Autoblog

GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS - Click above to view high-res image gallery

General Motors may have shed itself of much of its pre-bankruptcy problems, but the automaker still has to tend to its warranty and recall duties. As such, GM is recalling 53,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion models for a potential fuel leak problem that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says could lead to a fire. The problem involves 2006 Cobalt and Ion model models sold or registered in Arizona and Nevada and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models sold or registered in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and Nevada.

NHTSA says the plastic supply or return port on the cars' modular reservoir assembly may crack, potentially leading to a fuel leak that could cause cause decreased efficiency and performance. Worse, if that leaking gasoline comes into contact with an ignition source of any kind, you could be looking at a Delta platform car-b-que.

To fix the fuel leak problem, company dealers will replace the fuel pump module of affected vehicles free of charge. GM is also providing a special coverage for 2006 and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models in other warm weather states, and you can hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release to see if you live in a participating location. GM hasn't yet provided a time frame for owner notification, but if you have questions you can read the official press release after the jump or call 1-800-630-2438 (Cobalt), 1-800-972-8876 (Ion) or 1-800-620-7668 (G5).

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Pontiac, Saturn, Toyota

Ford buyers appear to love their cars more than customers of any other automotive brand, returning back to the American automaker when it comes time to purchase their next vehicle. According to a study by Experian Automotive, six of the top 10 vehicles for customer brand loyalty wear badges from the Blue Oval. That includes the Ford Fusion (62.4 percent), Ford Edge (57.9 percent), Ford Five Hundred/Taurus (56 percent), Ford Freestyle (51.9 percent), Ford Escape (49.4 percent) and the Ford Focus (47.57 percent).

Other vehicles making up the top 10 include the Toyota Prius (52 percent), Chevy Impala (51.7 percent), Toyota Camry (47.8 percent) and Toyota Corolla (47.56 percent). This brings up an interesting question: With the closing of automotive brands like Saturn and Pontiac, where are those buyers to turn for their next automotive purchase?

Apparently, not back to General Motors. According to Experian, Pontiac owners are most likely to look to the Ford lineup for their next car or truck and Saturn shoppers will switch to Toyota or Honda - not particularly surprising given that Saturn was meant to compete with import brands. Experian predicts that GM's overall market share will fall from 20 percent to about 17.5 percent, with most of the slack being picked up by Ford, Honda and Toyota.

[Source: Experian Automotive, USA Today]

Continue reading STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM

STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: DeLorean Motor Company considering rescuing Pontiac Solstice?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Pontiac, Saturn, Rumormill, MISC

DeLorean Motor Company Pontiac Solstice renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has made a science out of sharing platforms. So when the company's Kappa platform was introduced for a new rear-drive roadster to be distributed across three different motor divisions, you'd have figured the program was pretty safe, right? Unfortunately for the workers at the Wilmington Assembly Plant which manufactured the Kappa roadsters, those three divisions were Pontiac, Saturn and Opel - three units which the General has either sold or shut down. Which is a shame, because a perfectly good rear-drive roadster platform is a heck of a thing to waste.

In one of the strangest rumors we've heard recently, however, our compatriots over at Jalopnik report that the DeLorean Motor Company (yes, that DeLorean Motor Company) is considering buying the plant and the platform from GM and putting it back into production as a new DMC.

The company's current management is speculating whether their founder, who had a long history with Pontiac, would have tried to save the dying motor division, and are reportedly encouraged by the prospect of putting the Willmington workforce back to work. At this point, there's no telling how realistic the prospects are - after all, today's DMC does little more than service the old DeLoreans and word 'round Detroit was that the Kappas were notoriously costly to build and something of a money pit.

Either way, the company has reportedly acquired a Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe for closer consideration. And we're sure there's an aftermarket garage out there somewhere that could outfit the coupe with gullwing doors...and who knows, maybe even a little Mr. Fusion for flex-fuel capacity.

Gallery: DeLorean Solstice renderings

[Sources: Jalopnik and Facebook]

Continue reading Rumormill: DeLorean Motor Company considering rescuing Pontiac Solstice?

Rumormill: DeLorean Motor Company considering rescuing Pontiac Solstice? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Saturn's demise? We blame Jim Gaffigan*

Chris Shunk — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Saturn, Earnings/Financials, Humor

Click above to view the video after the jump

When the deal to sell Saturn to Penske Automotive fell through, there were likely a lot of surprised people at General Motors' Detroit, MI headquarters. Penske released a statement saying that the reason the deal fell through after months of good faith negotiations was that a suitable post-GM supply of vehicles could not be found. However, after reacquainting ourselves with over eight minutes of outtakes from Jim Gaffigan's old Saturn commercial, we're thinking the comedic pitchman is to blame.

