Aura coming to US with different sheet metal; no hatch or wagon planned

[nadepalma]

Didn't seet his anywhere. Sorry if its a repost.

It reinforces what we already know, but the info on the wagon/hatch is new - and a shame.

SOURCE: Motor Authority

Earlier this year we reported that General Motors could possibly delay the launch of the next-generation Saturn Aura, or possibly drop the model altogether, but according to GM vice chairman Bob Lutz the new car is on track albeit with some major changes. Lutz confirmed at the time that the Opel Insignia will form the framework for a new Aura but he emphasized that the Saturn would have a completely different exterior and interior appearance. Now reports reveal that despite the availability of both a hatchback and wagon variant in Europe, the U.S. and Saturn will only see the sedan version.

The latest report indicates that the ungainly-looking hatch and the elegant wagon will be held back from U.S. sale, though it doesn't give any official justification for the decision, reports The Detroit Free Press. Most likely is the U.S. buyer's consistent preference for sedans over hatches, and an uncomfortability with the idea of the wagon. Both tendencies are weakening as the inherent practicality of such vehicles becomes more obvious and more drivers seek to replace fuel-thirsty SUVs with more economical alternatives. Nevertheless, Saturn's decision seems to indicate that there simply isn't a market for the non-sedan body styles in the U.S.

Speaking with AutoWeek on the sides of the London Motor Show in July, Lutz explained that both cars will share the same suspension and engine packages. “We’ve researched the Insignia around the world, including the U.S., as an internationally spectacular new design, but the Saturn version will be its own car,” he said.

MORE HERE

[nadepalma]

This new also obliquely reinforces what we've also heard about the Insignia possibly making it to the US with its sheetmetal intact as "smaller-mid sized" product for Buick's lineup.

The rumor was that it was going to be slotted below the LaCrosse in China as a direct replacement for the Chinese market Regal. There were reports recently on GM that the same product could be sold here in the US - the idea being that the "Regal" would be based on a shortend/cheaper version of EPII and the LaCrosse would be on the upper end of the mid-sized segment in size and price.

The confirmation of Saturn gettings its Aura with different sheetmetal supports this idea - or else there would be no reason to NOT offer the Insignia as a direct Aura replacement.

Both tendencies are weakening as the inherent practicality of such vehicles becomes more obvious and more drivers seek to replace fuel-thirsty SUVs with more economical alternatives. Nevertheless, Saturn's decision seems to indicate that there simply isn't a market for the non-sedan body styles in the U.S.

This is foolishness if you ask me. If it wasn't already obvious that GM is veering from its decision to NOT truly align Saturn and Opel/Vauxhall, this just adds more fuel to the fire and questions why they even need Saturn. If there isn't going to be a real alignment, just KILL the brand already and shift those resources to Pontiac and Buick. Why keep the deception going?

If Saturn offers the Aura only a sedan, GM will once AGAIN end up having too many similar sized sedans offered through its various brands. Already we have the next Saab 9-5, the Aura, the G6, the Malibu, the LaCrosse, and the "smaller-than-LaCrosse sedan" coming off EPII.

While we all recognize these products are placed in different places in the market and might have slightly different dimensions, not offering a wagon or a hatch on at least ONE of those line-ups is simply shortsighted.

At the very least, offering a hatch version of the next gen G6 would make sense to distinguish it from the rest of the mid-sized pack. And a wagon version of the Malibu or Aura would have done well to attract those who are looking for utility without paying for a crossover or SUV.

[Quickening]

This idea is so stupid. The ideas to consolidate Saturn and Opel to save on money (In all sorts of different areas) and time. Yet first chance the get to truly bring over a new Opel they go against it.

[jasaero]

I'm totally confused by the aparent need to restyle the Saturn?? Does this mean that Buick will end up with the actual Opel copy here, as what seems to be happening in China? I guess the Lacrosse EpII is a bigger car than the insignia and that the Insignia sheet metal will get a Buick badge here rather than Saturn? Only aspect that might kinda make sense with this is that Opel is trying to move up market a bit in Europe so maybe they figure giving this particular car to buick makes more sense as there would be less need to do any decontenting?? All confusing though.

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by Quickening

This idea is so stupid. The ideas to consolidate Saturn and Opel to save on money (In all sorts of different areas) and time. Yet first chance the get to truly bring over a new Opel they go against it.

You said it. Just end the games already. The idea had merit, now you are running off in a different direction.

Instead of restorting to rhetoric, perhaps GM needs to align Opel/Vauxhall with Buick/Pontiac and save a few bucks, eh?

Originally Posted by jasaero

I'm totally confused by the aparent need to restyle the Saturn?? Does this mean that Buick will end up with the actual Opel copy here, as what seems to be happening in China? I guess the Lacrosse EpII is a bigger car than the insignia and that the Insignia sheet metal will get a Buick badge here rather than Saturn?

That's pretty much what it appears to be, you got it.

[montrealvue]

I want what Lutz is smoking. Why spend money on changing the Insignia? Bring it over as a Saturn and avoid the additional costs. Why bother with Pontiac, isn't the slow reaction to the G8 an indication of anything? The Insignia seems to be very well received, why change a good thing? If sales are strong add the wagon and hatch.

[JeffInDFW]

That Insignia is so stunning, GM *MUST* bring it here. If they want to sell it as a Buick, and use it as Buick design direction. I can see an updated Enclave in the styling of the Insignia. It looks very rich. Elegant. Modern, beautiful. But, very different from Cadillac.

