As part of its new, more aggressive restructuring plan General Motors is speeding up the phase out of Saturn. Instead of shutting down in 2012 as previously stated, they will now end production after this year. Automotive News reports:
General Motors plans to build the last Saturn vehicles this year, two years earlier than first envisioned, as it speeds up efforts to shed dealerships and divisions, CEO Fritz Henderson said today.
The Saturn brand still may survive if GM can sell it to another automaker or investor, but GM no longer will build vehicles for Saturn after the 2009 model year, Henderson said on a conference call.
There are several parties interested in buying Saturn, including a private equity firm that is working with a group of Saturn dealerships.