GM hopes to sell Saturn by the end of 2009

That GM would sell Saturn has been floating around for what seems like ages now, but the most recent word from GM on the fate of the brand was that the "resolution" had been bumped up in the schedule to the end of 2009. GM just released a statement about the Saturn sale, saying that, "A number of potential buyers have surfaced and expressed interest in the Saturn brand and retailer network," and that GM hopes "to secure an agreement with a specific buyer later this year." We've asked GM if there is any indication about the fate of the brand's hybrids, especially the plug-in Vue hybrid that was so prominently displayed during the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, but haven't heard a thing yet. To fill the silence, what do you think GM should do?

[Source: GM]

PRESS RELEASE:

GM to proceed with efforts to sell Saturn

DETROIT - 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 from the potential buyers and will look to secure an agreement with a specific buyer later this year. S.J. Girsky&Co. has been retained by GM as advisor for this transaction. Saturn will continue to keep its retailers updated on its progress throughout this process.

About Saturn:
Saturn markets vehicles in the U.S. and Canada through a network of about 400 retailer locations, with a focus on providing innovative products with solid value and excellent customer service. The brand has one of the freshest lineups in the industry: the Sky roadster, the Aura midsize sedan, the Vue compact crossover, the midsize Outlook crossover and Astra compact car. Saturn currently offers two of the most affordable hybrids on the road, the Vue Hybrid and the Aura Hybrid.