Vehicle shoppers invited to drive Toyota Camry, Honda Accord at Saturn stores in effort to attract Saturn Aura buyers
Saturn is hoping that, when consumers are considering the purchase of a new Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, they take a test drive - at a Saturn retailer.
Starting today, consumers who visit a Saturn store can drive the new 2007 Aura mid-size sedan, the 2007 North American Car of the Year, alongside popularly-equipped versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry as part of its new "Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive" program.
"We are confident that the Saturn Aura compares favorably to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "When people shop for midsize sedans, those two vehicles are popular choices, so we want to make it very easy for consumers to add the Aura to their consideration list."
The Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive program will run at participating Saturn retailers across the United States from June 11 - July 31, 2007. This program, which is available to consumers based on retailer participation, is being supported with a national marketing and advertising campaign.
The television spot can be viewed, starting today, at www.Saturn.com
Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive is the latest effort from Saturn to provide the best vehicle purchase and ownership experience for the automotive customer. Earlier this year, Saturn began offering the At-Home Test Drive program, through which shoppers can request a vehicle to be brought to their home, workplace or other location by their local retailer for a convenient test drive. Customer assistance specialists are also now available for "24/7 Live Chat" on Saturn.com, making it easier for consumers to get information on Saturn products and services quickly from a real person at any time.
About Saturn:
General Motors' Saturn brand markets vehicles in the U.S. and Canada through a network of about 500 retailers, with a focus on providing innovative products with solid value and excellent customer service. In 2006, Saturn undertook a major revitalization of its portfolio with four new vehicles: the Saturn Sky roadster, the Saturn Aura midsize sedan, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid and the larger Saturn Outlook crossover. Saturn continues its aggressive growth plans in 2007, with the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue compact crossover (now available) and the new 2008 Saturn Astra small car (Fall 2007).
About General Motors:
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.
More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com
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Source: Saturn
Saturn is hoping that, when consumers are considering the purchase of a new Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, they take a test drive - at a Saturn retailer.
Starting today, consumers who visit a Saturn store can drive the new 2007 Aura mid-size sedan, the 2007 North American Car of the Year, alongside popularly-equipped versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry as part of its new "Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive" program.
"We are confident that the Saturn Aura compares favorably to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "When people shop for midsize sedans, those two vehicles are popular choices, so we want to make it very easy for consumers to add the Aura to their consideration list."
The Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive program will run at participating Saturn retailers across the United States from June 11 - July 31, 2007. This program, which is available to consumers based on retailer participation, is being supported with a national marketing and advertising campaign.
The television spot can be viewed, starting today, at www.Saturn.com
Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive is the latest effort from Saturn to provide the best vehicle purchase and ownership experience for the automotive customer. Earlier this year, Saturn began offering the At-Home Test Drive program, through which shoppers can request a vehicle to be brought to their home, workplace or other location by their local retailer for a convenient test drive. Customer assistance specialists are also now available for "24/7 Live Chat" on Saturn.com, making it easier for consumers to get information on Saturn products and services quickly from a real person at any time.
About Saturn:
General Motors' Saturn brand markets vehicles in the U.S. and Canada through a network of about 500 retailers, with a focus on providing innovative products with solid value and excellent customer service. In 2006, Saturn undertook a major revitalization of its portfolio with four new vehicles: the Saturn Sky roadster, the Saturn Aura midsize sedan, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid and the larger Saturn Outlook crossover. Saturn continues its aggressive growth plans in 2007, with the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue compact crossover (now available) and the new 2008 Saturn Astra small car (Fall 2007).
About General Motors:
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.
More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com
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Source: Saturn
· Outstanding value: loaded with standard features, technologies and style
· Premium ride quality and segment’s widest range of powertrain offerings
· Comprehensive safety package includes six standard airbags
2008 Saturn Vue (cut away of interior)
GM of Canada announced today that the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue, now available at Saturn retailers across Canada, will start at $26,990 for the front-wheel-drive XE model and $31,275 for the all-wheel-drive XE model. In the up-level XR trim, the front-wheel-drive model begins at $31,335, and the all-wheel-drive at $33,920. Additionally, performance orientated Red Line models are available beginning at $36,020 for the front-wheel-drive and $38,605 for the all-wheel-drive model.
