Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Penske Can Make Saturn Work

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 6, 2009 3:36 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Roger Penske could be just what the mechanic ordered for Saturn, analysts tell the Detroit News. By leaving the manufacturing work to others—initially GM and then, for a time, foreign automakers—Saturn's new buyer will be able to focus on sales and marketing and avoid the pitfalls GM faced. “This is blazing a new trail that’s an exciting one,” said Blue Book’s executive market analyst. “He has a very good chance.”

By returning Saturn to its independent roots, Penske also won’t need to spread his resources across multiple brands, as GM did. But there are potential challenges, too. The flip side of outsourcing manufacturing is that Penske will make less money on the cars. Penske’s already got a fleet of auto dealerships suffering from the economic downturn, and Moody’s says its credit outlook is uncertain.

Team Penske's Roger Penske shades his eyes as he watches the start of morning practice for the IRL Indy Car Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg auto race Saturday, April 4, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Team Penske's Roger Penske shades his eyes as he watches the start of morning practice for the IRL Indy Car Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg auto race Saturday, April 4, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Fla.   (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
In this Feb. 20, 2009 file photo, new models are displayed in front of Saturn of North Olmsted in North Olmsted, Ohio, Friday, Feb. 20, 2009.
In this Feb. 20, 2009 file photo, new models are displayed in front of Saturn of North Olmsted in North Olmsted, Ohio, Friday, Feb. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
In this file photo taken on Friday, May 8, 2009, team owner Roger Penske looks on during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.
In this file photo taken on Friday, May 8, 2009, team owner Roger Penske looks on during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.   (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
In this file photo taken Feb. 20, 2009, a Saturn Sky is displayed in the showroom of Saturn of North Olmsted in North Olmsted, Ohio.
In this file photo taken Feb. 20, 2009, a Saturn Sky is displayed in the showroom of Saturn of North Olmsted in North Olmsted, Ohio.   (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
DavePA
Jun 8, 2009 11:02 AM CDT
Unfortunately the board has been indicted - lol.
kokuaguy
Jun 7, 2009 12:26 PM CDT
I don't know why everyone wouldn't be hoping for him to succeed.
AClotfelter
Jun 7, 2009 3:05 AM CDT
Bottom-line: Saturn needs some good cars... nothing else matters if they don't produce something people actually want

Penske's plan novel for car biz
Christian Science Monitor

Dealers applaud Saturn purchase
Wards Auto Subscription

Money • US

 
General Motors • mergers and acquisitions • Saturn • auto industry • Roger Penske

More Newser Stories

Automakers Pushing 'Connected' Cars

GM Reclaims World's No.1 Spot

Saab Declares Bankruptcy

Car Sales Jumped 14% Last Month

GM: We'll Buy Back Your Volt
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne