by Swade
August 27, 2009 in Uncategorized
It’s not huge, nor is it a long exposé, but the 2010 Saab 9-5 presentation with Simon Padian is now online at Saab.com.
The press photos we’ve seen so far have all been light in color. This presentation features a gold colored Aero…..very niiiiiiiiiiiice.
The full gallery of official pics is here.
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And here’s some extra info that’s made it’s way into my inbox. Click to enlarge.
by Swade
August 27, 2009 in News
The press release about the 2010 Saab 9-5 is here (or if you’re on the front page, just scroll down).
Please enjoy the pictures below. Click to enlarge.
The presentation by Simon Padian online is due at 12:00pm Swedish time.
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by Swade
August 27, 2009 in News
Making its public debut at next month’s IAA in Frankfurt, the all new Saab 9-5 sedan announced today signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and will bring a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment when sales start later in model year 2010.
The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.
The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 liters and carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.
“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.”
Scandinavian Design
Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from – that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”
The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.
Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C- pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.
The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.
The new 9-5′s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.
Driver-focused cabin
Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5′s premium appeal.
The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep center console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (Pilot HUD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.
Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10GB of jukebox-style music files. A large center console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.
Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent temperature control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.
On the road
An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5′s size. Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered with the 2.0-liter gasoline, BioPower and 2.8V6 turbo engines. Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and intelligent cruise control. Two different suspension layouts are factory-fitted according to engine power and both are available with a sport chassis setting.
Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops its rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-liter turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of just 139 gm/km and a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo developing 220 hp. A top-of-the-line 2.8V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.
Shortly after launch, a small, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo with 180 hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-liter BioPower E85-capable engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.
New era
Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium sedan segment, the new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It will be built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.
Available in Linear, Vector or Aero specification, the all new 9-5 heralds the start of a new era for Saab. Scandinavian simplicity was never this advanced!
by Swade
August 27, 2009 in News
A few days ago, I covered the apparent shuttering of Saab’s sales operations in Canada, scheduled by GM for December 31st.
I’ve received a quick message from Saab Sweden about this subject.
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Q: What is happening with Saab in Canada?
A: GM announced earlier this year that it would focus its resources on 4 core brands and as such has decided to cease its Saab operations in Canada.
Q. What will happen to existing Saab customers in Canada?
A. GM and Saab will work together to stand behind Saab customers. Existing customers will have their immediate service, parts and warranty needs satisfied through an existing network of GM dealers across Canada. Current Saab owners will be notified of a transition plan to ensure that customer service, parts and warranty services are continued in the future in a satisfactory manner.
Q:Are any Saab future operations planned in Canada under new ownership?
A: Recently GM signed a Stock Purchase Agreement with Koenigsegg Group AB for the purchase of Saab Automobile AB. The closing of the sale is expected in the next months. Saab and the Koenigsegg Group AB are currently in the process of formulating its global operations plan. Upon completion of that plan Saab will share their intentions with respect to its future plans for the Canadian market.
Q: Is what’s being discussed with respect to Canada typical of what will happen in other markets where Saabs are marketed primarily in GM dealerships?
A: There are currently no plans like this for other markets.
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As mentioned previously, it sounds like this is something to be expected as part of GM’s parting with Saab, which has always been expected on December 31.
I guess it will be up to the Koenigsegg Group to find a new importer/distributor to establish a retail chain external to the existing GM channels.
Ever wanted to be a Saab dealer? Now could be your time……
by Swade
August 27, 2009 in Saabology
Here’s the counter wound down to zero……
That means it just turned 12.00 midday here in Oz on the 27th August.
Saab intend to reveal information and images about the 2010 Saab 9-5 at midday, August 27 in Sweden but of course, that’s still eight hours away (as I write this).
The problem here seems to be that the counter they installed works off your computer, in your local time, rather than working off a timer based on Swedish time. Hence we get the zeroes in Oz, despite being some time away from the reveal.
