Saturn Hybrids Drive 'The Road to Change' to the Presidential Inauguration

DETROIT - January 13, 2009: A caravan of Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrids departs today from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit bound for the upcoming presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.

The caravan’s theme is “The Road to Change Starts in Your Driveway.” It will make stops along the way to encourage people to pledge to make positive changes to reduce the nation’s energy consumption. Once in Washington, the hybrid vehicles will be used to provide courtesy transportation for inaugural events.

The caravan is scheduled to make stops at Ohio State University in Columbus, Penn State University in State College, and Howard University in Washington, D.C. Other stops are scheduled in Ottawa Elementary in Toledo, Ohio; Saturn of Monroeville, Pa.; and Saturn of Harrisburg, Pa.

Students and the general public will have the opportunity to sign an oversized card wishing President-elect Obama well as he assumes the presidency. The card will be printed on paper infused with wildflower seeds that will be planted after it is shared with the new president.

People can also have their photo taken as they hold a sign declaring their individual “Pledge for Change.” Participants can make any pledge they want, with possible examples being “I pledge to change my car’s air filter.” or “I pledge to turn out the lights when I leave my dorm room.” The photos will be posted on Facebook (search on “Saturn”).

“At Saturn, our commitment to change is evident in our current and future lineups of hybrids and other fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “While buying a vehicle with better fuel economy is one big change people can make, we also want to encourage small, everyday steps.” At the caravan stops, Saturn will distribute tip sheets with advice on eco-friendly vehicle care and operation.

Vehicles participating in the caravan – 2009 Vue 2-Mode Hybrids – utilize Saturn’s newest hybrid technology and will deliver approximately 50-percent better fuel economy than the equivalent non-hybrid model. When it goes on sale later this year, the Vue 2-Mode is expected to be the most fuel-efficient gasoline V-6 vehicle on the market.