Q&A WITH...Bryan Nesbitt, executive director of design GM Europe.(News)(General Motors Europe AG)(Interview)

Byline: MATT DAVIS

Before being promoted to head of GM Europe Design in Russelsheim, Germany, Bryan Nesbitt was in charge of all GM North America exterior design for unibody vehicles. Prior to that he was GM's lead exterior designer for Chevy. Nesbitt joined GM after winning widespread acclaim for his design of the PT Cruiser while at Chrysler. We caught up with him at the New York auto show.

AutoWeek: So, Saturns will be Opels from now on?

Nesbitt: Well, in large part, yes, but there will be exceptions. For instance, the new Outlook SUV is simply too large for Europe and something like the next Opel Corsa or Agila is too small for North America. But the core models will be mostly identical, apart from the brand touches.

AW: Everyone is saying how Saturn will benefit, but what's in it for Opel?

Nesbitt: Opel has excellent fit-and-finish at that mid-price point and will definitely bring that perceived quality aspect to Saturn. Saturn has great warm interior design execution, which is something Opel is lacking.

AW: With Saturn becoming Opel and Saab sharing a bit with Opel as well, won't Saabs also start to mimic Opels a bit?