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While arguably closely related to the rumored SUT, Saturn is expected to offer a pickup truck version its upcoming SUV for the 2004 model year.

The freshened 2003 Saturn L series that goes on sale this summer probably will be the final version of that vehicle. Gene Stefanyshyn, GM's vehicle line executive for North American mid-sized cars, says Saturn is in line for a mid-sized vehicle on the Epsilon architecture. But it won't be a sedan and most likely will ditch the L-series name.

General Motors aims to get more competitive in the mid-sized market by paring its model count and putting more marketing resources behind its volume nameplates. For instance, it is bringing its lower mid-range entry, the Chevrolet Malibu, to market one full year ahead of schedule, likely in the 2004 model year. Introduced in the 1997 model year, the Malibu is aging amid freshened competitors from Japan.

Opel's new Vectra compares well with the VW Passat and Ford Mondeo. It is both amazing and depressing that Detroit automakers have taken so long to realize the importance of good handling in mainstream cars.

Both Saturn and Honda are best known for economy cars, and both have missed much of the decade-old U.S. truck boom for lack of trucks and truck-like models.

The Saturn pickup truck, code-named GMT316 according to sources, has not yet been approved and is still a long-shot for production. Saturn is looking at many different options right now beyond the SUV using the Theta platform.

Wescast has been chosen to supply machined iron exhaust manifolds for GM's new Electron and High Value V6 engine programs. These engines will be featured in various Epsilon and mid-luxury class vehicles starting in 2003.