“Sun sets on Saturn brand - Traverse City Record-Eagle” plus 4 more

Sun sets on Saturn brand - Traverse City Record-Eagle
September auto sales fall sharply - Traverse City Record-Eagle
ROSS COUNTY FAIR RABBIT SALES - Chillico Gazette
Saturn dealers, owners shocked over end of brand - Daily Business Review
What color is your car? Most likely, silver - Syracuse Post-Standard

Sun sets on Saturn brand - Traverse City Record-Eagle

Posted: 02 Oct 2009 04:25 AM PDT

DETROIT (AP) -- For those who expected General Motors' once-funky Saturn brand to live on with a new owner, there has been a sad twist. Saturn, once billed as a different kind of car company, appears as dead as Pontiac and Oldsmobile.

At the brand's 350 remaining dealers around the country, there were high hopes that a deal would be announced for GM to sell the brand to former race car driver and auto industry magnate Roger Penske.

Instead, Penske Automotive Group Inc. announced Wednesday it is walking away from the deal, unable to find a manufacturer to make Saturn cars when GM stops producing models sometime after the end of 2011. GM then announced it would stop making Saturns and soon would close down the brand, just like it did with Oldsmobile in 2004 and soon will do with Pontiac.

The day's events mean an almost certain end to Saturn, a brand that was set up in 1990 to fight growing Japanese imports. Instead of celebrating a rebirth, the announcements sent dealers scrambling for ways to stay open and preserve about 13,000 jobs.

"I find this hard to believe," said Carl Galeana, owner of two Saturn dealerships in suburban Detroit. "Everyone's been saying we're right at the goal line."

Saturn, officially launched in 1990, featured the iconic tag-line "a different kind of car company" and people were attracted by its low-key showrooms and no-haggle pricing.

GM's hope was that Saturn, with its dent-free plastic panels, would attract younger buyers with smaller, hipper cars. It built a new plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., devoted to Saturn vehicles.

Despite a cult-like following that drew thousands to annual reunions in Spring Hill, the brand never made money, although the company has never disclosed how much it invested or lost.

Although GM and Penske reached a tentative agreement to sell the brand in June, the deal collapsed Wednesday after Penske was told by an unidentified manufacturer that its board had rejected a deal to make cars for the new Saturn.

"It was a stunning turn of events," said GM spokesman Tom Pyden, who added that most of the details between GM and Penske had been worked out and both sides expected to announce this week that the deal had been closed.

GM had agreed to keep building three Saturn models even beyond 2011, but after that, Penske had to come up with its own products made by another manufacturer.

Penske spokesman Anthony Pordon said there is little if any chance that the talks could be reopened. Without another supplier in place before the deal was signed, Penske couldn't run the risk of taking on Saturn, Pordon said.

It takes several years to design new vehicles or engineer foreign vehicles to meet U.S. standards. Penske would risk having no products to sell once the GM contract expired.

The French automaker Renault discussed building cars for Penske but Renault spokeswoman Frederique Le Greves said in an e-mail Thursday that "the conditions for an agreement have not been found." She said the decision was made by the Renault executive board.

Penske's purchase price was never disclosed, and he will not have to pay a termination fee, Pyden said. Penske shares tumbled $1.13, or 5.9 percent, to $18.05 in premarket trading Thursday.

GM will stop making Saturns as soon as possible, but no layoffs are expected, said spokeswoman Sherrie Childers Arb. Saturns are made at plants in Kansas City, Kan.; Delta Township, Mich., near Lansing and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

"Those plants produce products for other brands, and we think we can increase volume on those products that will meet market demand," Childers Arb said.

Saturn owners can still go to their dealers for service. They will also be able to go to a certified GM dealer once Saturn dealerships close, GM said.

Stephen Spivey, senior auto analyst for Frost and Sullivan, said he was surprised Penske had no alternative plan for a manufacturer.

"There are lots of car companies in the world. I'm surprised they had all their eggs in one basket," he said, adding that other companies may still be interested in the dealership network.

Penske, who could not be reached for comment, said in a June interview that foreign automakers would be key to making Saturn succeed, but they would have to match GM's quality standards before Saturn's dealer network would distribute their products.

Bloomfield Hills-based Penske Automotive owns the second-largest U.S. automobile dealer chain. The company also distributes Daimler AG's Smart subcompacts in the U.S. and has race teams in the IndyCar, NASCAR and Grand-Am series.

Galeana said he's heard nothing yet from GM or Saturn, but if the plan is to phase out the brand and cut the products, he'll have to come up with other options.

"I assumed if you're at the goal line, those things would have been figured out," he said Wednesday. "We're going to try to put some plan Bs in place at this point."

Galeana said he's concerned for his employees and still hopes the deal can be resurrected.

"It's tough out there, but we'll keep fighting. That's all we can do."

GM Chairman Roger Smith first unveiled the Saturn brand in November 1983. But the project was slow to develop and the brand did not officially launch until seven years later.

As GM focused more on high-profit pickup trucks and SUVs, Saturn began to languish in the late 1990s. Then in 2006, car buyers began to find Saturn's new models more appealing. But after a good year in 2007, sales dropped last year as the U.S. car market withered. Through August, Saturn sales were down 60 percent from the first eight months of last year.

The Tennessee factory stopped making Saturns in 2007. Although it was retooled to make Chevrolet crossovers, it's now scheduled to close. A parts plant in Spring Hill will stay open in the short term, but its future was unclear.

GM has been trying to sell Saturn since earlier this year as part of its turnaround plan.

