The new Saturn of Alexandria had welcomed these new models with a brand new location and showroom at 499 South Pickett Street, at the corner of South Pickett and Edsall Roads.  Adjacent to the existing Alexandria Pontiac, Buick and GMC dealership, the new location puts most of General Motors’ brands at one location.

The new showroom opened its doors last month and was introduced to the Alexandria community through a grand opening event of about 100 local Saturn lovers Jan. 25.

Owner Steve Niswander has been in the automobile business for 16 years and employs about 120 people in Alexandria.  “We have a Vue hybrid in the dealership and are expecting an Aura hybrid soon,” Niswander said.

Saturn was envisioned by GM as an “import fighter” in the mid-1980’s.  After building an all-new manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, TN, the first Saturns rolled off the assembly line in 1990.

Saturn’s vehicles are based on designs from GM’s European divisions.  Offering Euro-style, American innovation, state-of-the-art safety features and competitive pricing, Saturn is experiencing a revival.  In 2007, the Saturn Aura was named North American Car of the Year by a panel ofjournalists.

“Because of the positive experience car buyers have had with Saturn, they’ve built a loyal following,” Niswander said. “These cars have innovative designs and we offer a unique ‘no haggle’  sales philosophy.”
 
Every year, Saturn owners participate in huge “Saturn Homecomings,” a veritable Saturn-fest where thousands of drivers meet and swap stories about their beloved import fighters.