The
all-new 2008 Saturn Vue crossover SUV and the 2008 Saturn Sky roadster,
which have helped lead Saturn’s aggressive product renaissance, have
won their respective segments in the 2008 Auto Pacific Vehicle
Satisfaction Awards (VSAs).
The Vue, totally redesigned for 2008, placed first in the Compact
Crossover SUV segment. The Sky roadster, introduced in 2006 and the
first vehicle to usher in Saturn’s dramatically revised product lineup,
won the Sports Car segment.
The VSAs, which
measure owner satisfaction on 46 different attributes, are driven by
data collected from thousands of new car and light truck buyers. They
are based on surveys mailed to owners of new 2008 model year cars and
trucks purchased between September through December 2007. Of the 46
attributes evaluated, 39 pertain directly to the product and seven
focus on the financial and dealership aspects of the vehicle purchasing
experience.
“These Auto Pacific awards are
especially meaningful because they come directly from our customers.
Not only do they tell us that we’re building great vehicles, they
reflect how well our customers were treated in our retail facilities,”
said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager.
A
compact five-door crossover SUV with Saturn’s new European-inspired
design and sporty ride and handling, the all-new, 2008 Vue is available
in XE and XR models in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations,
as well as the Green Line hybrid and Red Line performance models. Base
MSRPs range from $21,875 to $29,925.
The
popular Sky roadster, available in base and Red Line performance
models, emphasizes a bold, European-inspired look and fun,
rear-wheel-drive responsive driving. It’s geared to enthusiasts who
want a sports car that doesn’t break the bank. Base MSRPs range from
$26,145 to $30,405.
Saturn has always been
known for outstanding customer service. As part of the At-Home Test
Drive program, participating Saturn retailers bring a new Saturn
vehicle directly to customers’ homes, workplaces or other locations for
their evaluation. Before the test drive, retailers provide customers
with a self-guided checklist to help them decide if the vehicle fits
their needs.
Customers researching vehicles
on Saturn.com have the opportunity to engage a live, online chat – 24
hours a day – with a Saturn customer service representative who is
charged with helping the customer find the information he or she needs.
The At-Home Test Drive and the 24/7 Live Chat programs complement other innovative, customer-driven programs that include:
- No Hassle, No Haggle Pricing : Saturn retailers pledge to charge all customers one price.
- 30-day/1,500-mile Vehicle Exchange Program : Customers can return their new Saturn and exchange it for another Saturn vehicle if for any reason they are not satisfied.
- ImSaturn.com
: Saturn owners, employees and fans can interact and get inside
information about the brand at this first-of-its-kind social networking
site.
- New-Owner Clinics : Saturn
retailers regularly hold structured events to familiarize new Saturn
owners with their vehicle and the services offered at the retail
facility.
- Financial Services Certification
: Saturn was the first automotive brand to require all retail finance
and insurance managers to complete the rigorous professional
certification from the Association of Finance and Insurance
Professionals.