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September auto sales fall sharply - Traverse City Record-Eagle

Posted: 02 Oct 2009 04:17 AM PDT

DETROIT (AP) -- A Cash for Clunkers hangover hit every major automaker except Hyundai last month, pushing down sales and leaving the industry searching for signs of a recovery in October.

U.S. sales of cars and light trucks fell to just under 746,000 in September, down 41 percent from August.

Both GM and Chrysler were the biggest losers last month, while Ford, the healthiest of the Detroit Three, reported the smallest drop of major automakers. Of the top companies, only Hyundai posted higher sales, up 27 percent from September 2008.

Last month's slump brings car and truck makers back to earth following a heady August. Automakers got a lift from clunkers, which spurred sales of nearly 700,000 new vehicles during the summer months. Big rebates lured in many buyers who otherwise would have waited until later in the year to walk into dealerships.

Still, both GM and Ford said the clunkers letdown should pass by next month. They also forecast a slight recovery in sales with signs of economic improvement.

October, however, is traditionally a slow month for sales. On top of that, shoppers are guarding their wallets, worried about keeping their jobs in a fragile economy. The question remains whether dealers can really lure them back and help the industry recover over the remainder of the year.

Higher incentives didn't shake buyers from their September slumber. Automakers spent an average of $2,557 per vehicle in the U.S., up $83 from August, according to the auto Web site Edmunds.com.

"After five straight months of decline, incentives are on the rise again," Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell said. "Now that Cash for Clunkers is over, automakers have to give consumers an incentive to buy -- out of their own pockets, not the taxpayers'."

Ford Motor Co.'s sales fell 5.1 percent, but the decline followed two straight months of rising sales. Two of the Dearborn company's vehicles -- the Focus and Escape -- were top sellers in the clunkers program.

General Motors Co.'s sales plunged 45 percent while Chrysler Group LLC's fell 42 percent. The weak results continued a string of monthly sales drops for the troubled pair. Now the question is whether their government-funded recovery plans are working.

Sales fell in every GM division. Saturn led the way with an astounding 84 percent decline in September, the same month GM announced plans to abolish the brand after its sale to former race-car driver Roger Penske collapsed.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Treasury Department, which has provided roughly $65 billion to keep GM and Chrysler going, would not comment on the sales figures.

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ROSS COUNTY FAIR RABBIT SALES - Chillico Gazette

Posted: 02 Oct 2009 04:17 AM PDT

Julie Hixon, grand champion rabbit, $1,450, Kingston National Bank, Laurelville Grain, Pickaway Machine and Fab, Riffle Machine Works and Valero Kingston.

Ashleigh Newlun, reserve grand champion, $627, VFW Post 108 in partnership with Sons of AMVETS Squadron Four, Southern Ohio Mechanical Heating and Cooling.

Morgan Graves, reserve champion homegrown, $475, Ware Funeral Home, Dave Strickland State Farm Insurance, Premier Designs, Tonya Brown.

Zayne Mustard, $325, division winner, Knauff Brothers Logging, Randy Carter Logging.

Ian Carle, $800, division winner, $800, Riffle Machine Works, Dennis and Vicki Rearley, Classic Brands Budweiser.

Izabella Timmons, division winner, $250, Wal-mart.

Hilary Colburn, division winner, $500, Rolfe Insurance, Brad's Johns Septic, J.D. Equipment, Alan Bray Logging, Blake Kellough.

Caitlyn Snyder, division winner, $595, Linda Snyder, Ross County Republican Party, Elect Lois Tropea Council at Large, Judy Woods, Lorac Construction Services, CAM Travel.

Christian Snyder, division winner, $445, Linda Snyder, Mahoney Trucking, Abbott Horse Shoing, Jody Woods, Lorac Construcion Services, CAM Travel.

Makenna Ratliff, reserve division winner, $600, The Boulevard Hair Salon, FOE Eagles Club Aerie 600, Barber Spring Ohio, Brian Collins, Ruth Pinnix.

Sara Triplett, reserve division winner, $330, Kenworth Trucking Company, Wayne Barker, Spinners.

Shay McCalla, reserve division winner, $200, Clark and Carole Robinson.

Connor Owens, reserve division winner, $200, Highland Farms.

Kayley Ritchart, reserve division winner, $340, Farm Credit Service, FOE Eagles Club Aerie 600.

Madison Arledge, reserve division winner, $450, Sutherland's Raditor, Ed Litter.

Raina Clark, reserve division winner, $175, Drs. Schmitt and Swartz DDS.

Landen Arledge, $310, Wissler and Myers Family Dentisty, The Boulevard Hair Salon, Citizens National Bank.

Caleb Congrove, $225, Citizens National Bank.

Gaven Harper, $375, Harper's Garage Inc.

Morgan McCabe, $230, Kenworth Trucking Company, Wayne Barker.

Allison Neff, $250, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS, Jake Depugh, Susan Scott Neff.

Allison Morgan, $200, Kevin and June Putnam.

Garrett Blair, $160, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS.

Kaitlyn Wolfe, $700, Grooms Custom Shop, Tom Skowronek.

Mallory Retherford, $400, All Terrain Sports, Page and Sons.

Amber Foster, $200, Peggy Corcoran, Kunz Auction Service.

Taylor Bonner, $300, Grubb Farms, Lorac Construction Service, Jimmy and Angie White, CAM Travel, Arrow Title Agency.

Katie Helmick, $280, Kenworth Trucking Company, Wayne Barker, Barber Spring Ohio, Brian Collins, Ruth Pinnix.

Hallie Ingram, $250, Tender Years Daycare, Frank Congrove.

Amber Allis, $185, Drs. Schmitt and Swartz DDS.

