Your Brand Advocate Report

Rick Tinley Park · 04-21-2007, 02:16 PM

Hi everyone!

I know Richm has posted some information we gained as being part of the Saturn Brand Advocacy Board. As the representative of SKYRoadster.com I want to pass on what I have learned and what I experienced.

On an earlier post I updated information sought about specific questions and problems with SKY and as promised to posted exactly what I know. That aside (and I will put that post, verbatim, at the end of this thread) I want to convey this much to all of you

Saturn is determined to be here a long time. Jill Lajdziak addressed all of us and if you are not a multi Saturn owner, SKY being your first venture, you may have thought her approach to be, well as the ads used to say "A little bit different." Thoughtful, passionate and devoted to this brand, even the most enthusiastic Saturn fan soon realizes that Ms Lajdziak is the reason Saturn IS Saturn. Everyone around her and on the teams with her, is what we (Saturn owners of the past and present) expect of Saturn. With that in mind, we were presented with so much openness, candor, and eagerness for feed back and willingness to talk "real" talk that even we were astounded. It was a pleasure to talk with and to the people who really do build the cars. People who make statements like, "We began to build the 2008 VUE, Monday." with the same excitement and ardor that we would say, "We get our 2008 SKY on Monday." Every car built matters.

They took us to places few people, few GM employees even, see. When we had inquiries the person in change of that area was there to give us the information, to answer the question and to ask for our feedback. At one point when asked if what they did for us (the 15 Brand Advocate Board members) was enough, I commented, "I have to admit, I have never had a Product Manager follow me around just to answer questions and give me information." I was dumbfounded. I forgot to write most of the stuff down -- And I am a writer!

All I can say, as I have both suspected and hoped, Saturn was the proper brand to bring us the SKY. As was revealed to us, in under twenty months (and we are well into that time) the oldest model car in the Saturn portfolio of cars will be --- > The SKY. From top to bottom every vehicle is being replaced (only the VUE name will survive and the 2008 VUE is a knock out!) and in my opinion Saturn will have a complete line of cars from your first new car to your weekend roadster. So, as a brand, Saturn puts SKY on that pinnacle as the Saturn of your dreams, while making available every car model and style you need as your life and lifestyle evolves.

It was cool! Let's just go with that!

I'll most likely post more as different topics allow me to pass on information. My aim is to keep a relationship with GM so that I can help get solutions, information and data back and forth in a reliable manner.

Here is some of that now:

As many of you may know I spent three days with the Saturn team in Detroit. The Brand Advocacy Board meetings were Saturn based and any discussion of SKY was on a more one-on-one basis. I'm here to detail some of the discussions I had as a representative of SKYRoadster.com
Before I left we had a few discussions and posts about concerns, future movement and even financial questions. I can shed light of most of this and there is some blockbuster stuff here.
It is not often as Saturn owner and more directly a SKY owner gets to talk with GM management, in person, with that representative eager to answer questions... I had that rare experience.

Based I what we've been talking about here, on site -- I can tell you this much:
Warranty and other problems with the SKY

The biggest question here is the differential leaks and what is being done. I met Kevin Frayne, who is the Product Manager for SKY. In fact he sought me out to talk and discuss SKY. After out initial visit I spoke to him later and asked him for a definitive statement concerning the Solstice and SKY differential leaks. In a nutshell, he quoted a GM memo that says, General Motors and the vendor are aware of an ongoing concern that is, so far, two issues with the rear end (seal leak and over flow) they are and will continue to seek a solution.
Sorry folks, no silver bullet. They are searching the source and making improvements as the builds continue but the smoking gun has not been found and the solution is still uncertain. Kevin assured me that this problem is VERY important to them and they WILL get to the solution. Warranty work is covering the issue and they want to eliminate the problem and inconvenience to the owners.

