Saturn Offers Extended Vehicle Coverage or $$$ to Buyers

DETROIT October 18, 2004; Saturn customers who buy or lease a 2005 Ion, Vue or Relay can now choose either extended vehicle coverage or a "personalization allowance" of up to $1,250.

The Saturn Service Plan now provides 5-year/60,000 mile vehicle coverage, whichever comes first. (The extended vehicle coverage is available as a limited warranty in the state of Florida.) Those who opt for the personalization allowance receive the standard 3-year/36,000-mile, whichever comes first, warranty plus an allowance of $1,000 on the Ion sedan and coupe and $1,250 on the Vue SUV or new-for-2005 Relay crossover sport van.

"This new choice for our customers is an extension of Saturn's mission to put 'people first' in everything we do," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Instead of one-program-fits-all, Saturn is allowing customers to make a choice that fits their individual needs."

Lajdziak noted that the extended vehicle coverage choice reflects Saturn's confidence in the quality of its vehicles. "The extended protection will help raise awareness that our products are moving up in refinement to match the high standards of our award-winning retail experience," Lajdziak said.

Customers who choose the personalization allowance can put it toward retailer installed accessories, optional equipment or upgraded service plans, or they can apply it toward down payments.

"Saturn offers a simpler, more human way to buy and own a car, with our no-hassle/no-haggle philosophy, a 30-day or 1,500 mile exchange program and, now, the ability to choose extra coverage or vehicle personalization," said Lajdziak. "It's part of our efforts to build long-term relationships with customers."

Thoughtful product designs also are a part of Saturn's philosophy to put people first. For 2005, Saturn adds the Relay family utility vehicle, combining SUV-like styling with the functionality of a mid-van. Relay also offers entertainment features such as a standard rear-passenger DVD system.

The Ion is significantly refined for 2005, with the sedan receiving a new front fascia, grille and trim; both sedan and quad coupe benefit from upgraded interior materials and new, more comfortable seats. The Vue's clean styling, numerous safety features and vast array of accessory choices continue to make it a popular choice among customers with active lifestyles. Saturn's 2005 lineup also includes two performance variants, the 205-horsepower Ion Red Line and the 250-horsepower, performance-tuned Vue Red Line.