Straightline
Saturn
June 15, 2009
Did you see the new Buick commercials that aired during this weekend's NBA title game? They implored viewers to "take a look at me now" as if Buick was some middle-aged housewife fresh out of plastic surgery.
GM's junior luxury division is going to need more than snappier commercials to get attention and according to a GM fan site a hybrid might be its next attempt to gain some recognition.
GM-volt.com says that the two-mode plug-in hybrid system developed for the Saturn Vue may make its way into a new Buick compact crossover. A CBS news report is thought to have revealed a glimpse of the upcoming sport utility and not surprisingly it looked like a downsized Enclave.
GCA: Does New Buick Crossover Get GM Dual-Mode Plug-In Hybrid System?
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig June 15, 2009, 8:52 AM
- Categories: Buick, Future Vehicles, Green Tech, Hybrids, SUVs, Saturn
June 8, 2009
Late last week General Motors announced that Penske Automotive Group made a successful bid to purchase Saturn, saving GM's youngest division from being cast aside like yesterday's lunch as GM heads into bankruptcy.
Edmunds' AutoObserver talked with Roger Penske on Friday about his plan to sell GM-made models in Saturn showrooms while also shopping the globe for other vehicles to sell. Penske said he then hopes to convince the offshore manufacturers of those vehicles to build them in the United States.
For now, GM will continue to build the Saturn Vue, Outlook and Aura for Penske to sell through Saturn dealers for at least three years.
"Concurrent with that, we'll go around the world to see what products could be brought into this country," Penske said. "Those foreign-made products will begin filtering into Saturn showrooms in 12-18 months."
Inside Line news: Penske Opens Up About His Plans for Saturn
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke June 8, 2009, 8:27 AM
- Categories: General Motors, Saturn
June 5, 2009
GM has officially announced that it intends to sell its Saturn brand to megadealer Roger Penske pending regulatory approval.
"This is the combination of two iconic teams: Saturn and Penske," said Saturn general manager Jill Lajdziak. "GM had the vision to create Saturn and has the desire to see it succeed in the future."
Under the proposed deal, GM would continue to build the Aura, Vue and Outlook under contract for Penske. Rights to the Saturn brand and certain other unspecified assets are part of the deal as well. Financial details were not discussed. The deal is expected to go through by the end of this year.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig June 5, 2009, 6:59 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Celebrities, General Motors, Saturn
May 6, 2009
GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens used the company's Fastlane blog to reassure hybrid fans that a plug-in hybrid is still in the works. Originally planned for the Saturn Vue, GM's plug-in system is currently being adapted to another similarly-sized vehicle. Looking at GM's new "core" brands, that means either the Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain.
Inside Line News: GM Confirms It Is Prepping a Second Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig May 6, 2009, 8:52 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Crossovers, Future Vehicles, GMC, General Motors, Green Tech, Hybrids, SUVs, Saturn
According to the Wall Street Journal, General Motors is considering the idea of selling its Saturn unit to Renault. The French automaker would use the Saturn dealer network as a launching pad for a new lineup of small, fuel efficient vehicles.
Renault already controls Nissan and Samsung Motors, so Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn may consider the acquisition of Saturn a cheap way to get its European products into the U.S. market.
WSJ: GM Considers Turning Over Saturn to Renault
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig May 6, 2009, 8:27 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, General Motors, Renault, Saturn
May 5, 2009
The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that megadealer Roger Penske is one possible buyer for the Saturn brand. Both Penske and GM declined to comment.
There was no speculation in the report about what Penske would do with Saturn, but Penske does sell the Smart ForTwo through a small network of dealers now. Maybe he's looking for a broader distribution network in anticipation of bigger sales numbers down the road.
Update: This is the official statement from Penske regarding Saturn inquires.
"Regarding our involvement with Saturn, we confirm that we have an interest in looking at future opportunities with the Saturn brand. Penske Automotive has not made a proposal to General Motors for this business and the time frame involved is extremely tight.
Penske Automotive buys and sells dealerships as part of our normal operations; we have experience in the distribution business and are constantly looking for opportunities to grow our business and further diversify our overall operations."
