We are still Saturn

[Jill Lajdziak]

From our very beginning, Saturn has always sought a better way. We pioneered no haggle-no hassle shopping, built dent-resistant cars, set a new benchmark for customer service and forged a unique relationship with our retailers, workers and customers. From the beginning, Saturn was launched as a “Different kind of Car Company.”

Well, here we go again.

You may have read that General Motors delivered a plan to the U.S. government that outlined the corporation’s plan for long term viability. In that plan, GM stated that Saturn would work with its retailers to investigate options for the future of the Saturn brand. We said that all ideas were on the table and we meant it.

Today, we confirmed that Saturn and GM would further investigate one of those options: a spin-off of an independent Saturn Distribution Corporation.

The Saturn Distribution Corporation already exists as an indirect subsidiary of GM. It’s the entity with which our retailers currently have their franchise agreement. An independent Saturn would still have its great retailers, and it would continue to source current products from GM through 2011 and if successful, SDC at that point would source products from other manufacturers.

The goal -- from a product perspective – would be to find future vehicles that match the Saturn brand: fuel efficient, safe, reliable and affordable. From a retailing perspective, we would build on our core strength of unmatched customer service. The same hassle-free experience that is a hallmark of the brand could be taken to even higher levels.

While this process proceeds, we will continue to do what we have always done best: Sell great vehicles and take care of our customers. We have a fresh portfolio of award-winning, fuel-efficient vehicles and a network of retailers that is second to none. And our new vehicles are still backed by a 100,000 mile/5-year (whichever comes first) Transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty. When you add Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation Programs, we believe it is the industry’s best overall coverage. It is coverage that GM and Saturn will continue to firmly stand behind and GM will support the continued availability of Saturn parts and service as needed.

This is an exciting time at the Saturn brand, and I have to confess, it feels a bit like it did back in the 1980’s when the original Saturn project was being developed. As loyal Saturn owners and enthusiasts, I know you support this brand and you can believe we are working towards a vibrant future. Difficult times sometimes yield the most innovative solutions, and those who are willing to take on the challenge will emerge victorious. Stay tuned.

- Jill Lajdziak

[Gerry Proctor]

There are some brilliant minds in the Saturn Corp fold. This crisis may be just the motivation leadership at all levels needs to open the channel to hear them. I don’t believe the final chapter has been written in the Saturn story.

[marlin]

I say make the saturn symbol black with silver trim and bring back the RL in 2012 to compete with the forever growing rally market with a Turbo and give theh EVO, WRX, and Cobalt a run for their money lol Either way I am hoping for the best for Saturn and all it's customers!!!

[Ron]

I've loved my Saturn's since 1995 - (3 of them). The news and uncertainty make me cautious about buying another right now - even though I wish I could to take advantage of the good deals out there. I hope fears like this don't hurt the company more. Perhaps you need to start a campaign "real soon" to assure owners of some kind of on-going care whatever the circumstances may be. I almost traded mine quick for a Ford when I heard the rumors of Saturns demise, because I felt that Ford might have a better chance of surviving (even though I don't care for their product!). Keep us confident Jill and we'll stick with you. Maybe you need a program somewhat like KIA with their give it back in a year if you lose your job (or the company goes belly up). Don't know your business at all as I was a Quality engineer in the electronics business for 36 years, But something "like" the KIA idea.

Ron

[William Biddlecombe]

I got interested in Saturn originally because it was the unique bran of GM. I am the son of a GM/Delphi lifer, and I work for GM's main spindle bearing supplier. If Saturn is no longer a GM product, I doubt I would ever buy one again. And in the last 8 years, I've bought 7. While I would love to see Saturn survive, I can see where this could be a flawed plan. I think that to ensure survival, Saturn should remain a wholly owned subsidiary of GM, but operate separately as they did in 90's. If Saturn becomes a separate company, but is just selling re-badged versions of other company’s cars, how is that any different than it is today? It certainly is not unique. There was more to the original Saturn than the retail experience. They designed, engineered, and manufactured vehicles their own way. Moving forward as a company that consists of just the retail distribution network will not work.

[sjsjedi]

It would appear that the Saturn is more or less dead (if you have plan speak up soon once "Consumer Reports" states your dead NO ONE will touch a Saturn) as there is no Saturn plant, engineering, or production capabilities. If we read between the lines all we are left with is a dealership network with nothing to sell from GM. So that leaves us with selling another company's cars/trucks. If that is the case I don't see Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus, Ford/Mercury/Volvo/Lincoln, VW/Audi, or Nissan/Renault wanting to make cars to compete with their own dealership networks in metro areas. That pretty much leaves Chrysler who has excess production capacity but Chrysler only has decent trucks/minivans and very few small cars and those are probably from Fiat/Nissan. Chrysler is making minivans for VW and trucks for Nissan in the future. The problem is Chrysler has too many dealerships in metro areas already so this would logically lead down to Chinese or Indian manufacturers like Tata or possibly selling Fiats but Chrysler would have the inside road here. I have noticed that Chrysler and others have tapped Lotus for EV cars lately. That makes the only other option is maybe all these new EV green car companies like Telsa etc need a dealership network for electric vehicles.

[Brenda Becker]

We have had nothing but Saturns since 1996, and I am convinced one of them saved my life and my daughter's (steel-frame construction survived impact of 2 trucks, one on each side!! On this sad day for American autos, I have posted a remembrance of our "babies" and the Saturn dream on my blog, here:
http://crazystable.squarespace.com/journal/2009/2/18/cruel-twist-of-fate.html
Hey, guys, it was a great ride.

[SMC]

Jill, thanks for keeping the posts going in this blog. I'll have to concur with many of the remarks here. Saturn will no longer be what they were to me if they're no longer a "different kind of car" ... not just some re-badged import. IMHO, the best thing Saturn had/has going for them is the Vue with the two-mode hybrid and plug-in options in the works. I really hope Saturn doesn't loose that vehicle in this process. You may need to think about making your own cars again, or at least assembling the final product. We loved the polymer panels, maybe look to something like carbon fiber or other alternatives. Look to alternative fuels: natural gas, electric, all E-85 capable engines (or better). Get back to 2-3 basic models. Maybe steal someone from Apple Computer's advertising group.

Hopefully you'll get to cast off all of GM's debt in the process and start anew. Please use this opportunity to be truly innovative and not just re-badge stuff.

[daytonsaturn]

We all want,(not wanted) to see this resolved with Saturn dealerships continuing to offer innovative well-made automobiles well into the future. I would love to see a deal with Opal. Saturn has already have benefited from the engineering and manufacturing expertise of Opal. Opal's product line would allow Saturn Distribution Corp to offer fresh and exciting imported cars to the American consumer.

Keep fighting for us.

[Skip Cady]

The car is important, but it is not all about the car. Saturn as a brand is about the relationship between the owner, and their Retailer. A Saturn store is a place a Saturn owner feels at home. The Retailers care about their customers, and the customers care about the Retailers.
In today's market, nobody really makes a bad car. They are all pretty good. The ownership experience is what is different. That is where Saturn shines. If Saturn can provide a quality, economical sedan, for a fair price, I think Saturn owners will stay loyal. Even if it is not from GM.

[Ron]

I say it's better if it's not from GM! they gave us 500 extra pounds of steel, worse milage, and a lot of typical first year burps, bumps and excuses.
To Skip Cady ( we've dealt with each other), I agree that the dealership is very important - but you gotta have some great cars too. Only a sedan? I'm gone. gotta have my SUV. It seems an insurmountable task as the people are probably gone that built the real "Different kind of car"