Autoblog

NHTSA could add 1M cars to GM recall

Zach Bowman — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may expand a recall campaign for faulty brake lamps. The agency is currently looking into complaints that certain 2004-2011 Chevrolet Malibu models as well as some 2007-2009 Saturn Aura sedans may have brake lights that do not illuminate when the driver presses the pedal. Alternatively, the lamps may also illuminate without input from the driver. General Motors recalled 8,000 Pontiac G6 models from the 2005 model year for the same problem, and NHTSA is currently investigating whether to add 550,000 more G6 models built between 2005 and 2009 to the list for the same issue.

In addition, investigators are currently examining 97 complaints from Malibu and Aura owners with the same trouble. If NHTSA adds those models to the recall campaign, more than one million units could be covered. GM, meanwhile, says there have been no accidents or injuries as a result of the problem.

NHTSA could add 1M cars to GM recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 67k Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura models in Canada

Zach Bowman — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Safety, Chevrolet, Canada

General Motors is recalling a total of 67,414 sedans in Canada for power steering failures. The campaign covers 2005, 2006 and 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx models as well as Pontiac G6 vehicles. The 2008 Saturn Aura is also included in the recall. Transport Canada says while power steering may fail, drivers will still be able to maintain control of their vehicle with additional steering effort. Owners will be notified of the failure by a chime and an illuminated warning light on the instrument panel.

Neither GM nor Transport Canada is saying what causes the failures, though the automaker has agreed to replace the steering column in 2005 and 2006 models, while 2008 vehicles will receive new power steering motor control modules. You can view the complete recall notice from Transport Canada below for more information. It is unclear whether or not U.S. vehicles will see a similar recall.

Continue reading GM recalling 67k Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura models in Canada

GM recalling 67k Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura models in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 426,000 sedans over faulty transmission shift cable

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:58:00 EST

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

General Motors is recalling some 426,240 sedans that may have a faulty transmission shift cable, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report this morning. The recall concerns a fault within four-speed automatic transmissions equipped on 2007-2010 Saturn Aura models, and 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 models.

The report specifies that tabs on the transmission shift cable may fracture and separate. Such a fault could cause a discrepancy between the actual position of the transmission and the apparent position of the shift lever.

GM is currently working to notify owners of the vehicles in question, and dealers will check and replace shift cables free of charge. Scroll down to read the complete NHTSA report.

Continue reading GM recalling 426,000 sedans over faulty transmission shift cable

GM recalling 426,000 sedans over faulty transmission shift cable originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating GM gearbox issues

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety

The New York Times reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has broadened its investigation into faulty transmissions used in the Saturn Aura. A total of nearly 89,000 vehicles are now being looked at, including 2007-2008 Auras and 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid models. Before the investigation's expansion, about 44,000 units from the 2007 model year were under scrutiny. Multiple crash incidents have been reported, and General Motors apparently says the problem is limited to four-speed automatic transmissions.

According to NHTSA, affected vehicles may not shift correctly, creating a mismatch between the gear selected and the shift lever. For instance, the transmission may stay in Drive, even when the gear lever is moved to the Park or Reverse position. This can lead to some potentially dangerous situations where a vehicle can roll or power away from an unsuspecting driver. The problem seems to be caused by deterioration of the shift cable jacket, which can even lead to a complete loss of shifting.

NHTSA investigating GM gearbox issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:01:00 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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GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn

Citing a defect that can cause a parked vehicle to roll away, General Motors is recalling 277,000 cars and trucks. The models involved, all built for the 2009 model year, may have a loose clip on their transmission shift cable. The failure of the clip to be locked into place may prevent the transmission from moving into Park - even if the driver moves the shift lever into the proper position. GM has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that dealers will inspect the transmission shift cable and replace broken units. Affected models include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura and Saturn Outlook. NHTSA Safety Campaign after the jump.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Continue reading GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The World According to Lutz: fewer brands, more marketing

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

In a moment that makes us want to put on our most pensive face and say "Yes... that's profound...", Bob Lutz has said "It's really much better to have fewer brands, do it well and then market the hell out of them." Specifically, he's talking about the fact that a car like the Saturn Aura -- Saturn's take on the Chevy Malibu -- hasn't done nearly as well as the Malibu. So far this year the Aura trails the Malibu almost 3-to-1. Why? Because the Malibu got pushed out of the gate with a marketing budget somewhere over the $200 million mark, and the Aura didn't. That is why, according to Lutz, "Three years later, people are still saying 'What's an Aura?'"

