February 8, 2001

Two custom Saturn VUE SUV's displayed

VUE Outdoor Expression Click image to enlarge

Saturn revealed two customized versions of its coming VUE compact sport utility today, showcasing the after-market customization opportunities planned for the vehicle. The two show vehicles feature an outdoor and urban theme respectively.

"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.

VUE Urban Expression Click image to enlarge

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 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.

Saturn VUE "Urban Expression" vehicle features

Exterior

• Custom yellow show-car paint with glass bead technology
• Monochromatic exterior colour
• 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

Saturn VUE "Outdoor Expression" vehicle features

Exterior

• Aqua show-car paint
• Appearance package including wheel flares and grey 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

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