Renault Eyes Saturn, Geely Bids On Saab
The Wall Street Journal reports that GM is in talks with Renault over the future of the Saturn dealer network. GM has already given up on the possibility of receiving any kind of cash consideration for Saturn; a deal with Renault would see Saturn essentially handed over to the French firm. According to the WSJ, Renault is considering Saturn as an American-market brand for its Renault and Samsung Motors products. Why Renault wants to compete with its sister-firm, Nissan, in that brand’s biggest market isn’t immediately apparent. Maybe Ghosn doesn’t like Marchionne hogging the spotlight. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker Geely has submitted a bid for GM’s Saab “division” (it’s more at brigade strength currently). Unfortunately, nobody is sure if this bid is for real or if it’s just a gambit to pressure Ford into accepting Geely’s Volvo bid. Or maybe Geely has just fallen for all things Swedish. We’re told to expect a Saab deal in “early summer,” and with bankruptcy looming, look for Saturn to be offloaded post-haste as well. (Thanks to rod panhard and Mr Sparky for the tip.)
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I believe the Versa and the Sentra are Renaults. It could work, as Nissan USA has already federalized them. The only question is why go after Saturn, which is just a dealership network. Isn't the real deal to get the Federal Government to give you GM.
It's got a snowball's chance in hell of actually coming here, but the new Laguna Coupe is very sexy. But otherwise, there's not really much to be hopeful for out of this *ahem* alliance.
Brilliant commercial, pure entertainment!