Meanwhile, back in Trollhattan.....

Photos by Dave R, taken yesterday.

And yes Dave, I do like the symbolism (though I'm sure no-one at Saab likes me saying that - officially, at least)

21 Comments

Kroum | June 13, 2009 10:28 AM | Reply

Tail lamps still on the car as it enters the crusher? I thought Swedes were all about the environment and recycling. :)

Karen | June 13, 2009 11:11 AM | Reply

Is that really a crusher in Trollhattan? I admit to visualizing same every time I see GM's bling brand :)

zippy | June 13, 2009 11:55 AM | Reply

ROFL. Kroum, nothing on a Cadillac is worth saving!!

This shot is a proverbial 'up yours' to GM.

denis | June 13, 2009 12:03 PM | Reply

Nip and tuck!

MarkS | June 13, 2009 12:45 PM | Reply

I can't stop laughing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey GM, DRA ÅT HELVETE!!!!!!!

Greg Abbott | June 13, 2009 1:56 PM | Reply

That picture is worth a million words.

Swade | June 13, 2009 3:08 PM | Reply

Funny, Greg. Five minutes before the shot was taken it was only worth about $5.50 and that's to a willing buyer.....

Sensonic | June 13, 2009 4:50 PM | Reply

Yeah, crush 'em! :-)

Aaron | June 13, 2009 8:59 PM | Reply

Y was this bls crushed?

ANA | June 13, 2009 9:41 PM | Reply

Love it - I just wish there was a better image as it would fly around the web!

zippy | June 13, 2009 11:18 PM | Reply

LOL @ Swade.

Is this what Saab calls a 'crush' test? By the look of that second picture I'd say that appear to have 'ironed out' the problem.

zippy | June 13, 2009 11:20 PM | Reply

Or are they making flat packed cars for IKEA!?

*Sorry I couldnt resist*

charlie | June 14, 2009 12:09 AM | Reply

Sad. The BLS is a nice car. I'd rather drive one than a new 9-3SS.

Chris Carrier | June 14, 2009 1:31 AM | Reply

While I'd never want to drive a Cadillac over a Saab, I do root for them. When my grandmother expressed distaste for the new Caddy designs, I knew they were on to something. Yes, yes, you all hate GM and their brands. I get it.

Kroum replied to comment from Chris Carrier | June 14, 2009 1:40 AM | Reply

Don't think anyone here hates Cadillac per se, Chris. Personally, I respect them and it is without doubt a storied brand that has also had its fair share of suffering.

You have to read this in context, though: the BLS is a symbol of GM's mismanagement of Saab, pouring money into reskinning a 9-3 as a Euro-Caddy instead of investing in Saab itself.

Nobody in Europe wants a Caddy and GM already had a premium brand in Europe. This picture illustrates the complete failure of the BLS and GM product planning. Cadillac is as much a victim of this as it blows any chance of them establishing a good brand in Europe in the foreseeable future.

zippy | June 14, 2009 4:02 AM | Reply

The Cadillac CTS is one helluva car especally in "V" trim. Its a BMW M5 and 60pc of the cost. In fact it could well be better than the M5 when it comes to speed and handling. Kroum put the whole situation into perspective, GM p***ed about with a BLS when the cash should have gone into helping Saab rather than Euro-Caddies that nobody wanted. I guess this could help explain why GM is up the creek.

Grudge | June 14, 2009 6:04 AM | Reply

Hey

Stop crushing the only wellbuilt car built in Trollhättan.

PT | June 14, 2009 9:43 AM | Reply

+ 1 Kroum.

Swade | June 14, 2009 10:20 AM | Reply

Whilst Kroum is 100% correct in his explanation as to what the BLS represents in Sweden from a Saab guys point of view, I had fun posting this because I really do hate Cadillacs.

Karen | June 14, 2009 12:56 PM | Reply

it's a big club SWade. when I see them, i think blingmobile. (polite version)

the insular culture of GM keeps them thinking Cadillac is the ultimate American status car, which really DID damage Saab by forcing it into 'premium Euro car'. Just like the Chevrolet worshippers sabotaged Saturn.

Francoism | June 16, 2009 12:09 AM | Reply

Really? What a waste.