WSJ: Roger Penske Is Possible Buyer for Saturn Unit
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig May 5, 2009, 7:42 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Celebrities, General Motors, Saturn
April 27, 2009
In this morning's press conference, GM CEO Fritz Henderson said that the company doesn't anticipate building any Hummer or Saturn vehicles beyond 2009.
Sounds dire, but the situation could change in either case if new owners decide they want to contract with GM for additional production. Saturn in particular has said it will try to restart itself as an independent company and contract with GM to build the current lineup until it completes its lifecyle in two or three years.
Future owners of the Hummer brand could theoretically do the same, especially given the fact that the current Hummer models are based on GM truck platforms that aren't expected to change much in the next several years.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig April 27, 2009, 7:24 AM
- Categories: General Motors, HUMMER, Saturn
April 15, 2009
The Wall Street Journal reported today that an investor group is talking to GM about buying Saturn. The plan would include selling GM products initially and then importing "smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles" from a range of companies.
In a statement, group spokesman John S. Pappanastos said, "GM will be relieved of liabilities related to retailer franchise agreements and avoid the downstream financial fallout on their other brands that would result from closing Saturn retail facilities."
AutoObserver: Investror Group Interested in Saturn, Journal Reports
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig April 15, 2009, 1:53 PM
- Categories: Auto Industry, General Motors, Saturn
April 7, 2009
Cadillac officials acknowledged today that the SRX crossover, which will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early August, will eventually be fitted with the two-mode electric hybrid system.
It would be the same basic arrangement of parts as used in the full-size pickup trucks and SUVs for the last couple of years. General Motors' plan initially called for the Saturn Vue to be the first mid size crossover withing the corporation to receive a version of that system. Ooooh...yeah, that situation is very much in flux, as they say. Saturn said that it expected the Vue two-mode to be able to do 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds and return 27 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway with its combination direct-injection V6 and twin 55-kilowatt electric motors. It's fair to assume the Cadillac would perform similarly. For comparison, Cadillac estimates that a conventional front-wheel-drive SRX powered by the 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 should return 18/25 mpg, city/highway.
No word on timing for the two-mode SRX but we wouldn't expect it before the 2011 model year. A few main competitors either already offer a hybrid crossover in roughly the same size and price class (Lexus) or plan to within the next couple of years (Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen).
March 6, 2009
Seems hard to believe that any company would be interested in buying a failing automaker given the current market conditions. Yet, in one news story after another, company officials from GM and others claim to have willing bidders for their in-market brands.
AutoObserver columnist Bill Visnic has compiled a list of these claims, and taken together they're no more convincing that they are by themselves. You buying any of it?
AutoObserver: Buyers, Buyers Everywhere - Or is That "Interested Parties?"
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig March 6, 2009, 10:10 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, General Motors, HUMMER, Saab, Saturn
February 19, 2009
Remember yesterday's post about Saturn's plan for the future? Well, now it's official.
In a letter sent out to current customers, Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak spells out the future for the brand and it's not pretty.
"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. If successful, SDC at that point would source products from other manufacturers."
Yes, you read that right. Saturn may attempt to sell non-GM cars under the Saturn name.
Would you buy a Chinese Aura or Indian Astra?
Imsaturn: We are still Saturn
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 19, 2009, 9:44 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Saturn
February 17, 2009
In a press conference to explain GM's plan for profitability, CEO Rick Wagoner said that without outside investment, Saturn would be phased out in 2011.
Saturn's dealers have a different plan. In a story in the Wall Street Journal, Dan Januska, a member of the Saturn Dealer Council, said they were considering a plan that would spin Saturn dealers off from GM.
In that plan, Saturn dealers would continue to buy vehicles from GM until the current product lifecycles run out. After that, the dealers would consider buying vehicles from third parties and rebadge them as Saturns. "There are not a whole lot of alternatives," said Mr. Januska, who is on the Saturn Dealer Council. "Someone is going to see the value of us and I don't know who it will be."
WSJ: Saturn Dealers to Spin-Off From GM Into New Company
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 17, 2009, 5:24 PM
- Categories: General Motors, Saturn
February 16, 2009
Actually, this photo was from an earlier time, back when Saturn was running its "Kiss My Astra" contest to promote its new hatchback.
