Midsize Saturn to replace failed L-series

DETROIT, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The General Motors Corp. has given the go-ahead to a new mid-size Saturn to replace the discontinued L-Series, the Detroit News said.

The larger Saturn will be based on the platform shared by the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 and built at the Saturn plant in Fairfax, Kan. The News said the Orion assembly plant will also be able to make the new Saturn if the sedan is a hit.

The new Pontiac G6 models will be available as sedans, coupes and hardtop convertibles.

"With the derivatives of the G6 to be introduced in the coming months, we plan on fully utilizing Orion assembly with G6 production," GM spokesman Dan Flores told the News.

General Motors discontinued Saturn's L-Series in July because of poor sales. Saturn said it would develop another mid-size car as part of an ambitious expansion of the division that could include three new models by 2006.