by Swade
May 14, 2009 in Saabology
I’ve just received copies of the new print ads that Saab are running in Sweden to coincide with their new TV ad.
You Swedes will have to help out with translating the text, I’m afraid.
Click to enlarge.
And the accompanying text. Click to enlarge.
The next ad:
And the accompanying text
by Swade
May 14, 2009 in Archive
This was posted at Trollhattan Saab earlier today.
Thinking that Bob’s wife, Anne, would have preferred that the intended recipients see it, I contacted her and asked her permission to post her remarks as an article here at SU.
Permission received, I’ve repeated them here verbatim.
I’d like to thank Anne for taking the time to write and once again, extend our collective condolences to the Sinclair family.
——
This site was just forwarded to me by Kathie Sinclair, one of Bob,s cousins. For those of you who don’t already know, Bob passed away on Sunday, May 10. On Tuesday, May 5, the luck of the Irish began to run out for Bob when he was evacuated from our home to Serenity House, our wonderful hospice facility here in Sana Barbara. We were able to return to our home on Sunday afternoon, being spared the damage that so many homes surrounding our neighborhood suffered (there have been fires in the Santa Barbara area – SW). Perhaps Bob waited until he knew we were able to go home because he slipped away peacefully that evening.
It is gratifying to know that so many knew what a great guy he was aside from being the wonderful husband, father and grandfather that he was to us. Some were able to tell him how he helped them in many ways in recent days and I know that meant so much to him.
Thank you for your kind words about Bob Sinclair. We treasure them.
Bob’s family; Anne, Bob III, Rebecca, Gregory, Elisabeth, Stephen, Jennifer and the grandkids.
by Swade
May 14, 2009 in Archive
My nephew gets married tomorrow. Posting could be slow for a couple of days as a result as family get-togethers aren’t that frequent around our way.
I’ll do my best to stay on top of everything, though.
——
A note I saw at autoextremist.com, which I thought I’d commandeer and relate for my friends at Saab:
PR/Marketing 101.
Communicate MORE not LESS in troubled times to show you are alive. The vacuum created with LESS communications is always, always filled by forces outside of your control (i.e. news of bankruptcy, sales declines, plant shutdowns, layoffs, etc.)
Jason Vines
Franklin, MI
Jason Vines has worked as the communications head at both Ford and Chrysler in the past. A respected guy.
——
Time to catch up on a few stories that I haven’t had time to cover in the last few days…..
——
GM shares nosedived earlier this week after Fritz Henderson stated that bankruptcy was looking more and more likely, though he claimed it was still not inevitable.
It didn’t help the share price, of course, when the market found out that a bunch of GM executives – including Bob Lutz – had been given the green light to dump their shares. Lutz and five other execs sold their holding for around $315,000 (which sounds like a lot, but they’re probably crying, thinking about the price they’d have got if they had been allowed to sell them a year ago).
by Swade
May 14, 2009 in Archive
Our mates over at Auto Motor and Sport in Sweden have had their own Djup Strupe call in and uncover the fact that GT.se’s mysterious German bank – who they stated was actually a front for GM to retain control of Saab if negotiations went south – is actually representing Magna.
For those who don’t know, Magna is a Canadian owned company who manufacture parts, vehicle platforms and have an assembly plant in Austria that manufactures vehicles for other companies. The Magna Steyr plant currently manufactures the Saab 9-3 convertible.
Magna have been outed as a major player in negotiations for Opel in a partnership that would see them team up with GAZ from Russia. GM would retain a significant stake in Opel under their proposal.
This is the first indication I’ve had of them being an interested party when it comes to Saab.
Here’s my Google trans of the AMS article:
——
Magna bid on Saab Automobile
Pär Brandt – 2009-05-13 16:28
New data to Auto Motor & Sport argues that the automotive company Magna not only wants to buy Opel, but is also included in the auction at Saab Automobile. The German bank is representative of Magna International, not GM, which was previously claimed.
In the constant the serial “today’s Saab-reputation”, we now have something very special to contribute. A little bird has whispered, from a location with good transparency, that reputation was spread over the week’s introduction is incorrect. It was argued then, from the newspaper GT, to the three secret bidders who reached the finals are the Chinese firm Geely, Fiat and a German bank.
