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

[Stephen Schmidt]

Jill:

When can I buy stock in the new Saturn Distribution Company? My GM stock has gone from $26.75 down to $2.06 in one year. I'm ready to invest in a "different kind of car company."

In addition to selling Chinese and Indian manufactured cars, Saturn could hook up with Tesla, ZAP, Phoenix or Aptera to sell their total electric vehicles in their 400 dealerships. The network is there for the upstarts--they just need an efficient sales and service system. Real hybrids (not toys), TDI diesel or even hydrogen vehicles just need to be successfully marketed.

Heck, get the Spring Hill plant back from GM and put all the polymer making machines back in place to build an SL series retro car, but make it world class fuel saving. It worked for the "New Beetle." While we're at it, get the rights to the crushed EV-1 from GM and start building them with state of the art batteries. Both could be part of the deal to spinoff from GM.

Lots of things could happen from now to 2011. How about a line of electric powered motorcycles? This is a great time for fresh ideas.

Steve

...

2007 Saturn Aura XE
1995 Ford Contour ELECTRIC CONVERSION

[JASON J.]

Now that Saturn is closing, I think GM should give Saturn owners a financial bailout for the simple fact that our cars will now be worth roughly 10 cents on the dollar. With the numerous defects I have with mine, I might be able to trade it next year for a ticket to the movies. I never again buy a brand new car or be lead to believe what greedy corporations tell me about standing behind their product. Being a long term Saturn owner and being pushed to the back of the line when serious problems arise is not my idea of loyalty to me as a valued customer. Sometimes lessons learned are rather expensive. Jason A. Johns MBA

[ed]

GM please listen to me. Combine Saturn with Pontiac and call them Opels. Leave the G8, Vibe, VUE, Sky/Soltice (rename it GT), bring the Meriva and Corsa or Agila. And of course bring the Insignia (maybe call it the Vectra here in the US) this will spike sales.

[Catie Hayes]

I am very excited at the prospect of Saturn operating as an independent corporation. Beyond the absolute pleasure of owning and driving my Saturn, the experience of buying it and working with the dealership for routine maintenence has been extraordinary.

Innovation is the key out of this, and I can't think of a company better suited to the challenge.

[Russ]

Jill, sometimes I swear you folks at GM and Saturn are purposely trying to destroy the brand with crapola like this. If GM drops Saturn, or spins off Saturn, or sells Saturn - you will NEVER get me to buy another Saturn. I bought my Aura in May 2008 and just months later the dealer I bought my Saturn at closes and I have to drive many miles further to get to the next dealer. It was the Aura or a Malibu, and I sure as heck wish I had bought the Malibu now, as much as my wife loves the Aura. GM is not trying to save Saturn any longer, GM is trying to find the cheapest way to dump Saturn.

[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"

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.