They expect eventually to divide the entire country into 300 territories, each with only one Saturn dealer - although some may have as many as five locations.

Saturn dealers will also participate in planning and promoting new models, setting standards for dealer performance and revising the franchise agreement as needed.

Saturn dealers will be expected to resolve disputes through an internal mediation process without filing lawsuits.

Saturn dealers report that referrals are an important source of customers.

But Saturn dealers will offer five additional colors and patterns, including leopard skin or "blue bubble," a pattern of blue water bubbles on a black background.

Saturn dealers donated the materials.

Every Saturn dealer has invested millions of dollars in land, buildings and start-up costs for their franchises.

Indeed, Saturn dealers have been patient with the slow production in part because they received red-carpet treatment from the auto maker.

The company said that Saturn dealers would be franchised, but that it planned a different arrangement from that involving current dealerships.

Eventually, Mr. Hendrick become the nation's largest Saturn dealer.