independent entity? While Saturn has not been profitable at the manufacturing level, Saturn retailers have traditionally earned a profit. Saturn has a number of unique attributes that could make the spin-off a realistic alternative, such as the size, distribution and unmatched quality of our retail network.
6. What can I do to show my support for Saturn? The best thing to do is to remind your friends and family that Saturn is still open for business. Remind them that we have a great line-up of new fuel efficient vehicles and assure them that Saturn and GM will stand behind all warranty obligations.

Please leave a comment below if you would like to submit a question that we have not addressed.

[Irene Behling]

I bought my first Saturn in 1991 becuz it was innovative and 'different'..then when GM took over more of it, it started looking like a Chevy!! and lost creativity in my opinion. I hope it goes independent from GM. I'd buy another one!!

[Andreas]

I'm on my 4th saturn... A good, affordable care. I really liked the corporate culture on 1992. Saturn did something different. All my Saturns were/are great.
However, personally, I couldn't care less who makes them or what country they were built in. As long as the quality and support is there, I will continue to buy them. I would love to see a diesel version. They sell Opel's in Europe as diesels. Why not here?

[Terry J. Harris]

I think that Saturn being independent will be the biggest success story that comes from this economic downturn. I have been a GM man all of my driving life. I am beginning to think that maybe GM is in the position that it is in now because of bad decisions such as cutting out the Saturn brand. I will add that my 2nd favorite car was a 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT (red) GM decided to do way with that brand as well. I am a manufacturing rep for a company that would be glad to help out in any way to keep the Saturn brand alive! This is STILL America and we can build anything!

[Fred E. Wagar]

Saturn is the best thing that ever happened to this country since Henry Ford first roled out the automobile. We have to do everything we can to keep Saturn going. We're doing our part. We are on our fourth Saturn. We started with the SL1 and now have the VUE. Now if they would only make a pickup!

[Marianne Lyman]

If Saturn continues to make automobiles, I'll continue to buy them. I love this car company-I'm not just a number at the dealership.......I'm treated like an old friend (well, I am since this is my second Saturn but you know what I mean!)

[Greg]

I have a Saturn Vue 2008 and I was receiving an automated phone call about renewing my warranty. How do I find out if thats true and what do I need to do. I thought I had "Bumber to Bumper" and it was for 5 years. Or is it something other than a warranty.

[kevin]

I have read that Saturn may start to sell cars from China and India. If they do that, I will not want to have ANYTHING to do with Saturn and will sell my Aura at a huge loss if i have to. I may even bring back the ole $1.00 dollar a swing with the sledgehammer thing.

[Mark]

Spin off Opel and then Saturn and Opel can join forces as one company! Saturn being the US distributor of Opel, just rebadge them as Saturns just like today. Take back the Spring Hill Plant. (it rightly belongs to Saturn anyway!) Produce the Astra more cost efficiently here and import the Corsa, and Insignia. What a receipe for success!

GM should have been using Opel and Holden as the model for vehicle design and engineering for years, but no one in Detroit had the foresight to do it. GM has for years been producing world class cars in Europe and Australia. Too bad no one in Detroit recognized that until it was too late.

[Monstah]

I think the "affordability" aspect has been lacking in the past few years. The vehicles priced lower are outselling Saturn's cheapest offering. This used to be our market, but the brand "got fancy" and raised prices out of its target demographic. Of course, we have a new lineup with better standard equipment, more safety features than ever, longer warranty, and great new styling which attracts a more sofisticated buyer.....but we now have no offering for first time buyers / retired buyers. That is your base, and it's thinning.
The streets are full of Hyundai and Kia owners. The retailers in my area sell 300 units/month. Our best months have been just over 100 units.
And lets get back to an American product instead of rethinking about it. Mexico, Antwerp Germany....that's not rethinking American. Granted, the German product has been great. No squeaks and rattles, water leaks, vibrations, suspension noises, fragile trim pieces....the usual Saturn plague. You have a good product there, but the price is out of reach for its segment.

/rant

I want to see Saturn stay alive and well.

[N Mitchell]

Jill,

This is no time for business as usual. Why not be the "Green Car Network"? Sure, sell Astras and other fuel-efficient cars that offer good value, but start looking at smaller players whose product you can distribute. How about making a deal with Aptera or Tesla?

Best Wishes.