East Tennesseans, Sen. Corker lament Saturn demise

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Updated: 4:26 AM Oct 1, 2009 East Tennesseans, Sen. Corker lament Saturn demise News that Penske Automotive Group walked away from a deal to buy Saturn from GM continues what's been a very sad year for dealerships across East Tennessee. Posted: 2:21 AM Oct 1, 2009 Reporter: Mark Edwards Email Address: mark.edwards@wvlt-tv.com

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Steve Andrade is not just your typical GM dealer employee. He's also the proud owner of a Saturn.

"My car's great. I love it. You know everybody with a Saturn probably feels the same way, but it's been a great car for me," Andrade of Beaty Chevrolet told WVLT.

News that Penske Automotive Group walked away from a deal to buy Saturn from GM continues what's been a very sad year for dealerships across East Tennessee.

"You can look at it personally or from a micro-economic point of view. Once again it's going to help us but in general a lot of people have been loyal to Pontiac's and even Oldsmobile's and other GM brands and Saturn's and they they're going to have to come somewhere else," said Andrade.

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker released this statement to Volunteer TV, saying quote "We're very disappointed and know that this decision will affect many people across the country. Hopefully someone else will be interested in the brand and the dealer network that comes with it."

According to General Motors all Saturn new car dealerships are set to close by late 2010, and for those who own a Saturn vehicle, parts and service will be available at GM dealerships.

"Since Saturn is shut down there's going to be a lot more coming in here for service. For this dealership and for Chevrolet dealers in general, it's going to be good news, absolutely."

Latest Comments

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 1, 2009 at 07:52 AM

I'm "SURE" Corker lamented the loss of Saturn since he helped facilitate the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga to the tune of $400 million Tennessee tax dollars.

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