The 2008 Saturn Vue SUV, a full redesign, is nearly identical to the German Opel Antara model that General Motors, parent to both brands, sells in Europe. Saturn is trying to morph from GM's touchy-feely brand to its Euro marque, so it kept as much German feel as possible.
GM is trying to cut costs by sharing development and components rather than starting from scratch on each new vehicle.
Besides being a near-twin of Antara, including visually, Vue shares some underpinnings with GM's Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, and with GM affiliate Suzuki's XL-7, but shares no body parts.
"Call them 'cousins,' not 'siblings,' " says Saturn's Mike Morrissey.
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