SPRING HILL, Tenn. (AP) _ The customer assistance folks at General Motors Corp.'s Saturn Division aren't afraid to go the extra mile, or extra meal, to show a customer they care.

The automaker's call center staff has written personal letters to customers who needed assistance, offered to buy them "a nice dinner," even sent gifts.

"We look for creative ways to restore their faith in Saturn," says Cindy Riddle, a customer service staffer.

Brian Joyce, manager of customer service, acknowledges he has a budget for such expenses but said he doesn't share the amount with the staff.

Upmanship at BMW

CHICAGO (AP) _ Victor Doolan, president of BMW of North America Inc., rarely misses an opportunity to remind the press his company is "the No. 1 luxury import carmaker in this country."

Starting this year, though, he has had to add a new line after that statement: "I stress the word `car."'

Reason? After introduction late last year of its M-Class sport utility vehicle, Mercedes-Benz, another German-based luxury automaker, has posted higher sales.

BMW sells only cars so far, though a new "sport activity vehicle" is on the drawing boards.

Slightly pre-owned

TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) _ New cars and trucks aren't the only strong sellers this year.

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. reports it has been posting back-to-back record monthly sales of its certified used vehicles, too.

Through July, the automaker had sold 51,295 certified used vehicles, up 7.8 percent from 1997.

The vehicles are select, low-mileage used Toyota cars and trucks which undergo a 128-point inspection of mechanicals, safety equipment and appearance.

Dealers sell these used vehicles, including a manufacturer-backed warranty and free, 24-hour roadside assistance in the deal.

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