What an awesome transformation for Saturn of Fort Wayne! Check out the new company that is occupying the old space. And read the whole story that follows!
GoShichi
Ft. Wayne firm gives disabled drivers more options
by Melissa Reurink on February 28th, 2010
By KEVIN LEININGER–Associated Press
Tom Kelley never thought he’d lose his Saturn dealership, any more than Steve [...]
ImSaturn, Saturn’s own social networking site, has moved its operations over to SaturnFans.com. With the impending end of Saturn, I guess the folks at ImSaturn felt strongly enough about its members that it has moved all its stuff over to SaturnFans.com.
Slowly but surely, Saturn as we have all known it will soon be nothing but [...]
With all the Saturn stores closing, owners will need someplace to get their Saturns repaired.
Never fear: GM has a plan! (Shocking, I know!)
They will have Saturn Authorized shops that can take care of your Saturns! Maybe not the warm, fuzzy feeling you used to get when you visited your friends at Saturn of Wherever, but [...]
Saturn stores are closing left and right. And some of those stores will try and stay open to sell used cars or maybe even get another franchise.
But here is the sad and scary truth: When these stores close or switch from selling new Saturns, they will shut down the corporation that owns them. Shutting down [...]
Freda Lockhart, a Cadillac and Saturn dealer from Indianapolis, died this week. She was 83.
Lockhart was the first female Cadillac and Saturn dealer in the country and was heavliy involved in her community. She will be missed.
See the whole story ** HERE **
And done goes another!
Saturn of Southlake in Morrow, GA (just south of Atlanta) has shut it’s doors for good. The Saturn logo has been painted over or removed from the property and they sold all their special tools and their phone number to the GM dealer across the street.
The service folks are just out of [...]
Saturn of Marietta and Union City have announced that they are closing as of January 4th. They will move their Saturn service and parts operations to Capital Buick-GMC (it is owned by the same folks).
Marietta was one of the first stores in the country to open. The Bridges are great folks and everyone I know [...]
The one store that I really cared about closed its doors on Friday.
Saturn of Fort Wayne in good old Fort Wayne, Indiana was my first store. I started there in May, 1991, which seems like a lifetime ago. We had a decent crew to start out. The GM was handed the store mainly because they [...]
Seems the Renault/Nissan didn’t want the increased competition. Who can blame them? Competition from your own products hasn’t worked for GM, why would it work for Nissan?
See the whole story from Automotive News * HERE *
Here are some random thoughts regarding what Saturn is now and what it will be:
1. I have heard that several stores are going to try to just “hang in there” and sell used cars. Now, to be fair, most Saturn stores are just used car stores with a Saturn sign. They are really just like [...]
A woman from Atlanta thought she won a new car.
When Angela Thorne went to Saturn of Marietta, she went with a key in hand to try her luck on the magic box in the showroom. In went the key and on went the lights! She Won!!!
Well, maybe not.
Seems in the small print, there are several [...]
Motors Holding Company (ie: The “Bad” GM) has announced Saturn’s official last day.
It will be October 31, 2010. That is the last day that retailers can submit warranty claims or get any support whatsoever from Saturn.
Now, this does not mean that your local Saturn retailer will be open that long. On the contrary, I would [...]
Here are some links to the latest stories regarding Saturn’s demise. Many have quotes from retailers, team members, and Congressmen. Check them all out:
* Tennessee *
* Saturn Owners *
Wall Street Journal
TheStreet.com
San Francisco
The Huffington Post
Steve Parker - The Huffington Post
Here is a story about Saturn of Michiana, a Saturn retailer in Mishawaka, IN. The owner, Mike Leep, is one of the good guys in the car business. I have known Mike for almost 20 years and he truly believes in taking care of his people!
Check out the article * HERE *
After several months of speculation that Roger Penske would be Saturn’s Savior, he has decided that taking over a brand that is damaged beyond repair is something even he does not want to tackle.
Am I surprised? A bit. I thought Roger was going to give it a shot.
Everyone will blame this on the unnamed manufacturer, [...]