Seth Garrison, $225, D&M Lawn Care.

Logan Hutson, $200, Drs. Schmit and Swartz DDS

Justin Wells, $125, Hupp Electric Service.

Ciera Gambill, $185, Sharps Cycle.

Sawyer Lovely, $150, Jhan Corzine.

Spencer Grahm, $170, Jhan Corzine.

Ander Graves, $175, Kingston National Bank, Premier Designs-Tonya Brown, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS.

Hollie Newlun, $135, Drs. Schmitt and Swartz DDS.

Nicolas Overly, $500.

Quentin Marshall, $175, Kingston National Bank.

Mason Bethel, $425, Nesser Roofing, Michelle Hammond at Amy's Simply Divine, VFW Post 108 in partnership.

Brittany Gray, $240, Charleston Church of the Brethren.

Mckenzie Parker, $350, Cross Creek Excavating.

Knute Bonner, $275, Valero South Paint Express, Renick's Family Restaurant, Jimmy and Angie White, CAM Travel.

Hayley Carle, $750, The Old Canal Shop, Dennis and Vicki Rearley, Riffle Machine Works, Classic Brands Budweiser.

Hayley Lewis, $175, Drs. Schmitt and Swartz DDS.

Jasa Clay, $135.

Sasha Mason, $220, Hearth and Care Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Zach Lunde, $625, annonymous, Huntington Bank, Central Auto and Farm Center, RLS Disposal.

Breanna Payne, $150, Peggy Corcoran, Kunz Auction Service, Brown, Cuck and Judy.

Nathan Gill, $150, USEC.

Brianna Weese, $400, Spinners and Wissler and Myers Family Dentistry.

Sydney Shively, $400, Village Inn and Riley Farms.

Anna Reisinger, $210, Dave Strickland State Farm Insurance.

Jacob Toppings, $150, Drs. Schmitt and Swartz DDS.

Kayla Coder, $200, Ross County Redi Mix.

Gabe Adams, $150, B&C Construction.

Calee Wolfe, $210, Dave Strickland State Farm Insurance.

Megan Jaruwannakorn, $290, Kingston National Bank.

Brett Gray, $240, Charleston Church of the Brethren.

Shanna Elam, $125, The Savings Bank.

Carly Carroll, $230, Kenworth Truck Company, Wayne Barker.

Heidi Cox, $125, B&C Construction.

Amber Everhart, $300, Riffle Machine Works, Riffle Machine Works, Litter Quality Propane, Aaron and Angie Brown, Kathy Corcoran, Lawn Care, Paul and Ceil Corcoran, Barber Spring Ohio, Brian Collins, Ruth Pinnix.

Tyler G. Mitten, $200, Hupp Electric Service and Crop Production Services.

Kaila Carroll, $275, Nesser Roofing, Classic Brands Budweiser, Lorac Construction Services.

Joshua Morgan, $185, Kelvin and June Putnam.

Aaron Neff, $250, Drs. Schmitt and Swartz DDS, Jake Depugh, Susan and Scott Neff.

Kolton Carroll, $260, Wilson's Automotive in memory of Bill Wilson, Classic Brands Budweiser.

Scott Freeman, $170, Kingston National Bank.

Hannah McDowell, $150, Drs. Schmitt and Swartz DDS.

Cadee Causey, $275, MJM Logistics, LLC, Vallery Ford and Chevrolet.

Matthew Miller, $300, Greenwalt Lawn Care and Classic Brands Budweiser.

Felicia Mowbray, $125, K&M Construction LLC of Chillicothe.

Justin Rapp, $400, Eli Martin Surveying.

Allison Timmons, $500, Classic Brands Budweiser, Litter Quality Propane, Structural Services.

Jacob McCown, $230, Kenworth Truck Company, Wayne Barker.

Justin Gozy, $270, Valero South Paint Express, Zach Gozy, Renee Gozy.

Adam Blair, $200.

Daniel Newlun, $300, D&M Lawn Care, FOE Eagles Club Aerie 600.

Kennedy DeBord, $225, Jenkins Chiropractic, Animal Care Clinic.

Malachi Reissig, $200, VFW Post 108 in partnership.

Kayla Thatcher, $300, Petland of Chillicothe.

Audrey Corzine, $475, USEC and A Cut Above Salon.

Jessica Skorma, $200, O'Bryant Enterprises.

Brice Bainter, $150, McDonald's Restaurant.

Adam Woods, $150, O'Bryant Enterprises.

Olivia Smith, $300, Reno's Lawn Services, Sam Cooper.

Darren Griesheimer, $150, Dewhurst Trucking, KSK Logging.

Casie Triplett, $300, Litter Quality Propane Spinners.

Colt Causey, $250, Dan and Tami Ackley, MJM Logistics, LLC.

Dillon Lusk, $225, The Boulevard Hair Salon, The Savings Bank.

Whitney Bee, $200, Cleopatra's Salon and Tanning, Jason and Katrina Robinson.

Nick Gilmore, $200, Nesser Roofing.

Laura Woods, $175, O'Bryant Enterprises.

Dillon Throckmorton, $250, Nourse Family Dealership, Valero South Paint Express, Lorac Construction Services.

Jordan Young, $600, Joe's Mobile Home Services, R&J Well Driling, Young's Vending, Young's Seed, Express Shine Car Wash, Carl's Townhouse.

Tyler Carroll, $275, Bill and Rita Graves, Graves Brothers Farm.

Brooke Blevins, $200, Nourse Family Dealership.

Morgan Popp, $400, Express Shine Car Wash, Carl's Townhouse.

