Saturn owners get $2,000 incentive to stick with GM

Saturn owners get $2,000 incentive to stick with GM

DETROIT -- In an effort to keep Saturn owners in the GM family, General Motors Co. is offering up to $2,000 in incentives toward the purchase of a vehicle from one of its four surviving U.S. brands. The deal began Feb. 2 and runs through March 31 on certain 2009-10 Buick, GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac models. The $2,000 comes in addition to any existing incentives. To qualify, Saturn owners must have bought or leased their vehicle at least six months ago. Customers aren't required to trade in their vehicle, according to a copy of an e-mail sent to customers. GM spokesman John M. McDonald declined to comment. GM broke bonds with some of its least committed customers in deciding to shut down the brand after an attempted sale to Penske Automotive Group fell through in September. In terms of building corporate loyalty, Saturn lagged behind Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac from 2001 through 2008, according to a December report by R.L. Polk & Co. The pace of defections increased last year as Saturn's future became murkier, said Polk, which tracks automakers' ability to retain customers. For the specific incentives on the select GM makes and models, see stayinthefamily.com.