GM Launches 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee;
Offer Bolsters Campaign to Earn Consumer Confidence
· ‘May the Best Car Win’ marketing effort demonstrates GM’s confidence
in the quality, durability of its cars, trucks and crossovers
· 60-day Satisfaction Guarantee covers 2009 and 2010 Model Year vehicles
· Builds on 100,000-mile/five-year powertrain warranty
· Covers all vehicles sold by Chevrolet, Buick, GMC [...]
GM is still looking for a hook to get buyers into their showrooms. In August, it was Cash for Clunkers. Since the government money ran out, they are going to try something revolutionary! A money back guarantee.
No wait! Didn’t they try this before?? And haven’t we heard from GM brass that it was a bad [...]
Follow this link to see the full line of 2009 Saturns:
2009 Saturn Brochures
This is an interesting article that examines the GM Orphans: Saturn, Saab and Hummer and tries to determine if they can really be viable in the automotive world without GM’s support.
See it * HERE *
Have you ever tried to break-up with someone and they say “no” to you. There was a Seinfeld episode where George is trying to break up with a woman and she won’t go away. It looks like this is what Saturn of London in Canada is doing.
Roger Penske has decided he does not want Saturn [...]
Saturn of Dundee in suburban Chicago has shut down. Saturn of Dundee was owned by Lou Sobh, a mega-dealer based in Atlanta, GA. Sobh also owns several other Saturn stores. Customers have been directed to Saturn of Schaumberg.
It is sad for the area. The store has been part of the revitalization of the area. Hopefully [...]
Roger Penske has decided that his new Saturn venture will only be happening in the U.S. That leaves the few Canada retailers out in the cold (so to speak!).
Check out the local story about Saturn of Kamloops and be sure to check out the picture of the retailer…he does not look happy!!! But why should [...]
The story from GM was that Buick would be getting the VUE and the VUE plug-in hybrid. This all made sense. GM had rebadged a VUE to look like a Buick and Buick needed a vehicle that would target people younger than 60 (their current average age).
But in an about-face, GM has killed the “VUE-ick” [...]
Great article from Motor Trend looking at the future of Saturn under the control of Roger Penske. I wonder how many Saturn owners really care that Saturns may be all foreign made in the next few years. I guess for a lot of them, as long as they continue to get the great service they [...]
Here is video of Tom Kelley, Saturn retailer from Fort Wayne, IN talking about the Penske/Saturn deal. I used to work for TK. He has always been in the “know” when it comes to Saturn and GM.
According to The Chosun Ilbo, Roger Penske is evaluating the SM3 that is built by Renault Samsung. It would be a replacement for the ION/ASTRA.
Roger has to get working because Saturn is now without a small car. And GM will cease production on the AURA, VUE and OUTLOOK in 2011. It will take some time [...]
After several weeks of no information, Roger Penske finally speaks specifically about the Saturn deal.
“We’ve said that our goal is to close this transaction by the end of September, and we’re prepared to do that,” he said.
And it looks like GM will continue to build the AURA, OUTLOOK and VUE through 2011. I just don’t [...]
Consumer Reports puts their customer-focused spin on buying a Saturn, Hummer or Saab.
All in all, they take the position of “Buyer Beware”.
The whole article is here: Buy a Saturn??
Saturn of Charleston has earned the GM 2008 Mark of Excellence Award! Way to go guys!!
Here is the whole story: Mark of Excellence
Beginning sometime in the next couple of weeks, GM will be promoting the final closeout of Saturn vehicles that it produced for its retailers. They want to clear the decks of any GM/Saturn vehicles in anticipation of Penske/Saturn vehicles.
So, there will probably be some great deals to be had later this summer.
Here is the kicker, [...]
Check out his comment that was left here on TheSaturnBlog.com. Jerry has every right to be upset with Saturn. He was sold a vehicle that was a problem from the start and no one to help him when it went BANG!
Sorry Jerry! (I am guessing that was the first apology you have received!)
Jerry Says:
June 26, [...]
Introducing the newest Transformer: It turns from a Saturn retail facility into a Kia dealership!