Well, the Astra never did very well and according to a report in Automotive News, current product chairman Bob Lutz said it's not likely to survive.
"We spent a huge bundle of money in giving Saturn an absolutely no-excuses product lineup, top to bottom. They had a better and fresher lineup than any GM division, and the sales just never materialized. So we have to act on that. It's our duty," Lutz said.
GM has until tomorrow to present a plan for economic viability to the federal government.
Automotive News
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 16, 2009, 6:39 AM
- Categories: General Motors, Saturn
January 29, 2009
Trying to buy a 2009 Saturn Astra hatchback? No? Oh, just play along, would you? Well, even if you were, now you can't. That's because there will be no 2009 Saturn Astra.
Saturn is skipping the '09 model year and jumping directly to the 2010 model. Officially, the company is holding off bringing any more of the sharp-looking but slow-selling hatchbacks because, well, dealers have more than enough '08s already on their lots to get them through until the 2010 model arrives in the fall of 2009.
But the secret reason for the skipped year was revealed to us in an exchange yesterday with a Saturn official, who admitted, "I did it for personal gain. One day I'll be on Jeopardy and will totally nail that question... (In what year did Saturn not produce an Astra...?)."
It's a master stroke of reason and good sense to be sure. But given that the response of our source would not be in the form of a question, it's ultimately futile. Foiled again, Saturn. Foiled again.
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund January 29, 2009, 10:04 AM
- Categories: General Motors, Hatchbacks, Saturn
January 7, 2009
You may have already seen the sales totals for December, and 2008 as a whole. If not, here's a summary: not good. For a more detailed look, check out the industry wide 2008 sales analysis over at AutoObserver.
We assembled something a little different though. Instead of assessing the big picture, we looked at the sales numbers for individual models. Which new models flopped, which old models recovered, that sort of thing. Some of the results we expected, others were a little more eye opening. See for yourself after the jump.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 7, 2009, 9:55 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, Hybrids, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Nissan, Pontiac, Porsche, SMART, Saturn, Toyota, Trends
January 6, 2009
You've probably seen it a hundred times in the last year. Some talking head on TV saying that if automakers only made more fuel efficient cars, the public would buy them. Really? The 2008 sales numbers are in, and the draw of fuel efficiency doesn't seem to be holding up in the face of lower gas prices.
Our own Green Car Advisor, John O'Dell, looked through the final sales numbers for hybrids in 2008 and it was clear that their green sheen had definitely worn thin.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 6, 2009, 4:16 PM
- Categories: Ford, GMC, General Motors, Green Tech, Hybrids, Lexus, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota, Trends
November 27, 2008
Everyone knows GM and Ford have too many models, too many brands, too many dealers, too many of just about everything and anything one can think of. So might this financial mess be a blessing in disguise? Might this be just the impetius for the General and Ford to do what just about everyone thinks should be done: Shed--not just some of their excess models--but instead shed some of their excess brands?
AutoObserver seems to think that this could be in the cards, as the market just can't support so many redundant brands. Put them out of their misery. Make them extinct, just like the Woolly Mammoth and countless other critters that have ceased to have a reason to exist.
At GM, Pontiac, Buick, Saturn, GMC and Saab certainly all fall into that category. Might we see a lean and mean General Motors consisting of just Chevrolet and Cadillac, with maybe leaving Buick strictly for China?
And Ford? Might this be the time to cut Mercury; and maybe even cut Lincoln loose, by replacing it with Volvo?
If GM and Ford are going to do this, now is the best time to do so.
COMMENTARY: For Bailout Blueprint, GM, Ford Might Finally Burn Rubber on Underperforming Brands
Related story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 27, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Lincoln, Mercury, Saab, Saturn, Volvo
October 6, 2008
Merry Christmas. Production of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X will end December 23, as GM will shutting down their Moraine, Ohio plant. Sales of these vehicle have tanked, as have most SUVs. The good news is that the Chevy Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave have been hits in this tough segment.
