In a number of earlier postings, I have call for some one to take over and resurrect the Saturn car company. Word has come this morning that Penske Automotive is buying Saturn from GM.
The quotes from Penske are heartening. As the Washington Post reports:
"Saturn has a passionate customer base and outstanding dealer network," said Roger Penske, chairman of Penske and its famed racing team, in a statement. "For nearly 20 years Saturn has focused on treating the customer right. We share that philosophy, and we want to build on those strengths."
In the short term, GM will continue to build Saturn vehicles. What happens in the long term, however, is key. Penske will need to create the same type of philosophy on the product side as that which he brags about on the sales side. We will see whether Penske can build a manufacturing company for the I-Cubed Economy - or simply a marketing firm.
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