It seems that in many markets, former Saturn stores are the perfect location for a new Kia franchise. The stores are already set up for one brand and they are spread out enough that you don’t have dealers tripping over each [...]
And here goes another!
Saturn of Naples is shutting down as of today. The other two stores owned by Bob Goodman, Saturn of Fort Myers and Coral Springs, will continue operations. Customers will be directed towards those two stores for warranty repairs.
Goodman says in the interview that the value of the real estate outweighed the income [...]
There is some confusion about the Saturn/GM warranty.
Can you go to any GM dealer? Maybe. Do you have to go to a Saturn retailer? Maybe.
Following is a story from Consumer Reports. In it they say that if you have a Saturn, you are supposed to go to a Saturn retailer for warranty worrk unless it [...]
And another one is gone.
Looks like Roger Penske cannot stop the current closings of Saturn retailers just by saying he is going to take over. A couple of articles both regarding Saturn of Carbondale in Illinois.
One is just your basic “Out of Business” article, while the other has some quotes from the retailer. You gotta [...]
Interesting article that looks at where the new Saturns will come from and how “American” they may be.
Will Penske really be good for Saturn? Or is he just in this to line his own pocket. Many “Saturn Fans” think he is saving Saturn for Saturn’s sake. I am not so sure.
** Mixed Feelings **
Check out my friends over at SaturnPlace.com. They have some great info regarding Saturn.
SaturnPlace.com
For all the kudos given to GM for selling Saturn so it can live to fight another day (against GM, by the way), the writer of the following article articulates very well the problems GM and Roger Penske will have with Saturn going forward.
GM has new competition and Penske has a damaged brand.
Check it out [...]
Do you think Jill Ladjiak wil continue to be the GM for the Saturn brand? Or anyone else in senior Saturn management for that matter?
I am sure that GM would love to be able to dump these white collar folks on Roger but I don’t think he will be as willing to take them. I [...]
I would really like to see the new dealer agreements that Penske will offer to the remaining 350 retailers. I think that Penske can and will put whatever parameters in the agreement that he feels necessary.
Like:
1. The amount of advertising dollars a retailer will HAVE to spend each month and year. A new venture like [...]
The rumor has been in the news for a few weeks but now is it official: Roger Penske, who runs PAG (Penske Auto Group), will be taking over the Saturn brand, which includes the brands, trademarks, service and parts operations and distribution.
According to reports, Penske will offer each of the remaining 350 or so US [...]
With all the Saturn retailers closing, I am a bit troubled when one so close to me closes and I don’t even know it. Saturn of Macon has closed its doors. The current owners had been in there for about 2 year or so. I guess they didn’t see that they were going to make [...]
I am getting tired of hearing about stores closing! The latest is Saturn of Olympia in Washington. They are cutting Saturn loose because they don’t want to happen to them what has happened to so many Chrysler dealers…..once the Corporation files for Chapter 11 protection, the dealer agreements are null and void.
This means that the [...]
The whole “Saturn can survive” thing has been pretty much outsiders who are saying they are interested. Now, an article has surfaced that has two VERY prominent Saturn retailers climbing into bed with Roger Penske. This might just work. I think all the retailers will need to have a financial stake in the new company [...]
Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD) has announced that it is closing Saturn of Cedar Rapids on May 13th. Lithia Motors also owns Saturn of Southwest Oregon. A call to Southwest Oregon asking if they are closing also was responded to with a “Oh, we will be around for a long time.”
Lithia Motors owns dealerships in 13 states [...]
Saturn of New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell will all close May 13th. This means that New Orleans will have no Saturn retailers at all! This is a huge blow to the Saturn network!!! How can any car manufacturer/distributor not have a presence in one of the largest markets in the U.S.???
If Saturn survives, they will [...]
Shocker!
Who is their right mind thought Saturn would get the newest VUE Hybrid??? Probably some SaturnFans!
Look, the deal is that GM is severing ties with Saturn. That means no more new GM products or technology. And for those people who think that GM will build Saturns on a contract basis, get your head out of [...]
Four more stores have decided to shut down, most citing the economy and Saturn’s uncertain future.
