Saturn VTi Transmission Customer Credit Program For US Only

SATURN VTi TRANSMISSION CUSTOMER CREDIT PROGRAM For US Only

GM is offering Saturn owners the opportunity for a customer credit on 2002-2005 Saturn VUE vehicles equipped with VTi (RPO M75/M16) and 2003-2004 Saturn ION Quad Coupe vehicles equipped with VTi (RPO M75) in lieu of GM paying for 50% of the transmission repairs. The purpose of this section is to communicate the customer credit process, including administrative processes, for paying program allowances. This customer credit process is part of the overall Saturn VTi Special Reimbursement Policy 09280.

Customer Credit Program Summary

GM is offering Saturn owners the Customer Credit Program on vehicles equipped with the VTi transmission. ALL Saturn retailers/GM dealers are required to participate in offering the Customer Credit Program.

In lieu of GM paying eligible transmission repairs under this Special Reimbursement Policy at the 50% rate, the Customer Credit Program allows a Saturn owner to exchange their Saturn vehicle for a $5,000 credit towards the purchase of a new GM vehicle from a Saturn retailer or GM dealer (excluding Saab, HUMMER, and Medium Duty vehicles).

The Saturn owner and the vehicle must meet certain eligibility requirements to participate in the Customer Credit Program. Those requirements are explained in this bulletin.

It is imperative that ALL GM dealers/Saturn retailers comply with ALL administrative processes outlined in this bulletin. In addition, all GM dealers/Saturn retailers should take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with any state or local requirements and laws.

It is mandatory that ALL retailers/dealers execute ALL forms provided by the Customer Credit Program Team. Contact the Customer Credit Program Team.

The customer credit is stackable with GM incentives at the time of purchase for the selected vehicle model.

Eligibility Requirements

Involved Vehicles:

- 2002-2005 Saturn VUE Equipped with VTi (RPO M75/M16)
- 2003-2004 Saturn ION Quad Coupe Equipped with VTi (RPO M75)

Vehicle Eligibility Requirements
- Vehicle must be presented for repair following expiration of the 5 year/75,000 miles limited transmission warranty and must be diagnosed as currently needing eligible repairs to the VTi transmission.
- The vehicle must be within the time and mileage guidelines as contained in Special Reimbursement Policy 09280.
- Purchased, leased, new, or used.

Owner Eligibility Requirements
- Vehicle must have been titled and registered to the current owner at the time that the program/bulletin was published to receive a customer credit. Customer credit is transferrable only within the current owner's household.
- The vehicle must currently be owned/leased by the retail purchaser applying for customer credit.
- Owner must return the vehicle within the time and mileage guidelines as contained in Special Reimbursement Policy 09280.
- Customer eligibility for the Customer Credit Program is limited to one customer credit per eligible vehicle in lieu of GM paying 50% of the cost of the first instance of transmission repair within the Special Reimbursement Policy 09280, following the expiration of the 5 year/75,000 mile (100,000 km) limited transmission warranty.
- Customer is responsible for all costs associated with the new vehicle purchase that exceed the net value of the customer credit.

Exclusions
- Vehicles that, after proper diagnosis, do not demonstrate a need for a VTi transmission repair in accordance with Special Reimbursement Policy 09280.
- Fleet purchases and fleet leases.
- Vehicles used for livery, taxi, or delivery services.
- Vehicles previously returned under the Customer Credit Program.
- Vehicles with a powertrain warranty block.
- Retailer-owned used or demonstrator vehicles.
- Vehicles with scrap/salvage titles.

Vehicle Turn-In Process

The following outlines the steps necessary to successfully complete a vehicle turn-in. The process defined below MUST be followed to ensure the proper, timely processing of the program allowances. Failure to follow these steps could result in lengthy delays.

Customer Returns Vehicle for Customer Credit

The customer takes the eligible vehicle to the dealer/retailer with transmission concerns. At that point, the retailer/dealer opens a repair order to determine if the vehicle meets program guidelines. If the vehicle is eligible, the customer is offered the option of GM paying for 50% of the needed transmission repair under Special Reimbursement Policy 09280 or the vehicle customer credit. If the customer chooses the credit in lieu of the repair, the dealer/retailer will contact the Customer Credit Program Team to verify eligibility and start the process (see details below).

Verify Eligibility with Customer Credit Program Team

Before a customer exchanges a vehicle under the Customer Credit Program, the retailer/dealer must verify that the vehicle and owner are eligible by calling the Customer Credit Program Team. The Customer Credit Program Team will determine vehicle eligibility. The following documents will be required to confirm eligibility.

1. VIN of vehicle being turned in

2. Copy of the current registration

3. Copy of the title or other document that confirms ownership

4. Customer contact information (name, address, telephone)

The retailer/dealer must fax a copy of the document upon request from the Customer Credit Program Team.

Vehicle Eligibility Confirmed

Dealer/retailers are to make the customer aware that they now have 30 days to select and purchase a new and unused replacement vehicle at the dealer/retailer of their choice (excluding Saab, HUMMER, and Medium Duty vehicles). Once the vehicle selection has been made, the customer should advise the selling dealer they are eligible for the $5,000 customer credit. The selling dealer/retailer is to contact the Customer Credit Program Team for further directions. The Customer Credit Program Team telephone number is for dealer use only.

Issuance of Customer Credit

Once the Customer Credit Program Team verifies eligibility, they will send a VIN specific credit to the retailer/dealer via email or facsimile. The Customer Credit Program Team will also send the following documents for titling purposes:

1. Cover Letter

2. Retailer/Dealer Power of Attorney

3. Customer Power of Attorney

4. Odometer Statement

Verification of Completed Customer Credit Transaction

Once the customer turns in their original vehicle for a new and untitled vehicle, the retailer/dealer must return the following documents in order to receive the customer credit payment.

1. Customer & retailer/dealer signed VIN specific customer credit form

2. Signed Bill of Sale for the new vehicle

3. Signed Retailer/Dealer Power of Attorney notarized

4. Signed Customer Power of Attorney notarized

5. Signed Customer Odometer Statement

6. Customer Title

7. Lien Release, if applicable

Dealers should retain a copy of all documents mailed to the Customer Credit Program Team.

Payment of Customer Credit
- Customer Credit Program Team will only release payment after verification that all documents received are valid.
- Customer Credit Program Team will send credit payment to retailer/dealer.
- Customer Credit Program Team will send stipend check (retailer/dealer admin fee) in the amount of $100.00 to the retailer/dealer.

Vehicle Disposition

When a vehicle is exchanged under the Customer Credit Program, the exchanged vehicle will be titled by the Customer Credit Program Team to GM. Dealers/retailers are not to undertake any repairs to the vehicle's transmission. The Customer Credit Program Team will be responsible for the final disposition of the vehicle. The retailer/dealer will keep the vehicle on their lot until it can be picked up by GM for handling. The retailer/dealer will not sell the vehicle.