I’ve refreshed the screen and here’s what it looks like now……
I hope Saab have beefed up their servers.
The international website went down for a few hours when the Koenigsegg deal was announced. Here’s hoping they learned from that episode as there’ll be a lot of interest in the full reveal.
by Swade
August 27, 2009 in Editorial
I’d just like to take a few moments before the new 9-5 information comes out, to encourage people to keep their chins up and believe.
I’m not asking you believe without questioning what’s going on and even criticising things where it’s warranted. I’m not going to make many friends in high places by writing this, but like many of you, I think the Koenigsegg Group has actually managed to disprove the saying “You only get one chance to make a first impression”.
KG enjoyed plenty of goodwill when the announcement was made that they were the preferred bidder for Saab and they’ve systematically, almost deliberately, managed to flush that goodwill down the crapper. I don’t know who’s advising the upper echelon of KG with regards to public relations, but I personally feel like they’re not earning their pay.
That aside, there is plenty of negativity surrounding the bid at the moment without people who love the brand adding to it, often needlessly. The Swedish press are doing enough of that already. Whilst the international media are giving this deal some time to come together, the Swedish press are digging through every nuance of every word and playing this story like a cheap violin.
I think Blogo’s analysis of the situation, which I published yesterday, was a pretty well put together piece. But whilst it does contain a lot of references about certain amounts that may be contributed and required to get this done, it was also based in reasonable amounts on considered assumptions about several things (vehicle timeframes, various amounts and costs, etc).
There was a lot of truth in Blogo’s article, but the truest of all words were these:
Different media refer to different numbers and we can never be quite sure that the reporter in question actually has got the facts right. I have tried to check various sources against each other and this is my summary and MY conclusions
The fact is, we’re all relying on imperfect information and we all care about the outcome of this situation so much that we’re willing to form conclusions and sometimes we even convince ourselves that they’re right.
So here are the things that I know……things that have been made public and stated by KG and Saab. Not numbers, just things.
by Swade
August 27, 2009 in Saabology
Saab 7 Dagar is Saab’s internal bulletin for employees in Sweden.
A July issue included the following piece on Saab Design, which is coming home to Trollhattan as part of Saab’s reconstruction.
Djup Strupe scanned and translated the article and thought it might be of interest to readers, an act for which the mysterious one receives my thanks, once again.
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Anders Söderqvist, responsible for business & design at Saab Automobile takes on the job task at home front after working for four years at the design office in Russelheim and has traveled between design groups both in Sweden and in Germany.
– It has been an exciting period to work with design in a international perspective, but it is in Scandinavia where our roots are and it is here where our design inspiration comes from says Anders Söderqvist.
So what can be more obvious than to continue to work with that starting point when it comes to create a attractive visual expression for future car models. The new 9-5 does have a strong Swedish influence and has largly been designed from Sweden, especially the interior.
On 1 July 2009, all design works will be located at Designcentret in Trollhattan.
-We have huge experience within this field with many of our talented coworkers that have been with us for a long time and that i think are happy to give the Saab cars an even stronger identity. A good design is of crucial importance for successful business. Says Anders Söderqvist.
Simon Padian, Brand Design Chief at Saab Automobile has a strong feeling for the Swedish design language.
- Now we have the chance to develop a even more clearer “Saab-design language” which for me stands for a progressive look and with a strong identity rooted in a long tradition and Scandinavian design philosophy.
by Swade
August 26, 2009 in Saabology
Via Joe at Saab, on Twitter, there’s some new Saab 9-3x print material to go alongside the Changing Perspectives film ad that Eggs posted yesterday.
Here’s the main ad. Click to enlarge….
And as with other series, there’s a number of specific ads that focus on each element of the main advertisement.
These are just small reproductions.
