Good news for Saturn-lovers, the brand is close to being saved by Roger Penske, a Detroit businessman who runs the Penske Automotive Group (PAG) chain of dealers, and distributes the Smart line of mini-cars in the US. The Detroit Free Press says that the deal will have GM manufacturing Saturns for two years, after which Penske will be looking for a new manufacturer.

From the DFP:

“We will have a supply of vehicles for at least two years with existing brands, and we have been in discussions during this diligence period with a number of manufacturers on a worldwide basis,” Penske said today. “We would expect to have a line up going forward, which would be manufactured by a worldwide partner.”

The WSJ says the deal will save 13,000 jobs at 350 dealerships. Penske plans to keep Outlook crossover, Aura sedan and Vue SUV, but ditch the Saturn Sky roadster.

GM: Saturn-Penske Deal Saves 350 Dealerships, 13,000 Jobs [WSJ]
GM, Penske reach tentative Saturn deal [Detroit Free Press]
(Photo:Plankton 4:20)