Autoblog

Honda wins Commercial of the Decade, but not for the ad you think [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Honda, Saturn, Volkswagen

Honda's Commercial of the Decade: "Grrr" - Click above to watch video

The mad men at Adweek recently voted for the Commercial of the Decade (Super Bowl commercials not included) and Honda took top honors over memorable ads from the last ten years by companies like Nike, Budweiser and Sony. That's not a big surprise considering Honda often puts a huge amount of effort into its on-air spots. However, the Japanese automaker didn't win for the commercial you might have expected: "Cog." Though Honda's famous commercial that breaks down a European Accord Tourer into a Rube Goldberg-esque machine was also a finalist, it was beaten by another Honda commercial called "Grrr" that's narrated by Garrison Keillor of all people. You've probably never seen it, but you can after the jump.

Volkswagen also made the list of finalists, but the particular ad chosen out of all the comical VW ads we've seen was unexpected as well. Most surprising carmaker with a commercial in the finals: Saturn. Who knew...

Just for fun we've put all 27 commercials after the break with the auto-related ones at the top, so you can enjoy the swear jar, the creepy-funky Philips clowns, a "rabbit panther thingy with turbines on ice," and the most sad-but-hilarious IKEA commercial we've ever seen. As a bonus we included the Gears of War commercial since we think it deserves a mention, and because it's almost the weekend and it doesn't always have to be about cars, does it? Follow the jump for the ad-fest.

[Source: Adweek]

Continue reading Honda wins Commercial of the Decade, but not for the ad you think [w/VIDEO]

Honda wins Commercial of the Decade, but not for the ad you think [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Kia, Rumormill

2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

As General Motors' Saturn brand ushers its owners toward orphan-make status, at least one company is swooping in to pick at the bones of its carcass. Kia has been doing well lately, unlike nearly everyone else, its sales actually grew this year. The brand has been adding dealers by picking up ex-Saturn stores and looks to continue building market share in the East, as well as in selected large cities on the West Coast. Kia's VP of sales, Tom Loveless tells Automotive News there has been no concerted plan to go after Saturn dealers, they just happen to be in the markets Kia wants to expand into, and that some ex-Hummer and Chrysler dealers have joined, as well.

More interesting than tales of dealer signage changes is what may be coming product-wise. The Soul and Forte have been getting attention, and more new stuff is on the way as the 2011 Sorento drops in January. The Optima and Sportage both get the re-do treatment for 2011, and a hybrid lands in 2012. To counter the geek-chic of battery power, word is the sharp-looking Forte Koup might get an iron lung hung off its engine, making it the brand's first turbocharged car. Loveless seems open to the idea, calling it "a natural extension, if it makes financial sense." Word.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: All GM brands to go on sale this week

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

The holidays are coming and everything must go! So says GM's VP of sales Susan Docherty. "All of our efforts will be to sell down our remaining 2009 inventory." Docherty is expecting all the 2009 cars to be cleared out by January, 2010. The big sales, starting this week, each get their own names. Chevy is having a "Red Tag Sale," Buick-GMC are going with "Holiday Event" and tip of the top Caddy is using, "Seasons Best."

As it happens, that's right about the time that Pontiac and Saturn are set to wander off into the sunset -- for good. As of right now, there's only about 10,000 Pontiacs and 8,000 Saturns left on dealer lots. "We're actually winding down those products quicker than we had anticipated," said Docherty. Curiously, there's no mention of what GM will be calling the Pontiac and Saturn sales, though "Get 'Em While They're On Fire!" has a certain ring to it.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Scott Olson/Getty]

REPORT: All GM brands to go on sale this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:33:00 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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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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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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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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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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Telesto Ventures' bid for GM's Saturn division thick with Chrysler talent

Dan Roth — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saturn, Earnings/Financials

The General Motors appendage known as Saturn is scheduled to be scalpeled off sooner rather than later. What happens to the mass once it has been removed from its host is still uncertain, though there are apparently groups interested in the shiny metal entrails. GM has reportedly whittled the roster of buyers it might let Saturn go to down to two or three, says a source at The Detroit News. One of the few that hasn't been culled is Telesto Ventures, which has put its auto team together.