Actually this is not a surprise, at least the ending of production of these vehicles, that is. I what will miss is that, with the exception of the Hummer H3, GM will no longer offer an off-road capable SUV in the mid-size segment--and who knows how long the Hummer will be around.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM to Close Ohio SUV Plant in December
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 6, 2008, 7:11 AM
- Categories: Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, SUVs, Saab, Saturn
July 16, 2008
No sooner had GM CEO Rick Wagoner delivered the sobering news regarding GM cuts, Bob Lutz was right there to confirm that there is a lot of life left in what we can expect from the General in terms of future products. More to the point, the recently rumored cutting of brands was not a part of the discussion. Nope, all the current brands are to remain in place according to Lutz.
The biggest change that we can expect is that products from GM (and other vehicle makers too) will have a decidedly European/international flavor to them. That means less trucks--and the trucks that do remain will be smaller and more efficient. Expect more smaller cars and fewer cars with big V8s. No longer will the American car market be different from that of Europe and elsewhere.
"This is a difficult transition but once the transition is made, it's going to ease our problem of no longer having to produce unique vehicles for the American market," Lutz said. "In the future, anything we create worldwide is available to use to either import or produce in the U.S."
For a quick glance as to what's in store, check out AutoObserver's editorial:
GM: Remapping for a More Euro-Style Vehicle Landscape
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 16, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, HUMMER, Saturn
April 10, 2008
Checking in on Peter De Lorenzo over at AutoExtremist.com, and as usual, he has some interesting if not thought-provoking ideas. This time it's a "What if" scenario for a future GM, and this of course, is in a perfect world. By that I mean if franchise laws, etc., could be resolved to make this work.
Here's the short story version: The only divisions that would exist here would be Chevrolet, Cadillac and Hummer...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 10, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, HUMMER, Saab, Saturn
March 11, 2008
NHTSA have launched a probe into Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice brakes, as there have been 40 complaints, one involving a crash. It should be noted the vehicles in question are the turbocharged Solstice GXP and Sky Red Line. There have been no complaints on non-turbo models from either brand.
This is not good news, especially since Consumer Reports has just recently given the Solstice and Sky only a so-so rating...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 11, 2008, 7:05 AM
- Categories: Pontiac, Saturn, Sports Cars
January 15, 2008
This is a working prototype of Panasonic's new 16-inch in-car video screen. It can split and play two video sources or play one source in a variety of aspect ratios. This demo vehicle is a Saturn Outlook but look for it to show up in other all-new vehicles Panasonic already provides video screens for -- Chevrolet, Nissan, Honda, Lexus and Toyota. In fact, the Nissan Quest will soon be getting an entertainment system branded as Panasonic...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Brian Moody January 15, 2008, 1:58 PM
- Categories: Car Tech, Detroit Auto Show, Honda, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota
January 14, 2008
"Saturn is a green brand for General Motors and we use the Green Line brand to promote that," Troy Clark, Saturn division president, told the sweaty crowd packed around GM's main stage at Cobo Hall. "I think 2008 will be the year when we double down and raise the bidding."
The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line Two-Mode Hybrid constitutes the majority of the company's chips in this game of chance (that presumably involves only Toyota and Ford). It's a major enhancement upon the standard Vue Green Line Hybrid, which has a four-cylinder engine and a very small electric motor that provides minimal motive force. Instead, the two-mode starts out with a direct-injected version of GM's 3.6-liter V6 and combines that with a pair of 55-kilowatt electric motors housed in its automatic transmission (presumably some type of CVT).
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- Posted by: Erin Riches January 14, 2008, 1:57 PM
- Categories: Detroit Auto Show, Green Tech, SUVs, Saturn
January 11, 2008
Saturn's sporty new hatchback comes to us via Germany. It has a 1.8-liter inline-4 capable of 138 horsepower and a 5-speed manual transmission.
It brings a stylish and peppy little player to the entry-level hatchback class.
Are you a fan of hatchbacks?
Read the Saturn Astra Full Test on Inside Line...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa January 11, 2008, 1:28 PM
- Categories: Saturn
January 7, 2008
In computer-speak, what you see here is the Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid v.2.0. GM, however, prefers the label of Saturn Vue Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid. Whatever.
