Autoblog

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

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

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

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, GM, Saturn

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

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

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

Gallery: First Drive: Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

[Source: General Motors]

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

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

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

Filed under: GM, Saturn, Earnings/Financials

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

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

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

[Source: General Motors]

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

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

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BREAKING: GM reportedly agrees to sell Saturn to Penske

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

Filed under: Car Buying, GM, Saturn

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

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

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

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

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REPORT: Suzuki XL7 production put on "indefinite hold"

Chris Paukert — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, GM, Suzuki

According to Automotive News, Suzuki has elected to halt production of its only North American-built model, the slow-selling three-row XL7 crossover. Blaming the nation's subprime loan crisis, Suzuki spokesman Hideo Kojima has confirmed that no additional examples of the America-only model will roll off out of General Motors' CAMI joint-venture facility in Ingersoll, Ontario. The plant is still operational, however, continuing to produce other GM vehicles for the remainder of the model year.

Given GM's dire financial state, you might expect for Suzuki to be worried about the future of the their arrangement, but apparently that isn't so. AN quotes CEO Osamu Suzuki as saying: "The possibility that CAMI would be forced into closure or a production stop is 120 percent impossible... it is a central pillar in the reconstruction plan, so I am not worried about it."

So while there may be a paucity of new kabuki-faced XL7s headed out onto North America's roads, Suzuki apparently believes that their joint venture with GM will find a way to carry on.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

REPORT: Suzuki XL7 production put on "indefinite hold" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

Alex Nunez — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, GM, Saturn, First Drives

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

We attended the New York-area "GM Collection" event this week, which is basically an opportunity for journalists to drive a variety of 2009 models up at Bear Mountain, an hour or so outside Manhattan. What we didn't know going in was that GM would bring along three production-spec examples of the '09 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and that this would be the first opportunity to take the new gas-electric 'ute for a spin. Bear in mind that this impression is based on about 25 minutes of shared time with the car (we buddied up with Jalopnik's Wes Siler). The official full-dog-and-pony-show media launch event is set to take place in December, and we'll be on hand for that as well. For now though, follow the jump to see some initial impressions of the new Saturn hybrid.

Gallery: First Drive: Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn drops Green Line name from hybrids

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Saturn

The Saturn Green Line is no longer. In its stead, the planetary brand's hybrid models will simply be known as hybrids. We think this is a good idea considering that the word 'hybrid' is much more readily associated with saving gas than the Green Line moniker. According to Mike Morrissey, a Saturn spokesman, "It was simply a practical matter. As we expand our hybrid lineup, the names were getting a bit long. It's hard to write a short sentence about the Saturn Vue Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid." Amen to that. Though the Green Line name will disappear, the performance version of Saturn's models will retain their Red Line badges.

Saturn's current ~~green~~ line of hybrids includes two models, the Aura and the Vue, both equipped with the so-called "mild hybrid" system that is not capable of moving the vehicle under electric power alone. Next year, a version of the Vue utility vehicle will be offered with a system derived from what is currently available in the Tahoe and Yukon full-sizers known as the 2-Mode. That model will be a full hybrid and should return much better mileage than the current Vue hybrid, which is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.

[Source: Kicking Tires]
Saturn drops Green Line name from hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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$2.3 million VUE would get GM back in black in a hurry

Alex Nunez — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Crossover, Saturn, Humor
Typos...they happen. Sometimes, however, they're pretty funny and this is one of those times. Saturn of Oxford Valley, a Pennsylvania dealer, has apparently (and unwittingly) decided to either lead the GM mothership into a new profit renaissance or set a new standard for dealer markups, as this listing for a 2008 Saturn Vue XE suggests. We like the new Vues; they're nice -- just not two-million-dollars-nice. Sheesh, we shudder to think what dealers in that area are going to ask for the Shelby GT500KR and Dodge Challenger SRT8 now that even Vues have seven-figure price tags. Thanks for the link, Dennis.