[EldoFan]

A wagon could be a real winner here......not offering it is a big mistake....

Once again, GM has the chance to blaze a new (more economical) trail and they blow it......

I'd take one of these.....


over one of these.....


any day of the week!!

[osv_alero]

Though I think it is a waste of time for GM to redo the Insignia for Saturn, I do like the idea of Buick getting a second "smaller" sedan.

Does "same engines" mean we will get a diesel version?

[GraphixJunkie]

I love how automakers always claim there is no market for wagons. HOW could there be a market when there aren't any available to buy???? Kind of hard to judge a market based on a few mercedes' and bmw's that get sold here. This is a viscious circle that will never end until someone has the balls to release a full fledged wagon here in the states that actually looks good. I personally think the new Opel Insignia wagon is amazing looking and very upscale. The G8 wagon is flat out cool looking, and dont get me started on the Audi RS Avant (V10 baby!). Wagons can sell here if you give them a chance. I don't want some 5,000 pound CUV with a V6 when I could have a wagon that weighs about a 1k pounds less witht he same amount of room. I am amazed to this day when I see an old cavalier wagon on the road... that thing has TONS of room in it and it still doesnt look too bad even today. The "sportback" trend is picking up steam, but it is a half-hearted attempt at a wagon. I was really hoping for a nice Lancer Ralliart wagon but instead we get a "sportback" mutant that has a horrible profile and chops off half of the available room of wagon.

I really hope this theory dies off soon.

[mgescuro]

See, I just don't get it.
Why change Insignia at all? That just means more sheet metal to design and work, and new interior parts and panels.

It's still obvious GM doesn't know what "globalizing your products" means!!!!!!!!!!!

It also means that GM is waffling on Saturn's "European" image. And that is a point of concern for me.
There is an growing niche of Americans that prefer a European design and European performance and European driving characteristics. I had believe GM had identified this niche and was going to use a Saturn/Opel combination to actually introduce these types of cars in the American market.

So what gives???

Lower than expected sales changing GM's minds?? Well GM, ADVERTISE THE PRODUCTS IN MARKETS THAT CARE ABOUT EUROPEAN DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE!!!!!!

[61BelAir]

Originally Posted by JeffInDFW

That Insignia is so stunning, GM *MUST* bring it here. If they want to sell it as a Buick, and use it as Buick design direction. I can see an updated Enclave in the styling of the Insignia. It looks very rich. Elegant. Modern, beautiful. But, very different from Cadillac.

I agree, the design is stunning and they need to bring it here as is. GM just can't make up their damn mind. First they say Saturn and Opel will be the same, then its Saturn will have its own design.

They need to bring the wagon as well, I call BS on their claims of no market for wagons.

[FierySolstice]

Originally Posted by Quickening

This idea is so stupid. The ideas to consolidate Saturn and Opel to save on money (In all sorts of different areas) and time. Yet first chance the get to truly bring over a new Opel they go against it.

I agree, is Cadillac the next brand to get on the Epsilon platform? I mean come on GM. Are you going to overbook the platform even worse than Lambda? I say cut Saturn and focuse on Buick and Pontiac ASAP! They already brought over the Antara/Vue and Astra as is, why not the Insignia? That just doesn't make sense. The only reason I can think of is that since Chevy is going into Europe, Opel is going upscale and GM won't get a good return on a higher priced Saturn. That, I don't blame them for. People still think of Saturns as the plastic cars.

[johnnyl321]

Originally Posted by GraphixJunkie

I love how automakers always claim there is no market for wagons. HOW could there be a market when there aren't any available to buy???? Kind of hard to judge a market based on a few mercedes' and bmw's that get sold here. This is a viscious circle that will never end until someone has the balls to release a full fledged wagon here in the states that actually looks good. I personally think the new Opel Insignia wagon is amazing looking and very upscale. The G8 wagon is flat out cool looking, and dont get me started on the Audi RS Avant (V10 baby!). Wagons can sell here if you give them a chance. I don't want some 5,000 pound CUV with a V6 when I could have a wagon that weighs about a 1k pounds less witht he same amount of room. I am amazed to this day when I see an old cavalier wagon on the road... that thing has TONS of room in it and it still doesnt look too bad even today. The "sportback" trend is picking up steam, but it is a half-hearted attempt at a wagon. I was really hoping for a nice Lancer Ralliart wagon but instead we get a "sportback" mutant that has a horrible profile and chops off half of the available room of wagon.

I really hope this theory dies off soon.

I liked the Magnum wagons when they were out a few years back. But, because there wasn't enough "demand" for them, they too were killed off. i too would love to see something like the G8 wagon or the Opel wagon come over here, but i guess that would cut into their crossover sales.

[ChevyRules]

This is why Saturn is so messed up. It doesn't have any direction! Saturn has a lot of potential to take away the import snobs. But, no GM must take away any direction for Saturn so the stupid legacy brands can benefit. Saturn=Opel for the US was the intended direction. But, GM changes it again! My next car will not be an Aura or even a Saturn to show GM they lost a customer by listening to the legacy brands( which also means no GM. I hope Ford's RWD plans are still on). But, I won't probably make a difference. What a sad and cold reality.

Just to clear things up just in case you got lost in my ramble, GM's mismanagement of Saturn has cost them a customer.