We know that GM has the talent to get the job done, but it's this kind of self evident thinking (to us, at least, and not a few of our commentators) that makes us wonder what's been going on in the hallowed halls of the RenCen all this time. GM has said that it might try to rebuild Saturn rather than kill it, but with new spending at Saturn put on hold, if they decide to keep it alive, we sincerely hope they will "market the Hell" out of what they rebuild.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

The World According to Lutz: fewer brands, more marketing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn expected to be source of GM growth

Michael Harley — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Saturn

It is tough to keep up a winning streak, as Saturn may soon realize. After boasting a 12.6-percent increase in retail sales, and average transaction prices up by $7,000 compared to the previous year, GM expects their Saturn division to continue their growth for the next five years.

It most likely won't be that easy. Last year, Saturn presented an entirely new model line responsible for the fresh faces pouring into showrooms. This year, things are a bit different. The Saturn Outlook, the slowest selling of GM's three Lambda CUVs, heads into its second year having to compete with now a fourth Lamda-platform crossover, the Chevrolet Traverse. The Saturn Aura, perennially living in the shadow of the Chevy Malibu, carries over with just minor changes for 2008. Even the all-new Saturn Astra, fresh from Europe where it is sold as an Opel, may fight for domestic sales if American buyers don't warm to its Euro-designed interior.

There is hope. As Saturn is GM's "green" outlet, there are a couple of innovative vehicles on the horizon. We can expect to see a Two Mode hybrid Vue by the end of this year which should be followed by a plug-in Vue by 2010.

[Source: Automotive News]

Saturn expected to be source of GM growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM readying $100m Malibu ad campaign

Chris Shunk — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

Click the image above for more high resolution pics of the 2008 Malibu

GM is on the precipice of launching in the next few months three of the most important cars in the entire corporation. The 2008 Corvette and Cadillac CTS have been on the cover of virtually every enthusiast magazine, and us bloggers have been providing consistent updates via the web. The third and least-covered of GM's new models is the 2008 Malibu, but GM isn't taking lightly the importance of Chevrolet's midsize sedan. It's planning on bringing the Malibu to market behind the strength of a $100m ad campaign. With the Malibu set for a November 1 sale date, expect to see plenty of TV spots, radio ads, a print and web campaign, and maybe even some billboards this fall. $100 million is a lot of money (we checked). Toyota used a similarly-sized war chest to launch the Camry last year, and we can expect the Malibu to measure itself against the midsize sales king when it arrives.

While the upgraded Corvette and CTS bring much needed credibility and cash to GM, the Malibu may be the biggest launch of the three. The midsize sedan segment is huge, and GM can add to its retail market share if the Malibu is a success. The General is even planning on cutting fleet sales by half to about 20% of overall sales, which will boost resale values and lower lease prices (or lease incentives) at the same time. While the new Vette and CTS get all the headlines, GM is smart enough to give the Malibu the lion's share of the ad dollars.

[Source: Detroit News]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu

GM readying $100m Malibu ad campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Opel Vectra/2010 Saturn Aura

John Neff — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Saturn, Opel

click above image for more views of this Opel Vectra mule testing in the U.S.

Though they look similar, the current Saturn Aura and its European cousin, the Opel Vectra, do not share the exact same platform as many mistakenly believe. General Motors will correct this when the next-generation of each car arrives, and we've already seen a number of spy shots showing a new Opel Vectra being tested in disguise.

