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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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!!!

[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.