Saturn Drives For Growth With All-New Ion, Redesigned L-Series, VUE Sport Utility

August 13, 2002

DETROIT The 2003 model year marks a critical turning point in Saturn's drive to broaden its product line and grow the brand. The highlight is the introduction of the all-new Saturn ION sedan and quad coupe. In addition, Saturn's L-Series receives a major update for 2003. And the Saturn VUE compact sport utility, which originally debuted as a 2002 model, continues to have strong sales. The Saturn brand has put together several strong back-to-back sales months and continues marketplace momentum.

"This is the dawn of a new day for Saturn," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn's vice president for sales, service and marketing. "Saturn's unique approach to customer enthusiasm has helped create a loyal customer base. Now, with our strongest product lineup ever, Saturn has what it takes to attract even more new customers to the brand."

Saturn's primary role within GM remains the same - to bring in "plus business." About 79 percent of Saturn buyers say they would have otherwise bought a non-GM product. The Saturn VUE and ION also play important roles in GM's overall strategy to attract more entry-level customers. As part of this effort to reach young customers, Saturn has developed extensive lines of retailer-installed accessories that allow VUE and ION owners to customize their vehicles.

The ION will replace the pioneering S-Series and is designed to re-energize the small-car segment. The four-door sedan will debut in the fourth quarter of 2002, followed by introduction of the quad coupe in early 2003. The quad coupe is so named because it features rear-access doors (RADs) on both the driver and passenger sides. This industry first adds more functionality while retaining the coupe's sporty looks.

The new models were designed to be extremely fun to drive and compete head-on with the best cars in the segment, by offering customizable looks, innovative features and surprising sophistication for the small-car segment. Among the customer-friendly features are a larger exterior, more interior room, and responsive, sporty handling.

2003 ION Engine

Among the segment-leading innovations on the ION are electric power steering, a center-mounted instrument cluster, three state-of-the-art transmissions including the VTi variable transmission, and the Ecotec 2.2-liter, dual overhead cam powerplant that provides more standard horsepower than competitors.

"Personal accents" kits make it easy for customers to customize their ION vehicles. Exterior customization kits include interchangeable roof rails that are color-coordinated with interior trim kits consisting of bezels for the center-mounted instrument panel, shifter and HVAC control panel.

The redesigned 2003 L-Series sedan and wagon offer a more commanding and refined exterior appearance and a more sophisticated interior environment. Combined with a host of evolutionary improvements made over the past three years, the enhancements make the L-Series a more attractive choice than ever in the midsize segment.

The Saturn VUE offers many distinctive features and numerous powertrain choices, making it an excellent choice for customers who want the best features of traditional sport utilities with fun-to-drive performance. For 2003, the Saturn VUE adds several up-level features, including solar glass, optional leather seats with heated front seats, and a new optional premium audio sound system.

While Saturn continues to grow the brand, it still maintains its customer-focused culture. Saturn retailers have established the industry benchmark for meeting and exceeding the needs of their customers. Saturn has finished No. 1 in the J. D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index for six of the last seven years leading all automotive brands. And in July, J. D. Power and Associates announced that Saturn ranked highest on its Customer Service Index study - the first time since 1986 that a non-luxury nameplate had finished first.

Saturn Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors. GM, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM employs about 355,000 people around the world. More information on Saturn can be found at www.Saturn.com. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.