Bob Brown Auto recently became the only General Motors-authorized Saturn service provider in Central Iowa.

General Motors announced last year that it would discontinue manufacturing Saturn vehicles. As a result, Saturn of Des Moines joined a long list of dealerships forced to close their doors.

Many of Saturn of Des Moines’ employees landed on their feet when Bob Brown Auto was appointed as service provider. The company retained a number of Saturn employees, including sales manager Joe Koebke, sales consultants Mark Cresta and Larry Stein, service consultant Mike Kockler, service technicians Levi Overton and Harley Northway and parts consultant Shawn Jahner.

In keeping the same employees, it makes the transition easier for customers, general sales manager Tim Manning said.

“I would anticipate most would find the transition to be seamless,” he said.

Bob Brown has had two open houses for Saturn owners in Central Iowa, and more than 500 people attended.