GM says it will build minivans for Buick, Saturn

By DAVE GUILFORD
Automotive News
(09:15 Feb. 03, 2003)

Buick and Saturn dealers will get minivans in 2004, General Motors Vice President John Middlebrook said Sunday.

The Buick minivan will be aimed at upscale customers, while the Saturn will chase economy-minded import buyers, he said.

"There's an opportunity to win in the minivan market if you can take the (soccer mom) stigma off" with innovative designs, said Middlebrook, general manager of vehicle brand marketing and corporate advertising.

GM made other product announcements at either the all-GM make meeting or a press conference afterward:

• Hummer will produce the H2 SUT with a pickup bed in 2004.
• Chevrolet Monte Carlos and Impalas will get V-8 engines. No timing was announced publicly.
• Chevrolet Suburbans and full-sized vans will get Duramax diesel engines. No timing was announced.
• Twenty-inch wheels will be available for full-sized pickups and SUVs. Eighteen-inch wheels will be available for Cadillac cars; some premium cars, such as the Buick LeSabre; and mid-sized SUVs.
• Cars from former Daewoo factories in Korea will be sold in the United States, but they won't be badged as Daewoos. Nor will current Daewoo models be sold in the United States through GM or its affiliates. Suzuki Motor Corp., a GM affiliate, has said it is looking at selling cars from the Daewoo factories in the United States.

This is a direct reprint from GM High Tech Performance.  Go to their site to see the photos.