You can get the big ones here.
by Swade
August 26, 2009 in Editorial
I know that I’m coming across as the eternal optimist when it comes to the Koenigsegg deal for Saab. I still believe, unequivocally, that Koenigsegg will pull this together, tap their funding sources and complete this deal.
In the interests of providing some balance, however, and out of respect for the views of some real hardcore Saab fans who are becoming skeptical about this deal (and for real reasons), I’ve agreed to publish the following analysis. It’s been put together by Blogo, who’s provided a number of good translations of Swedish news articles in recent weeks.
I need to say up front that I don’t necessarily agree with Blogo’s opinion here, but his article is well put together and well referenced. He mentions many figures that there are press references for, but some numbers are reasonable assumptions as well.
I’d like to thank Blogo for the work he’s put in here. There’s a lot of water to go under this bridge at this point, and whilst we disagree a little on the K-Saab’s prospects, this gives a good idea as to the size of the task.
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The numbers game revisited – by Blogo
There’s been lots of excitement and quite some disappointment following the recently announced deal between GM and the Koenigsegg Group. I find myself stuck in between the optimists and the realists (i.e. the ones optimists call pessimists). But as hard as I try I just can’t get on top of the numbers. I will share my analysis with you and would be glad if somebody could shed some light on these numbers. There is a lot of know-how among the SU-posters so I hope you can contribute to a clearer understanding of the situation. I don’t ever mind being proven wrong, and when it comes to a company like Saab I would be quite happy to be wrong.
One thing strikes me – how will one ever be able to judge the viability of Saab’s plan when information from media, Saab, Koenigsegg and the Government is so poor and lacks in consistency? Different media refer to different numbers and we can never be quite sure that the reporter in question actually has got the facts right. I have tried to check various sources against each other and this is my summary and MY conclusions. I have used Swedish kronor (SEK) as the currency throughout, and most often you will find MSEK i.e. million Swedish kronor. I have included some of my sources and they are listed at the bottom and of course inserted after statements to which I refer. Unfortunately, most of the references are in Swedish. I hope you excuse me for not translating all of them.
We are told that the deal involves some 11.000 MSEK. GM are said to have provided 2800 MSEK (ref. ttela-aug21) , K-segg will put in 700 and the EIB will provide 4500 and Mr A.Nother is supposed to put in the final 3000 MSEK. But what will this cover? For how long is this money supposed to last?
Payment of debt-reduction
According to the outcome of the reconstruction process the original debt to (subcontractors, suppliers, GM, the State etc) was brought down to some 2500 MSEK – to be payed in full prior to June 17, 2010. I have recently read that this debt has been payed (e24-aug18). I have also read (recently) that it has not (E24-aug24) and more surprisingly both statements are from the same source. I was surprised to read that it had been payed because the loan from GM to cover costs during the reconstruction period was (only) 1100 MSEK, so where did the extra 2.500 MSEK come from? Moreover, this 1.100 MSEK is part of the total GM dowery of 2.800 MSEK (ref. ttela-aug21) and most of the 1.100 has already been spent.
The EIB loan
According to some Bloomberg-source quoted on Saabsunited, the amount that Saab might want to borrow is now MUSD 700. Previously the sum mentioned was MUSD 600. Perhaps the increase is due to currency fluctuations? In Sweden the figure 4.500 MSEK is still the one most often referred to.
According to what would seem to be a credible source, Saab can only borrow as much as they are willing to invest in each respective project themselves (e24-jun16). Despite such statements it doesn’t seem to worry anybody that only 720 MSEK is being invested by K-segg & Co and that the anticipated loan from the EIB is 4.500 MSEK. If it were so that Mr Sjölander of Riksgalden is right, Saab would not be able to borrow more than MSEK 720 (i.e. MUSD 100) from the EIB. But maybe the assets on the balance sheet (see below) can be used as collateral. However, that would really not allow loans of more than 3.200 MSEK. I think we deserve to be told more about what decisions are based on.