The 2008 Saturn Vue was designed from the ground up to stand out in the highly competitive compact crossover segment. Boasting a wide array of standard features, the base model 2008 Vue offers much more vehicle than its predecessor and does so with enhanced style, outstanding driving character and a lower price when compared to a similarly equipped 2007 model.
“The 2008 Saturn Vue continues the product revitalization at Saturn that has seen four all-new models introduced in the last two years,” said Mike Speranzini, Director of Saturn Canada. “The all-new Saturn Vue is a technically sophisticated and refined crossover that is attractive, safe, versatile and great to drive. Given these strengths and the very competitive pricing that make it an excellent value, we expect to attract new customers with the Saturn Vue and Saturn’s positive customer experience they can count on at our Saturn retailers.”
The 2008 Saturn Vue also features the widest range of powertrain choices in the segment. The XE front-wheel-drive is equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and mated to a four-speed electronically controlled transmission. All-wheel-drive Saturn Vue XE models come equipped with a 3.5L V-6 engine, delivering 222 horsepower and 219 lb.-ft. of torque, offering a broad torque curve with low-end torque for quick acceleration. Saturn Vue XR and Vue Red Line models are powered by GM’s sophisticated, 60-degree dual overhead cam 3.6L V-6 engine with variable valve timing that delivers an impressive 257 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition, Saturn will stay true to its green roots with the continuation of the Green Line hybrid system on the new Saturn Vue model this fall, followed next year with a new front-wheel-drive, V-6 application of GM’s two-mode hybrid technology.
2008 Saturn Vue (cut away of suspension)
The Saturn Vue is designed to deliver excellent ride and handling. At the core of the Saturn Vue’s European-inspired driving character is a stiff, steel body-frame integral structure, augmented by model-specific tuning of spring rates and wheel travel. Front and rear stabilizer bars, MacPherson strut independent front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension, along with a double-isolated engine cradle, add to the smooth, quiet ride. Hydraulic power-assisted steering on V-6 models, standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, standard traction control and standard GM StabiliTrak electronic stability control system provide outstanding vehicle control.
In addition to these handling technologies that help drivers avoid crashes, the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue also helps protect occupants with its high-strength steel structure and a long list of standard crash protection features. Dual-stage front seat air bags, front seat side thorax air bags and rollover capable head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows are standard on all models. Other safety features include front-row dual safety belt pretensioners, disengaging collapsible pedals, active head restraints and automatic door locks. The Saturn Vue even features a standard, segment-exclusive electronic Trailer Sway Control feature.
All Saturn Vue models come standard with the industry’s best coverage and a suite of owner services, including a three-year/60,000 km vehicle warranty, a five-year/160,000 km powertrain warranty, and OnStar with standard one-year Safe & Sound Plan and available Turn-By-Turn voice-activated navigation.
General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is engineering and manufacturing advanced environmental technologies ranging from Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and hybrid systems to E85 biofuel and fuel cell vehicles – more than any other auto company right here in Canada. Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, GMCL employs more than 19,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 743 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac.
Source: Saturn
· Premium ride quality and segment’s widest range of powertrain offerings
· Comprehensive safety package includes six standard airbags
2008 Saturn Vue (cut away of interior)
GM of Canada announced today that the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue, now available at Saturn retailers across Canada, will start at $26,990 for the front-wheel-drive XE model and $31,275 for the all-wheel-drive XE model. In the up-level XR trim, the front-wheel-drive model begins at $31,335, and the all-wheel-drive at $33,920. Additionally, performance orientated Red Line models are available beginning at $36,020 for the front-wheel-drive and $38,605 for the all-wheel-drive model.