[Source: Saturn of Oxford Valley]
$2.3 million VUE would get GM back in black in a hurry originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Saturn officially hip, launches blog and social networking site

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Saturn, Lifestyle
GM is working hard to ensure that its newest automotive division, Saturn, is considered cool, hip and edgy. In this day and age, that means the interwebs, specifically a blog and social networking site. According to a post by Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak on GM's FastLane blog, www.ImSaturn.com will feature news about Saturn along with photos and videos you haven't seen anywhere else. Like other social networking sites, you can join in on the fun by starting or joining groups where people with like-interests gather together and talk. The first 400 members get a free t-shirt, but if you want one you'd better hurry 'cause there are already 300-plus members.

What uber-hip marketing strategy would be complete without internet speak? Saturn's got that covered too. I M Saturn and U R 2!

[Source: I M Saturn]
Saturn officially hip, launches blog and social networking site originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Canadian Car of the Year winners announced

Chris Shunk — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Supercars, BMW, GM, Honda, Mini

Every year the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) pick the top new vehicles by category to give their Canadian comrades a reference point for potential purchases. The AJAC tested 177 vehicles in an event at Niagra they call "Test Fest" to come up with their final list, which you can find after the jump.

Even though Canadians have different automotive tastes than us Yanks, they seem to like many of the same cars we do. The AJAC picked the Audi R8 as its "Most Coveted Vehicle", the Honda Accord was honored as best family car, and the Audi S5 took honors for best sports car over $50,000, all of which are fine picks with us. We do, however, question the Nissan Rogue as Best New SUV/CUV under $35,000. It's also interesting to note that no Toyotas made the final list of 12, and GM was the only U.S. domestic to hit the list, impressively taking four categories.

[Source: Auto North]
Continue reading Canadian Car of the Year winners announced
Canadian Car of the Year winners announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Professional Grade Rebadge: GMC Terrain debuts in Kuwait

John Neff — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, GMC, Misc. Auto Shows

click above image to enlarge

Ever wonder what a rebadged version of the Saturn Vue, which is already a rebadged version of the Euro-only Opel Antara, would look like? Wonder no more, as GMC unveiled just such a vehicle earlier this month at the Dubai Motor Show called the Terrain. Since we missed that show (next year it's Dubai or bust, baby!), we had to wait until the Terrain showed up at the Kuwait International Automobile Exhibition 2007 this week for GMC to release an official image of the vehicle. The Terrain is GMC's first compact CUV ever and will be sold at least in the Middle East; we've not heard any plans about possible exporting it to additional markets.

Truth be told, the Terrain is pretty handsome. We find that the simple cues of GMC's design language look good when applied to a blank canvas like this little CUV or the brand's Lambda-based CUV, the Acadia. While we know the Terrain is earmarked for the Middle East, we're curious to learn whether or not it's also being considered for sale in the U.S. With three different versions of the larger Lambda CUV on sale in the U.S., what would be the harm in giving the Saturn VUE an identical twin?

[Source: GM via egmcartech]
Continue reading Professional Grade Rebadge: GMC Terrain debuts in Kuwait
Professional Grade Rebadge: GMC Terrain debuts in Kuwait originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Review: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line

Alex Nunez — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, GM, Saturn

2008 Saturn Vue Red Line - Click above for high-res image gallery

The introduction of the 2008 Saturn Vue is the latest element of the Saturn's ongoing product overhaul. In the wake of the Sky, Aura, and Outlook, we had high expectations for the all-new Vue. Gone are the outgoing model's clunky styling, cheesy faux grille, plastacular body panels and ho-hum street presence. In its place, we're given a smart-looking, well-packaged Opel Antara clone that's positioned as an obvious step up from its predecessor. Sure, the old Vue had some things going for it -- after its last facelift it had a decent-looking interior, and despite its outward visual shortcomings, it offered plenty of useful cargo room -- but it just wasn't very exciting in the grand scheme of things. Its departure is decidedly unlamented, and we eagerly accepted the keys when GM entrusted us with a spanking-new Vue Red Line for a week. Read on to see how well the newest Saturn lives up to the hype.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line

All photos Copyright (C)2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Review: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line
Review: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line

Alex Nunez — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 12:17:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Saturn

Click image for full review at AutoblogGreen

Did we say Autoblog Garage? We meant to say AutoblogGreen Garage, because that's where we've posted our thoughts about Saturn's first hybrid vehicle. Yes, it still sports the "classic" plastic-fantastic bodywork. No, it can't run in all-electric mode. But despite its age, silly faux radiator grille, and the fact that its current powertrain isn't of the fancy-schmancy Toyota or Ford variety, there's still quite a bit to like about the lame-duck Vue in Green Line trim. Our full thoughts about the ride are at AutoblogGreen, so please be sure to head over and check out the review in its entirety.
In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Jan 2007 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Saturn Vue to be unveiled in L.A.

