LeftLaneNews
Confirmed: GM will replace Saturn Ion with Opel Astra

Confirmed: GM will replace Saturn Ion with Opel Astra

A report published today indicates General Motors will definitely replace the Saturn Ion with a rebadged Opel Astra, further aligning the two brands. Citing reliable supplier reports, Automotive News says the new car will sell for $16,000 and is expected to sell fewer units than the Ion. In mid-April, it was reported that GM had scrapped the vehicle that was intended to replace the Ion, despite positive reaction to it. Called the "Evoke," the new car was expected for the 2007 model year, and had been previewed to some members of the press last year. In March, GM's Bob Lutz said Saturn wished "they had an Opel Astra instead of a Saturn Ion." GM has been actively aligning Saturn and Opel and equivalent brands on either side of the Atlantic. Recently, GM introduced the 2007 PreVue Concept -- a rebadged Opel -- and the Opel GT -- a rebadged Saturn Sky.