Automotive News reports that the midsize Opel Antara sport-utility vehicle concept, unveiled today at the Frankfurt International Auto Show, is indeed the next generation Saturn Vue.

GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz revealed at a media preview that the Antara "will be identical to the future Saturn Vue." While the next Vue is still "a few years away," sources tell SaturnFans.com that a four-door version will also be offered. Automotive News says General Motors of Europe reportedly engineered the vehicle with "U.S. production in mind, both in terms of U.S. regulations and plant assembly." Lutz added that General Motors "can build it in a U.S. plant, and it will be identical."

Moving forward, Saturn and Opel will co-develop vehicles. Some of them will be developed in Europe, some in the United States. "The difference between Opel and Vauxhall in Europe and Saturn in the U.S. was a difference that wasn't producing any benefits for us," Lutz said. Saturn has been "a brand in search of a design identity," he said. With the Saturn's upcoming Sky roadster, Aura midsize sedan, and now the Antara/Vue, Saturn certainly found an intriguing design theme.

The redesigned Vue will debut next spring at the New York International Auto Show, which is 12 to 16 months before production will start on the new SUV. Contrary to recent reports, the next-generation Vue will be built in the U.S., and possibly even in the former Saturn manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tennesee. The Opel Antara, on the other hand, will be built in Korea and imported into Europe.

View photos of the Opel Antara concept.

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Source: Automotive News