ayton Byrd: “Toyota. Mark my words. Just combine Scion and Saturn into one brand and allow the models going to Scion to be Saturns or Saturn-Scon and get them off of Toyota dealer lots and into their own distribution network.”

You could be on to something.

“I cannot wait for rebadged Camrys.” You don’t have to. Go to your “L—s” dealer and ask for an “ES.”

bdizzlefizzle: you’re mostly dead wrong, but one thing: Tata has Jag and Range Rover, but I’d gather that Saturn has more stores.

cire_1wb: You also could be on to something.

Renault/Nissan could use the distribution network to sell Renaults. This would help the alliance establish Renault in the U.S. as a completely separate make from Nissan (as JakeK66 has pointed out) without the expense of establishing and building a new dealer network. Since Renaults are based on the same basic platforms as Nissan products, it is just a matter of using existing Nissan production facilities (many of which are located in North America) to build these products.

I could see VW utilizing the deal to introduce Seat/Skoda in the U.S. VW is interested in conquering the world and surpassing Toyota. Bringing their Seat/Skoda brands to the U.S. in an established dealer network would help them accomplish their goals to dominate global auto sales with a minimum investment. That would give VW a 3-tier brand hierarchy in the U.S.: Euro affordable (Seat/Skoda), German mainstream (VW), and German luxury (Audi). Just like Renault/Nissan, Seat/Skoda products use the same basic platforms as VW products, it is just a matter of using existing VW production facilities (some of which are or will be based in North America) to build these products.

The only problem I see with PSA Puegeot/Citroen is that they wouldn’t have existing production facilities in North America in which to build their products. The Saturn dealership base would still provide them with a ready-made network in which to distribute their products in North America, though.

If I had to choose a Chinese owned automaker to take over Saturn’s dealerships, then my vote would be for Roewe/MG. I would still prefer one of the three Euro automakers mentioned above, though.

I also agree with jandrews90 that this could be one heck of an April Fools Day joke.

“My guess, this dealer, like most, knows absolutely nothing but thinks he does, or he’s trying to save his business by generating public sentiment that Saturn is safe to buy from. ”

Either that or this is just an April Fools joke.

Why is this so hard to understand?

Fiat may be distributing through Chrysler dealerships within the next month, so it’s not likely to be Fiat/Alfa/Lancia. But if that falls through, who knows?

The press release says “world class partner”, so it’s no Chinese automaker.

I’m thinking it’s likely PSA selling rebadged Peugeots or Citroens.. or less likely, it’s VW Group, who could peddle its Skoda or Seat products through Saturn.

Since Saturn has NOTHING to offer but a meager dealer network, I say Chinese or Indian.

Toyota has dealers already, and they’re quite successful and very well placed. Renault has Nissan, who has a WAY better dealer network than Saturn.

So, why would they ever want Saturn?

Fiat was a possibility, but if they get Chrysler, they don’t need Saturn. Peugot is basically the only major that could be a consideration, and they have toyed with a return to the US. Otherwise, it has to be a Chinese or Indian company, though it could potentially be Proton of Malaysia (not likely).

Looking at the Indians, it’s either Tata or Mahindra. Tata has Jag and Range Rover, so they don’t really need a dealer network. Granted, those dealers aren’t really right to sell the Nano, but Tata already has dealers they could grow into with a new brand like Mercedes is doing with Smart. That leaves Mahindra. I would not dare to say they have ‘world class’ cars, as this dealer suggests. The truck they’re looking at importing is so far from competitive, it isn’t funny.

My guess, this dealer, like most, knows absolutely nothing but thinks he does, or he’s trying to save his business by generating public sentiment that Saturn is safe to buy from. This is just a foolish comment.

Hummer and Saab stand real chances of being bought, but not Saturn. They have absolutely nothing to offer.

I cannot way for rebadged Camrys!

They got nothing and they are trying to boost interest.

I doubt it’s a Chinese or any other non-European/Japanese maker, it would take them too long to get the product ready for the US.

…of course, they offer no cash and lots of liability. So…strike that.