What's new for GM Performance Parts

Ok - Met with Nicole - sorry did not get her card and therefore no last name, but she manages GMPP and Licensed products. Here is what she told me:
R/L Performance Air Box (She does not call it a CAI) I think we all know about this one
2.4l Cat back Exhaust (yes we get our own dual exhaust system) Already out and I saw it available for sale
and....
be ready....
2.4l Sky owners may want to sit for this one....
GMPP is bringing out a turbo for the 2.4l. I was stunned enough to not inquire about the HP -- but when I find out you will too!

Also, 2008 SKY changes - and I did not write this stuff down - so it is by memory.
No base radio, XM Standard, of course the adjustable seats and the door lock stay. Electronic stability will be standard, the color Graphite Gray will be eliminated and a new color gray brought on. There may be another SKY custom color along with Bluestone, no definite color was mentioned. In general no cosmetic changes. Some general housekeeping items as far as top storage and such. There is a service bulletin detailing the fix for folded top rattles (it took the two of us about 15 minutes with a SKY and the bulletin to see what it was doing, we did find it) All in all no huge differences.

The use of GM Card points to gain Saturn Discounts

There actually IS one card that offers a small discount. In general GM is not including Saturn in the discounts since the pricing (the no haggle) of the car is value driven, there really is no room for additional discounts. Whether this will change remains to be seen, but, currently there is no change in sight.

Valistener · 04-21-2007, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Tinley Park

2.4l Cat back Exhaust (yes we get our own dual exhaust system) Already out and I saw it available for sale
and....
be ready....
2.4l Sky owners may want to sit for this one....
GMPP is bringing out a turbo for the 2.4l. I was stunned enough to not inquire about the HP -- but when I find out you will too!

Sweet, you made my day. I am very curious on the specs of the turbo and just what warranty ramifications there will be. I am about ready to oull the trigger on the Hahn system, but now I will wait to see what the General offers.

GMguy74 · 04-21-2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

The use of GM Card points to gain Saturn Discounts

There actually IS one card that offers a small discount. In general GM is not including Saturn in the discounts since the pricing (the no haggle) of the car is value driven, there really is no room for additional discounts. Whether this will change remains to be seen, but, currently there is no change in sight.

Thanks Rick for inquiring about this and getting their response for me. It's a shame that Saturn still doesn't see the benefit of accepting the GM Card earnings. I guess my wife will drive the GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave if my GM Card earnings make a difference over the OUTLOOK's price. Their loss (and my dealer's loss and my loss too).

cerberus · 04-21-2007, 03:34 PM

Thanks Rick!!!

If you get a chance for followup, or hey, if GM/Saturn wants to come here and get bombarded ...

1) Regarding a diff solution when one comes, retrofits are an area of interest and concern as previously noted when the addition of the torque bar was introduced. Would like to hear a bit more about that aspect.

2) Just the news of a 2.4 turbo is great to hear, but the devil is in the details. In addition to expected gains, timeline, price, and CARB status are of interest.

Thanks again for representing us. We certainly had great representation, and am glad we have you here as our advocate!!

**James L. Lee** · 04-21-2007, 04:02 PM

Rick,

Thanks for all the valuable info...and for representing us so well....

lostcause · 04-21-2007, 04:06 PM

Any idea if that 2.4 turbo will work on automatics?

richm · 04-21-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valistener

Sweet, you made my day. I am very curious on the specs of the turbo and just what warranty ramifications there will be. I am about ready to oull the trigger on the Hahn system, but now I will wait to see what the General offers.

My understanding is that the GM Turbo will have no negative affect on your warranty. If your dealer installs it as an aftermarket part, it will have a 12 month warranty. If it is installed by the dealer before you take delivery of the car, it will have the full GM warranty as if it was installed as a factory option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerberus

2) Just the news of a 2.4 turbo is great to hear, but the devil is in the details. In addition to expected gains, timeline, price, and CARB status are of interest.

At first, I was concerned that GMPP wouldn't build a Turbo Kit that outperformed a GXP or Red Line (for marketing reasons), but in talking to them, they said that GMPP makes decisions in the best interests of the performance community, and that they focus more on advancing the best products than they do about canabalizing their retail business.

