| Saturn VUE Caters To Trend Of Vehicle Personalizat |
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| 28 mai 2001 | |
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Chicago - Saturn Corporation will reveal two specialized versions of its coming VUE compact sport utility today, showcasing the breadth of retail installed accessories and after-market customization opportunities planned for the vehicle. These two show vehicles, which focus on an outdoor and urban theme respectively, will be on display at the Greater Chicago International Auto Show, which opens to the public on Friday. "These lifestyle vehicles are great examples of the flexibility and broad appeal that we envision for the Saturn VUE," said Jill Lajdziak, vice president of Saturn sales, service and marketing. "Customization is an important factor among automotive buyers in today's marketplace. In fact, specialty accessories and appearance products alone represent the largest growth segment of aftermarket products, with sales more than doubling from $1.8 billion to nearly $4 billion in the past decade. The ability to customize a vehicle is especially important in the entry vehicle segment and among younger buyers with active lifestyles." The outdoor expression version of the Saturn VUE caters to the spirit of adventurous activities such as camping, canoeing and mountain biking. It is designed to reinforce the VUE's capabilities as a genuine light-duty off-road vehicle that can 'get up and go' while carrying a variety of gear. Features include a front brush bar, 16-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a prominent roof rack. Interior features include a rubberized cargo area and floor covering, Ostrich leather accents and a plug-in handheld GPS unit. Similar retail installed accessories will be available upon start of production for the VUE. The urban expression version sports 18-inch wheels, performance tires and suspension modifications that lower the vehicle approximately two inches for a bold stance. It also has modified front and rear fascias, an integrated spoiler and a three-panel sunroof. Inside, the vehicle features an integrated navigation system and rear seat gaming system. This show vehicle represents the popular customization trends of younger owners. Following the introduction of the VUE, Saturn will work with several aftermarket companies to promote the customization opportunities for the vehicle. "Our launch theme for the Saturn VUE is 'new perspectives on the SUV,' and these two vehicles vividly demonstrate a different kind of sport utility," Lajdziak said. "The fresh, contemporary design of the Saturn VUE, along with its base MSRP of under $20,000, will enable customers to affordably personalize or customize their vehicle when it hits the market later this year." The Saturn VUE will boast a variety of unique features, including the most powertrain options in the compact utility segment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), dent-resistant polymer panels, low step-in height due to space frame construction, car-friendly bumpers, one-hand operation fold-flat seats, and Saturn's head curtain side air bags. The unveiling of these specialized versions of the Saturn VUE is part of an ongoing marketing program to build enthusiasm among potential customers as Saturn expands its line-up with this larger, innovative entry. To date, more than 70,000 people have signed up to receive more information about the Saturn VUE as it nears production. <b>SATURN VUE "URBAN EXPRESSION" VEHICLE FEATURES</b> <i>Exterior</i> -Custom yellow show-car paint with glass bead technology -Monochromatic exterior color -Sporty appearance package -Modified front/rear fascia -Side rocker skirting -Aero roof spoiler -Three panel sunroof -Independent front and rear suspension with modified springs (vehicle lowered approximately three inches) -18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels with low-profile performance tires -Four-wheel disc brakes -Custom chrome exhaust tip -High intensity headlamps -Tinted glass <i>Interior</i> -Custom yellow and tan interior with green suede accents -Special interior fabrics/floor treatment -Multi-media sound system with integrated navigation unit -DVD system with monitors integrated into headrests -Rear seat gaming system -OnStar <b>SATURN VUE "OUTDOOR EXPRESSION" VEHICLE FEATURES</b> <i>Exterior</i> -Aqua show-car paint -Appearance package including wheel flares and gray accents on lower door panels -Front brush bar -Side step bars -Prominent roof rack -16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels and all-terrain tires -Tail lamp guards -Custom exhaust tip <i>Interior</i> -Custom orange and gray interior with ostrich leather accents -Rubberized cargo area and floor covering -Custom seat fabric -Plug-in handheld GPS unit OnStar       |
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