Behind the German commercial banks – mentioned by GT – was General Motors who were “hiding” with the intent to control the bidding and in the worst case blocking Chinese Geely to buy Saab. But according to our new data, it is not GM trying to be discreet, but automotive company Magna International, who are based in Canada.
Magna also has a subsidiary in Austria, Magna Steyr with over 9000 employees, subcontractors, and they produce some car models including the Saab 9-3 convertible. In addition, Magna has around 30 small factories in Germany working as subcontractors to the automotive industry. Total Magna has 27,000 employees in Europe – no small player in the automotive industry, that is.
Magna International has already declared that it is interested in buying 50 percent of Opel and want to finance the deal with Russian carmaker Gaz. GM in the U.S. would retain a minority interest (and thus have a continuing influence) of approximately 30 percent. Unlike many others in the automotive industry, Magna International is in good financial condition and together with the Russian financier Oleg Deri Easter (which is half owner of the Gaz) funding would not be any problems.
Natural link between Saab and Opel
Magna’s approach to Saab has not been known but if you want to buy Opel is close to his that also add to Saab Automobile. The two companies are already integrated in research and development, an example of which is the common sister projects Opel Insignia and the new Saab 9-5..
Although American GM drastically reduces its stake in Opel / Saab joint models continue to evolve and it becomes a bit like “business as usual”, but with new principal owner. The shop can probably also get the thumbs up by American politicians who see Canadian Magna as a good owner and GM, for example, to forgive debt in billion class to Saab when they separated. In practice, GM’s management, together with the U.S. Government, approve the Opel and Saab’s new owners as “friendly” – otherwise there will be no business.
For both Saab and Opel’s probably better to have the principal owner who can concentrate on a few brands, compared with being in the Fiat Group which has almost a dozen brands and several dozen models to be reconciled together.
Anyone who knows its history knows that the Magna for a number of years been mentioned as new acquisitions in the automotive industry discussed. Last was the Chrysler LLC, which became the Magna coryza on (which it perhaps is pleased today to have “missed”). Possibly, it has become a prestigesak for Magna to finally, after seven disappointments, to salvaging a great home business and become a more renowned players in the automotive industry.
Finally, there is another fact that speaks against Fiat affair: the German pride would never be able to swallow the fact that Opel would have to be “subordinate” to the Italian government with headquarters in Italy. Where is the Magna-Steyr from the neighboring country of Austria significantly easier to accept.
by Swade
May 14, 2009 in Saabology
Damn those timezone differences! And thanks for all the comments and emails about these……
To be honest, I don’t want to see these. I know they’re inevitable, but I really want to see the car properly, when it’s unveiled.
But you can’t help but look, can you?
Carscoop have found a 2010 Saab 9-5 out and about somewhere, and snapped a couple of quick images, including an uncovered interior.
Here’s a couple of snippets – and here’s the link where you’ll see them all in their full glory.
-
by Swade
May 14, 2009 in Archive
News services are brimming over with stories about who’s buying Saab.
It’s got so big now that Teknikens Varld are quoting odds from the Ladbrokes betting agency on who will win the Swedish prize!
I can’t find the Saab betting page on Ladbrokes myself, which is a pity as there’s some good odds there, but if you can find it then maybe you’ll want to pick you favourite and cheer them over the line.
The odds are as follows:
Saabs United only advocates responsible gambling…….
by Swade
May 13, 2009 in Saabology
Last week I was able to bring you a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this ad.
Today, you get to see it here on Saabs United – even before it goes on TV!
This is the new TV spot for Saab. It’s part of the new press and TV campaign they’re running to re-project the image of the comany, an image that’s taken a bit of a hammering in their home market in the last few months.
The voiceover is in Swedish, but ctm’s been kind enough to translate it for us:
We have always been willful and stubborn, thought the other way around, and thought in new ways. We did it with turbo and BioPower. Now, we are doing it with aerodynamics, electrical engineering, and other things that make the car more fun to drive and better for the environment. That is how we have written our history. That is how we create our future.