This new CUV will debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week in FWD guise...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 7, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Green Tech, Hybrids, SUVs, Saturn
January 4, 2008
Latest word is that the successor to the GM Northstar V8 engine has been killed, and that the Northstar may be replaced by GM's excellent 3.6L V6. That engine, the direct-injection DOHC 3.6, puts out 302 horsepower, which is uncomfortably close to the 320 horespower that the 4.6L Northstar puts out. The 3.6 also gets two mpg better gas mileage than Northstar V8.
This raises question about the Lambda platforn CUVs (GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook), as a version of the Northstar was slated for those vehicles...
Continue reading...
November 8, 2007
Inside Line tested the 257-horsepower 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line, the sportier version of the much-improved second-generation Vue.
Read the Vue Red Line road test on Inside Line.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa November 8, 2007, 4:40 PM
- Categories: Saturn
October 31, 2007
"It's a substantially improved world, and I would say our situation product-wise, reputation-wise, labor-cost-wise is probably the best it's been in 20 years," GM's Bob Lutz said in an interview at a media event in Memphis to promote the launch of the refreshed Chevrolet Malibu. "I would say all of the stars are aligning very nicely. ... But are the worries over?..
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 31, 2007, 7:47 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, GMC, General Motors, SUVs, Saturn
September 27, 2007
Inside Line drove the new Saturn Astra on Germany's autobahn.
The 3- and 5-door hatchbacks feature a 138-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, and starting price in the mid-to-high teens.
Could the Astra be the best small car GM has ever sold in the United States?
Read the Saturn Astra First Drive on Inside Line.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa September 27, 2007, 11:40 AM
- Categories: Hatchbacks, Saturn
August 14, 2007
Australian performance specialist Holden Special Vehicles introduces the Lotus-engineered Holden Astra VXR, a possible sneak peek at a tuned-up version of the 2008 Saturn Astra.
Its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 has been pumped up to 240 hp.
Read the Holden Astra First Drive on Inside Line.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa August 14, 2007, 11:38 AM
- Categories: Saturn
July 26, 2007
Driving North on Interstate 15 in central Utah today I spotted three Saturn Astras in what's likely the final phase of durability testing before the car is released here this fall. There were three cars with all the usual gauges and gizmos that go with durability testing bolted to their dashboards. And three unmistakably geeky engineers behind the wheel. Here are the only shots I was able to get...
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- Posted by: Josh Jacquot July 26, 2007, 8:21 PM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, Saturn
July 24, 2007
We've added the North American Car of the Year, the 2007 Saturn Aura XR, to our long-term fleet.
It has a 3.6-liter V6 capable of 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Mated to the engine is the all-new Hydra-matic 6T70 six-speed and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Read the Introduction on Inside Line...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa July 24, 2007, 1:37 PM
- Categories: Saturn
July 23, 2007
Putting green to the test.
Inside Line assembled the three top players in the hybrid midsize sedan market. It's the Nissan Altima Hybrid vs. Saturn Aura Green Line vs...
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa July 23, 2007, 11:37 AM
- Categories: Hybrids, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota
June 13, 2007
Meet the Astra...soon to be docking at a Saturn dealership near you.
Inside Line drove the 2007 Opel Astra, which will be coming to the U.S. as the 2008 Saturn Astra. GM spent a lot of time perfecting the Astra's look and refining the interior with easy-to-operate quality equipment...
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa June 13, 2007, 11:19 AM
- Categories: Opel, Saturn
May 15, 2007
GM InsideNews has got info and illustrations on what Saturn has in mind for the future, and it's tasty indeed. There are to many models and images to post here, so I'll tease you with a few, and let you check out the link here.
Images from top to bottom:
• 2012 Aura, aimed at the VW Passat, with engines in the 2.0 to 3.6 range
• 2011 Astra, aimed at the Civic, A3, Impreza, MazdaSpeed3, etc, with engines in the 2.0 to 2.4 range
• 2011 Switch, which will take on the Honda Ridgeline, with engines in the 3.6 to 4.6 range
I'll tell you what: It wasn't long ago in which I had little hope for Saturn. Not any more after seeing what they've got in store down the road...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 15, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, General Motors, Saturn
March 19, 2007
With hybrid sales on the decline, now is a good time—best time ever, actually—to buy a hybrid of any sort. To top it off, the Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid is the least expensive one out there.
