Well-known consultant retained by Saturn retailers

UPDATE: Well-known consultant retained by Saturn retailers (3/7/09)

The Saturn Franchise Operation Team (FOT) sub-committee that is
evaluating the potential spin-off of the Saturn Distribution Corporation
has retained the services of advisor Steve Girsky, of S.J. Girsky and
Co. Girsky will act as an independent business consultant to the
sub-committee as they study options for the potential operation of the
Saturn brand as a standalone enterprise.

"The spin-off of an independent Saturn would break new ground in the
auto industry and would give the brand a new chance to build on its
tradition of innovation," said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak.
"Girsky's extensive expertise will be a tremendous asset to the FOT
sub-committee as this process continues."

Below are a few answers to some of frequently asked questions.
1. Why is GM phasing-out Saturn? While Saturn has been strong brand with
loyal customers, it has continued to be unprofitable for the
manufacturer under the current business model. Saturn retailers,
however, have historically been profitable. That is why Saturn retailers
are investigating the potential spin-off as an independent company.
2. If Saturn goes away, what happens to my warranty? Will I be able to
get replacement parts? Absolutely nothing happens to the warranty.
General Motors stands firmly behind its warranty obligations for every
vehicle it produces. GM is also committed to maintaining the
availability of service parts.
3. The Saturn retailer where I bought my vehicle has closed. Where
should I take my vehicle for warranty repairs? You can take your vehicle
to any Saturn retailer for warranty service. To find the nearest Saturn
retailer, visit www. Saturn.com. You can also call the Saturn Customer
Assistance center at 1-800-553-6000 if you have other questions.
4. If Saturn were spun-off as an independent company, who would design
and manufacture its products? We are currently investigating our
options, but at this time confidentiality agreements prevent us from
providing additional detail. We are still in the preliminary stages of
the exploring this is an exciting opportunity, and we look forward to
sharing the details as soon as possible. The goal would be to offer
vehicles that match Saturn's reputation for fuel efficiency, safety,
reliability and affordability.
5. If Saturn never turned a profit as part of GM, what factors will
allow it to make money as an independent entity? While Saturn has not
been profitable at the manufacturing level, Saturn retailers have
traditionally earned a profit. Saturn has a number of unique attributes
that could make the spin-off a realistic alternative, such as the size,
distribution and unmatched quality of our retail network.
6. What can I do to show my support for Saturn? The best thing to do is
to remind your friends and family that Saturn is still open for
business. Remind them that we have a great line-up of new fuel efficient
vehicles and assure them that Saturn and GM will stand behind all
warranty obligations.