However, there is a an interesting quote from the owner of Saturn of Salisbury. He is saying that the closing of his store may be temporary. If the economy turns around and if Saturn actually gets a real partner to [...]
If Saturn gets sold off, will the current retailers still be able to service current Saturns and perform warranty work? GM has all their dealerships on the Global Warranty system. Would GM really want a non-GM dealer doing warranty work?
Doesn’t it seem that the goodwill Saturn has with its current owners would be totally ruined [...]
GM has supposedly confirmed the rumors that Saturn will be sold rather than closed completely.
GM’s press release:
General Motors is proceeding to the next step with respect to the sale of Saturn. A number of potential buyers have surfaced and expressed interest in the Saturn brand and retailer network. GM will be reviewing expressions of interest [...]
Ok, so when you buy a rental car, you know that it has probably been ragged out by whoever was driving it. It has most definately been smoked in. Drinks spilled and probably thrown up in!
But you expect that the rental agency has at least maintained the vehicle, right? Guess again!
Check out the whole story [...]
According to the Detroit News, folks are already hitting Saturn and Pontiac lots looking for “fire-sale” type deals. But, they will probably not find them…….yet. Oh, the deals will come, but not until much closer to the end date that GM has chosen.
Oldsmobile had 2 years left when the announcement was made that they were [...]
And the hits just keep on coming!
GM announced today that Saturn will cease operations as of the end of this year…..2-3 years earlier than expected. They will build the last Saturn’s by the end of 2009 according to Fritz Henderson, GM CEO (and long-time Saturn-hater).
Wow! I expected that GM would shut down Saturn but I [...]
I think spoofs are some of the funniest things people put together.
Here is a very interesting article regarding the number of Saturn retailers that are closing their doors.
Jeff Lundquist, who closed Saturn of Corpus Christi after 15 years said: ”The reason that I went with Saturn was that Saturn was everything GM was not,” he said. “Saturn was refreshing, Saturn was straightforward, and it was different. Today [...]
This is an article from Automotive News. Saturn retailers are hurting big time! There are fewer than 400 remaining. How much longer can the rest hold out????
Jamie LaReau
Automotive News
April 13, 2009 - 12:01 am ET
DETROIT — Despite pleas from Saturn executives to hang on, dealerships are closing at a steady rate.
Many customers are giving up [...]
It was bad enough when GM decided to make the Saturn plant in Spring Hill a facility where Chevy builds the Traverse. But now there is talk of closing the plant entirely. And the main reason: It is too far away from Detroit. That was the whole idea behind having the plant in Tennessee in [...]
And here goes another one!
Saturn of Findlay in Findlay, OH has stopped selling new Saturns. They will continue to sell used cars out the location. I think that is what will happen to many stores if Saturn continues down the path it is on. The problem is that there is nothing that seems to be [...]
So the Retailer from Saturn of Danbury seems to know what the next move for Saturn is. Does he really or has someone taken a few words and turned them into a story? The article follows so you can read for yourself. Saturn is in trouble. It does not matter who “owns” them. They need [...]
Saturn of Santa Maria is the latest in a string of Saturn retailers shutting down.
Here is the story: ** HERE **
Saturn of Eugene is set to close on March 30th.
Lithia Motors has decided that the Saturn business in Eugene, OR is not strong enough for Saturn of Eugene to stay in business.
Saturn will not have to shut down it’s operation…..the retailers who have struggled to keep Saturn alive are uninviting themselves from the Saturn business.
Bergstrom Automotive has announced it is closing 4 of his Wisconsin stores. This is unbelievable! Bergstrom is one of Saturn’s shining stars. If he wants out, it is real bad for those who are left!
Here is the news story: * HERE *
Here are 2 more Saturn retailers who have decided to pack it in. This is really getting bad. Remember: these are the best retailers GM could find. How bad must it be for the bottom tier guys with Chevy and BPG stores?
Saturn of Northwest Arkansas closing article: * HERE *
and
Saturn of Stockton closing article: [...]