Rick Tinley Park · 04-21-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richm

My understanding is that the GM Turbo will have no negative affect on your warranty. If your dealer installs it as an aftermarket part, it will have a 12 month warranty. If it is installed by the dealer before you take delivery of the car, it will have the full GM warranty as if it was installed as a factory option.

Yes if Dealer installed 12 mo -- New car = New car warranty.
As far as I know -- both Manual and automatic tranny

lostcause · 04-21-2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Tinley Park

Yes if Dealer installed 12 mo -- New car = New car warranty.
As far as I know -- both Manual and automatic tranny

Could be very good news indeed!!! Any idea on timeline and pricing? I have a RL on order but I'm a bit worried about the trade-in value I'll get for my 2.4 since it'll have a lot of miles. An affordable turbo for the 2.4 would totally make my day/week/year/etc...!!!

vstar · 04-21-2007, 06:53 PM

Great info.... Thanks Rick

Ag94Whoop · 04-21-2007, 08:36 PM

anxious to hear more about the turbo....price, HP gain, simplicity etc

Rick Tinley Park · 04-22-2007, 09:15 AM

I will try to make a connection (I really cannot believe I do not have her card!!) with her through Scott H. I will try to get specifics and specifications on the turbo ASAP...

Chicago Skyline · 04-22-2007, 12:33 PM

Rock, as usual you did an awesome job!

Thanks

21iwin · 04-22-2007, 07:39 PM

Great job Rick.

SKY Spy · 04-22-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Tinley Park

The use of GM Card points to gain Saturn Discounts

There actually IS one card that offers a small discount. In general GM is not including Saturn in the discounts since the pricing (the no haggle) of the car is value driven, there really is no room for additional discounts. Whether this will change remains to be seen, but, currently there is no change in sight.

I can confirm this... The ONLY card accepted by Saturn Retailers is the GM FAMILY Card, this card actually says in the front of it just that "GM Family Card."

Regards,

BA...

lostcause · 04-23-2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Tinley Park

I will try to make a connection (I really cannot believe I do not have her card!!) with her through Scott H. I will try to get specifics and specifications on the turbo ASAP...

Awesome! I can't wait to hear the info. I hate to add more to the list of questions, but...I'm curious if it will work my GMPP CAI and also the GMPP catback which I'm considering adding.

cerberus · 04-23-2007, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostcause

Awesome! I can't wait to hear the info. I hate to add more to the list of questions, but...I'm curious if it will work my GMPP CAI and also the GMPP catback which I'm considering adding.

A turbo won't have any problems with those enhancements. Actually the 2 1/2" GMPP exhaust will help a "low" lbs/boost 2.4 turbo breath better and may well be recommended, although not required, as it's a less restrictive exhaust. (Noting that it's the higher boost levels of the 2.0 turbos which benefit from the 3" exhaust.)

TOY4TWO · 04-23-2007, 12:41 AM

I would say that YES, the Sky is covered in the Extended Family Card...

TOY4TWO · 04-23-2007, 12:45 AM

any chance GM will release a race version like Subaru did with the WRX --> STi? Take the bigger engine and put the redline turbo system on it right from factory??/

