HENDERSON, Nev. — The Findlay Automotive Group will transition the last of its Saturn dealerships into a different franchise operation at the end of March. Group executives said Saturn of Henderson will become Findlay Lincoln Mercury as of April 1.

The group's decision to switch brands at a former Saturn location continues the pattern officials started when General Motors shut down the nameplate. Findlay closed Saturn of West Sahara in Las Vegas in June 2009 and converted it to Findlay Kia. Saturn of St. George was changed to Findlay Volkswagen this past January.

Findlay Lincoln Mercury now will operate on North Gibson Road in Henderson's Valley Auto Mall at the old Saturn of Henderson location.

"We're very sad to close the final Saturn dealership in southern Nevada," noted Tyler Corder, Findlay's chief financial officer.

"We've represented Saturn since 1990 when we opened Saturn of West Sahara," Corder continued.

"We found the franchise to be very successful in our community and wish to thank the thousands of Saturn customers who have supported us these past two decades," he added.

Group executives also indicated that Saturn of Henderson team members will be transferred to other dealerships within Findlay.

"Through the Saturn transition we have remained committed to our employees and found a place for each of them among other Findlay Automotive Group dealerships," Corder pointed out. "We have also been able to convert each Saturn dealership to a different brand, utilizing and refurbishing existing facilities."

Furthermore, Findlay made arrangements to service existing Saturn owners. Group executives pointed out that factory authorized warranty services or other maintenance can be performed at Findlay Cadillac in Henderson or at Findlay Chevrolet in Las Vegas.

"We hope our existing Saturn customers won't hesitate to visit us at any Findlay Automotive Group dealership and look forward to serving them for years and decades to come," Corder stressed.

Findlay operates 22 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.