Here’s a screenshot:
Some people have trouble watching video on this site (usually the people running Internet Explorer).
If you usually have trouble watching video on this site, you can click here and watch the movie directly on YouTube.
If you’re OK with video, then go right ahead. The video awaits after the jump!
by Swade
May 13, 2009 in News
Before Saab gets angry at me – this is a publically accessible document (10mb PDF)
Here are the colors and specs of the 2010 Saab 9-5:
Click to enlarge color chart.
Note: specs are of the current model…..tricky!
And here’s the info on the car…..
NOTE: As far as I can tell, these are US details only. AND the wagon will most likely come one year after the initial introduction of the sedan.
——
OVERVIEW
The Saab 9-5 offers excellent performance and value in the performance oriented midsize luxury category. It is available in Sedan in base and Aero levels, and in front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
NEW FOR 2010
SELECTED STANDARD FEATURES
Safety and Security
Interior
Mechanical
Exterior
SELECTED OPTIONAL FEATURES
by Swade
May 13, 2009 in Archive
Swedish webservice, SVD, has published a teaser for their full review of the 2010 Saab 9-5 (pre-production version, of course) which will apparently appear in the weekend’s newspaper.
Dippen did actually leave a note about this one in comments but I was too busy today to get to it. ctm has been kind enough to provide some translated pointers, which are reproduced below for your reading pleasure…
Link to original article, in Swedish
——
What are you doing in Trollhättan?
- I’m one of the first outside Saab that are allowed to drive a camouflaged version of the new Saab 9-5. This car has production number 15 and is a mixture of a prototype and pre-production car. Then I give feedback to Saab about my impressions. If only Saab make it through the crisis then the car goes on sale next year.
How does it feel?
- It is a big car, but Saab engineers have built a lot of driving pleasure into it and it feels much smaller when seated behind the wheel. It has a direct steering and a rapid response in the chassis. Regarding the quality the Saab engineers have throughout the development period had the Audi A6 as a benchmark.
Is it not just a touched-up Opel Insignia?
- It is based on the same platform, but finally Saab engineers have been able to to build their own solutions into the suspension – things Opel cannot use – and everything visible, both on the exterior and in the interior, is designed in Sweden.
Does it look good?
- Yes, even though it may feel a little big. Especially the rear is harmonic and reminds a little of Aston Martin.
Isn’t Saab on the wrong path with the size? Is not all about “downsizing” now?
- My reasoning goes like this. If Saab knew what they know today, they had made it a little smaller. But this car will also be a competitor to cars like the Audi A6, which is equal to 9-5, and is intended to be the flagship of Saab. The idea is that there will be a smaller 9-3 model around 2012.
What about the Inside?
- The start button is located between the seats and the “Saab-esque” cozy feeling. To be a pre-production car the interiors is very well put togehter and the choice of material is up with the best in class. The rear seats and rear legroom is great. Despite the sloping coupe form, there is enough headroom if you are not that tall.
——
There’s an article at Carscoop about the pre-production versions of the Saab 9-5. It doesn’t deserve it’s own post. It’s written by some slim-hipped metroponce named Phil Alex who thinks it’s extremely clever to deliver a substantial critique of a car based on photos (not even an actual drive, as some press are doing) of a heavily clad pre-production version.
Oh, and bashing the crap out of the old 9-5 is par for the course, of course. It wouldn’t be a Saab review without a 9-5 bashing. I’m surprised he didn’t call the 9-3 a tarted up Vectra just for laughs!
If you’ve got 5 minutes of your life that you don’t need back, click the link, above, then feel free to leave some bile in Phil’s, I mean Alex’s…….whatever’s inbox.
Thanks to Peter S for that link – I think?!
by Swade
May 13, 2009 in Archive
What a frantic week it’s been.
Everyone is publishing GT’s 0.5 out of 3 stars news piece but more than that, everyone’s got a theory as to why-this-would-be-good and why-that-would-be-bad and everything in between.
I think it’s time to stop, pause and take a breath.
Here are a few known things:
1) Saab have letters of intent from either two or three of the bidders who have been through the entire process.
