GM's Saturn Sees 10% Rise in U.S. Sales in 2003 Versus 2002

AUSTIN,September 17, 2002 The WSJ reported that General Motors Corp.'s Saturn division expects about a 10% increase in U.S. sales next year from the total expected for 2002, thanks to an updated and expanded lineup, sales chief Jill Lajdziak said Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at a media preview for Saturn's new Ion line of small cars, Ms. Lajdziak said Saturn is on track to set a new sales record this year, with sales of between 285,000 and 300,000 vehicles. Next year, with full availability of the Ion, as well as the Vue sport-utility, which debuted early this year, and an upgraded version of its L-Series midsized cars, Saturn expects to sell roughly 310,000-330,000 vehicles, she added.

As reported, GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz said he hopes Saturn can expand its annual sales volume to about 500,000 vehicles over the next few years by adding new models. GM officials declined to specify what additional vehicles they are considering, noting only that they are likely to be in entry-level segments.

To help generate excitement around its lineup, Saturn is planning performance and other enhancements to its vehicles to be sold as special packages. The Ion coupe, which hits the market early next year, will be available in a performance version about a year later with improved suspension and a supercharged engine expected to generate more than 200 horsepower, outperforming rivals, officials said. The Ion's base engine generates 140 horsepower.

The L-series will get an optional premium appearance package, while the Vue will get an optional appearance package on the version with the V-6 engine GM is buying from Japan's Honda Motor Co. (HMC) That engine, which hits the market in the Vue next year, will deliver 240 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful in a small SUV, officials said.