The 2008 Saturn Vue was designed from the ground up to stand out in the highly competitive compact crossover segment. Boasting a wide array of standard features, the base model 2008 Vue offers much more vehicle than its predecessor and does so with enhanced style, outstanding driving character and a lower price when compared to a similarly equipped 2007 model.
“The 2008 Saturn Vue continues the product revitalization at Saturn that has seen four all-new models introduced in the last two years,” said Mike Speranzini, Director of Saturn Canada. “The all-new Saturn Vue is a technically sophisticated and refined crossover that is attractive, safe, versatile and great to drive. Given these strengths and the very competitive pricing that make it an excellent value, we expect to attract new customers with the Saturn Vue and Saturn’s positive customer experience they can count on at our Saturn retailers.”
The 2008 Saturn Vue also features the widest range of powertrain choices in the segment. The XE front-wheel-drive is equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and mated to a four-speed electronically controlled transmission. All-wheel-drive Saturn Vue XE models come equipped with a 3.5L V-6 engine, delivering 222 horsepower and 219 lb.-ft. of torque, offering a broad torque curve with low-end torque for quick acceleration. Saturn Vue XR and Vue Red Line models are powered by GM’s sophisticated, 60-degree dual overhead cam 3.6L V-6 engine with variable valve timing that delivers an impressive 257 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition, Saturn will stay true to its green roots with the continuation of the Green Line hybrid system on the new Saturn Vue model this fall, followed next year with a new front-wheel-drive, V-6 application of GM’s two-mode hybrid technology.
2008 Saturn Vue (cut away of suspension)
The Saturn Vue is designed to deliver excellent ride and handling. At the core of the Saturn Vue’s European-inspired driving character is a stiff, steel body-frame integral structure, augmented by model-specific tuning of spring rates and wheel travel. Front and rear stabilizer bars, MacPherson strut independent front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension, along with a double-isolated engine cradle, add to the smooth, quiet ride. Hydraulic power-assisted steering on V-6 models, standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, standard traction control and standard GM StabiliTrak electronic stability control system provide outstanding vehicle control.
In addition to these handling technologies that help drivers avoid crashes, the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue also helps protect occupants with its high-strength steel structure and a long list of standard crash protection features. Dual-stage front seat air bags, front seat side thorax air bags and rollover capable head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows are standard on all models. Other safety features include front-row dual safety belt pretensioners, disengaging collapsible pedals, active head restraints and automatic door locks. The Saturn Vue even features a standard, segment-exclusive electronic Trailer Sway Control feature.
All Saturn Vue models come standard with the industry’s best coverage and a suite of owner services, including a three-year/60,000 km vehicle warranty, a five-year/160,000 km powertrain warranty, and OnStar with standard one-year Safe & Sound Plan and available Turn-By-Turn voice-activated navigation.
General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is engineering and manufacturing advanced environmental technologies ranging from Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and hybrid systems to E85 biofuel and fuel cell vehicles – more than any other auto company right here in Canada. Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, GMCL employs more than 19,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 743 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac.
Source: Saturn
Non-adjusted sales results – May 2007 had 26 selling days vs. May 2006 with 25 selling days
Oshawa, Ontario (June 1, 2007) – For May 2007, General Motors of Canada dealers delivered a total of 45,359 units, up 2.2% over the same month last year.
Marc Comeau, GM of Canada’s vice-president of sales, service, and marketing said, “GM is pleased with our continued growth in May, driven primarily by strong retail sales, up 10.6% overall. Our Chevrolet and Pontiac divisions remain strong with growth in small cars and small utilities and the continued success of our new Oshawa-built Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups.”
Comeau added “But the real big news is Saturn - posting its best sales month in history. The momentum is building at Saturn retailers on the heels of introducing exciting new vehicles like the Saturn Outlook, award winning Saturn Aura sedan and Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid.”