2) The fact that these parties have signed letters of intent means that they have reviewed Saab’s business plan and agree with it, meaning that production and support will stay in Sweden and we’ll get a new 9-5 and 9-4x.
3) Fiat are outside of this group of two or three. They are external to the process and if they get control of Saab, it will be via a backdoor clause in their agreement for Opel, which is far from a done deal.
4) Saab have not identified who these two or three are, but I can tell you with the utmost confidence that one of them is The Renco Group. If you read a report that doesn’t include Renco or “a US private investor” then you should be skeptical. In fact, if I’m wrong about this then I’ll gladly do a nudie run outside the offices of GT in Gothenburg.
——
In a Saabnut’s Utopia, the group that takes over Saab will be a group of like-minded Saab lovers who have deep pockets and let Saab do their thing.
Watch for that report on Auto Extremists’s favourite news website: notgonnahappen.com
The basic fact is that we are all – me included – going to have to get used to the fact that whoever buys Saab will have a downside. Just like belonging to GM has a downside.
FIAT represent a risk of becoming just like GM. Vattenfall may want to just build electrics and seek manufacturing capacity. Renco have a poor environmental record. Geely (or any other Chinese company if Geely are out of it as they claim) represent fear of a technology drain. Koenigsegg are reportedly too small. A German bank is not a car company. BMW may just pinch Saab’s engineering and do nothing to build the brand.
Everyone has a downside.
The one thing that I have is faith in Saab’s management and reconstruction team. They are rebuilding the business so that when a new entity takes the reins, they will have what are reportedly two very, VERY good all-new vehicles waiting to be released. I’m confident that they will restructure marketing, support and distribution so that people can feel a personal connection to Saab once again.
The one thing management can’t do – and this is another fact to go with ones above – is make the final selection themselves. That’s GM’s job on the advice of Deutsche Bank.
If we choose to stay with Saab then we will all have to live with the new owner, which means we will all have a personal choice to make.
by Swade
May 13, 2009 in Archive
another Swade car-buying post here…..
I first drove a Porsche 944 back in late November 2008. I was quite excited about it back then, though that particular drive helped me decide that if I were going to get a Porsche 944, it would have to be a late model 944, with or without a turbo but definitely with the updated interior.
I’ll let you in on a something I probably didn’t tell you back then. Late last year I was in negotiations with a media company in the US to sell Trollhattan Saab. They expressed interest and I’d spoken with their CEO on the phone. We were at a stage of working out the numbers when I first heard about Saab’s possible separation from GM and subsequent sale to an unknown party. This news made me pause the negotiations, as I had to consider whether I’d want to continue writing under someone else’s ownership if Saab’s situation changed significantly.
Of course, GM announced this as a possibility in early December 2008 with confirmation coming in February of this year. The notion of a website sale and consequent dreamcar purchase went out the window – and I started SaabsUnited instead.
Fast Forward to May 2009……
Encouraged by this car’s undoubted good looks and by the fact that I’d finally saved enough money to buy it, I enquired further about this local car. Our remoteness to mainland Australia means that it’s the cheapest 944 for sale in the country. It was a color I really liked with wheels I really liked. My November test drive was enjoyable, so I figured I’d look further into it.
by Swade
May 13, 2009 in Archive
Owing to time and dateline differences, I think I’m obliged to say that former Saab Automobiles USA chief, Bob Sinclair, passed away a couple of days ago. Regardless of where you are in the world, we heard the news yesterday, and it was a big shock even for those who knew of his illness.
Sever articles are now online, all of them fitting tributes to a man amongst men, an automotive executive who won the hearts of everyone he met.
If you haven’t seen it already, Saab History have a great writeup.
The Saab Club of North America has posted a tribute on thir homepage.
Hemmings have a lovely news story on Uncle Bob’s passing as well as a link to an interview they did with him a few years ago. Highly recommended.
If you were asked to describe a Swedish car, you would first think of a Saab or a Volvo. But what connotations come to mind? Both brands are known for upscale appointments, safety, practicality, and in turbo form, power. But it wasn’t always that way–in fact, in the 1950s and 1960s, when they were still relative unknowns in middle America, they were recognized more for economy than for any demographic they appeal to today. One man’s vision and nearly boundless energy changed all that.