Chelsea Newlun, $200, Stephen A. Madru, Newman Rutherford, Jeff McCabe.

Summer Owens, $135, Go Get'em Gang 4-H Club.

Maddie Spangler, $250, Rockhold Brown and Company Bank, William Hubbard, John Scott, Perfection Plus.

Joey Kight, $200, Classic Brands Budweiser.

Rachel Collins, $135, B&C Construction.

Shayne Wheeler, $225, The Savings Bank.

Karley Kassulke, $250, Best Janitorial, Nicole Kassulke, Sharps Cycle.

Taylor Miller, $1,170, Barbee Logging, United Union of Roofers, Kenworth Trucking Company, Wayne Barker.

Tiffany Powers, $200, Animal Care Clinic.

Alexis Kendall, $225, Kendall's Maintenance and Construction.

Amber Wheeler, $225, The Savings Bank.

Codie Colter, $200, Anderson and Gary Farm, Clarksburg Clown Chicks, Cindy Sykes, Denise Kern.

Casey Foraker, $200, Arrowood Trucking, Aleta Conacher.

Matthew Boedeker, $175, Drs. Schmitt and Swartz DDS.

Clay Stratton, $250, Cleopatra's Salon and Tanning.

Ashlynn Strennen, $190, Animal Care Clinic.

Cole Payne, $200, Ross County Community Action, Trina Payne, Wayne McLaughlin.

Autumn Bolte, $200, Kingston National Bank.

Lexie Mettler, $400, Doles Realty Inc.

Cody Hopkins, $160, Warfield Construction.

Austin Downing, $130, Mark Taylor.

Robert Gregory, $120, Luke and Ryan Cottrill.

Jesse Lewis, $150, K&M Construction LLC of Chillicothe.

Justin Gilmore, $200, Nesser Roofing.

Jared Allagree, $120, Dock at the Water.

Jacob Helmick, $200, Craig Timmons, Erica Timmons, Barber Spring Ohio, Brian Collins, Ruth Pinnix.

Randall Newland, $200, Flannery Construction.

Samaria Jones, $600, David E. Brown.

Kaitlyn Brown, $375, Dr. Lee Parks, D. Paul Brown Farms, Streitenberger Remodeling, Perfection Plus.

Tucker Hammond, $300, First Capital Hydraulics, Wilson's Automotive in Memory of Bill Wilson, Nesser Roofing.

Kacie Pummill, $240, Eli Martin Surveying and Nesser Roofing.

Maxwell Griesheimer, $275, B&B Roofing.

Nicolas Kellough, $360, Scioto Farm Supply, Dewhurst Trucking, KSK Logging and Clary Trucking Inc.

Hunter Parker, $250, Clary Trucking Inc.

Logan Stout, $320, The Boulevard Hair Salon, Riffle Machine Works, Marlin Long, Jason Long, Jack Theobold.

Amanda Woodgeard, $400, Amber's and Chip's Drive Thru.

Lauren Smith, $240, Graves Brothers Farm.

Holly Pummel, $400, All State Professional, Amber's and Chip's Drive Thru.

Megan Turner, $160, Ron's Landscaping.

Samantha Ritchie, $230, Kenworth Trucking Company and Wayne Barker.

Cedrik Seebohm, $350, Jerry Byers Ross County.

Evan Vorhies, $260, Nesser Roofing, Nourse Family Dealership.

Matthew Watkins, $660, Fifth-Third Bank, Watkinds and Sons Body Shop, Steve-O's Pizza.

Alexandra Taylor, $300, Rooster's, Mark Taylor, Michael Neal.

Erin Riley, $175, Michael Neal.

Cameron Dye, $290, Windermere Real Estate, Dennis and Vicki Rearleym, Nourse Family Dealership.

Brennan Pollock, $275, J.L. Uhrig and Associates, Brad's Johns and Septic, Angie Kuhrig.

Naomi Dempsey, $190, John Wilber Nationwide Insurance, Lauri Cook, Praise's Family Books and Gifts

Evan Sams, $170, Dave Holmes.

Megan Purdin, $1,295, Wayland Trucking, Morgan Rabbitry, Anderson/Gary Farm, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants, Kunz Auction Service, Harper's Garage Inc., United States Air Force Reserves, Scott Hurtt, Ken Grabill, ERA Martin and Associates of Frankfort, Hair Retreat, Mel McCabe, Lane and Seed Sales, Patterson Trenching, Custom Designing, Ben and Petra Junk, Keith and Vickie Puntam, Bob and Vi Wayland.

Brooklyn Pritchard, $250, Dr. Schmitt and Swartz DDS, Nesser Roofing.

Taylor Overly, $500.

Kari Kingery, $300, Farmer's Market.

Alexus Pepin, $300, Dr. Schmitt, Swartz DDS, Nesser Roofing.

Taylor Rumfield, $150, Ross County Redi Mix.

Barry Warfield, $195, DBJ's Commercial Flooring Inc.

Alexis Adams, $195, Animal Care Clinic.

Brittany Bush, $150, Ross County Community Action, Trina Payne, Wayne McLaughlin.

Sierra Miller, $700, Rolfe Insurance, J.D. Equipment, Crop Production Services.

Braeden Butler, $175, Praise's Family Books and Gifts.

Michele Bado, $230, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Derrick Anderson, $120, Go Get 'Em Gang 4-H Club.

Tory Lindsey, $225, Anderson/Gary Farm, Frankfor and Clarksburg Area Merchants, Saving's Bank, Clarksburg Clown Chicks, Cindy Sykes, Denise Kern.

Paige Triplett, $200, Spinners.

Tommy Preston, $225, Kay Stockman.

Kaitlyn Ellison, $500, Hardy Outdoor Furnaces.

Andrew Staufer, $300, Detillion Landscaping Co., Lehman Home Improvements, Lisa Wrights.

McKayla Beavers, $300, American Legion Post 14, Tom Weaver, Tina Weaver, Bonnie Johnson, Tammy Wagoner.

Jessica Damron, $225, Hupp Electric Service.

Briana Mark, $400, Cheryl Barlage, Henry Barlage Jr., CPA; Eagle Valley Whitetails, Anna Villarreal-Jenkins Law Office.

Aaron Grubb, $175, Ross County Community Action, Trina Payne, Wayne McLaughlin.

Haley Payne, $200, Youth Crime Watch of Chillicothe.

Dailyn Bobb, $155, Dr. Scott Morehead of Adena OBGYN.

Nathan Sagraves, $800, SOS Electric.

Trent Hitch, $500, Austin Heights Farm, Bill Hitch.

Erica Shreck, $475, Ross County Community Action, Trina Payne, Wayne McLaughlin, Nesser Roofing, Thomas Motorsports.

Kaitlyn Davis, $412, Kroger, Stevison's Concessions, Barb Stevison, VFW Post 108 in partnership.

Matthew Henry, $140, Ross County Community Action, Trina Payne, Wayne McLaughlin.

Keirra Stansberry, $337, Kroger, Burger King, Stansberry Janitorial.

Kimmie Toppings, $200, Animal Care Clinic.

Steven Cox, $125, B&C Construction.

Jacob Presler, $135, Go Get 'Em 4-H Club.

Samantha Pettiford, $430, Animal Care Clinic, R&J Well Drilling, Joe's Mobile Home Service.

Jarrod Everhart, $290, Farm Credit Service, C&M Computer, Frankfort; Warrior Fitness, Arrow Title Agency.

Jac Honline, $285, MPW IND Service, Jhan Corzine, Paul and Julie Arledge.

Jacob Smith, $400, Burger King, JK Precast, Willie Smith, Brian Larrick.

Rob Chapman, $200, Sheriff George Lavender and Jeanne Lavender.

Tyler Congrove, $312, Kroger, Roger and Ruthie Swaney.

Madason Eldridge, $237, Kroger, Animal Care Clinic.

Brooke Uhrig, $260, Burger King, Sharps Cycle.

Jordyn Ritenour, $725, Brock and Morgan Gerrity, Dresbach Farms, Precision Fixture Installers, Mann and Preston, Attorneys at Law; Toni Eddy, Law Director.

Amanda Helmick, $350, Scioto Farm Supply, Barber Spring of Ohio, Brian Collins, Ruth Pinnix.

Drew Kellough, $275, Litter Quality Propane.

Max Tippie, $135, Accurate Heating and Cooling.

Stephanie Cartee, $200, Nesser Roofing.

Jessica Howard, $230, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Emily Manson, $225, K&M Construction LLC of Chillicothe.

Dylan Amole, $350, Cross Creek Excavating, Accurate Heating and Cooling, Hupp Electric Service.

Rachael Virgin, $225, Kingston National Bank.

Jacob Hirsch, $610, John Wilber, Nationwide Insurance, Lauri Cook; Jenkins Chiropractic, Mike Hutt, Chip Campbell, Hilltop Farms.

Dylan Gragg, $230, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Brooke Mercer, $225, RLS Disposal.

Devyn Eldridge, $212, Kroger, Craig Timmons, Erica Timmons.

Seth Knisley, $300, Petland of Chillicothe.

Augusta Hooks, $220, Jake and Shirley Balzer.

Savannah Bonner, $400, Lorac Construction Services, Jimmy and Angie White, Burger King, CAM Travel.

Sundi Wheeler, $125, Generation Four, LLC.

Jay Riley, $175, Animal Care Clinic.

Jacob Hooks, $195, Ross County Community Action, Trina Payne, Wayne McLaughlin.

Ashley Mitchell, $175, Mike and Emily Oyer.

Dustin Skomra, $200, Big Rock Farms, O'Bryant Enterprises.

Kendall Griesheimer, $125, Farm Credit Services.

Alexis Overly, $500.

Matthew Marquez, $120, DBR Enterprises, Dave Rawlins, Gina Davis, Tony Rawlins, Schlegel's Coffee Shop.

Anna Conacher, $200, Arrowood Trucking, Aleta Conacher.

Kassandra Stewart, $400, Doles Realty Inc.

Jessia Ralston, $250, Martin Painting and Coating, Bent Nail Farm.

Paige Foraker, $200, Arrowood Trucking, Aleta Conacher.

James Capehart, $120, New Sabina Industries, Gregory and Liz Corzine.

Brian Smith, $300, Farmer's Market.

Jackie Kellough, $230, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Aerial Stansberry, $357.50, Kroger, Stansberry Janitorial, Wissler and Myers Family Dentistry.

Ben Davis, $300, Brown's Lawn and Garden Equipment, Bob Brown.

Seth Fout, $230, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Ciera Bobb, $235, Heath and Care Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Carlie Long, $400, Cleopatra's Salon and Tanning, Terry's Trucking and Excavating.

Dylan Gragg, $230, Dr. Scott Morehead of Adena OBGYN, Chip Campbell, Bunstine Law Office.

Sarah Hamptt, $420, McDonald House, Golden Oldies.

Jerry Griesheimer, $120, Ross County Communtiy Action, Trina Payne, Wayne McLauglin.

Hannah Nelson, $300, Dr. Scott Morehead of Adena OBGYN.

Molly Schoenholtz, $240, Willard Minney.