These spy shots we bring you today are no different, except instead of being taken in some far off land, they were taken in Death Valley, U.S.A. This is the first time we've seen the new Vectra being tested in the U.S., and for that matter, with so little covering. It's easy to see through the camo to the Vectra's new styling, which is heavily derivative of the Opel GTC Concept that debuted in Geneva last March. That's fine with us, as the GTC is a stunning coupe concept and adding two more doors has hardly lessened the design's appeal. We particularly like the swoop that starts where the A-pillar meets the base of the windshield and then carves a nice line into the front door. It reminds us of a similar swoop on the rear doors of the Toyota Camry, though with a more subtle and tasteful execution. The size of the front and rear overhand is a little alarming, as we think the design would be served better by pushing the wheels out to the corners, but overall the proportions are right on. The car looks neither heavy nor insubstantial, and it appears wider than the current models, as well.

The next-generation Opel Vectra will debut first, and then around 2010 we'll get our version in the form of a new Saturn Aura. It shouldn't be difficult at all to extrapolate what the next Aura will look like from these pics, as we expect a different grille to be the biggest difference.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: Opel Vectra - spy shots

Spy Shots: Next-gen Opel Vectra/2010 Saturn Aura originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Side-by-Side-by-Side campaign launches

Alex Nunez — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:21:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, GM, Honda, Saturn, Toyota

Over the weekend, we told you about GM's plan to offer comparison test drives of both the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord to Aura shoppers at Saturn dealers nationwide beginning today. Saturn is doing a media push in coordination with the program, which is dubbedthe "Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive." We asked them to show us what they were doing, and they sent over the goods. The TV spot pasted after the jump features a Camry and an Accord being rolled off a transporter onto a Saturn lot, and after they're parked, a red Aura XE gets the closing money shot.

The program has been the subject of much debate in the comments over the last day, but we maintain that this is a ballsy move by Saturn. Like Ford, which touted the Fusion as compared to the same import pair, GM is showing a huge amount of confidence in the Aura by offering full test drives of the the Honda and Toyota at dealers. How well it all pans out is still to be determined, obviously, but we admire the domestics' spunk in taking it directly to their rivals. This is a rough business, and the Aura and the Fusion are trying to do battle in a murderous, unforgivingly competitive segment. The same old strategies (combined with uninspiring old products) haven't worked out, which is why the Toyota and the Honda are midsize leaders on the sales charts. Time for something new -- like this.

If you're a reader and you take part in this program, let us know. You can leave a comment on this post, telling us about the cars the dealer had on hand for the comparo and what your thoughts were after the test drive(s).

Follow the jump to see the new TV commercial.

[Source: Saturn]

Continue reading Saturn Side-by-Side-by-Side campaign launches

Saturn Side-by-Side-by-Side campaign launches originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn dealers to offer Camry, Accord drives to Aura shoppers

Alex Nunez — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Saturn

The reinvigorated Saturn is one of the best things GM's got going right now. May 2007 sales were up 68% over the previous year (what a difference appealing product makes), and overall, it's up 30% YTD versus 2006.

Now comes word from Bloomberg News that starting tomorrow, June 11, all but 5 of the 430 Saturn dealers in the US will offer prospective Aura shoppers comparison test drives in the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. According to Saturn's Lisa Hutchinson, its participating dealers are buying the imports that'll be used for the program, which runs through July 31. GM's showing a lot of confidence in its new products -- remember, Chevy dealers will have Camrys on the floor to compare to the new Malibu when it arrives, too. This is all good, and it could probably be even better. Follow the jump for a bit of editorializing.

[Source: Bloomberg News]

Gallery: 2007 Saturn Aura XR - In the Autoblog Garage

Gallery: 2007 Saturn Aura Geen Line

Continue reading Saturn dealers to offer Camry, Accord drives to Aura shoppers

Saturn dealers to offer Camry, Accord drives to Aura shoppers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line

Alex Nunez — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Sedan, Green, Saturn

Click image for photo gallery

We recently spent a week with Saturn's latest addition to the stable, the Aura Green Line, which afforded us the opportunity to size it up relative to its Aura XR sibling that we tested last year. The Aura XR was impressive, with attractive styling, some real pop underhood courtesy of the 3.6L V6, and a nicely-rounded, comfortable driving experience. A lot of he same basic good stuff carries forward to the Aura Green Line. Autoblog's Aura Hybrid also looked pretty sharp and comported itself well overall. Follow the jump for a brief rundown of some of our observations of the Green Line compared to the XR, and keep an eye on AutoblogGreen in the coming days, as our colleague, Sam Abuelsamid, will be posting a complete full-length review of the car.

