Saturn dealers are planning to spin off from General Motors into a new company that will seek to sell third-party vehicles under the Saturn brand, according to an Arizona dealer.
GM said in its latest viability plan submitted to the US government last night Saturn would operate to the end of the current planned life cycle of its products and, if not spun off or sold, possibly to a dealer consortium, would be axed.
Saturn dealers would continue to buy vehicles from GM for as long as they are produced, Dan Januska, the owner of Saturn of Scottsdale, told Dow Jones.
“It’s a good distribution network. If someone comes up with an offer, we’re very open to that.” GM chief executive officer Rick Wagoner told a press conference.
Under the new plan, Januska told the news agency, Saturn dealers would be open to selling vehicles made by Indian or Chinese manufacturers that would be sold as Saturns.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“There are not a whole lot of alternatives,” said Januska, who is on the Saturn Dealer Council.
“Someone is going to see the value of us and I don’t know who it will be.”
Saturn spokesman Steve Janisse declined to comment.