Dillan Binegar, $150, B&C Construction.

Taylor Travis-Turner, $150, Mike and Emily Oyer.

Chelsey Triplett, $125, Cross Creek Excavating.

Jaren Hardesty, $150, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants.

Chelsey Tuck, $200, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, VFW Post 108 in partnership, Mitch Salyers Insurance.

Taylor Brown, $375, Nesser Roofing, Wilson's Automotive In Memory of Bill Wilson, Joe and Teresa Brown, Perfection Plus.

Jonathan Reisinger, $175, Praise's Family Books and Gifts.

Hannah Binegar, $175, B&C Construction.

Alayna Lytle, $250, Alan Bray Logging, Blake Kellough.

Kylan Strausbaugh, $600, Litter Quality Propane, Classic Brands Budweiser, Nesser Roofing, Classic Brands Budweiser.

Matt Morris, $275, SCI Properties, Michael Long, Michael Haller, Dr. Mark Conner.

Tiffany Gibbs, $120, Cross Creek Excavating.

Preston Everhart, $290, Agri Service, Farm Credit Services, Warrior Fitness, Arrow Title Agency.

Kyla Shanks, $185, Animal Care Clinic.

Skyler Downing, $120, Luke and Ryan Cottrill.

Madison Davis, $500, Spinners.

Tyler Hoffman, $300, Geraldine Woods, Ater Construction, Bobbi and Jeff Hoffman.

Aubrey Stansberry, $200, Ross County Community Action, Trina Payne, Wayne McLaughlin.

Kaela Yoe, $250, Bent Nail Farm, Martin Painting and Coating.

Hayle Blair, $195, Grim Family.

Abbey Perry, $225, John and Sheena Carroll.

Justin Brown, $100, Kingery Contracting.

Sarah Hertenstein, $250, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants, PPG.

Emily Bennett, $125, Valero South Paint Express, Valero Kingston.

Brad Pummill, $260, Benjamin Steel, Michele Robert.

Maria Cooper, $160, Nourse Family Dealership.

Kevin Scott, $510, Sons of American Legion 62, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS; Sharps Cycle.

Mark Neal, $375, Michael Neal.

Joe Warth, $200, Keyston Engineering Inc.

Samantha Joes, $200, Hampton Inn and Suites, Roosters Wings.

James Jones, $200, Mark and DeeAnn Zurmehly.

Liza Dempsey, $140, John Wilber Nationwide Insurance, Lauri Cook, Steve Neal, Ross County Auditor.

Clinton Kingery, $225, Klingery Contracting, Kingman's Collectibles, Millers Child Care.

Abbie Hall, $305, Mark and Cheryl Frazier, Wissler and Myers Family Dentistry.

L. Gray Prater, $300, Classic Brands Budweiser, Citizens National Bank.

Morgan Smith, $500, Aaron and Tabby Smith.

Kellie Cooper, $140, Thomas Motorsports.

Damika Sowers, $130, Sharps Cycle, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS.

Corey Blankenship, $373.54, Preferred Medical Personnel, Arrow Title Agency, Kelley Blankenship for Karnes Realty.

Karli Bower, $400, Nancy Brown, Robert and Kimberly Woodruff.

Jon Busch, $350, Lorac Construction Services, CAM Travel, Heritage Construction, Renick's Family Restaurant, B&B Roofing, Lorac Construction Services.

Logan Knauff, $200, Knauff Brothers Logging.

Madison Stant, $175, Jason Shuster.

Dakoda Collins, $155, Riffle Machine Works.

Samantha Ragland, $410, John Wilber Nationwide Insurance, Lauri Cook; Dr. Lee Parks, Joe Russ Farm Equipment and Fertilizer.

Alivia Butler, $125, Praise's Family Books and Gifts.

Taylor Throckmoroton, $250, Lorac Construction Services, Riffle Machine Works.

MaKayla Zeisler, $250, Petron Oil, Accurate Heating and Cooling.

Kaitlyn Beard, $250, Citizens National Bank.

Layne Beasley, $250, RLS Disposal.

Abby Oyer, $250, Chuck and Judy Brown.

Kristen Ison, $125, Outlaw Acres.

Tangie Gilmore, $175, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants.

Raymond Jenkins, $300, Nesser Roofing.

Brea Blevins, $200, Nourse Family Dealership.

Lorrie Baker, $120, Haubeil Farms, Schlegel's Coffee Shop.

Marissa Palmer, $200, RLS Disposal.

Logan Kahrig, $170, Kunz Medical, Caleb Graham.

Jessy Norman, $120, Mike and Emily Oyer, Schlegel's Coffee Shop.

Kim Irvin, $120, Wilson's Automotive In Memory of Bill Wilson, Schlegel's Coffee Shop.

Niall Pettiford, $245, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants, Agri Service, PPG.

Jordan DeWitt, $230, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Kayla Nungester, $125, Kingston National Bank.

Joshua Reisinger $175, Praise's Family Books and Gifts, Keyston Engineering Inc.

Brandon Mossbarger, $110, Ellison Trenching and Excavating, Schlegel's Coffee Shop.

Christina Shreck, $237, Kroger, Edward Jones Investments.

Ryan Gregory, $120, Kunz Auction Service, Chuck and Judy Brown, Schlegel's Coffee Shop.

Dustin Bethel, $425, FOE Eagles Club Aerie 600, Nesser Roofing, Michelle Hammond for Amy's Simply Divine, VFW Post 108 in partnership.

Benjamin Honline, $285, MPW IND Service, Mike and Jenn Cade, Tammy Paul, Julie Arledge.