Here is a copy of the letter I got from the Saturn General Manager, Jill Lajdziak. She actually believes that Saturn can and will survive. I hope so but……..
Dear Charles:
Saturn owners have never been shy about sharing their thoughts regarding our brand. So when I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago to tell [...]
Another Saturn retailer has had enough. Saturn of Tyler has closed its doors.
I am sure there are many more to follow.
See the story * HERE *
So GM announced that they are looking to spin Saturn off into its own orbit.
I just don’t see this working!
Saturn had the best of both worlds when it launched in the early 90’s. It had GM’s money, design teams, facilities, and people. But it had almost total independence! Saturn could do what it wanted. A [...]
GMInsidenews.com is reporting that Saturn will indeed die, similar to Oldsmobile.
Very sad…..
Here is the story: *Saturn Reportedly Dead*
Here are two more Saturn retailers that have decided to call it quits. It has to be an awful decision to build a business and then, because of things that are out of your control, have to shut them down.
GM, you chose Saturn retailers very carefully. I can’t believe you are just letting them die [...]
Unfortunately, another Saturn retailer has closed.
Saturn of Gwinnett closed up shop on Saturday. They have a message when you call that says they are closed and will not reopen. If you have a car there, leave a message and they will make arrangements to get it back to you.
It is really too bad. I spent [...]
I have heard that there are several Saturn Retailers who are quite upset with GM and Saturn for the current state of their business. Here is a story of one Retailer who is just trying to survive and The General is having issues with him! And this particular Retailer has been one of Saturn’s shining [...]
Looks like GM has promised that Saturn may exist until 2012 or 2013. I can’t imagine how they are going to be able to compete with VERY outdated product. I think GM is still trying to starve out it’s retailers so there are not so many to pay off when the brand goes to Oldsmobile-heaven.
Check [...]
What really gets me about this is how this dude drove home with the dead guy LODGED in his back window and did not know he was there! At least we have another Saturn owner off the road!
Check out the story ** HERE **
Following is a link to a website called ForeverSaturn. It is by a very passionate Saturn owner/employee. Check it out for yourself.
GM has not been committed to the Saturn brand for many years, if ever. The leadership at GM now are folks who worked for Chevy and Oldsmobile when the Saturn concept was being hatched. They all wanted GM marketing, manufacturing [...]
You just have to laugh when thieves get caught because they did something stupid. Not only did the thief get run over twice by the get-away car, but also dropped a personal check at the scene.
C’mon! If you are gonna put in the time to figure out how to steal from someone, do it right!
Story [...]
I haven’t posted in awhile because I found myself out of a job just before Thanksgiving. Wouldn’t you think that would have made it easier to blog rather than harder???
Anyway, there has been alot going on in regards to Saturn over the past couple of months. There were two stories that came out today that [...]
The eco-friendly crossover is set to make headlines again, this time at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. General Motors will present a modified version of the Saturn VUE Hybrid developed together with Sound Choice and Performance.
Full story and picture at ** LINK **
Looks like the 2-mode hybrid VUE will be a reality.
Here is a great article from someone who has driven it. A V6 with hybrid technology. AWESOME!!!
Check it out at ** VUE 2-Mode Hybrid **
Watch for a new series from CBS!
It will follow four female friends who head off on adventures inspired by classic novels, reaching far-flung destinations in their Saturn vehicles.
Check out the whole story ** Saturn and CBS **
I found another good ASTRA review. If Saturn would just promote this car a little, I think there would be lots of people interested in it. Unfortunately, we are still in the “If you build it, he will come” advertising black-out.
Check out the article from “TireKicker” here: * ASTRA Review *
Great Balls of Fire!
What really amazes me about this story is that they actually used the word “fire”. I kinda expected “thermal event” or “rapid conflagration” or even “heat related incident”.
The notices to VUE owners should go out sometime in October.
See the whole story at this ** LINK **
I love when there is good news about our vehicles…..especially ones that I own! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the Saturn OUTLOOK (and it’s siblings) a top safety pick.
Check out more from ConsumerReports.org at this ** LINK **
As you may have heard, the VTi transmissions Saturn used in the VUE and ION have always had problems. Well, looks like there is some relief for those who have had (or will have) problems.
