GM funds Saturn through 2012

[TinmanMS6]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/x09st_as001_580op.jpg

The good news: Saturns will remain in production until 2012 or 2013... at least. The bad news: the Saturns currently being produced might not get any new updates or engineering before then. That's the bitter and the sweet that GM revealed to Saturn dealers at the NADA conference.

On the warm, fuzzy side of things, dealers are -- for the moment -- just happy to hear that Saturn isn't "going away in 30 days." While on the cold, dark side of reality it's clear that GM doesn't have much money, doesn't know how much it's ultimately going to get in loans, and can't fully fund all of its brands. That means that refreshing and re-engineering the current offerings might have to wait until the crystal ball is a little clearer.

It also means that Saturn could still be killed, it simply won't happen for another three or four years. Saturn's general manager said the brand's future should be known in the next three or four weeks and that the prime directive of the future will be to operate with a profitable business model, which has only happened once in Saturn's 20 years.

[Kymerik]

...Why does saturn even exist still? someone want to explain that to me?

[TinmanMS6]

If they don't redesign anything until 2012, it won't.

[Kymerik]

If they don't redesign anything until 2012, it won't.

thank god.

As much as i love the SKY redline, i dont think they need to be around any longer.

like ive said in other threads, GM should consist of:

Chevrolet
Pontiac (performance only vehicles no rebadged cars)
Cadillac (Lexus-esque luxury)

Saab needs to be let go, which is in the works
Saturn, GMC, Buick, and Hummer need to follow oldsmobile to the boneyard and distance memories of the american automotive boom

[Kain]

Chevrolet
Pontiac (performance only vehicles no rebadged cars)
Cadillac (Lexus-esque luxury)

Agreed, though Pontiac seriously needs to inject a bit more sportiness into their lineup and offer manny trannies for the sport trims of each model. Corvette engines are nice, and so are the Holden chassis, but some of us want to row our own gears.

[mikeyb]

Personally I think GM needs to dump Buick and GMC. GMC needs to be absorbed with Chevy. Inject sportness and excitement into Pontiac even its that means rebadging Holdens and Opels. And as for Saturn they should be the American version of Opel. What is funny I see alot of Hummers up here. Alot of H3s. Why not give them to Chevy as a sub brand?

Chevrolet (back to basic vehicles)
Pontiac (Sports and Performance)
Saturn (VW)
Cadillac (MB, Lexus, BMW, and Infinit ish brand)

[TinmanMS6]

Well, lately they've been giving away H3s for just over $20k, so every douchebag who ever wanted one but could never afford one is probably snapping them up. They're all over here too.

[mikeyb]

Well, lately they've been giving away H3s for just over $20k, so every douchebag who ever wanted one but could never afford one is probably snapping them up. They're all over here too.

I wonder if I should go look at one. The problem is the closest Hummer dealer to me is an hour a way.

[Raynman]

Correct me if I'm wrong, and someone please educate me if I am indeed wrong.

I think the main obstacle to GM dumping under-performing badges is their dealer network contracts. I read somewhere that GM is obligated to "permit each dealer to achieve a reasonable return on investment."

That line opens up GM to a whole mess of liabilities if they start dropping badges.

Stupid? Undoubtedly, in my humblest opinion.

[tunersteve]

I have no idea how GMC made it through their analysis of brands. I understand all they make are trucks and SUVs, but most people buy Chevy and think of Chevy as a truck brand.

I thought Pontiac could really be a great brand again, but they dropped the ball on the G8. The GTO was simply a sign of things to come, and another prelude to failure. I agree that every Pontiac should be offered in a manual, and the GXP line should mean something.

Buick and Cadillac should merge and grow, to eliminate cross-branding, and allow a more upscale brand and a wider age appeal.

Keep Saturn for your small, fuel-efficient cars for young people (like it was in the early to mid 90's) and keep the cost (and features) to a minimum. Basically, take every good idea that Honda and Kia have, 'americanize' it, and sell it as a Saturn.

[nealric]

http://www.ratemyeverything.net/image/7471/0/Epic_Failure.ashx