Gallery: 2007 Saturn Aura Geen Line

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Opel Vectra, now without camo!

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 23 May 2007 15:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Europe, GM, Saturn, Opel

The new 2008 Opel Vectra is obviously very close to introduction based on how many times it has been turning up at the far end of spy camera lenses lately. The latest images that have appeared show a couple of views of the new car with all the striped mylar photoshopped away to give us a clean look at the first vehicle built on General Motor's Epsilon II platform.

The car pictured here will be appearing stateside in about two years wearing Saturn badges as the new Aura. Variants with different bodies will also appear as the next next Chevy Malibu, Saab 9-3 and 9-5, and possibly even more.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Spy Shots: 2008 Opel Vectra, now without camo! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn kicking butt and taking conquests

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 06:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, GM, Saturn

Saturn has gone from "A different kind of car company" to a much better car company faster than anybody has the right to expect, and all the new products being introduced are starting to result in improved sales numbers. Within one year, the Sky, Aura, and Outlook were introduced, and the Aura provided the cherry on top when it won the 2007 North American car of the year award at the Detroit Auto Show. Once the new hot to trot Astra replaces the asthetically-challenged Ion, the Sky will be the oldest product in Saturn's lineup.

The resulting numbers for Saturn have been very impressive indeed, with a 20-percent bump in 1st quarter 2007 sales versus Q1 2006, and now people that previously didn't give Saturn a thought are buying into GM's newest lineup. In a recent interview with The Car Connection, Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak pointed out that Sky owners have an average family income of over $100,000, while the typical Aura customer is pulling in $79,000 per annum. Those numbers are in stark contrast to the overall lineup, which stands at $63,000 per year. Lajdziak is looking for more success in the second quarter, and with the vastly better-looking than the original Vue coming out very shortly, the news is only getting better for Saturn.

Saturn still has a long way to go in winning over customers, as Aura and Outlook sales haven't exactly been setting the world on fire. After driving the Aura, we'd guess that the biggest obsticle for the COTY is a lack of customer awareness, and additional marketing dollars should help a lot. We've long thought that the Opelization of the Saturn lineup was a great idea, and now it looks like it's actually panning out for GM.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Saturn kicking butt and taking conquests originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Aura named Most Washable Car of 2007

Alex Nunez — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Saturn

Click image for squeaky-clean photo-gallery

The International Carwash Association (International? Who knew?) has named the Saturn Aura the Most Washable Car of 2007. A variety of criteria are used to determine the winner each year, but predictably, items like securely mounted antennas and wipers, flush-mount trim pieces, sleek body lines, and folding mirrors are among those that the judges look for when making the selection (the complete list is in the release pasted after the jump).

The Aura was the car that fit the bill this year, and as luck would have it, we photographed our Autoblog Garage Aura XR test car as it passed through the wash last year. So, enjoy the suddenly-appropriate gallery of the Aura getting cleaned up in honor of its new award. We won't mention that our car lost its little XM sharkfin antenna cover during the depicted scrubdown. Oops! I guess we just did! (No worries: we got it back a short time later, so the story has a happy ending.) Now, we assume Saturn will also be making duplicates of its washing award and shipping them to various Aura owners like it has done with its trophy for 2007 North American Car of the Year. Hey, a win's a win.

[Source: International Carwash Association]

Gallery: The Autoblog Garage Saturn Aura gets washed

Continue reading Saturn Aura named Most Washable Car of 2007

Saturn Aura named Most Washable Car of 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Aura Green Line becomes lowest priced hybrid

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Saturn

The folks at Saturn have finally slapped a sticker on their 2007 Aura Green Line, and at $22,695 (with destination fee) it undercuts the price of every other hybrid on the market. If that wasn't enough incentive to woo would be fuel misers into the dealership, the Green Line also qualifies for the $1,300 federal tax credit.

