P.M. BRIEFING : Door Gives GM’s Saturn Setback

DETROIT —  A problem with plastic door panels could delay start of production on General Motors Corp.’s new Saturn car until late July or early August, instead of next Monday as planned, a published report said today.

The Detroit Free Press, quoting unidentified members of the Saturn Corp. manufacturing staff, said engineers are working to correct a problem that causes the door panels to swell under very high temperatures.

The sources told the newspaper it is possible the Saturn--GM’s small car of the future--will not be in production in time for GM Chairman Roger Smith to drive one off the assembly line before his retirement July 31.

GM is also concerned that the problem with the door panels may make it difficult to fill showrooms when the cars go on sale in late October or early November, the Free Press said.

“It’s going to be a photo finish, there’s no doubt in my mind,” one manufacturing source told the newspaper.