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

[carcass]

I totally agree with Marc Mazzoni above!!!

[Marc Mazzoni]

Bring back the more sporty models (SC for example), freshen up the styling and powertrain maybe throw in an optional 4 cyl turbo. I think if Saturn brought in some practical performance coupled with efficiency and quality, people would see that Saturns can be more than just economy cars. I know people will always love their Saturns and rightfully so, they are great cars that truly have a soul.

[omar]

well jill this is what i have to say to you. FIGHT.... Saturn has trully re-invented itself with beautiful cars that aspire dominance in all segments. I would go for saturn as a independent company because all GM ever does is mess up every good thing out there. Re-invent the Saturn Outlook to look more like a truck while keeping the unibody design and steal all of GM's truck-based sales. Invent new more fuel efficient engines, the saturn Aura is a great vehicle go for something over the top like buick did with their new lacrosse; something that turns heads. Im very dissapointed in GM for what they are doing to an EXCELLENT brand. The best in terms of customer service and we have the most trimmed line of cars within the GM network. I mean look at it.. all we really need is a pick-up truck LOL. All im asking from you is to not let all of these saturn owners down, we have invested so much into buying a saturn vehicle and maintaining them, Just dont give up.

PS: I LOVE MY SATURN VUE, if there's a next time, make it a tad wider, taller, longer, and less thirsty. Keep up the good quality and with that in mind this small SUV would destroy the toyota rav 4 and the CR-V

The best of luck to all of the saturm team
Omar V

[Terry Floyd Johnson]

If the spin off doesn't occur; I would be interested in a nothing down, offer on Saturn, etc.

[randy brinckman]

As a Saturn Sales Consultant, I am EXTREMELY disapointed in G.M..They have put us in this position.We have the best lineup we have ever had product wise.Style,performance,quality all world class. The Astra is a victim of the dollar - euro valuations. It is the best compact car GM has ever offered in the US.Simply over priced.The Aura was stolen by Chevy 1 year after it came out with new Malibu. Cheaper than Aura with 100 times more advertsing behind it. Does anyone remember Aura was 2007 North American car of the year???? Malibu was in 2008...huge advertising based on it.Now Chevy has the Outlook in the Traverse...again cheaper than Saturn.Took away our Ion right when we could have really used it...Cobalt is red hot now. Ion without the polymer or center mounted guages.I look forward to competing against G.M. They have killed their most loyal customer base in Saturn. Convieniently forget about 2007 when Saturn sales were up over 10% when EVERY other division was down. Then Lutz says we had a no excuse lineup,poor 2008 sales . DUH ..its a recession.All GM brands had bad years. Toyota etc too! Long live Saturn.

[Laurie]

Those polymer panels are part of the reason I will just stick with my 1999 SL-2. My car is well made, still running strong, and still looks good. My friends that bought later Saturns cannot say the same. The Saturn products went downhill the more the company became GM-ified. I would love to see someone return Saturn to what it was in the early years. And bring back the EV-1. This is the time for a well made and stylish electric car.

[carcass]

Go back to the polymer panels which reduced weight and increase the horse power to compete with the many other 300+ HP vehicles out there that are selling so well. Saturn's great power to weight ratio would easily put Saturn in the lead in the performance department!!!

Q

[BobbyMac]

I would love an exclusive partnership with Opel. Unfortunately, the great cars we once shared with them are now part of Chevy, Buick, Cadillac, and Pontiac lineups. GM wants to trim Chevy dealerships, BPGs, etc. in large market areas to improve the economics. Isn't that what Saturn already has? It seems that we are the guinea pig for ideas, and once they prove viable then GM gives them away. Once there was talk about a Saturn Flextreme all electric car, now all you hear about is the Chevy Volt. I doubt we'll ever see the plug-in VUE. It'll be a Chevy, too. We have a terrific network of retail facilities, and outstanding group of workers all ready to continue with Saturn. I just pray that they get this mess staightened out soon, or there will be no recovery for Saturn.

[Toni C]

I am saddened to think that GM and Saturn may no longer be partners. I have owned two Saturns and loved them both. The company has the best employees and they make me feel like I am their only customer...even with others who are in for service. They are like family and just up the street from me, and this keeps me going there. I really don't know what I'll do in the future if they "spin off from GM." My grandson's love this car and love going for rides with me. I pray the company does the " right thing " to "keep" their loyal customers.

[Natalia]

I had a problem on a 2004 VUE which was a known issue in 2003s. However, the dealer repaired it under the "Goodwill agreement" with GM, at no charge- it would not have been covered by warranty. A classic trick by auto-makers tis o know about issues and count on consumers to be quiet and just pay for repairs, especially if the estimated rate of defect is below some "cost-efficient" (to them) thershold. I must say, however, Saturn people have been better about repairs to us than anybody else. Yet, with GM's decision to keep the four brands that don't even look like 21st century cars (GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac...hello?!), we are never, never buying another GM vehicle again. Please pass this to your bosses!