Automotive News also have a story on Bob’s passing that’s full of respect.
This is a man who will be sorely missed.
–
by Swade
May 12, 2009 in Archive
I’m pleased to be able to take a quick break from all this business stuff and bring your attention to an actual, real-life Saab review!
The guys at The Garage Blog were fortunate enough to get some wheel time inside a Saab 9-3x recently and they’ve recorded some thoughts for your perusal.
We have a nice intro…..
I think I might have actually shed a tear when I drove up to the Trollhättan offices of Saab. I am not some Saab groupie [with this as] my Graceland, rather I saw what was once an innovative auto manufacturer wondering if there will be a tomorrow. I was invited by an old friend and former Saab employee to spend two days road testing two Saabs which may or may not arrive in Canada… The new Saab 93X and 94X.
I should add, our writer is Canadian, as is The Garage Blog.
He feels a great affinity with Sweden, too. Other than in hockey terms, however, I can’t say I’ve noted the same Canadian-Swedish affection when I’ve visited there or talked with family.
Besides the landscape, we share quite a bit with the Swedes. Whether it is the weather, universal health care or hockey, we have more in common with Sverige than our neighbours to the south.
And then we get to the car. Our reviewer is driving a FWD 9-3x with the TTiD engine, which is significant as far as I’m concerned.
Driving at highway speed the wind and engine noise is so faint. The seats are very comfortable. While I wish they had more lateral support, I must say that I could spend hours in these seats and arrive at my destination fresh…..
….The Saab’s 1.9 diesel accelerates smoothly and quickly off the line. The diesel does produce around 295 lb/ft @1850 rpms. The car is surefooted in the twists and turns, and is quiet enough to listen to Diana Krall’s new CD without cranking the stereo…..
……My time behind the wheel ended quicker than I wished. Jörg the dealer will lead us into downtown Göteborg.
It really did make a positive impression, which is a good thing. Although it’s really just a model evolution, I believe this is a really important model for Saab.
The conclusion, albeit more about the TTiD than the car:
Whoever becomes the new owners of Saab I have a couple of pieces of advice.
Don’t abandon the Canadian market and please don’t use Gm’s market research on the North American market re: diesels. Canadians love their diesels. Just look at the sales of VW and Mercedes. Clean diesels sell in Canada just like they do in the rest of the world.
You can read the full review over at The Garage Blog.
by Swade
May 12, 2009 in Archive
I provided a loose Googletrans of an article appearing at GT.se earlier this evening. In that article, GT identified the three remaining bidders as Geely, Fiat, and a mysterious German bank.
Thankfully, they’ve also provided some more information to back up their thoughts.
Here is GT’s analysis, with my analysis of their analysis following:
——
GT on Geely
Geely has studied Saab for many years and they were early in the auction.
The Chinese have also looked at the car plant in Trollhättan. Geely is a private company which is considered to have the financial muscle needed. Geely has also engaged the services of the British merchant bank Rothschild – which includes ex-Volvo-heads PG Gyllenhammar and Hans-Olov Olsson work – to find co-financiers.
A likely partner is Sheikh Maktoum Hashar Maktoum al Maktoum of Dubai.
GM chief Fritz Henderson is afraid to sell to the Chinese because of future competition. Henderson does not want to let the Chinese get Saab dealers in the U.S.. Geely buying Saab means a CULTURAL CRASH in Trollhättan and in the best case develops Geely Saab to a luxury brands of Audi. (I’m not sure that’s translated accurately – SW)
Swade on GT on Geely
That Geely visited Saab’s factory is a given. At least nine other parties did the same. The partnership with Sheikh Maktoum is speculation. He was mentioned early in the piece but I can’t recall that he was specifically aligned with Geely.
One thing that the piece doesn’t mention is that Geely aren’t very big, are private and therefore not necessarily government backed. But more than all those – Geely are a minnow in their own market and not that well regarded.
