A 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid crossover was granted by Saturn and General Motors to the North Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy at the Charlotte International Auto Show yesterday. Jill Lajdziak, General Manager of Saturn turned over the keys to Mike Horak, associate director of TNC's North Carolina Chapter.

With 32 miles per gallon fuel economy rate, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the auto industry. The TNC North Carolina Chapter will use their new crossover to transport staff during their operations all over America. The TNC now owns 184 vehicles, three of which including the new Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV are from General Motors.

"Saturn is pleased to live its values by providing this Vue Green Line to the North Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and, in the process, raise the community's awareness of our commitment to the environment," said Lajdziak. "This is another example of GM's ongoing global partnership with the Conservancy – a partnership that successfully demonstrates how a healthy economy and a healthy environment can go hand-in-hand."

The 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid is a five-door compact crossover vehicle bearing a European style but gives off sporty handling and dynamic performance. It is the latest Saturn model that bears all Saturn attributes of style, performance, comfort and absolute safety.

On the other hand, The Nature Conservancy North Carolina Chapter has devotedly worked for preserving the state's natural diversity since 1977.  For over 30 years, the TNC North Carolina Chapter had protected almost 700,000 acres from the Alligator National Wildlife Refuge to the Grandfather Mountain.  

"Given The Nature Conservancy's mission to protect critical natural areas, it is important that we 'walk the talk' when it comes to the vehicles we drive. When we do need vehicles for our work, it only makes sense that we drive fuel-efficient models. Saturn's donation of a new Vue Green Line hybrid will help us carry out our conservation mission and at the same time be good environmental stewards," said Katherine Skinner, executive director of the North Carolina Chapter.