The once long-neglected GM division, Saturn is finally starting to make a comeback . Thanks to an influx of new models that have been supplied by Opel, the division is starting to finally see a surge in sales. Sales increased 20.5 percent during the first quarter of this year, which is a stark contrast to the other domestic automakers.
The new interest in the automaker is being driven by the new Aura, Outlook and Sky. The Saturn Aura was named as North American Car of the Year, which has boosted sales that were flat at the end of 2006.
Saturn also has two new models that are going to be released within the next few months. The all-new Vue and the replacement for the weird looking Ion, the 2008 Saturn Astra should boost sales.
The 2008 Saturn Vue will be one of the division's most important models, due to the fact that the compact crossover segment is the market's fastest-growing niche. The new Vue will have three different powertrain packages, which range from a fuel saving four cylinder to a 3.6L V6 that can tow 3,500 pounds. There will also be a Vue Red Line and a Vue Green Line, which will be a low-cost hybrid. In 2010 the company may also launch a Vue plug-in hybrid, which would be capable of running on the battery alone for extended distances.
It's good to see that one of the GM divisions is doing well.
Full Story: The Car Connection
Related Story: 2008 Saturn Astra
Comments (6)
Ugly, but better looking than almost every car they have now or have ever sold. The 2-door they share with the pontiac is the only decent looking car they have. Looks matter, and I can tell you this is not going to be a top seller.
Posted by Stevek | April 24, 2007 9:03 PM
Posted on April 24, 2007 21:03
I know.
What is with the grill design on the new Saturns...I mean didn't Subaru just drop the facade of the WRX...again?
And the Aura, receiving praise NOT because it's better or even close to equal to an Accord or Camry, but because it's the best product they've ever released lol.
Posted by Noya | April 24, 2007 9:14 PM
Posted on April 24, 2007 21:14
Car and Driver - February '07
Saturn Aura XE beats Toyota Camry LE.
Ouch, sorry.
Get informed, then comment.
Posted by Greg | April 24, 2007 11:13 PM
Posted on April 24, 2007 23:13
Sadly, both those cars you mention rank merely 5 of 8 (camry) and 4 of 6 (saturn).
I wouldn't consider any one of them worthy of arguing over.
Posted by Meh | April 25, 2007 4:41 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 04:41
Yeah, the number one selling passenger car in America isn't worth arguing over.
Granted, a family sedan comparison doesn't exactly get my blood pumping either.
Posted by greg | April 25, 2007 9:36 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 09:36
The VUE enters a hyper-competitive segment, and I don't see any clear advantages over a RAV4 or CX-7.
Ditto with the Astra. I actually think the two-door looks great. My main concern is that the only engine is a 140-horsepower 1.8-liter four. I wrote a blog entry about this, arguing that new entrants shouldn't come to the market without enough power to make enthusiasts take notice.
A lot could depend on how reliable these new products prove to be. I'm currently collecting data on the Aura and Outlook. I'll have results for the Aura in a couple of weeks, and for the Outlook in August.
Details on the research:
http://www.truedelta.com
I hope to also track the new VUE and Astra soon after they debut.
Posted by Michael Karesh | April 25, 2007 1:41 PM
Posted on April 25, 2007 13:41