General Motors previously stated it would continue funding its Saturn brand through the 2012 model year, but an accelerated restructuring plan will cut that relationship short. GM failed to mention when the last GM-sourced Saturn vehicle would roll off the assembly line, but the Detroit automaker confirmed it would be later this year.
In its restructuring plan submitted February 27th, GM assured Saturn dealers and customers funding had been allocated to keep the division up and running through 2011 or the 2012 model year. However, President Obama rejected that viability plan, resulting in further cuts, including the death of the Saturn brand by the end of 2009.
It remains possible Saturn could be sold to another company and continue operating, but the newly-shortened timeframe will undoubtedly put a squeeze on negotiations. “If a sale of Saturn does not occur, we intend to phase out the Saturn brand by the end of 2009,” GM said in its revised plan today. “As a result, our current Viability Plan does not comprehend production and sales to dealers of Saturn products beyond 2009.”
GM also revealed on Monday that it plans to cease production of Hummer models by the end of 2009, with all Pontiac models to follow suit by 2010.
