This is yet another example of the legacy GM will leave when it dissolves into a stinking, rusting heap of rubble. GM didn't have the fortitude to stand up to the inside petty jealousies that wanted to nuke Saturn. GM really killed Saturn in the early 90's when it severely curtailed its financial support for the brave new world. It's ploy to use Opels as new Saturn products was a loser from its inception and ran counter to the Saturn Mission. The dysfunctional GM management squandered its billions for decades, producing unreliable, uninspired junk. Unfortunately, the USA loses in the long run.
Can we maybe merge my post at http://priuschat.com/forums/other-cars/69839-gm-close-saturn-sale-penske-collapses.html with this thread?
Three of us had a chance to drive a Saturn VUE, two-mode back in January. A GM product engineer brought one over to the Cobo Center and three of us hopped in drove over to an island and everyone drove laps. Given how few two-mode hybrids GM sells, this was probably my one and only time to ride and drive one. There was at least 4-5 inches of snow and the road was still packed, no pavement. So we each drove the ~4-5 mile loop, pretty much in hybrid mode the whole time. My impression was a fine Ford Escape and because of the snow, not really a time to exercise the 200+ hp gas engine. I'd spoken with my GM friend at supper and he told me that 'management' directed the word "HYBRID" be on the doors. This was when some folks were going on late-night TV programs and still claiming that hybrids are a 'statement' or a 'life-style.' He was appalled as was I. All I could share was my experience with General Electric, a large company that worked hard to put themselves out of business. The signature was a company that alienated their most productive workers at all levels and pursued 'day dream' projects. I'd shared that it is almost a mental illness that infects management and when it is recognized, it is time to look for the exit. So since January, the Saturn VUE two-mode project was killed and now the Saturn division is going to the dust-bin of history. The chief GM engineer of hybrids and electric cars has stepped out of the reach of GM management ... and Lutz is back. Bob Wilson ps. I'd sent a PM to my friend and suggested other towns that are friendly to engineers.
That's more likely than anyone taking over the toxic stew they turned many of their multi acre sites into. New GM Shirks Responsibility for Old Toxic Dumps and Mercury Disposal | Hybrid Cars Evan as GM uses tax dollars to say how green they are. Oh the irony.
