Saturn dealerships may hope to spin off their brand into a separate company, but General Motors wants them to wait at least two months before making any such moves.
Automotive News reports, "General Motors is trying to keep Saturn dealers in the fold even as it has pronounced the division's likely death," and has asked dealers not to attempt to sell vehicles from other manufacturers "or close for 60 days while a task force determines whether a spinoff is possible."
Autoblog notes, "Some dealers think the brand could turn into a sort of automotive Costco, sourcing product from all over the place and putting the house brand on the grille." Under that scenario, "GM could even remain a supplier to Saturn if it cuts the right deal, as an independent Saturn would be purchasing products from other sources."
Saturn dealers haven't decided on a single course of action. Automotive News notes, "some are considering legal action," while others are willing to listen to GM's ideas. In the meantime, Eric Chase, a dealer lawyer with Bressler, Amery & Ross in Florham Park, N.J., is advising Saturn dealers to "protect themselves by limiting inventory, keeping their vehicles in good condition, and reducing the work force."
Car shoppers should note, then, that dealers looking to limit their inventory will need to unload the inventory they have as quickly as possible. They'll likely do that by discounting already-low prices. Research the best car deals with U.S. News' car rankings and reviews.
