The Grand Saturn Experiment Continues to Evolve

[Charlie]

A new feeditems entry has been added:

[drupal=3128]The Grand Saturn Experiment Continues to Evolve[/drupal]

Jeff Bodary from the Examiner: Previously I discussed the idea of a business model that separates manufacturing from retailing and distribution. It puts all marketing responsibilities in the hands of the distribution channel and essentially sub-contracts vehicle manufacturing out to one or more automakers.

[VTHokie00SL2]

The image of the brand was one of being American. How is outsourcing manufacturing to companies around the globe preserving that image?

[Robor007]

Originally Posted by VTHokie00SL2

The image of the brand was one of being American. How is outsourcing manufacturing to companies around the globe preserving that image?

Excellent point, Hokie. I know when I was looking for a replacement for my VW I didn't look at this brand or that brand based on where they were made but what suited me best. As it turns out it was a Saturn made in Belgium. At least the money stayed here in the US though, right?

[eRic 02sc2]

terrible idea. what made a Saturn a Saturn in the first place was they built them from raw materials in Spring Hill. Saturn has lost its identity. it's like they want to turn it into the Walmart of auto brands.

[VTHokie00SL2]

You know, I don't even mind global platforms, like the Opel Vectra platform for example which exists here as the Aura, Malibu, and several other vehicles. But what I don't want to see is all engineering and manufacturing capability lost in this country while we import vehicles from foreign based manufacturers, particularly those based in nations like China where there exists an oppressive Communist regime and where environmental standards and worker protections are practically nonexistent.

As for the idea of turning Saturn into a retail outlet that sells a hodgepodge of products from various suppliers, I think it'll be tough to build a solid reputation that way, unless quality and reliability are consistent across the board.

[Kooler King]

If not Wal-Mart, then maybe Billy Mays can sell Saturns with his TV ads?

- If you don't like not having plastic bodies ... we'll give you a "Ding King"

- If your Saturn gets dirty, we'll throw in a box of "Oxy Clean"

- Break off your shifter knob, we'll fix it for you with "Mighty Putty"


" ... but wait there's more, order a new Outlook, and we'll throw in an Astra for free ... you only pay shipping & handling ..."

no wait, it's all a sham ... wow!

[VTHokie00SL2]

I'd pay $19.95 for a Saturn! Well, actually maybe not, but I'd gladly pay $19.95 to not hear Billy Mays shouting at me!

[themrfreeze]

Originally Posted by VTHokie00SL2

But what I don't want to see is all engineering and manufacturing capability lost in this country while we import vehicles from foreign based manufacturers

I don't think that most people in this country would buy a car made in China...at least not at this moment in time. However, how much of a difference is there REALLY between what GM does now, and what Saturn *may* do in the future? Some of GM's cars are designed and built in the US. Others designed here, built in Mexico. Still others designed and built in Korea, designed and built in Europe, or designed in Europe and built here. The cars all, however, have a GM badge on them, and the US system of sales and service stands behind them.