Operational expenses
During recent years Saab has shown a loss of approximately 3.000 MSEK per year (DN-jul27). That’s at a production level of 100.000 units per year or more. When production is reduced to some 25.000 – 30000 units per year, I would imagine that losses will actually drop. This may be bold speculation but my guess is that Saab will run with an operating loss of 2.000 MSEK during 2009 and maybe 2.500 MSEK during 2010 increasing to 3.000 in 2011. The plan is to break even in 2012 (ttela-aug21), but I find that very hard to believe. My firm belief is that only when a new 9-3 has been available for a full 12 months Saab might reach a point of break even. I would also go as far as to say that break even will not be reached until possibly the second year following the introduction of a new 9-3, due to the major investments needed to promote the new model.
R&D of a NEW 9-3
There has been talk of how much the new 9-3 will cost to develop. Note that here we are talking about a NEW 9-3 and not the revamped 9-3X. Maybe 10.000 MSEK is realistic (ref Collin). Much of it could come from the EIB loan of 4.500 MSEK – but that is still only half of this major investment. Since there will be no operational profit to invest in the new model over the next 3-4 years, funding will have to come from elsewhere. But where?
If we are looking at Saab reaching break even in 2012 – as outlined in the plan that has been submitted (ttela-aug21), there will not be much available to spend on R&D. As I stated earlier, I think break even will not be reached in 2012. How on earth is Trollhättan going to get all of this together? We are looking at the new 9-3 PERHAPS being on the market 2015-2016. Will the 9-5 and the 9-3X really carry Saab through and provide the necessary profits? Sadly, I think not.
The Balance Sheet
According to TTELA (ttela-aug21) Saab has assets valued at 8.900 MSEK. However, these assets are valued at only 3.200 MSEK if the company has to file for bankruptcy. My conclusion of the difference is that there is a substatial portion of “good-will” in the books.
My P&L ends up like this, and INCLUDES the 3.000 MSEK K-segg would like the Government to contribute.
In: 3.000 (GM)+700 (Ksegg)+4.500 (EIB) +3.000 (?) = 11.000 MSEK
Out: 2.500+2.000+2.500+3.000+10.000 = 20.000 MSEK
Where is the 9.000 MSEK required over the next 3-4 years going to come from? It just doesn’t make sense to me. It’s beyond being a question of whether or not the Swedish Government lends Saab 3.000 MSEK on top of guaranteeing the EIB loan of 4.500 MSEK. Someone has got to agree to just as much again!! (DN-aug19)
In my mind the Saab plan only covers the first 1-2 years, which sounds like a plan developed by somebody who has no desire to really take Saab further. Is that what folks had in mind when supporting K-segg?
References
by Swade
August 26, 2009 in Saabology
I’ll return to all the news stuff shortly, but for a moment I’d like to get to some more home-based stuff – the reason why sites like this actually exist – the joy of driving and playing with our Saabs.
The latest little enhancement to my Monte Carlo occurred last weekend and it’s one that I’m very pleased with.
Last month I purchased this BSR/Speedparts air filter kit from Elkparts. Being July, it took a little time to arrive as most of Sweden shuts down for the summer holiday. It arrived eventually, though, and I’m very pleased it did.
The instructions that come with the filter have apparently improved in the last few years, but are still pretty brief. It’s not a difficult job, but here’s my own step-by-step process.
I’ve finished it off with a little review at the end. Click the images to enlarge.
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Here’s what we’re working on. The big black box to the left of the engine bay houses the factory air filter.
The first thing you need to do is disconnect the filter from the pipe to the right. Just loosen the circular clamp and it’ll slip off pretty easily.
by Swade
August 26, 2009 in Saabology
I posted earlier today on a possible decision by GM to pull the pin on Saab dealerships in Canada on December 31st, 2009.