Hit the jump to join in on the laughs. Gaffigan is a flat-out goofball, and we're pretty sure he's addicted to calling animals and inanimate objects his family members. We're not sure how the old guy with the lease term paper didn't flip the hell out, though. Sure, the video is old, but considering the quickening demise of the Saturn brand, we feel it's apropos to revisit it now. Besides, we reckon that both Saturn fans and employees could use a bit of humor at a time like this.

*WARNING: Explicit language may be NSFW.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Saturn's demise? We blame Jim Gaffigan*

VIDEO: Saturn's demise? We blame Jim Gaffigan* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Saturn, Autoline on Autoblog

Why Saturn Failed

In the early 1980s General Motors launched a top-secret program to figure out how it could build a small car to successfully compete against the Japanese automakers. It was called the S-car program and the results of this study shocked top management at GM.

It conclusively proved General Motors could not profitably build a small car in the United States that was priced against the Japanese -- at least not under the current GM system. And that launched another study to figure out what it would take become competitive.

GM concluded that it needed a clean-sheet approach to designing, engineering, manufacturing and retailing small cars in the American market. In other words, it needed a whole new car company. And so Saturn was born.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's Worth What? AdAge looks at values of automakers' marketing accounts

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Saturn, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo

Although auto industry money is a bit tight at the moment, in order to sell vehicles, automakers have to buy advertising. Lots of advertising, in big, expensive campaigns with high production values and creative that's at the vanguard of style. Advertising agencies that can handle the needs of giant clientele with international brands are still happy to welcome automotive accounts through the doors.

Advertising Age has taken a look at the still-big auto advertising business and what fifteen assorted manufacturers drop on advertising per year. Landing one of these big vehicular fishes would surely make an account executive smile, though AdAge rightly posits that some of are sexier than others. Toyota spends the most at more than $800 million, with Ford coming in second at nearly $700 million. The biggest accounts don't seem to be in any danger of having their deals come up for review, however, so it may be easier to poach someone who's already looking, like Chrysler or Volvo. Hit the link for all the figures.

[Source: Advertising Age]

What's Worth What? AdAge looks at values of automakers' marketing accounts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Penske walks away from Saturn deal, brand to "wind down"

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Saturn

Saturn fans will be saddened to hear that the brand is about to be history. Penske Automotive Group (PAG) and General Motors have been in the final stages of negotiations to transfer the brand, but late this afternoon, both parties issued statements that Penske was walking away from the deal.

The reason cited by Penske for the deal's demise is difficulty in securing a supply of product beyond the end of 2010. GM had agreed to continue supplying the Outlook, Aura and Vue until the end of next year, at which point Penske would get other automakers to produce vehicles to sell through the Saturn dealer network.

It was originally believed that Penske had a deal with Renault, possibly supplying vehicles from its South Korean subsidiary, Renault-Samsung Motors. However, the other automaker's board of directors rejected the deal, leaving Penske out in the cold. In the wake of the news, GM announced that it would wind down Saturn and close all the dealerships. After Saturn dealers close, Saturn owners will be able to get service from other GM dealers. You can read the official statements from both Penske and GMchronicling the demise of Saturn after the jump.

[Sources: Penske Automotive Group, General Motors | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading BREAKING: Penske walks away from Saturn deal, brand to "wind down"

BREAKING: Penske walks away from Saturn deal, brand to "wind down" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Penske to close all Canadian Saturn dealers

Dan Roth — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Saturn, Canada

Roger Penske's purchase of the Saturn nameplate and sales organization from General Motors is intended to make money, and the business case for keeping Canadian dealers is apparently poor. Half of Saturn Canada's 60 dealers had already decided to give up, while the remaining 30 stores were willing to try and keep going. Penske's decision to discontinue sales of the brand in Canada altogether will directly impact 2,000 people.

"Saturn has a passionate customer base and outstanding dealer network," Penske said upon the announcement of his purchase in June. "We want to build onto those strengths," he continued, and the Canadian operation must be more albatross than mint in the scheme of things. Tip of the chapeau to Luc and Pat.

[Source: Radio-Canada (in French)]

REPORT: Penske to close all Canadian Saturn dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Saturn

Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

While perusing the EPA's fuel economy listings, one of our readers stumbled across a vehicle that we didn't even know had been rated. The 2-Mode Hybrid version of the Saturn Vue had initially been scheduled to go into production in November of 2008. However, as General Motors careened toward financial apocalypse, many product programs were put on hold or canceled altogether. Among those was the new hybrid Vue, which was delayed at least twice before finally being terminated altogether in late spring.