Brittany Pettiford, $200, Burger King.

Hanna Page, $225, Nesser Roofing, Wilson's Automotive In Memory of Bill Wilson.

Julie Brooks, $400, FOE Eagles Club Aerie 600, Nesser Roofing, Chillicothe Fire and Security, Wilson's Automotive In Memory of Bill Wilson.

Delaney Houser, $400, Streitenberger Remodeling, Houser and Son Farm Equipment, Keith and Karen Anderson, Home Place Angus, Bryan and Leah Davis.

Christian Gregory, $150, Mark and DeeAnn Zurmehly.

Phillip Vanderpool, $135, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, VFW Post 108 in partnership.

Bryson Baker, $150, Haubeil Farms.

Shane Gibbs, $120, Todd and Rhonda Holdren, Schlegel's Coffee Shop.

Jordyn Starcher, $250, Sgt. Scott Starcher, U.S. Army.

Michael Halsey, $140, Mandtt Capital Management.

Madison Jackson, $225, Ellis Farms.

Andrea Lane, $125, Riffle Machine Works.

Matthew Morris, $150, Hopetown Farm.

Kyle Brown, $375, Edward Jones Investments, D. Paul Brown Farms, Streitenberger Remodeling, Perfection Plus.

Mikaela Gearhart, $300, Charleston Church of the Brethren.

Travis Hess, $120, Ellison Trenching and Excavating, Schlegel's Coffee Shop.

Danielle Foster, $125, Praise's Family Books and Gifts.

Kendra Wittle, $550, Dock At Water, Petland of Chillicothe.

Ashley McCullough, $200, Wilson's Automotive In Memory of Bill Wilson, Nesser Roofing, A Cut Above Salon.

Wyatt Shanton, $165, Animal Care Clinic, Farm Credit Service.

Cody Pritchard, $250, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS; Nesser Roofing.

T. Braiden Stearos, $525, Barber Spring of Ohio, Brian Collins, Ruth Pinnix; Litter Quality Propane.

Logan Cutright, $325, Meat's Metals, Sawtooth Tm., Hupp Electric Service.

Paige Everhart, $300, Riffle Machine Works.

Jordan Kellough, $200, Edward Jones Investments.

Olivia Beard, $210, Roberts Farms.

Vicki Henkel, $320, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS; Sharps Cycle, Old Canal Stop.

Riley May, $210, Citizens National Bank, Rickey Auctioneer.

Chelsea Moody, $150, Mark and DeeAnn Zurmehly.

Kiersten Pollock, $250, Terry's Trucking and Excavating, Brad's Johns and Septic.

Cassi Skaggs, $250, Tim Minstard, Rockhold Brown and Co. Bank, William Hubbard, John Scott.

Lacey Robbins, $160, Mark and Dee Ann Zurmehly.

Jeff Postage, $325, Precision Fixture Installers.

McKenzie Ray, $325, Animal Care Clinic, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants, Sheriff George Lavender and Jeanne Lavender, Ivan and Melissa Ray.

Jessica Redman, $190, John Wilber, Nationwide Insurance; Lauri Cook, Thomas Motorsports.

Cole Clever, $400, Nesser Roofing, RLS Recycling.

Jarrett Jones, $240, Charles and Elizabeth Kolb.

Cory Hollis, $170, Sharps Cycle, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS; Petland of Chillicothe.

Layne Bobb, $500, Miner Farms, Perfection Plus.

Maxwell Krebs, $575, Sutherland's Radiator, Detty's Body Shoppe.

Allison Ellingsworth, $362, Kroger, Sharps Cycle, Nesser Roofing, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS, Barker Home Improvement.

Sarah Endres, $250, Schooley Station Industrial Park, Ron and Carla Bushatz.

Grace Skaggs, $250, Jerry Byers, Ross County Treasurer.

Abby Bowers, $150, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants.

Ashley Morris, $230, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Stephanie Newland, $150, Nesser Roofing, Wilson's Automotive In Memory of Bill Wilson.

Michaela Mash, $275, Praise's Family Books and Gifts, Dock At Water.

Brice Graves, $375, Chillicothe Fire and Security, Nesser Roofing, Steel Art Works LLC.

Alec Graves, $275, Premier Designs, Tonya Brown; Wolfe's Automotive.

Ashlee Causey, $235, Mike and Emily Oyer.

Jay Campbell, $160, Richard A. Miller.

Corbin Mankin, $395, Jody Woods, Bunstine Law Office, Jody Woods, Haller Funeral Home.

Michaela Harmon, $300, Nesser Roofing, VFW Post 108 in partnership, Jason and Katrina Robinson.

Steven Newland, $120, Chuck and Judy Brown, Kunz Auction Service, Gregory and Liz Corzine.

Kepher Scott, $510, Sharps Cycle, Dr. Schmitt, Swartz DDS, Sons of American Legion 62.

Andrew Ward, $300, Nesser Roofing, Dr. Schmitt, Swartz DDS, Barker Home Improvement.

Corbin Ward, $275, Praise's Family Books and Gifts, Dock At Water.

Jillian Sherman, $250, Charles and Elizabeth Kolb.

Abigail Penrod, $205, Paradise Pizza.

Kendra Moore, $120, Ron and Carla Bushatz, Gregory and Liz Corzine.

Jay Newland $250, G&J Paving.

Kimmy Wolfe, $525, Woods Country General, Crows Hybrids at Minor Family Farms, Litter Quality Propane.

Christin Zeisler, $300, Petron Oil, Valero South Paint Express.

Logan Collins, $140, Riffle Machine Works.