Saturn’s official position:
Media Coverage on Preliminary Class Action Settlement
Jill Lajdziak
09/12/2008
You may have seen press coverage regarding the preliminary approval of a [...]
Wonder of wonders, the ASTRA is too expensive?? Of course it is! Here is an article from AutoBlog.com with comments from Bob Lutz…. Very Telling!
Story at ** ASTRA Too Expensive! **
We have some great products: SKY, AURA, ASTRA, OUTLOOK, and VUE. Problem is that no one knows we have them. We are still thought of as a car company that has small cars. Saturn and GM’s role should be to build our brand as one of, not just a small car, but a great buying [...]
Saturn has announced Employee Pricing for Everyone again!
It will begin on Wednesday August 20 and runs through September 2, 2008. It is on all 2008 Saturns including the OUTLOOK, AURA, VUE, ASTRA, and SKY. It is also available on the Hybrids (if you can find one!)
Will it get extended?? We’ll see. This should be a [...]
I have just topped 2000 miles on my 2008 Saturn ASTRA.
I have been really trying with this last tankfull to get the best mileage I can get: coasting when I can, shutting off the engine at lights I know will take several minutes and not running the AC if I can help it.
The result: I [...]
In today’s Wall Street Journal, there is an interesting article about GM’s future and specifically the future of Saturn.
“GM recently froze development work on a new Saturn Aura sedan, the brand’s flagship model, while management reviews whether it makes sense to continue investing in the division, people familiar with the matter said. Scrapping work on [...]
The 2008 VUE, AURA, & OUTLOOK have been added to the latest list from Consumer Guide. The OUTLOOK has been named a “Best Buy” and the VUE and AURA are on their “Recommended” list.
Check out the stories here: ++ VUE ++ and ** OUTLOOK ** and == AURA ==
Here is a great article showing just how committed Saturn of Northwest Indiana is to its local area.
Full story at **LINK**
Here are some sites that I have come across that specialize in Saturn. Saturn accessories, warranties, parts, and general information.
Saturn Accessories: http://www.saturnaccessories.com/
Saturn Extended Warranties: http://www.saturnextendedwarranty.com/
Saturn Auctions: http://www.saturnplace.com/
As expected, the “72 Hour Sale” becomes the 144 hour sale. 0% for up to 72 months on 2008 VUE, AURA, and SKY has been extended through July 7th. I know there are very few 4 cylinders left out there in the AURA and VUE but with no interest for the life of the loan, [...]
Here is a story from GM Inside News (gminsidenews.com) about the upcoming 2010 Saturn AURA. This seems to be a very odd thing to happen.
Full Story at **LINK**
From CNNMoney.com:
“Voted “Car of the Year” at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show shortly after it was introduced, the Aura is truly deserving of all the accolades it’s gotten.”
Story Continued: **HERE**.
Saturn has announced 0% for 72 months on the 2008 AURA, VUE, and SKY. (not including hybrids).
This is the 72 hour sale and it lasts until June 30th.
Now is the time!!!!
A great article from USA Today about the ASTRA.
Check it out here: Read Article.
So, what is Saturn’s future? I don’t have any real idea, but it is a bit disconcerting when we have no advertising at all for our only “small” car.
Also, all of our cars and trucks have siblings within GM. That just means that if GM shuts down Saturn tomorrow, there would be no [...]
Check out this story about a guy who tried to run down a cop in his Saturn. Can a 2004 Saturn really be considered a deadly weapon?? Most of it is plastic!!
Story at link: http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_9606213?nclick_check=1
Saturn has decided to drop the GreenLine moniker for its hybrids.
Check out the story here: http://wot.motortrend.com/6256971/auto-news/saturn-dropping-green-line-hybrid-model-name/index.html
Here are some links to both Fortune and Forbes articles that have run recently regarding Saturn. Most are not at all positive.
Will Saturn survive? Will GM shut it down or will it just starve it? And not starving it of product but of promotion. Time will tell!
Notice in some of the older articles, the mood [...]