Sales Highlights for May
o Saturn had the best sales month in its history
o Overall retail sales were up 10.6% for the month and 5.1% calendar year-to-date
o Strong performance from small cars like the Chevrolet Aveo and Pontiac Wave and Pontiac Vibe , up 9.4%, 14.9% and 44.9%, respectively
o The award winning Oshawa-built Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups continue to perform well, up a combined 23% for the month
o Small utilities remain strong, with Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn Vue and Chevrolet HHR up a combined 9.7%
o The GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave cross-overs have had a solid start, leading GM to a 42.6% overall increase in mid-size utilities
o The Saab and Cadillac divisions once again posted gains, up 59.5% and 7.8%, respectively
About General Motors of Canada
General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is engineering and manufacturing advanced environmental technologies ranging from Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and hybrid systems to E85 biofuel and fuel cell vehicles – more than any other auto company right here in Canada. Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, GMCL employs more than 19,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 743 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac.
Source: General Motors of Canada
Oshawa, Ontario (June 1, 2007) – For May 2007, General Motors of Canada dealers delivered a total of 45,359 units, up 2.2% over the same month last year.
Marc Comeau, GM of Canada’s vice-president of sales, service, and marketing said, “GM is pleased with our continued growth in May, driven primarily by strong retail sales, up 10.6% overall. Our Chevrolet and Pontiac divisions remain strong with growth in small cars and small utilities and the continued success of our new Oshawa-built Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups.”
Comeau added “But the real big news is Saturn - posting its best sales month in history. The momentum is building at Saturn retailers on the heels of introducing exciting new vehicles like the Saturn Outlook, award winning Saturn Aura sedan and Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid.”
Sales Highlights for May
o Saturn had the best sales month in its history
o Overall retail sales were up 10.6% for the month and 5.1% calendar year-to-date
o Strong performance from small cars like the Chevrolet Aveo and Pontiac Wave and Pontiac Vibe , up 9.4%, 14.9% and 44.9%, respectively
o The award winning Oshawa-built Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups continue to perform well, up a combined 23% for the month
o Small utilities remain strong, with Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn Vue and Chevrolet HHR up a combined 9.7%
o The GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave cross-overs have had a solid start, leading GM to a 42.6% overall increase in mid-size utilities
o The Saab and Cadillac divisions once again posted gains, up 59.5% and 7.8%, respectively
About General Motors of Canada
General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is engineering and manufacturing advanced environmental technologies ranging from Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and hybrid systems to E85 biofuel and fuel cell vehicles – more than any other auto company right here in Canada. Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, GMCL employs more than 19,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 743 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac.
Source: General Motors of Canada
Saturn Sky Red Line to lead five Rock 'n' Roll Marathons
Elite Racing Inc., the leading producer of world-class running events, and Saturn announced an integrated marketing partnership. Through the partnership, Saturn is proud to have the Saturn Sky Red Line take its position at the starting line of the Nashville, San Diego, Virginia Beach, San Jose and Philadelphia Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathons, leading competitors on their 26.2-mile run.
As the Official Vehicle, Saturn will support the races with pace and support vehicles that will handle everything from transporting race officials and staff to leading the marathon runners across the finish line.
“Saturn is excited to be a sponsor and Official Vehicle of five Elite Racing Inc. Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathons,” said Tony Parrottino, national sales promotions manager. “Saturn is in the midst of an exciting revitalization as we expand our product line-up. These new products, demonstrate the new product style of Saturn -- with dynamic designs, refined interiors and fun-to-drive performance. Taking our place at the starting line helps generate awareness for our new vehicles and supports Saturn’s commitment to health and fitness.”
Saturn will display along the course and at the two-day Health and Fitness Expos the lowest-priced hybrid SUV on the market, the 2007 Vue Green Line hybrid and the Aura mid-size sedan, recently named North American Car of the Year. Joining the Vue Green Line hybrid and Aura on display will be the all-new 2008 Vue compact crossover, Outlook and Astra.