Audra Lusk, $275, The Boulevard Hair Salon, Anderson/Gary Farm, Savings Bank.

Candace Marshall, $130, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants.

Breanna Cremeans, $200, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants.

Tyler-Ally Collins, $125, Riffle Machine Works.

Trevor Hinshaw, $400, Cleopatra's Salon and Tanning, Terry's Trucking and Excavating.

Jessi Hines, $200, Kathie and Mike LeMaster.

Haley Gibson, $140, Cross Creek Excavating, DBR Enterprises, Dave Rawlins, Gina Davis, Tony Rawlins.

Kailee Kellough, $125, Wissler and Myers Family Dentistry.

Madeline Digges, $355, Heritage Construction, Christopher Inn and Suites.

Kayla Knisley, $300, Petland of Chillicothe.

Dustin Knox, $325, Joe and Teresa Brown, Jhan Corzine, Sheriff George Lavender and Jeanne Lavender, Wissler and Myers Family Dentistry.

Grant Smith, $180.84, Michelle Hammond for Amy's Simply Divine, Sheriff George Lavender and Jeanne Lavender.

Cody Stonerock, $300, Nesser Roofing.

Tiffany Gilmore, $225, McDonald's Restaurant.

Crissandra Digges, $410, Bob and Patsy Raines, Heritage Construction, Christopher Inn and Suites.

Colt Marshall, $200, Vallery Ford and Chevrolet.

Miranda Mercer, $400, Drs. Schmitt, Swartz DDS, Nesser Roofing, Wissler and Myers Family Dentistry, Wilson's Automotive In Memory of Bill Wilson.

Haylee Vollmar, $300, Maplewood Animal Clinic.

Kendall Giles, $200, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants.

Tristan Stevenson, $240, Mike's Farm Equipment.

Michelle Cade, $150, McDonald's Restaurant.

Heather Landman, $350, Riffle Machine Works, Clary Trucking Inc., Nesser Roofing.

Misty Pierce, $500, Givens Excavating Inc., Martin and Melissa Givens, Village Express, Kingston, Melissa Givens.

Bryce Colegrove, $130, Dean Cartee.

Alyssa Walker,$160, Jhan Corzine.

Hannah Steele, $220, Michelle Hammond at Amy's Simply Divine.

Harlie Schaeffer, $130, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Jessica Brown, $200, Railway Express.

Brenda Detty, $230, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Lee Ann Junk, $450, Security Ins./Lansing Agency, Anonymous.

Jake Fout, $230, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Tyler Houser, $120, Lehman Home Improvements, Lisa Wrights, Gregory and Liz Corzine.

Sarah Jenkns, $225, Anonymous, Jhan Corzine.

Kelsey Dunkle, $375, Valero of Kingston.

Braden Colegrove, $300, Elliott's Farm, Ware Funeral Home, Malone Farms.

Cami Brookover, $375, Dave Strickland, State Farm Insurance; Rose Hillyard Products, Geln D. Wilson.

McKenzie Parker, $15, Dr. Mark Conner.

Taylor Dratwa, $200, Arrow Title Agency, C&M Computer, Frankfort; Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants.

Tyler Wilt, $150, Cross Creek Excavating.

Robert Binkley, $350, FOE Eagles Club Aerie 600, Alan Bray Logging, Blake Kellough.

Joshua Tuck, $210, Kenneth and Nikki Downs, Gregory and Liz Corzine, Mitch Salyers Insurance.

Zander Mustard, $250, Knauff Brothers Logging.

Patrick Morris, $225, Frankfort and Clarksburg Area Merchants.

Brittany Penrod, $120, Dock At Water.

Brenin Ritchhart, $330, FOE Eagles Club Aerie 600, Kenworth Truck Co., Wayne Barker.

Cale Free, $175, Hopewell Heights Inc.

Jessica McCullough, $150, Wilson's Automotive In Memory of Bill Wilson.

Caitlyn Cook, $125, Drummond Farms.

Darian Betkey, $375, Derek Betkey, Roger Leedom, Dr. Schmitt, Swartz DDS.

Marcus Boedeker, $210, Maplewood Animal Clinic.

Alek Adkins, $350, Vallery Ford and Chevrolet, Lehman Home Improvements.

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Saturn dealers, owners shocked over end of brand - Daily Business Review

Posted: 02 Oct 2009 04:53 AM PDT

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What color is your car? Most likely, silver - Syracuse Post-Standard

Posted: 02 Oct 2009 04:32 AM PDT

By The Associated Press

October 01, 2009, 11:34AM

The Associated PressAs this line of Chevy Aveo sedans shows, silver has been the most popular auto color in the United States for several years.Silver in hues ranging from chrome to charcoal gray extended its reign as the most popular choice for car and truck paint across the globe this year, according to annual data collected by a leading paint maker.

Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries Inc. said silver has been the No. 1 color for nine straight years, accounting for 25 percent of vehicle paint choices in the U.S., 35 percent in Europe and 34 percent in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the U.S., silver rose from 20 percent of the market a year ago. White finished second at 18 percent and black was third with 16 percent. Red was a distant fourth at 12 percent.

PPG, which includes shades of charcoal and gray in its silver category, said in a statement that the color was popular because of new paint effects that make even dull shades of gray shine.

"Silver tones work well with today's tinted metallic textural looks," Jane Harrington, the company's manager of automotive color styling, said in the statement. "The density of silver, from subtle hue shifts to dimensional metallic flake appearances, works with a variety of vehicle styles."

Americans' tastes have changed dramatically in the past 15 years, PPG said. In 1994, green was the most popular color and only 8 percent of buyers chose silver.