The Saturn Aura Green Line has a $1,300 tax rebate. Its Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, including delivery fees, is $22,695, which makes it $195 less than the Toyota Prius...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 19, 2007, 8:58 AM
- Categories: Green Tech, Hybrids, Saturn, Trends
February 7, 2007
A couple of themes immediately jump out on this first press day of the Chicago auto show. Much of the buzz is around car names. It started with Ford renaming the Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego and the Ford Freestyle as the Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable and Ford Taurus X, respectively. The pros and cons of Ford's move were debated...
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa February 7, 2007, 2:01 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Ford, Mercury, Saturn
The debut of the 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line isn't the biggest news at the Chicago show, but nonetheless, the restyled Red Line deserves its 15 seconds of blog fame.
Available this fall in front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive configurations, the Vue Red Line gets a 250-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lowered-, sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.
A large front airdam, rear spoiler and chrome-tipped exhaust pipes help the Red Line stand apart from the standard Vue. — Kelly Toepke, Manager of Vehicle Testing
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2007, 11:54 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, SUVs, Saturn
Saturn dealers will be receiving the restyled 2008 Saturn Vue in just a few weeks, but shoppers interested in a Green Line hybrid version will have to wait until later this year.
We'd tell you more about the 2008 Green Line but why bother? The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line will offer GM's new two-mode hybrid system instead of the current technology, so today's buyers will be getting yesterday's lunch.
GM claims the future two-mode hybrid Vue will offer a 45-percent improvement in fuel economy over the non-hybrid model...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2007, 10:40 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Hybrids, Saturn
This morning Saturn's general manager, Jill Lajdziak, officially pulled the wraps off of the 2008 Saturn Astra, the little darling of this year's Chicago show. One of two new nameplates debuting this week (Pontiac's G8 is the other), the Astra isn't really new, just new to the U.S. Sold in Europe as the Opel Astra and in the U.K. as a Vauxhall, the Astra has already enjoyed success abroad as Lajdziak reported more than a half-million Astras were sold in Europe last year...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2007, 9:45 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchbacks, Saturn
January 7, 2007
2007 North American Truck of the Year goes to the Chevrolet Silverado, while Car of the Year is the Saturn Aura.
That's a sweep for GM this year, which has to add some momentum to GM's positive direction in the past few months.
Congratulations GM!
—Karl Brauer
December 28, 2006
Industry Insider: 12/28/06
A Saturn VUE Green Line recently was put into service as a taxi in New York City.This is the first GM vehicle to be approved by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission since 1996 when GM discontinued the rear wheel drive Caprice. GM's goal is to show other taxi operators that the VUE Green Line is an affordable hybrid taxi vehicle.
The VUE Hybrid vehicle , now in service, has received very favorable comments from the driver and customers, according to owner/operator Placida Robinson. The Hybrid VUE has a sunroof and premium stereo system...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 28, 2006, 9:37 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Green Tech, SUVs, Saturn, Trends
December 7, 2006
GM announced yet another new Saturn today. The 2008 Saturn Astra will hit the market late next year in both three-door and five-door hatchback configurations. Recently unveiled at the Bologna auto show as the Opel Astra, Saturn's version will debut at the 2007 Chicago auto show virtually unchanged.
December 1, 2006
Image: General Motors Photo/Steve Fecht
Industry Insider: 12/01/06
Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak introduces the new Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday. The Aura Green Line will deliver at least a 25-percent fuel economy improvement over the non-hybrid Aura XE, for a premium of less than $2,500.
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General Motors is smartly positioning Saturn as its environmental division, an appropriate position many of us outsiders (and some Saturn/GM insiders) have been advocating.
At this week's Los Angeles show, Saturn/GM took another step toward establishing Saturn as the GM environmental brand with the introduction of the Aura...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 1, 2006, 8:19 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, General Motors, Saturn, Trends
November 29, 2006
Another example of GM's commitment to hybrids arrived at the LA Auto Show today in the form of the Aura Green Line. This new addition to the Green Line family offers 25% better fuel economy than a standard Aura XE and expects to sell for under $23,000.