04-21-2007, 02:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rick Tinley Park Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SW Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 4,819 My Photos: (11)	Your Brand Advocate Report Hi everyone! I know Richm has posted some information we gained as being part of the Saturn Brand Advocacy Board. As the representative of SKYRoadster.com I want to pass on what I have learned and what I experienced. On an earlier post I updated information sought about specific questions and problems with SKY and as promised to posted exactly what I know. That aside (and I will put that post, verbatim, at the end of this thread) I want to convey this much to all of you Saturn is determined to be here a long time. Jill Lajdziak addressed all of us and if you are not a multi Saturn owner, SKY being your first venture, you may have thought her approach to be, well as the ads used to say "A little bit different." Thoughtful, passionate and devoted to this brand, even the most enthusiastic Saturn fan soon realizes that Ms Lajdziak is the reason Saturn IS Saturn. Everyone around her and on the teams with her, is what we (Saturn owners of the past and present) expect of Saturn. With that in mind, we were presented with so much openness, candor, and eagerness for feed back and willingness to talk "real" talk that even we were astounded. It was a pleasure to talk with and to the people who really do build the cars. People who make statements like, "We began to build the 2008 VUE, Monday." with the same excitement and ardor that we would say, "We get our 2008 SKY on Monday." Every car built matters. They took us to places few people, few GM employees even, see. When we had inquiries the person in change of that area was there to give us the information, to answer the question and to ask for our feedback. At one point when asked if what they did for us (the 15 Brand Advocate Board members) was enough, I commented, "I have to admit, I have never had a Product Manager follow me around just to answer questions and give me information." I was dumbfounded. I forgot to write most of the stuff down -- And I am a writer! All I can say, as I have both suspected and hoped, Saturn was the proper brand to bring us the SKY. As was revealed to us, in under twenty months (and we are well into that time) the oldest model car in the Saturn portfolio of cars will be --- > The SKY. From top to bottom every vehicle is being replaced (only the VUE name will survive and the 2008 VUE is a knock out!) and in my opinion Saturn will have a complete line of cars from your first new car to your weekend roadster. So, as a brand, Saturn puts SKY on that pinnacle as the Saturn of your dreams, while making available every car model and style you need as your life and lifestyle evolves. It was cool! Let's just go with that! I'll most likely post more as different topics allow me to pass on information. My aim is to keep a relationship with GM so that I can help get solutions, information and data back and forth in a reliable manner. Here is some of that now: As many of you may know I spent three days with the Saturn team in Detroit. The Brand Advocacy Board meetings were Saturn based and any discussion of SKY was on a more one-on-one basis. I'm here to detail some of the discussions I had as a representative of SKYRoadster.com Before I left we had a few discussions and posts about concerns, future movement and even financial questions. I can shed light of most of this and there is some blockbuster stuff here. It is not often as Saturn owner and more directly a SKY owner gets to talk with GM management, in person, with that representative eager to answer questions... I had that rare experience. Based I what we've been talking about here, on site -- I can tell you this much: Warranty and other problems with the SKY The biggest question here is the differential leaks and what is being done. I met Kevin Frayne, who is the Product Manager for SKY. In fact he sought me out to talk and discuss SKY. After out initial visit I spoke to him later and asked him for a definitive statement concerning the Solstice and SKY differential leaks. In a nutshell, he quoted a GM memo that says, General Motors and the vendor are aware of an ongoing concern that is, so far, two issues with the rear end (seal leak and over flow) they are and will continue to seek a solution. Sorry folks, no silver bullet. They are searching the source and making improvements as the builds continue but the smoking gun has not been found and the solution is still uncertain. Kevin assured me that this problem is VERY important to them and they WILL get to the solution. Warranty work is covering the issue and they want to eliminate the problem and inconvenience to the owners. What's new for GM Performance Parts Ok - Met with Nicole - sorry did not get her card and therefore no last name, but she manages GMPP and Licensed products. Here is what she told me: R/L Performance Air Box (She does not call it a CAI) I think we all know about this one 2.4l Cat back Exhaust (yes we get our own dual exhaust system) Already out and I saw it available for sale and.... be ready.... 2.4l Sky owners may want to sit for this one.... GMPP is bringing out a turbo for the 2.4l. I was stunned enough to not inquire about the HP -- but when I find out you will too! Also, 2008 SKY changes - and I did not write this stuff down - so it is by memory. No base radio, XM Standard, of course the adjustable seats and the door lock stay. Electronic stability will be standard, the color Graphite Gray will be eliminated and a new color gray brought on. There may be another SKY custom color along with Bluestone, no definite color was mentioned. In general no cosmetic changes. Some general housekeeping items as far as top storage and such. There is a service bulletin detailing the fix for folded top rattles (it took the two of us about 15 minutes with a SKY and the bulletin to see what it was doing, we did find it) All in all no huge differences. The use of GM Card points to gain Saturn Discounts There actually IS one card that offers a small discount. In general GM is not including Saturn in the discounts since the pricing (the no haggle) of the car is value driven, there really is no room for additional discounts. Whether this will change remains to be seen, but, currently there is no change in sight. __________________ Find out about my radio show http://www.anj.westpm.net Founder: www.chicagolandroadsters.com Rick Tinley Park Delivered June 15, 2006 VIN - 3099 Sunburst Yellow Name - Sunni1 IL License # - YLO SKY 1