It appears that the EPA had already completed its testing regimen last fall and had officially rated the 2-Mode Vue at 27 city, 30 highway and 28 mpg combined. Compared to the existing mild-hybrid Vue, this doesn't look particularly great, since that one also had a 28 mpg combined rating (25 city and 32 highway). The mild hybrid, of course, used a four cylinder engine while the 2-Mode would have had the 3.6-liter V6, giving it much better performance and a 3,500 pound tow rating.

Saturn did pretty much hit its target of a 50-percent improvement in combined efficiency compared to the non-hybrid V6 Vue, which carries a 19 mpg combined rating. The Vue doesn't look as impressive as the Ford Escape Hybrid that's rated at 34/31 mpg, but the Ford is powered by a four cylinder and is smaller and lighter. A closer comparison might be the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which while larger is also V6 powered. The Toyota is rated at 27/25 mpg and 26 mpg combined.

We know that the Vue will never be built, but GM has promised to put the new hybrid system into other vehicles in its lineup - perhaps even with a smaller and more efficient engine to improve overall efficiency. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

[Source: EPA]
All Photos Copyright (C) 2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Penske talking to Renault to supply vehicles to Saturn

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Saturn, Renault

Remember the rumor that Roger Penske is looking to bring Renault back to America via his recently-procured network of Saturn dealerships? Consider it a rumor no more, as the deed has been confirmed by none other than Renault's chief operating officer Patrick Pelata, who said in a recent interview:

"He is looking for cars to sell. He has looked at all car makers, and he has seen that Renault has a nice line-up, sharing power trains with Nissan that are obviously adapted to the U.S. market... He's asking us: 'Do you want to sell us cars?' and we are discussing about how to sell him cars."

Considering that Nissan and Renault have plans to share virtually all new engines and Nissan is already well established in the U.S. market, it may make sense for the French automaker to supply Saturn-badged vehicles to Penske once GM stops producing the current Aura, Outlook and Vue models, which could be as early as 2011.

Previous reports indicated the vehicles in question may actually be sourced from Samsung, Renault's Korean subsidiary. According to Pelata, though, "It's an ongoing discussion," and no deals have yet been finalized.

[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Penske talking to Renault to supply vehicles to Saturn originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Penske to complete Saturn deal by September

Chris Shunk — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saturn

Penske Automotive Group may have reached a tentative deal go acquire the Saturn brand from General Motors back in June, but the negotiations may take until the end of September to be finalized. PAG founder Roger Penske mentioned on a conference call that the deal had to take a back seat to GM's bankruptcy proceedings, but with chapter 11 out of the way, talks will likely pick back up.

Penske is looking to focus the Saturn brand on North America, with most attention on the US market. Penske further insists that the 350 Saturn dealerships will remain independently owned, saying "Saturn has a world-class dealership network and we hope that most of them will join the new company."

Part of the tentative deal between Penske and GM includes the General continuing to make Aura, Outlook and Vue models until at least 2011. Penske Automotive would also own the rights to service Saturn vehicles and will buy all existing replacement parts to service the 3.5 million Saturn vehicles still on the road.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Penske to complete Saturn deal by September originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: The Sky has a limit after all, as GM Kappa production ends

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Pontiac, Saturn

Pontiac Solstice GXP - Click above for high-res image gallery

Old saying: The flame that burns twice as bright burns only half as long. Having driven our share of Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roadsters, we can't honestly declare them to be brightly burning flames. Oh, they have their good points, but the market's worst folding top mechanism and rampant parts-sharing to keep costs in check have taken their toll on the promising droptops. What we can say, however, is that every Kappa platform vehicle is fabulous looking. Even the badge job Opel GT and Daewoo G2X.

Which is why, however small, there's a tiny tear in our eye because of the news that General Motors is shuttering its Boxwood Road plant in Delaware. It makes sense: the bankrupt automaker has euthanized Pontiac and is looking to sell Saturn. Furthermore, sales of the cramped, near-trunkless (or very odd) roadsters didn't exactly keep GM out of the red. Speaking of color, the boys over at Saturn Fans report that the last Kappa to roll off the line was a silver Solstice roadster. We just hope that "Good GM" doesn't look at the end of the Kappa platform as proof that small, sporty, rear-wheel drive convertibles are a dead end. Regardless, reach behind the seat and grab a cold one to pour out for a dead, albeit awkward, homie.

