So what’s up with Saturn?

[Jill Lajdziak]

As we wrap up the first month of 2009, I want to give you as much of an update as I can about the Saturn brand.

As you are likely aware, as part of the process by which GM received some funding for the U.S. government, we are examining a variety of options for the future direction of the Saturn brand. This is a complex process, and while we are moving as quickly as we can, we also want to make sure we get it right. We have a team dedicated to evaluate a number of business alternatives. I hope you can understand that due to the sensitive nature of this process, there is not much more information we can share at this time.

We are working closely with our retail network leadership, and I met with many of our retailers last week at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention. Our dedicated Saturn retailers have always been an integral part of what make the brand special, and we have solicited their input as we evaluate the various alternatives.

As they have for nearly two decades, Saturn retailers continue today to focus on what has always been at the center of the Saturn brand: delivering great vehicles and an unmatched customer experience. At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this month, I was honored to accept an award from the FAMA magazine, recognizing the Outlook as “Best Family Car.” On media preview days, we showcased the upcoming Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid and launched a caravan of Vue 2-mode Hybrids on a road trip to the presidential inauguration. It felt great to focus on our beautifully designed and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Saturn is fortunate to have such a tremendous following of supporters and fans. Many of you, in fact, have asked what you can do to help. The best thing is to spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors that Saturn is still very much in business. Tell them about the Aura sedan that gets an EPA-estimated 33 mpg on the highway. Tell them that Saturn will soon launch the Vue 2-Mode Hybrid – the third hybrid in our lineup. Remind them that the 8-passenger Outlook is assembled at the first auto plant to receive gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. And tell them about our 100,000 mile/5-year (whichever comes first) Transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty, which, when you add Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation Programs, is the industry’s best overall coverage.

To close for now, I’d like to thank you for your enthusiasm and loyalty. We recognize that our customers are a tremendous asset for our brand. You have my firm commitment that Saturn will advise the members of ImSaturn just as soon as we can with any news about the Saturn brand.

- Jill

[Valentino]

I think if you offer ful efficient vehicles, you will lure in buyers. More importantly, don't stop offering manual transmissions in your vehicles. I love the Aura, but am strongly considering an Astra down the road because of the 5 speed manual and sporty drive. It's only a personal car for me to get to work and back, so space isn't the issue, it's the driving experience.

Please take a page from some of your competition and offer manual trannies (not necessarily paddle-shifters or manumatics, but actual 5 and 6 speed trannies. Let's not let North America get lazier. Give us choice.

Lastly, I think it's a great turn for the better for Saturn's future breaking away from GM. I know it wasn't by choice, but I have lost all faith in GM management. They've blown all of GM's strengths out of the water.

[Patrick Kee]

Jill,

With today's announcement that GM is phasing out or selling Saturn (good luck with that), GM has just lost me as a customer. An organization that bet their future (and lost) on SUV's and trucks expecting long term cheap oil prices doesn't have the mental agility to survive in the long term against stiff foreign competition. I resent my tax dollars being used to rescue GM from their stupidity. I will not throw my good money after bad. I'll see the rest of you in the non-GM showrooms.

[Rob]

Some reason, looks like the link didn't show.

Recalled vehicles down in 2008

[Rob]

BobbyMac

I think you need to recheck your information.



That may have been the case in 2006 but VW took over in 2007 and unfortunately, GM in 2008 according to this AP article even though the number of recalls is down across the industry.

[Mike]

Jason -

I'm sorry you are not satisfied with your Saturn. We've forwarded you post to our customer assistance team, and they should be in touch you soon.

-Mike from Saturn

[BobbyMac]

Sorry about your experience with Saturn. But, remeber, Toyota leads the world in recalls.

[John]

I traded in my 2000 5-speed blackberry LS1 for a 5-speed white Astra XE with AC and alloys. The car makes me smile every time I drive it. It feels like a premium car inside and out. It's also gorgeous. I love the shoulders on it. I didn't expect to trade in my LS1 (not as much fun, but just as goodlooking), but for the price of a cheap Corolla, I got a car that is way closer to a VW GTI than a Corolla. I'm thrilled. I know Saturn loses money on an Astra sale and I can't help with that, but I voted with my checkbook for a car that deserves better in the marketplace. Thanks for bringing it here.

[Andreana]

Here's how Saturn can stay afloat: the Astra. Being as it is a compact car, it has to compete against the Fit and Civic, Aero, Cobalt, etc. Right now, other than me loving Saturn, why would I get one. It has to be 'fashionable' and have the ability to catch these 'kids' eyes when they look for a new car. Right now, the obvious choice is Honda...the only way we'll be able to compete is to give the Astra some type of aftermarket. Without an aftermarket, you might as well kill the brand now. I hate to say it so harsh, but if you don't make these Astras look fun to drive with the possibilty of modification, there is no hope. Honda has it, Cobalt has it, and pretty soon the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. I know we'd like to keep everything standard, but look at what happened with the Ion Redline. There was so much possibility there and then it just went plop. Why give a vehicle a supercharger from the factory, have it look sporty, then let it die out? I'm no expert, but I've been in retail, have my own ca related business right now and not many people are asking me about Saturn when they want aftermarket part. I'll say it again, that Astra has to be the car that carries Saturn right now. Start with something simple like lip kits, special edition interiors, powdercoated calipers, SOMETHING to getthis baby going. Heck, give me one and I'll see what I can do (smile). But looking from the outside in, that's all I can figure out. Just to finish, I love my 2000 SL1...wouldn't trade her for anything!.

[Danielle (SaturnManiac)]

Why use the government for bailouts, when the customers could be your bailout! Give us stocks. Heck, if every Saturn customer donated $1-$5 I'm sure that would help. Why don't you do some investigation on brands like Honda and Toyota and find how dirty they really are then are those dirty tactics they use on a Saturn commercial and be like "Saturn doesn't use these tactics." Of course, then again, the reason Saturn is in trouble is they don't pull those dirty tactics like those Japanese brands...then again, the Japanese brands are probably more safe to use dirty tactics because they can hinder or avoid prosecution thereof.

[Danielle (SaturnManiac)]

You don't have to close or sell off the Saturn brand...you could simply save it by giving stock in it to every customer. You know how stupid it would be to sell or close it, think about it, you just had dealerships re-designed, changed the model line-ups, put more focus into the brand into of Chevrolet...Chevy doesn't even need commercials, it's been around so long it practically sells itself. Saturn is the baby of GM, and all along it seems like GM has been SHAKING that baby...not nursing it. Maybe if you listened to customers like myself you wouldn't be in this situation. If I was running Saturn I could save it, plain and simple. But then again, I'm not afraid of fighting a little dirty to do so. Put me in office and Saturn will be alive and best selling again. I'd be like the Barack Obama of Saturn, except I wouldn't be telling people BS political lies.