Matt recently submitted photos of his new 2008 Saturn Sky Red Line Carbon Flash Special Edition. "You really cannot appreciate the color of the Sky in the pictures," he said to me in an email. "The Sky is fully loaded with 5-speed auto, monsoon stereo, and 6-disc CD changer."

Saturn retail sales rose 9% in June, thanks in part to a special zero-percent financing sale that the brand offered during the last week of the month. However, overall sales for the month of June were down 12.8% compared to last year due to the sales gap created by the discontinued Ion sedan and quad coupe.

Saturn and General Motors are extending the zero-percent "72 Hour Sale" on select 2008 models that proved to be a successful way to boost sales in the last week of June.

Please check your retailer for the most up-to-date prices. All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices and do not include taxes, title, license fees, or optional equipment. Each retail facility is responsible for setting it's own selling price. Saturn may change prices, equipment, and specifications at any time without notice. The prices shown below were effective as of June 23, 2008.

Earlier this week, Mark LaNeve, General Motors vice president of vehicle sales, service, and marketing told GM dealers, Saturn retailers, and the media about a new 0% promotion, the company's evolving production plans, and a 3.5% price increase.

Yesterday General Motors announced a series of initiatives designed to jumpstart June sales of its 2008 models, and grow volume in certain key segments of the marketplace. To boost sales, the company plans a "72 Hour Sale" with 0% financing and cash back opportunities on "over 80%" of its vehicles, according to Automotive News.

Saturn's popular Sky roadster, the first Saturn model in the brand's aggressive product renaissance, emphasizes a bold, European-inspired look and fun, responsive driving. The affordable performance roadster enters its third model year of wooing enthusiasts who want a sports car that doesn't break the bank.

Last week I posted a Saturn "family photo", and some folks commented that they wished the cars weren't all painted in the same silver hue. Here's another picture of Saturn's 2008 collection of vehicles that was featured in the company's Yahoo front-page takeover ad last week.

Last week, on June 11th to be more specific, Saturn once again "took over" the front page of Yahoo.com with an impressive, interactive advertisement promoting its 2008 lineup. Saturn's digital ads on Yahoo have evolved over the past few months, and this particular one is the best by far.

Saturn posted a brief overview on its ImSaturn website last week previewing the "significant" changes for '09. Here are a few highlights we can look forward to seeing in the coming weeks and months.