If today has shown anything so far, it's that GM is serious about alternative fuels and minimizing the impact of their vehicles on the environment. We'll have to see how well they do with the hybrid Aura when it goes on sale early next year...
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- Posted by: Mike Schmidt November 29, 2006, 12:41 PM
- Categories: LA Auto Show, Saturn
November 24, 2006
Not only is Saturn not getting a new minivan, but neither will any of the other GM brands get new minivans either. So GM is following Ford here in pulling out of the minivan market, and will be out of the minivan business by 2008.
Does that mean GM is giving up on the people-mover market? No, not at all, as they will be putting all their eggs into the large crossover market...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 24, 2006, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, General Motors, Saturn, Trends
November 22, 2006
GM has just canceled plans to build a Saturn minivan. The Saturn minivan had been tentatively planned for production at its Spring Hill factory, but that's no longer the case. The company also said it would find a new vehicle for workers to build there, thus allaying fears of the plant's closure.
“They’re going to get something,” said Tony Cervone, a GM spokesman...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 22, 2006, 8:47 AM
- Categories: Minivans, Saturn
November 16, 2006
The folks at GM are sending their two sportscars off to finishing school. The duo of compact roadsters receive power door lock button and adjustable-height driver’s seat in response to customers’ requests
The Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice would be the perfect sunny day playthings but for a handful of frustrating shortcomings. Fortunately, the company is engaged in a program of continuous improvement which has already seen a reinforcing brace added between the transmission and differential, a more suitable third gear ratio and more effective sealing of the roof against wind noise.
Now the company has gone further, installing a power door lock button in the cockpit and a power seat height adjuster...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 16, 2006, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Pontiac, Saturn, Sports Cars, Trends
October 2, 2006
Here's the latest on future products from this week's edition of Automotive News. Saturn will continue to integrate Opel vehicles into its lineup with the addition of the compact Corsa hatchback. The current Corsa is all-new this year in Europe, but the version headed for the States will be the next-generation model due in roughly four or five years. About the size of cars like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, GM now feels the U.S.
market is receptive to cars of that size.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig October 2, 2006, 8:44 AM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Saturn, Volvo
September 28, 2006
Want to know what the 2008 Saturn Vue is going to look like? Then take a look at the Opel Antara. Saturn is beginning to adopt designs pulled directly from Opel's studios and this Antara will be one of them. It was introduced for the first time this morning and although it doesn't look quite as striking as the Antara GTC concept shown last year it's not bad for an SUV.
GM kept the shtick level low with nothing more than a short intro video and some words by Euro design chief Bryan Nesbitt of PT Cruiser fame. The most riveting aspect of the press conference came when Nesbitt lost place among his huge handful of index cards and stood in silence with little to say. He was no doubt hugely embarrassed, but we couldn't help but think he would have done much better if GM simply told him to go up and talk about the design of the Antara. Instead, they hand him a full deck of cards chock full of corporate jargon and tell him to make it sizzle. Kind of makes you wonder if that's how the cars get designed at GM too.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig September 28, 2006, 3:17 AM
- Categories: Opel, Paris Auto Show, SUVs, Saturn
August 29, 2006
Inside Line reports that GMC will offer a minivan for model-year 2009.
Okay, the first question that will likely come screaming out of many mouths: WHY? Doesn't GM offer enough minivans already? The answer to that is that GM plans to discontinue the Saturn Relay, Buick Terraza and Pontiac Montana by 2009...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 29, 2006, 6:57 AM
- Categories: Buick, GMC, Minivans, Pontiac, Saturn, Trends
May 26, 2006
The new Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid will have a sticker starting at $22,995, making it he lowest price hybrid SUV on the market. In addition it will have a 27/32 city/highway EPA rating, giving it the best highway EPA rating of any SUV on the market.
Snippet: “The Vue Green Line proves you can go green without going broke,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “With a starting sticker price almost $4,000 less than any competing hybrid SUV, it makes true hybrid fuel savings available to more people than ever before.”
