Late last week General Motors announced that Penske Automotive Group made a successful bid to purchase Saturn, saving GM's youngest division from being cast aside like yesterday's lunch as GM heads into bankruptcy.
Edmunds' AutoObserver talked with Roger Penske on Friday about his plan to sell GM-made models in Saturn showrooms while also shopping the globe for other vehicles to sell. Penske said he then hopes to convince the offshore manufacturers of those vehicles to build them in the United States.
For now, GM will continue to build the Saturn Vue, Outlook and Aura for Penske to sell through Saturn dealers for at least three years.
"Concurrent with that, we'll go around the world to see what products could be brought into this country," Penske said. "Those foreign-made products will begin filtering into Saturn showrooms in 12-18 months."
Inside Line news: Penske Opens Up About His Plans for Saturn
iancar says:
02:31 PM, 06/ 8/09
Will anyone buy Saturn (Peugeot)207, Saturn(KTM) X-Bow, or Saturn (Mitsuoka) Orochi?
firstwagon says:
02:44 PM, 06/ 8/09
Why not? There are all types of cool and interesting cars around the world that we never see.
Nice to have something different to choose from.
cwc1 says:
05:47 PM, 06/ 8/09
Speaking of Peugeots, it's a bit to late, but I would love to have had the chance to buy the previous generation 406 coupe in the US. I think that one was styled by Pininfarina.
estreka says:
06:28 PM, 06/ 8/09
Personally, I love the idea. I'd buy a Saturn Integra or a Saturn Cliosport.
flicmod says:
05:29 AM, 06/ 9/09
Talk about capitalism at work! This is exactly what would happen to the liquidated assets of Chrysler and (the rest of) GM if the government weren't getting their hands all over it. Liquidation is the best way of keeping people working while increasing productivity. Not saying this will be 100% successful, but another chance at succeeding is better than anything. This deal will specifically increase competition by possibly bringing other foreign cars to the US that previously weren't here before.
Penske's knowledge in the racing world will help the brand over the long-term. I'm glad he's building a base by focusing on volume and quality products initially. Should prove interesting.
cwc1 says:
05:41 PM, 06/ 9/09
Penske has been pretty successful in his business ventures, so he could be the guy to make this successful as well.