Previously, General Motors stated it would continue funding its Saturn brand through the 2012 model year. Detroit automaker confirmed that the Saturn vehicle would roll off the assembly line would be later this year.
According the restructuring plan which submitted on 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. Eventhough, the viability plan was rejected by President Obama, resulting in further cuts, including the death of the Saturn brand by the end of 2009.
It remains that Saturn could be continue operating by sold to another company, but the newly-shortened timeframe will undoubtedly put a squeeze on negotiations. GM said that they will intend to phase out the Saturn brand by the end of 2009 if a sale of Saturn does not occur. As a result, their current Viability Plan does not comprehend production and sales to dealers of Saturn products beyond 2009.
Beside, last Monday, GM revealed that it plans to cease production of Hummer models by the end of 2009, with all Pontiac models to follow suit by 2010.