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 26, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Hybrids, SUVs, Saturn, Trends
May 25, 2006
Inside Line reports that Saturn dealers won't be allowed to add ADMs to the Sky, as this runs contrary to Saturn's image. This is good news for consumers. It may even help with those who prefer the Pontiac Solstice, in that if those dealers try to gouge customers, all they have to do is walk down the street to their local Saturn dealer.
Snippet: Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak said that orders are still being taken for the upcoming 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line and she promises Saturn dealers won't gouge customers who want the hottest version of the new roadster...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 25, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Saturn, Sports Cars, Trends
April 13, 2006
Or maybe "show stoppers" is too strong, as there was nothing here in New York that truly brought down the house. Still, there were some notable introductions. Here are some cars that, in my thoroughly subjective opinion, stood out from the herd.
Audi TT
Very cool looking...
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Outlook is good. Get the full story on the 2007 Saturn Outlook with video and seven photos from the show floor.
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa April 13, 2006, 1:47 PM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, New York Auto Show, SUVs, Saturn
An interesting blend of style and performance. Get the full story on the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line with five photos from the show floor.
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa April 13, 2006, 12:01 PM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Convertibles, New York Auto Show, Saturn
April 12, 2006
Saturn isn't known for performance and for good reason. Up until now its cars and SUVs made Hondas look exciting. The Sky Red Line stands a good chance of changing things as it will use the same 260 horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder as the Pontiac Solstice GXP. Throw in better styling than Pontiac's hot rod and the Sky Red Line should be a winner...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig April 12, 2006, 1:06 PM
- Categories: Convertibles, New York Auto Show, Saturn
Saturn's new Outlook is one sharp looking vehicle. If it looks half as good on the street, as it does on the stand—they've got a winner.
March 12, 2006
Last week, we showed you the first shots of the 2008 Saturn Vue. Now our spy photographers have captured what looks to be the 2007 Saturn Outlook along the same test route. We've seen a couple prototypes of this Lambda-based sport ute before, but they've never been without extensive camouflage. Our lucky shot with the covers pulled back doesn't reveal much, but you can see the shape of the projector beam headlights and the overall design of the grille. Look for the debut of the seven-passenger Saturn Outlook at next month's New York auto show.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig March 12, 2006, 11:18 PM
- Categories: New York Auto Show, SUVs, Saturn, Spy Photos
January 21, 2006
The Washington, DC car show, in my opinion, has always been a disappointment. Historically it has always occurred right after Christmas, but before either the LA or Detroit car show. It was really the last show of the previous auto show season—meaning very little new was to be displayed. I've gone every year, and each time I go I ask myself: "This is best our nation's capital can do?" Even the Baltimore show, which is held in February has always been significantly better than the DC show...
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January 17, 2006
Disappointed that your favorite new model didn't show up at either the Detroit or L.A auto shows? Well fear not, as we still have the Chicago auto show (Feb.) and the the New York auto show (late March). These two shows are also big shows for the automakers, so you can expect some major announcements. Plan on seeing the new Toyota Tundra, Lexus LS460 hybrid, and the Wrangler 4-door...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 17, 2006, 9:12 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Buick, Chicago Auto Show, Ferrari, Infiniti, Jeep, New York Auto Show, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota
January 9, 2006
Hitting the streets in mid-2006, the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid will be the most affordable Hybrid SUV with starting price less than $23,000. What's more, the Saturn Vue Hybrid is rated at 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway and delivers 27 more horsepower and an estimated 20-percent increase in fuel economy over the standard Vue.
A 170-hp, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing is teamed with an electric motor-generator to give the Vue Hybrid power yet quietness that hybrid owners enjoy.
January 8, 2006
Saturn is joining the hybrid march; the "mild hybrid" march, that is. Even so, that's good news for fans of the brand, and who were looking for something hybrid-related from them.
The first hybrid vehicle to be seen at Saturn dealers will be the VUE Green Line, which will go on sale sometime during the 2007 model year.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 8, 2006, 3:54 PM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids, Saturn, Trends
Did you see the new Buick commercials that aired during this weekend's NBA title game? They implored viewers to "take a look at me now" as if Buick was some middle-aged housewife fresh out of plastic surgery. 
