Contrary to what some news outlets are reporting today, General Motors is not closing its Spring Hill, Tennessee manufacturing facility. In its current configuration, the Spring Hill plant is made up of two automobile production lines and a powertrain complex. As part of a major restructuring announcement this morning by GM CEO Rick Wagner, the former Saturn complex will cease production of the compact Ion sedan and quad coupe that are built on "Line 1" at the plant by the end of the 2006 model year. The second production line that builds the Vue sport-utility will remain operational for the near future. Sources tell SaturnFans.com that GM will use the downtime on Line 1 to replace legacy Saturn manufacturing equipment installed in Spring Hill with state-of-the-art GM flexible gear that will give Spring Hill the ability to build a new, unannounced product.

Despite these changes, Saturn will continue to offer a small car in its lineup. Beginning with the 2007 model year, Ion production will reportedly move to Lordstown, Ohio and will be built alongside the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac Pursuit. Despite these changes, Saturn will continue to offer a small car in its lineup. Beginning with the 2007 model year, Ion production will reportedly move to Lordstown, Ohio and will be built alongside the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac Pursuit. Rumors suggest that at that time the "Ion" nameplate will be phased out and replaced with the name "Evoke."

Click here for full coverage of GM's restructuring plans and its impact on the Saturn community.

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