04-21-2007, 04:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
James L. Lee Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 237 My Photos: (0)	Thanks Rick, Thanks for all the valuable info...and for representing us so well.... __________________ Jim Red Line Manual Chrome Alloy Wheels Color: Bluestone Black Premium Leather CD/Ipod Monsoon 2002 BMW Z8 - Silver Pearl-red/black interior 2008 Toyota Sienna Limited with Bruan Handicap upgrade for wife in wheelchair

04-21-2007, 06:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
vstar First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 862 My Photos: (2)	Great info.... Thanks Rick __________________ Vstar White, LSD Spoiler, leather Magnaflow Dual exhaust Dual CAI. NASSOA

04-21-2007, 08:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
Ag94Whoop Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Corinth, TX Posts: 434 My Photos: (9)	anxious to hear more about the turbo....price, HP gain, simplicity etc __________________ HEAVENLY #1668 Silver Pearl 2.4, red/black lthr, Fosgate/JL sound. Lil Chromies. Custom mats. Chrome and black custom wheels, Eibach springs, Custom Calvary 3 crosses WR, Candy Red Rally 10" stripes and side scoop stripes, Magnaflow, Custom RAI

04-22-2007, 09:15 AM	#12 (permalink)
Rick Tinley Park Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SW Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 4,819 My Photos: (11)	I will try to make a connection (I really cannot believe I do not have her card!!) with her through Scott H. I will try to get specifics and specifications on the turbo ASAP... __________________ Find out about my radio show http://www.anj.westpm.net Founder: www.chicagolandroadsters.com Rick Tinley Park Delivered June 15, 2006 VIN - 3099 Sunburst Yellow Name - Sunni1 IL License # - YLO SKY 1

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04-21-2007, 03:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
cerberus Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,402 My Photos: (19)	Thanks Rick!!! If you get a chance for followup, or hey, if GM/Saturn wants to come here and get bombarded ... 1) Regarding a diff solution when one comes, retrofits are an area of interest and concern as previously noted when the addition of the torque bar was introduced. Would like to hear a bit more about that aspect. 2) Just the news of a 2.4 turbo is great to hear, but the devil is in the details. In addition to expected gains, timeline, price, and CARB status are of interest. Thanks again for representing us. We certainly had great representation, and am glad we have you here as our advocate!!

04-21-2007, 04:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
lostcause Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 1,251 My Photos: (0)	Any idea if that 2.4 turbo will work on automatics?

04-22-2007, 12:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
Chicago Skyline First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northeast suburbs Chicago Posts: 414 My Photos: (8)	Rock, as usual you did an awesome job! Thanks __________________ CS Plate: CHGO SKY 2008 Runs: Next up: WI Dells! See you in the Windy City.

04-22-2007, 07:39 PM	#14 (permalink)
21iwin First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: henderson, nv(next door to las vegas) Posts: 137 My Photos: (0)	Great job Rick.

04-23-2007, 12:41 AM	#18 (permalink)
TOY4TWO First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 458 My Photos: (0)	I would say that YES, the Sky is covered in the Extended Family Card... __________________ Send me a Private Message to rate/view your Saturn Dealer on the USA Map.

04-23-2007, 12:45 AM	#19 (permalink)
TOY4TWO First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 458 My Photos: (0)	any chance GM will release a race version like Subaru did with the WRX --> STi? Take the bigger engine and put the redline turbo system on it right from factory??/ __________________ Send me a Private Message to rate/view your Saturn Dealer on the USA Map.

04-23-2007, 10:55 AM	#20 (permalink)
lostcause Senior Member