Calendar year 2006 will be very important for Saturn. We will launch the Kappa-based roadster, the mid-size Epsilon and the big brother to the Vue.
Q.What is the future of polymer panels?
A.We will continue to use polymer panels in our current Ion and Vue, where practicality and durability are among the highest priorities of our customers. We will not use polymer panels across the entire product portfolio. For example, the new Relay crossover sport van has a steel body, as it shares architecture with other GM brands.
Q.Sales have dipped slightly. What are your plans for boosting sales?
A.Calendar-year-to-date, Saturn Vue sales increased 18 percent over the same period last year. We are in the ramp up of Ion Red Line and seeing a steady month-over-month sales increase. While Ion sales are off slightly CYTD, I'm confident the improvements being made in the '05 model will help Ion sales.
We have a strategy to increase total brand sales, however, it's still a little too early for me to give you details. As we grow the portfolio and increase the number of retail facilities,
volume will ramp up significantly.
Q.How is Saturn's fleet business?
A.Sometimes we have to make tough calls and I made one recently. We basically got out of the fleet business. That's the right decision for the brand long term. Good brand health is not necessarily having high fleet numbers.
Q.Anything else you'd like to say about Saturn?
A.I'm very optimistic about the future of Saturn. We've made the right product decisions to improve the Ion and Vue, will add a vehicle that seats more than five passengers and double the portfolio over the next 30 months. The combination of great product and the Saturn customer experience will serve our customers well.
