I already miss Saturn
57I just heard the news
I just heard that Penske will not be buying Saturn, and that they will sadly be shutting down the brand.
As a proud Saturn owner for the last 4 years, I am sad imagining that one day, I will go to buy a new car and Saturn will no longer be an option. Worse, I think it is a sign of the misplaced priorities of the automotive industry.
My SL1 gets 30 mph in the city. 30 mph! On the highway it approaches something like 40 and makes a mockery of all those hybrid "green" vehicles who can barely achieve that with batteries and an electric motor.
Just when the auto industry needs to be making more cars like the SL1, GM turned Saturn into a SUV/sports-car brand only to abandon it when their plan didn't work. Here's an idea, go back to the original plan. Make affordable, high-quality, gas-efficient cars. You don't have to call them Saturns, but someone needs to be producing this product.
When I was looking for a car four years ago, I looked at Hondas and Toyotas only to be priced out of the market. In Saturn, I found the same durability without the cost.
It's a sad day for Saturn, sure, but I fear it's an even worse day for common sense.
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
I am kind of confused by the decision. I thought Pontiac was doing a lot worse but, I don't have statistics. I never owned or wanted a Saturn. but, they did seem well made and efficient.
They do seem like good vehicles. Very safe in a crash, no rusty body panels, mostly sensible pricing program, built in USA. GM never figured out how to leverage their advantages. I worked for GM when the brand was launched in the early 80's. I vividly recall the media blitz back then.
A thought: is the Saturn Plant unionized? If so, why doesn't the UAW step in and save the deal? They now own the good parts of GM anyway. They can afford it.
Good question, nicomp. I would love to see a white knight save this company. It would be even better if it were saved by its own workers.
maven101 says:
3 months ago
I agree totally...common sense is an endangered species everywhere you look, read, and hear...Looking on the positive side, you will have a classic, last of its kind, and like artists, when they die they are suddenly worth a lot of money...keep the Saturn, give it to your kids, like an investment for their future...I still drive my 65 MGB, getting 37 MPG average...my son gets it next year if he promises to maintain it and pass on to my grandson...Larry