The latest in a string of bad news for domestic auto manufacturers is the announcement by GM that the Saturn brand will stop production after a failed ownership change by Penske.
While there may be hope for another manufacturer to make Saturn vehicles for Penske or another buyer, it's dissapointing news.
Saturn was advertised in 1990 as a different kind of car company to compete with the Toyota's and Honda's of the world.
While the brand developed a cult following complete with annual reunions at its Tennesee plant, it never made money and was abandoned in the late 90's by GM as they concentrated on more profitable trucks and SUV's.
By the time GM finally began revitalizing the brand in 2004, it was unfortunately too late as the economic crash last year saw sales drop by 60%.
There is still a chance that a deal is made and maybe getting away from GM will help the company become reborn. If not, it's another failed brand in a domestic auto market that can't afford much more bad news.
Steve