THE BOSS ISN’T PLEASED
The Opel GT (“Swiss Spotlight,” March 13) is not supposed to be different from the Saturn Sky. Far from being an emergency, last-minute badge-job, as you imply, this is merely the first manifestation of our announced strategy of design and engineering sharing between Opel and Saturn.
Going forward, Saturns and Opels will differ only in badge and perhaps some invisible regulatory compliance parts. The GT’s design was initiated in General Motors Europe (Vauxhall Lightning concept), refined for production feasibility in General Motors North America and intended from the outset to serve on both sides of the Atlantic. It’s an early example of the complementary, non-duplicative global product development strategy at work. Sadly, your writer could not resist the “sausage machine” cheap shot. Bob Lutz, General Motors
For those who like the look of the Opel products, this is good news. For those that don't... Either way, Saturn isn't what it used to be. But we already knew that - it's just good to know that GM is taking Saturn seriously.
If they had a car being sold by two divisions in the same market, they would add more differences, but the Opel and the Saturn will not be seen together as they will be sold on opposite sides of the Atlantic, so it's OK if they are identical save the badge.
I bet if they had started Saturn in the first place as a way to sell the Opels in NA, or rather sell all the Opels here but make up a brand such as Saturn for them maybe because they think people won't buy the Opel name, no one would object then.
__________________ There used to be a picture here.
"Saturns and Opels will differ only in badge" 
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