Gallery: Review: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP

[Source: Saturn Fans]

REPORT: The Sky has a limit after all, as GM Kappa production ends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM recalling over 44,000 Saturn Vue crossovers because of sticky door handles?!

Dan Roth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Saturn

Saturn Vue - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some 44,451 Saturn Vue models from the 2008 model year are being recalled, and yours might be a part of the action if it has body-color door handles. What's the deal? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the handles may stick, preventing the door from properly latching.

NHTSA says an unbelted occupant could tumble out of the vehicle as a result of a door that refuses to latch, though one has to figure that you're sort of asking for it by ignoring the safety gear. In any circumstance, doors that pop open aren't acceptable, so the 44,451 vehicles affected will be give chrome door handles by dealers at no charge to customers. The recall goes into full effect by August 18th, plenty of time to get a can of Nevr-Dull to keep those shiny handles looking their best.

Gallery: 2008 Saturn VUE

[Source: NHTSA]

REPORT: GM recalling over 44,000 Saturn Vue crossovers because of sticky door handles?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia reportedly takes a liking to Saturn retailers

Chris Shunk — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Kia, Saturn

Most Kia dealerships are in rural and second-tier urban areas because real estate in markets like New York and Chicago are just too expensive. With the contraction of Ford, GM and Chrysler dealerships in those areas, Kia retailers are finding that now is the time to enter the big time.

In particular, Kia appears to be interested in Saturn dealerships. Kia executives told Automotive News that they like Saturn stores because they're newer, more exclusive, and - more to the point - available. Kia is going after Saturn dealers in three ways: Current Kia dealers are opening up additional locations at former Saturn sites; Saturn dealers are converting their stores to sell Kias; and Kia is asking Saturn store owners to open a separate Kia store close-by, then share a common parts and service center.

One Kia dealer, Billy Fuccillo, has turned a Saturn dealer near Syracuse, NY into a $2.8 million super Kia dealership equipped with such indulgences as granite-lined bathrooms. Fuccillo already owns the top-selling Kia dealership in the US, and he says his new store, in a more prominent location, will fare even better. He plans to sell more than 3,000 vehicles per year and as many as 500 this month. As part of his opening marketing push, Fuccillo will give away five Kias and four Hyundais to one person. He's going to deliver all nine vehicles via car-hauler to the individual's home. That's a bit crazy, but converting Saturn dealerships to Kia stores seems to be anything but.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Kia reportedly takes a liking to Saturn retailers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to discontinue mild hybrid Malibu, Vue, Aura for 2010 model year

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's being reported that General Motors has decided to discontinue its existing mild hybrids going into the 2010 model year. The Chevy Malibu, and Saturn Aura and Vue have been available with GM's belt-alternator-starter (BAS) system since 2007, but have never sold in any significant volumes. The system primarily provided automatic start/stop functionality with a little bit of electric boost and regeneration. The system was limited by a weak motor and 36V battery system.

We checked with GM's hybrid spokesman Brian Corbett about the status of the mild hybrids. Corbett told AutoblogGreen that currently there are no plans for retail sales of any of the mild hybrid models.

"There will be some MY2010 production. We will fulfill some MY2010 fleet orders for the Malibu Hybrid. As part of the Memorandum of Understanding between GM and Penske Automotive Group, Saturn plans to offer the Aura, Vue and Outlook models in 2010. Specific details of which versions (i.e. hybrids) has not yet been determined. "

At the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, GM announced a more powerful, second generation BAS using a lithium-ion battery. The second generation BAS wlll debut in 2011 and should provide a more significant increase in mileage over conventional models, hopefully attracting more customers. GM sent AutoblogGreen a statement on the Malibu's discontinuation (reason: "elevated inventory levels of the 2009 model"). Read it after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: GM, All Cars Electric]

Continue reading GM to discontinue mild hybrid Malibu, Vue, Aura for 2010 model year

GM to discontinue mild hybrid Malibu, Vue, Aura for 2010 model year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Vue two-mode dead, Chevrolet Equinox hybrid unlikely to hit until 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, GM, Saturn

Saturn Vue Two-Mode hybrid - click above for high-res gallery

When word came in the last few days that General Motors had reached a tentative deal to sell the Saturn brand to Roger Penske, the obvious question then became, "What about product?" The Penske deal apparently includes an agreement to continue supplying some current Saturn products on an interim basis until Penske lines up a new supplier and Penske has said that EVs are a priority. One of the most anticipated products that was scheduled to come from Saturn soon was the first front-wheel drive application of the two mode hybrid system in the Vue. GM had completed development of the two-mode Vue in mid-2008 and production was originally scheduled to start in November of last year. However, when GM's finances went from bad to worse, the hybrid launch was delayed first until spring 2009 and then summer.