As a refresher, the hybrid setup in the Aura combines a 2.4L engine to an electric motor/generator to produce 164 HP and 159 lb.-ft. of torque while returning current EPA mileage figures of 28 city/35 highway. The 30-percent increase in mileage over the base Aura is achieved by both shutting off the engine at idle and cutting fuel delivery during deceleration. The Aura GL is considered a "mild" hybrid since the electric motor doesn't move the vehicle on its own or assist the IC engine in acceleration at any time.

You can check Saturn's website for more information or read the press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Saturn Aura Green Line becomes lowest priced hybrid

Saturn Aura Green Line becomes lowest priced hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Auto Show: A conversation with Jill Lajdziak

Alex Nunez — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, GM, Saturn

Saturn general manager Jill Lajdziak's enthusiasm for her brand is infectious. And really, who can blame her? The charismatic and ebullient Ms. Lajdziak is at the helm of a brand that's critical to GM's product-based turnaround plan and which has seen its entire lineup overhauled over a very short timeframe. It's paying off, too. The day before we interviewed her, the Saturn Aura won the North American Car of the Year Award -- beating out both the Honda Fit and Toyota Camry. We aren't necessarily surprised about that -- we raved about the Aura XR that paid a visit to Autoblog Garage last year. Aura's just one part of the story, though.

It's joined by a compelling new crossover in Outlook, a legitimate halo car in the Sky, and will soon see the dated Vue replaced by a stylish replacement courtesy of sister brand Opel. To top it all off, next month in Chicago Jill will pull the wraps off the Saturn Astra hatchbacks. Saturn is a very serious player in multiple segments now, but Jill Lajdziak hasn't lost sight of the brand's roots, either. Read on as she tells us what it's like to oversee such a drastic brand reinvention and how she plans to carry Saturn's existing customers into the new era while winning over new converts who haven't perhaps considered the brand before.

The first question and answer can be found below. Follow the jump for the interview in its entirety.

Jill Lajdziak -- Division General Manager, Saturn
North American International Auto Show
January 8, 2007

Autoblog: Obviously you won the North American Car of the Year award yesterday. Was it unexpected for you? How surprised were you to get that?

Jill Lajdziak: Well, you know what? Tough competition. And so to win versus two very key competitors in the marketplace, we couldn't be more honored. We weren't surprised -- we know we've got a great product on our hands -- but it ultimately comes down to the voting. And I think what makes this award really coveted and really special is it's done by 47 jurors, 47 auto journalists. We have high respect for them, they're the best at what they do, writing about cars and trucks, they evaluate product every day, all manufacturers 365 days a year. They have voted and the have obviously named the Saturn Aura the Car of the Year. We couldn't be more thrilled. And because of that, it's not just one person's opinion, but it's 47 opinions and that's a good endorsement for this brand and it's a great recognition for the kind of product we've brought forward to the marketplace.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: A conversation with Jill Lajdziak

Detroit Auto Show: A conversation with Jill Lajdziak originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jan 2007 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards

Scott Davis — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Truck, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

click image above to view our high-resolution gallery

In a fitting start to a year in which GM promises not to be bumped from the #1 spot, the Chevy Silverado and Saturn Aura have swept the 2007 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards announced this morning at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Chevy Silverado, hot on the heels of its victory in the Motor Trend Truck of the Year contest, beat out the Ford Edge and the Mazda CX-7 to take home the crystal. Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper accepted the award from NACOTY Chairman Tony Swan, thanking the Silverado Team and GM Dealers, as well as both the United Auto Workers and the Canadian Auto Workers responsible for building the Silverado in five North American assembly facilities.

No to be outdone, Saturn general manager Jill Lajdziak shouted, "Yes, yes, yes!" as she quickly made her way to the stage to collect the trophy for winning the 2007 North American Car of the Year award for the new Saturn Aura. The Aura scored high marks with the 49 jurors over the Toyota Camry and Honda Fit, with many of them remarking about the significance of the Aura for General Motors and its lead in the current product revitalization within the Saturn brand.

This is a real coup for GM; and the timing couldn't have been better. Let's hope this win is enough to keep the momentum going within the hallowed halls of Warren, MI.

Check out all the debuts and galleries from the Detroit Auto Show here.

GM sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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