Some people have possibly mistaken this post to read as Saab pulling out of Canada. That’s not what’s been said. If I’m reading my emails correctly, then this is GM saying that their cutting-of-the-ties with Saab by December 31 includes dealer distribution (in Canada at least, we’ll have to wait and see when it comes to other countries).
What remains unclear is whether or not that means GM franchisees are disallowed access to Saab under new ownership, or whether Saab will have to establish completely new channels for distribution in that market – and all of that is dependent on confirmation of the email I received.
I got the news from a third party who’d spoken to a dealer and whilst I hold that third party in very high esteem, you have to confirm these things at the source.
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This whole situation does give rise for a discussion on what Saab could possibly do in the future to do things better.
There are some great dealers out there and there are some average ones, too. I may be an idealist, but if I were buying a new car, I’d like my dealer to be more knowledgeable and more pumped about the brand than I am. That’s not often the case.
In some ways, I can’t blame them. The Saab range has been an old range for some time now, and it’s been a while since Saab stood out from the pack like they did 20+ years ago. SaabUSA had 60 months of continuous growth in the 1980s and I’d imagine their sales staff and dealerships would have been quite pumped and enthusiastic selling what was a leading car range at that time.
Hopefully Saab’s new, upcoming models will bring back some of that mojo.
But what of the distribution channels themselves? Could this be an opportunity for Saab to look at how they do things and make some moves to do things better.
I’ve had some more discussion with the original source of the GM-Saab-Canada story (who I’ll keep anonymous at this time) and he had some good thoughts about the whole issue:
……this could be an opportunity. There are better ways to sell cars than the current North American system. The trend in some parts of Europe is for small boutique dealers and authorized independent service facilities.
That means that an independent that is willing to invest in tools and factory training can sell original parts and perform warranty service with full factory support.
As many people have mentioned before, one of the big issues with Saab in North America is that dealers are few and far between. It’s one thing to drive an hour or more to purchase a car, but it’s impractical to take most of the day off to get your car serviced. It takes me over two hours to drive to the dealership and back, and I live close to downtown.
I know for a fact that I drove past half a dozen high quality independents that would love to sell me original parts and service my car. They could compete with each other based on the quality of their service and of their coffee.
I hope that someone at Saab is looking into this. As you wrote before, Saab should go Open Source. Opening the service network would be a great first step. I shouldn’t have to drive to a huge auto mall on the outskirts of the nearest large city to get my car serviced.
Starting a new dealer network from scratch would be way too expensive for a small company like Saab.
But if they can tap existing channels and help some of these existing entites get Saab off the ground with a more exclusive and local presence, then why not?
It’s got to be better than being hidden in the back corner behind the Caddies/Holdens/Opels in some of the combined showrooms today.
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I wish I could sell. I’d be the most engaged and pumped dealer out there.
by Swade
August 26, 2009 in News
This one still has a question mark on it as we’ve not heard anything official, but here’s what just popped into my inbox from a Canadian reader:
Just heard it from my dealer. GM is closing all Saab and Saturn dealerships in Canada effective Dec 31. My dealer is looking for another brand to carry, but it’s not looking good. GM pulled their Pontiac franchise earlier this summer.
I guess the fine print on the K-segg contract did not include distribution.
I don’t know if this applies to the US or other markets.
On one level, this comes as no surprise at all. GM have said that Saab will either be sold or dismantled by December 31st.
On the other hand, it’s a bit surprising that some sort of ongoing distribution deal isn’t included as part of the deal.
If true, then this means that Saab are going to need to find a new distribution line for the Canadian market, either establishing their own chain of dealerships (expensive and unlikely) or tapping in to an established distribution channel.
The other question is whether or not this will be echoed in other countries as well.
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As an aside, I don’t know much about how dealerships work, so I’ll ask the question here….
What level of choice do the dealers have about this?
Is it a case where a GM dealer who wants to retain Saab on their lot is not allowed to sign a deal with Koenigsegg Group (or whoever) to do so?