Saturn supports marathons and running events throughout the United States, including approximately 100 local 5K, 10K and half marathons as a part of Saturn’s “Driven to Run” program. Saturn also joined Rodale Publishing to provide a Web-based forum for athletes of all levels. It allows them to communicate with each other on the latest health and fitness topics at findyourdetour.com.
“Saturn brings tremendous value to our races,” said Tim Murphy, CEO and founder of Elite Racing. “Its national presence and its focus on quality made Saturn a natural choice. We are very excited that Saturn is bringing its insight, energy and expertise and “gotta have” vehicles to the thousands of runners and supporters of our world-renowned races.”
About Elite Racing Inc.
Elite Racing, Inc. is a sports marketing and management company and leading producer of world-class road racing events for runners and walkers throughout the United States . Its signature musical marathon series began in 1998 with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego, Calif., which will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Sun. June 3, 2007 . Over the past nine years, the company has grown to manage a total of six marathons and half-marathons including the Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, the Philadelphia Distance Run and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathons in Virginia Beach, Va. and San Jose, Calif.
Each event features a live band on entertainment stages, themed water stations and cheerleaders at every mile along the course. Events attract between 11,000 and 35,000 participants.
In addition, Elite Racing also produces the Carlsbad 5000.
For more information about Elite Racing’s events visit www.eliteracing.com
Source: Saturn
Elite Racing Inc., the leading producer of world-class running events, and Saturn announced an integrated marketing partnership. Through the partnership, Saturn is proud to have the Saturn Sky Red Line take its position at the starting line of the Nashville, San Diego, Virginia Beach, San Jose and Philadelphia Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathons, leading competitors on their 26.2-mile run.
As the Official Vehicle, Saturn will support the races with pace and support vehicles that will handle everything from transporting race officials and staff to leading the marathon runners across the finish line.
“Saturn is excited to be a sponsor and Official Vehicle of five Elite Racing Inc. Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathons,” said Tony Parrottino, national sales promotions manager. “Saturn is in the midst of an exciting revitalization as we expand our product line-up. These new products, demonstrate the new product style of Saturn -- with dynamic designs, refined interiors and fun-to-drive performance. Taking our place at the starting line helps generate awareness for our new vehicles and supports Saturn’s commitment to health and fitness.”
Saturn will display along the course and at the two-day Health and Fitness Expos the lowest-priced hybrid SUV on the market, the 2007 Vue Green Line hybrid and the Aura mid-size sedan, recently named North American Car of the Year. Joining the Vue Green Line hybrid and Aura on display will be the all-new 2008 Vue compact crossover, Outlook and Astra.
Saturn supports marathons and running events throughout the United States, including approximately 100 local 5K, 10K and half marathons as a part of Saturn’s “Driven to Run” program. Saturn also joined Rodale Publishing to provide a Web-based forum for athletes of all levels. It allows them to communicate with each other on the latest health and fitness topics at findyourdetour.com.
“Saturn brings tremendous value to our races,” said Tim Murphy, CEO and founder of Elite Racing. “Its national presence and its focus on quality made Saturn a natural choice. We are very excited that Saturn is bringing its insight, energy and expertise and “gotta have” vehicles to the thousands of runners and supporters of our world-renowned races.”
About Elite Racing Inc.
Elite Racing, Inc. is a sports marketing and management company and leading producer of world-class road racing events for runners and walkers throughout the United States . Its signature musical marathon series began in 1998 with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego, Calif., which will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Sun. June 3, 2007 . Over the past nine years, the company has grown to manage a total of six marathons and half-marathons including the Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, the Philadelphia Distance Run and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathons in Virginia Beach, Va. and San Jose, Calif.
Each event features a live band on entertainment stages, themed water stations and cheerleaders at every mile along the course. Events attract between 11,000 and 35,000 participants.
In addition, Elite Racing also produces the Carlsbad 5000.
For more information about Elite Racing’s events visit www.eliteracing.com
Source: Saturn