Heavy with ex-Chrysler people, Telesto's group counts former design head Tom Gale (right) among its numbers. The ex-Auburn-Hillers bring big experience to Telesto's attempt to snag Saturn from among the small pool of bidders, and the group believes that Saturn under the leadership of Telesto's team can have a significant effect on the auto industry. It's not yet clear who's got the most attractive bid for Chrysler, and Telesto's got to compete with the likes of Roger Penske and Magna - the latter of which apparently already has the inside track on Opel.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Jeff Kowalski/AFP/Getty]

Telesto Ventures' bid for GM's Saturn division thick with Chrysler talent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Samsung looks to be most likely supplier to a Penske-owned Saturn

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 26 May 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Saturn, Renault

As the bidding to take over over the Saturn brand from General Motors nears its conclusion, it looks increasingly likely that Roger Penske will walk away with the "prize." Regardless of who takes control, all Penske is slated to receive is a network of dealers and a brand name. GM has already announced it will cease producing new Saturn cars at the end of June 2009, which means the new owner will have to line up another company to provide products for those 380-odd stores. One of the rumors making the rounds is Renault would be a supplier, however, as GM learned trying to import the Astra from Europe, importing cars from the continent is not a viable business plan under current exchange rates. It turns out the supply of vehicles could come from Renault Samsung Motors, the small South Korean maker that's 80% owned by Renault. That's a plan that could be financially viable with vehicles based on shared Renault-Nissan platforms. Hyundai has demonstrated that South Korea can produce quality products and priced aggressively as Saturns.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Samsung looks to be most likely supplier to a Penske-owned Saturn originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi interested in supplying Saturn dealers?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Saturn

Regardless of what entity General Motors eventually unloads its network of 380 Saturn dealerships upon, it's not planning to continue supplying vehicles to the displaced automaker past 2011 at the latest. This being the case, the majority of prospective Saturn bidders will need to find an alternate source for cars and trucks to stock its newly purchased showroom floors. But who?

According to The Detroit News, both Mitsubishi and Nissan are in talks with various parties that are considering making a bid for Saturn. Of those two options, Mitsubishi seems to make a bit more sense as it only has about 430 dealerships in the U.S. and it is therefore not nearly as well represented as Nissan. However, Nissan has a much deeper product portfolio and it already demonstrated that it is capable of selling in significantly higher sales volumes. At this point, it's unclear whether the Nissan or Mitsubishi-supplied vehicles would be badged and sold as Saturns, but given Mitsubishi's damaged reputation in the States (save the Evo), selling its wares under a brand with a reputation for strong customer service and ownership satisfaction could be just the opening it needs to find success in the U.S. market.

In related news, the DetNews is also reporting that the list of potential bidders for Saturn has been whittled down to "two or three," which likely includes Penske Automotive Group, Magna International and investor group Telesto Ventures.

[Source: Detroit News]

Mitsubishi interested in supplying Saturn dealers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Chrysler Pres. Tom LaSorda to advise Penske on Saturn sale

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Saturn, Earnings/Financials

Penske Automotive Group has reportedly contracted the services of former Chrysler President Tom LaSorda, who left the automaker when it filed for Chapter 11 protection on April 30th, to advise it on its possible bid to purchase the Saturn brand from current parent General Motors. Up until the year 2000 when he joined Chrysler, LaSorda had been an executive at GM.

Earlier this month, Roger Penske, CEO of the second largest dealership group in the U.S., said that his company was interested in future opportunities with the Saturn brand. According to the Detroit News, Joe Serra and David Fischer, two Saturn dealership owners from Michigan, are partnering with Penske on the bid.

Rival bidders for Saturn may also include investor group Telesto Ventures with backing from Black Oak Partners LLC and French automaker Renault. As it currently stands, GM plans to continue providing vehicles to Saturn dealerships until the end of 2011.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Ex-Chrysler Pres. Tom LaSorda to advise Penske on Saturn sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked: 2010 Opel Astra gets early web reveal

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Green, Hatchback

2010 Opel Astra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Opel's Astra hasn't exactly gone down a storm here in the U.S. while wearing a Saturn badge, but the four-cylinder econocar lineup is pivotal stuff in Europe, and the next-generation model could still find its way to America - even if it doesn't wear a planetary badge.

Regardless of whether or not a stateside version is in the cards, the 2010 Astra seen here is massively important. Based on General Motors' Delta platform (whose basic architecture underpins the Chevrolet Cruze and forthcoming Volt), the sixth-generation Astra will take the fight to cars like Volkswagen's Golf and Ford's Focus powered by a range of four-cylinder engines. According to CarScoop, the Astra will be available with a normally aspirated 1.4-liter gasoline inline-four, but turbocharged variants will also be available, offering between 120- to 140 horsepower and 175 to 200 Nm of torque (129 - 148 pound-feet). More power will reportedly come in the form of a 180 hp 1.6-liter turbo motor. Naturally, being a European offering, a range of diesels will also be available, including 1.3-, 1.7- and 2.0 -liter variants. A particularly miserly ecoFLEX variant is also expected in 2010.

If CarScoop's sources are right, the five-door Astra will hit showrooms in the autumn, with a three-door GTC Coupe fastback to follow. A wagon, four-door sedan, and a retractable hardtop model are expected to fill out the range thereafter.

The 2010 Astra is expected to see its official debut at this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show, where we'll be sure to have our cameras primed and waiting.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra

[Source: CarScoop]

Leaked: 2010 Opel Astra gets early web reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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