Any knowledgable input welcome.
by Swade
August 26, 2009 in News, Saabology
While Swade’s snoozing the day away (at least from the Western Hemisphere point of view), this little jewel dropped into my text inbox via Twitter. You could do worse than to follow SaabNewsroom on the world’s most ubiquitous social network.
The official Saab website has this description:
Saab TV Ad – Changing perspective
We proudly present our latest TV commercial. Part of the Changing perspective campaign that launches the new Saab 9-3X. Great soundtrack from the Swedish singer Asha Ali called Time is now!
I like it on first glance. I still wish for a stronger technology edge, but I’ll admit my engineering orientation biases my opinions about such things.
It appears that Saab is continuing the use of white and images of the creative process as an advertising “language” if such a thing exists. I am pleased with that.
Comments are open and welcome. Swade: Opine, dear sir.
by Swade
August 26, 2009 in Rally Team, Saabology
It’s late and there’s so much going on, but I just wanted to drop a few quic thoughts and links.
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I posted a question last night asking what you’d like to see in an iPhone app for Saab. There were a lot of great comments, though many of them were about Apple software, bluetooth and compatability issues, rather than suggestions for the actual functionality that an iPhone application could provide for Saab owners.
So I got to thinking about it. What would I want from Saab if I had an iPhone? What sort of functionality could it provide that I’d find interesting and useful?
Being a blogger, I’m an information guy. I always love to have information at my fingertips and one of the kicks I get is providing information through the writings here at SU.
For me, it’d be cool to have what would basically amount to a portable electronic owners manual in my phone.
You enter your VIN, or model and year, and the app can provide you with all sorts of handy info. Wheel and tyre sizes, air pressures, lubricant grades; all sorts of handy facts and figures about various model Saabs. How to program the profiler options for your car, for example.
You could have different apps for different models or one big app with all the info and the user selects their model.
It’d be very Saab-nerdy, but it’d also be quite handy for solving arguments over details at the bar after your local Saab Club outing.
Some of the MINI app functionality (see link, above) with regard to roadside assistance would no doubt be handy as well. Perhaps a list of recommended repairers for those who are travelling?
I’m just thinking out loud here. I don’t have an iPhone, but if I did, then that sort of app is something I’d pay my $5 or $15 for (I don’t even know how much these apps sell for).
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On completely unrelated matters……
I’ve just posted a bunch of new videos over at the Saabs United Historic Rally Team website.
Jörgen paid a visit to Trollhattan last weekend, visiting the museum and paying special attention to the Saab 99Turbos there.
There’s a great story I didn’t know about the original 1977 show car from Frankfurt, as well as a good look at the cutaway 99T engine they have on display there.
Work continues on our competition car, too. Painstaking work, actually.
Please create an account to get started.
by Swade
Comments policy in action
August 27, 2009 in Editorial
Last night’s entries, quite naturally, attracted a lot of traffic in comments. When that happens, there’s a chance that people can forget this site’s comments policy. Such a thing happened whilst I was asleep, and the comments from that conversation have been removed.
I’d like to remind people that descriptions of individuals that seriously call into question a particular individual’s character are not welcome and will be removed. We can all reconise and accept a joke, but this was not the case in this instance. The descriptor used for a respected member of Saab’s workforce was a descriptor that should never be used in a glib for less than serious manner.
For the record, the individual who began that particular discussion is someone I’ve had contact with in the past and is some who I respect and is welcome here. I believe he showed poor judgement in his choice of words on this occasion and copped his right whack from others.
The conversation is now removed and considered to be over.
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Another comment series that I had to deal with involved a torrent of negtive comments from one individual.
Again, as per the comments policy, expressing a negative opinion about something is fine. I only stepped in after four or five negative comments about the same issue were made by this person.
You don’t like something? Fine. Make your point and leave it at that.
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Comments are closed on this entry.
My thanks to everyone for what was largely a good discussion of a good time in Saab’s history.
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