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 13:17:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Saturn

In his latest blog post, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz talks about Saturn. And more specifically, the new Saturn Vue. Bob tells us that the new CUV will launch at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. The PreVue concept that was shown in New York in April was a good preview (pun definitely intended), but even better was seeing the Opel Antara at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Just like the Saturn Aura, itself a mildly reworked corporate cousin from Opel, there are high hopes for the new Vue. The Aura sedan has apparently been getting terrific reviews besides our own. And knowing that, Saturn is relying on another solid starting point in the Antara, although Lutz assures us the Vue "will remain Saturn, through and through." Well, if the new definition of a Saturn is a wonderful badge-engineered vehicle that smartly meets the needs of buyers and enthusiasts, then yes. Follow the jump for a pic of the PreVue and more of the story.

[Source: GM FastLane Blog]
Continue reading Saturn Vue to be unveiled in L.A.
Saturn Vue to be unveiled in L.A. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Nov 2006 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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AutoblogGreen for 06.01.06

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 06:07:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green
Your daily wrap-up of stories from yesterday's AutoblogGreen. It was an international day, with three stories coming from Down Under.

Toyota recalls about 320,000 Priuses
Saturn Vue delivers best SUV highway fuel economy
Australia bans two types of plants that were going to be used to make biodiesel
Dublin Bus shifts to biodiesel at start of European Union Green Week
Lack of government support for biodiesel could mean trouble ahead
Australian government funding fuel efficient vehicle development
High gas prices here to stay, says IMF managing director
The American Spectator on drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Alternative Powertrain Research: Argonne's Mobile Automotive Technology Testbed
Shell invests in coal to diesel in Australia
AutoblogGreen for 06.01.06 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 06:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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"Like always," Saturn unveils new advertising campaign

Joel Arellano — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Saturn
"Like always, like never before."

Sibling site Adjab reports that Saturn will be taking a different tactic in marketing its new vehicles: the Aura, Outlook, and Sky. According to the linked article Brandweek, the marketing campaign will be promoting all the vehicles as a unit with the "Like...." tagline instead of, just the Sky roadster, for example. The advertising company that developed the campaign feels it better reflects Saturn's 'togetherness' philosophy.

Will it work? Certainly the division's products are becoming more compelling, but Saturn has clearly moved away from its brandspace as the egalitarian small car company 'with a heart of gold' into a world of 8-passenger crossovers and such. Critics argue that the brand's identity is becoming very muddy in its quest to enter other segments and find profitability, and that the "Like..." campaign is a tad disingenous. Who's right? Have your say in comments.

[Sources: Adjab, Brandweek]
"Like always," Saturn unveils new advertising campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions

Chris Paukert — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, New York Auto Show, Trends, I.C.E., Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi's first Outlander unwittingly lived up to its name, operating on the fringes of mainstream SUVdom, largely failing to cross-over to the widespread success of competitors like Ford's Escape and Honda's CR-V. It wasn't that it was a horrible vehicle, but it didn't offer much in the way of Unique Selling Points (USPs), save its love/hate front clip. But judging by our first exposure to the new-for-2007 iteration, the Outlander's luck may be about to change.

Significantly larger and more powerful than the first-generation model, the Outlander has undergone a Toyota RAV4-esque plus sizing. It now offers more interior room, including an optional flip up third-row. There's reason to hope that it will be a good handler, as well. Based on new architecture that will underpin the next-generation Lancer (and more importantly for enthusiasts, the coming Evolution), the Outlander rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track, and uniquely, makes use of an aluminum roof to lower its center of gravity.

(Dozens of photos, original commentary full press releases and specs after the jump!)
Continue reading New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions
New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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