GM hybrid spokesman Brian Corbett spoke with ABG at the opening of the company's new battery lab and gave us the bad news. The Vue two mode hybrid will never be, despite the Penske deal. While the two mode system will be installed in other as yet un-named vehicles (likely including the Chevrolet Equinox), those models won't appear until at least calender year 2011. The delay is likely due to an engine change. The Vue was to use the 3.6-liter V6, and that engine is not currently used in the new Equinox or the new Cadillac SRX, the other rumored recipient. Most likely, GM is switching over to using the new 3.0-liter direct-injected V6 or perhaps even the new 2.2-liter DI four cylinder.

Gallery: First Drive: Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

[Source: General Motors]

Saturn Vue two-mode dead, Chevrolet Equinox hybrid unlikely to hit until 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on

Chris Paukert — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saturn, Earnings/Financials

Confirming a report we posted on earlier today, General Motors has reached a preliminary agreement to handover the Saturn marque to the Penske Automotive Group. In GM's official statement after the jump, the automaker says that the memorandum of understanding would entitle Penske to the brand's 350+ dealerships, the rights to the name and its associated iconography, as well as continued production of the Aura, Vue, and Outlook on a contract basis. As expected, the dormant Astra hatchback and the rakish Sky roadster will apparently not make the transition. No financial terms of the deal have been released.

As reported earlier today by The New York Times, that abbreviated Saturn lineup will likely be joined by vehicles procured from other overseas automakers, potentially Renault's Samsung Motors division in Korea. It is not immediately clear if Penske will use the opportunity to pair existing Saturn stores with the company's other automotive distribution channel, Smart.

According to GM, the agreement is expected to be consummated in the third quarter of this year, pending the necessary paperwork shuffling between the two companies and the federal government. Check out the official press release after the jump

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on

Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: GM reportedly agrees to sell Saturn to Penske

Chris Paukert — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, GM, Saturn

According to The New York Times, General Motors has come to terms with a consortium led by industry icon Roger Penske to sell its ailing Saturn brand. The agreement, which is expected to be announced later today, will apparently see Penske add Saturn brand and its stand-alone showroom network to his existing portfolio of 310 global dealers.

Penske, as you may recall, already has sole distribution rights to the Smart microcar lineup in the States, and he will apparently continue to sell GM-produced Saturn vehicles initially, after which he is expected to begin importing foreign autos from companies like Renault's Samsung Motors subsidiary in Korea.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: A. Messerschmidt/Getty]

BREAKING: GM reportedly agrees to sell Saturn to Penske originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 7 Good Cars From "Bad GM"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Crossover, GM, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn

General Motors makes more than a few world-class automobiles. As true as that statement may be, that alone wasn't enough to stall the automaker's steady decline - fueled as it may have been by the global economic downturn - into Chapter 11 bankruptcy. To expedite GM's return to viability, the Obama Administration plans to split the giant automaker into two parts, a so-called "Good GM" made up of GM's best assets and "Bad GM," which is what we're examining in today's Top Ten list.

In case you're not aware, Bad GM happens to include the entire lines from HUMMER, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn. Instead of dwelling on the oft ignored, underdeveloped and stagnant vehicles in Bad GM's lineup, we're taking a look at the best that Bad GM has to offer. Try as we might to make this into a true Top Ten list, we were only able to come up with seven suitable vehicles to lament - which admittedly does tell us something. Some were obvious, a few not so much. That said, follow along as we pick the Top 7 Good Cars from Bad GM.

Top 7 Good Cars From "Bad GM" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM says it has 16 buyers interested in Saturn

Chris Shunk — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saturn

General Motors' bankruptcy filing is only a few days old, but the struggling automaker already seems to be pressing ahead full steam. The General has already announced 14 plant closings, 23,000 more job cuts, 1,300 dealer closings, and a buyer for the Hummer brand. Company CFO Ray Young told reporters at a recent conference call that GM has three buyers interested in Saab and an astonishing 16 suitors for the Saturn brand.

Saturn is likely appealing to investors because it has a right-sized, ready-made, stand alone group of dealerships with a stellar record for good customer service. The terms of any Saturn sale will likely include GM supplying vehicles in the short term until the new buyer can attract vehicles from other automakers. GM hasn't yet revealed any potential Saturn buyers, but names ranging from Roger Penske to Malcolm Bricklin have been discussed as candidates.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: GM says it has 16 buyers interested in Saturn originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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