Lane Enterprises soon to be area’s lone Saturn dealer

Eric Lane, general manager of Gerry Lane Enterprises, is happy that the Bohn Group, which owns Saturn of Metairie and Saturn of New Orleans, is getting out of the Saturn business. Still, Lane thinks it’s not a smart decision on Bohn’s part. “I’m going to be the only retailer in this area; it’s going to be a big deal for me. I’m glad they’re getting out. My service, parts and sales are fixing to go like Katrina. People are going to have to come here,” says Lane, adding he isn’t worried that GM is trying to get rid of Saturn since there’s plenty of interest in the market. Three entities—Pence, Black Oak Partners in Oklahoma City and Michael Dell of Dell Computers—are budding to buy Saturn, Lane says. The bidding will be closed June 1 and the winning bid will be announced Aug. 31.—Steve Clark