Final note, Geely themselves have said they’re not in the market for Saab or Volvo. they stated that in a filing with their own stock exchange, though there’s some skepticism even in China about the integrity of such findings.
Verdict – a possibility, but a remote one in my book. Too small, too ambitious, and too much in need of Swedish guarantees when the Swedes would be worried about tech-drain to China.
GT on Fiat
Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne surprised all when he impudently declared that he wants to buy GM Europe and GM’s operations in South America.
Marchionne wants Saab to cooperate with any other make of car in the new super group. GM chief Fritz Henderson has negotiated with Marchionne but wants to have 30 percent ownership in the new high-Fiat. Marchionne has said that it could sell ten percent.
In buying Saab, Fiat expect large cuts in Trollhättan and the new 9-3 will be put off until Fiat found a new, appropriate, platform. The good thing with a Fiat-buying is that there already are developed forms of cooperation between Opel and Saab. Marchionne has said that no German car plants will be closed, which means a tough future for all others.
Swade on GT on Fiat
A solid analysis…..except
In the context of recent stories saying Saab have two or three bidders remaining, these bidders are people who Saab have been talking to for several months.
Fiat are not one of these bidders, because Fiat were never part of this process. Fiat just walked in to the picture and said “we want Opel and throw Saab in while you’re at it”
Verdict: If Fiat end up with Saab, it will be an extension of the Opel deal, not part of this process that Deutsche Bank are undertaing on GM’s behalf.
GT on a mysterious German Bank
The new buyer of the gang.
According to a source within the General Motors owns a German commercial bank on behalf of – General Motors. The Bank is acting as secret agents and it is not previously known that it is General Motors underlying interest.
The motive should be to monitor the Saab-management behavior and to have a bid ready if it turns out that it needed to prevent the Saab be in the “wrong” hands.
This can also be Fritz Mr Henderson’s way to make sure that he can control the Saab’s future and get to the five billion in loans from the European Investment Bank, EIB, as the Swedish government more or less promised a new, strong, owner.
Buying the German commercial bank Saab on behalf of General Motors is it just to get over the loans and then loot the company of all assets. Then there is a definitive end to the Saab.
Swade on GT on a mysterious German Bank
Rumours that the head of this German Bank was last seen on a grassy knoll in Dallas on November 1963 are yet to be proven.
I suppose there could be one of the bidders that we haven’t heard about who could be a front for GM buying something that they already own, but somehow I think Deutche Bank would see through the Groucho Marx disguise and call them out.
And besides, Fritz Henderson has come out in response to the claims that GM want to retain control of the Saab 9-5, saying he’s happy to work with Saab’s new owners in the future, but that that new owner will not be GM.
Verdict: Hmph
——
Final verdict:
I’d say GT scored half a point out of a possible three points, and that’s only if Geely are still in the race, which they have said they aren’t.
And it’s noted that they didn’t include the joker in the pack – Renco. I’m quite solid on my sources with this, so they fact that they haven’t put them in is indicative of the reliance I’ll place on the article.
by Swade
May 12, 2009 in Archive
Aftonbladet’s Robert Collin has picked up the Renco story on his blog.
But enough of that…..
Collin has also trumpeted the Fiat option as being the best for Saab. In a two part entry, Collin looks past Sergio Marchionne’s reported plans and posed a scenario that makes a reasonable amount of sense.
Saab have three production ready models, a modern flexible factory, and a US distribution network that Fiat would covet for Alfa Romeo.
Many, myself included, have assumed that Fiat would just ditch Saab and use their real and perceived assets for their and Opel’s benefit. But Collin does ask a legitimate question – why would Fiat drop three reportedly very good vehicles when they synergies between them and existing Opels make the variety worthwhile?
For the record, I still see Fiat as a rank outsider to get Saab. They’d only get Saab in a scenario where they get Opel and negotiate Saab into the bargain. And getting Opel is by no means a done-deal.
But if it happens, what Collin says makes some sense – as long as Marchionne’s reported plans aren’t accurate.
If the unlikely happens, to take over Fiat, Opel, which is Saab also saved.
And it is quite obvious and a dream solution for Trollhättan.
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