SaturnFans.com Links

From Knowledge@Wharton: General Motors' decision earlier this month to scrap its Saturn brand triggered frequent retellings of the many ways in which GM missed an opportunity to recast itself and the auto industry. But other manufacturers did adopt some of Saturn's innovations, according to Wharton faculty. Indeed, they say, the Saturn story provides a roadmap for what to do - and what not to do - as the auto industry adjusts to the post-financial crisis world. Wharton Marketing professor Americ...

For most of its brief existence, Saturn has been a great brand in search of a decent product line. Owners actually look forward to visiting Saturn dealerships, which regularly win customer satisfaction awards, even outscoring luxury brands. Saturn's cars and trucks, however, have offered reliable transportation but no thrill from their styling or performance. That could change today.

Getting in touch with Saturn is easier than ever before. You can use any of the methods on this page to reach them.

The company is making a big bet. Rather than scrap the ailing brand, G.M. insists that Saturn can live another day to fend off Toyota and other Asian competitors.

The discovery of a $20 bill in a suit you haven't worn in months is always a pleasant surprise. Right now, General Motors is probably feeling that way about its Saturn division.

The memorable first wave of commercials for Saturn, a U.S.-based brand of General Motors, in 1990 promised a different kind of car company. Saturn was a pet project of GM's chief executive in the 1980s, Roger Smith. It promised a new kind of car with a plastic, dent-resistant body, built with the latest manufacturing techniques and sold haggle-free. It was the kind of out-of-the-box idea intended to win back hundreds of thousands of young car buyers flocking to Toyota and Honda.

Beginning with 2006 models, GM will begin putting its corporate emblem on all Saturn vehicles.

General Motors is relaunching its Saturn small car division with a new family of products, including sports utility vehicles and sports cars, aimed at doubling sales to at least 400,000 units a year by 2007. The 440-strong dealer network of Saturn dealers is to be increased by 100 to cater for the expansion.

Saturn, which has always billed itself as a "different kind of company," is getting less special all the time. And that could finally be its salvation.

Nearly four out of five Saturn customers say they would have bought or leased a non-GM vehicle had Saturn not been available. Over half say they would have chosen an import brand.

How did Saturn become a strong brand in only a few years? What were the key decisions, policies, and programs?

Human beings are social creatures. We need interaction with one another. It's the way we're made. When we meet someone new, we tend either to be drawn to them or to be disinterested for a whole host of reasons (some of which we may not even realize). Over time, however, we develop a continually evolving stable of relationships, some of which last for a lifetime. That human dynamic is the root of brand loyalty as well. Our "relationships" with brands aren't nearly as deep or meaningful as huma...

In the month since its April 7 launch, ImSaturn has attracted nearly 1,500 active members and it hosts more than 70 groups, ranging from Saturn Tuners to Fans of Saturn Advertising and owners of 200,000+ miles Saturns. "It was a bit of an experiment," said Saturn's communications manager, Steve Janisse. "We were looking to capture the Saturn homecoming spirit in an online way. Saturn has open, direct two-way dialogue in its DNA. This is not a marketing site. It's a community." Or it could be bot...

Saturn responds to a NY Times article about the brand's "death."

What makes Saturn really different? On this page are some quotes from Saturn's corporate brochures that help describe their corporate culture. Saturn was founded on several concepts that hold to this very day.