General Motors' Canadian Fleet and Commercial website has published a tentative schedule reflecting the company's planned changeover to 2009 models. The start of production dates for all Saturn models, except the Astra compact hatchback, have been listed. Build dates for the '09 Saturn Astra are unknown at this time, but they will be posted when they become available.

SaturnFans.com congratulates Mike Kramer and the folks at ThunderSport Racing on their win at the SCCA Daytona Classic last week. "This was just a great weekend for us, the car was stout from start to finish and there's no other experience I can think of that compares to being on top of Daytona's high-banks in a racecar," beamed Kramer.

Cars.com's Mike Hanley walks you through the 2008 Saturn Astra 3-door XR. Overall, he said the Astra has "a very sleek look that gives the Volvo C30 – another intriguingly designed hatchback – a run for its money."

After driving the Astra, MyRide.com said the new car was "so much better in every respect than the Saturn model it replaces that we've forgotten the earlier compact's name."

Details for the 2008 GM River Days, last year's summer success, were announced today at Rivard Plaza. Organized by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, The Parade Company and General Motors, the festival will kick off Friday, June 20 and culminate on Monday, June 23 with the 50th Annual Target Fireworks.

The Texas Tribune recently drove an '08 Saturn Astra 5-Door XR and especially liked its styling and high-grade materials. "I think the car looks great," wrote reviewer Wilson Calvert. "I love the pseudo-projector housing headlights, and the body lines are great, especially on the coupe. The leather was of surprisingly good quality, and I would recommend the premium interior package."

Following discussions during ongoing contract bargaining with the CAW, General Motors of Canada recently announced the Windsor Transmission plant will cease operation in the second quarter of 2010. This is when current 4-speed front wheel drive transmission production mandates are completed.

Automotive News reports that Troy Clarke, president of General Motors NA, recognizes and understands that there's an awareness issue with its Saturn brand. Despite having the freshest lineup in the business, GM has found that most folks who are in the market for a new car don't realize Saturn has completely overhauled its entire lineup.

Jim Hall, managing director of 2953 Analytics, thinks Saturn should add a microvan – similiar to the Opel Meriva concept shown on the right – to its lineup. The Meriva was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show this year. What do you think? Vote in the poll and then post your thoughts.

Saturn's Matt Armstrong recently talked to the Detroit Free Press about the progress the brand is making with its revitalization efforts. "Just a year ago, the top three reasons peopled picked a Saturn were value, fuel economy and the price or monthly payment," he told the newspaper. "Now they are exterior styling, value and fuel economy. That shows that people appreciate our new products. They're coming in because of the products, not because of the payment."