Off-topic update: Saabs United on CNN
Off-topic update 2: Just did an interview with BBC world. It should be online in a few hours.
If you haven’t emailed Ed Whitacre yet as per the request below, please do consider it. Also, please send the request to your Saab Club, forum, dealership, postman, etc.
–
UPDATE 3: This came in this morning from Djup Strupe:
Another undisclosed group submitted a proposal days ago, together with management, to acquire Saab. This group completed its due diligence review months ago, was a finalist when Koenigsegg was selected and is in regular contact with the government. They have joined together with a Swedish consortium and have offered to move quickly to close.
As has been confirmed in comments, the above Djup Strupe information involves Merbanco coming together with the Swedish consortium I wrote about a few weeks ago.
CJ replied to comment from 74stingray | December 21, 2009 10:08 AM | Reply
If the mix is what you hope for us, then in the mix we shall be! We also like our new dual Swedish partners. Stronger every day!
Cowboy Up!
GM are receiving multiple offers for Saab.
This campaign below is to make sure they consider ALL offers seriously.
——
EMAIL APPEAL TO ED WHITACRE AT GENERAL MOTORS
Today is a very important day in the life of Saab. I know that it feels like Saab have been on their last breath for some time now, but there is hope remaining for our favourite car company.
Whilst General Motors stated that they would commence an orderly wind-down of Saab Automobile in January 2010, they also stated that a suitable offer from a suitable buyer would be looked at.
They have received just such an offer today.
General Motors have received a new offer from Spyker for the sale of Saab Automobile. Spyker have structured their new offer in such a way so as to remove all of the the complexities that made their initial offer difficult to close.
In short, if General Motors are serious about selling Saab, this is their time to act.
——
How you can play a part:
We have one chance only to put across our point of view as Saab owners and enthusiasts. Saab have a business plan, new vehicles and an efficient factory to produce them. They have a passionate base of supporters and the right cars to win new customers to the brand.
The time is now.
The email address for Ed Whitacre, the Chairman and CEO of GM is
eewjr@gm.com
If you care about the future of Saab then I invite you to write a brief, polite and passionate message to Mr Whitacre, outlining why you think Saab should be sold, rather than closed.
I can’t emphasise this enough: make your message passionate, but polite. A passionate message that clearly states a point of view will be read and considered. An angry message will only find its way into the trash.
——
My message:
Mr Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a Saab enthusiast and customer in the hope that you will give full consideration to new offers received this weekend for the sale of Saab Automobile.
Saab have new vehicles on the verge of being released, they have an excellent management team, an award-winning efficient factory and they have a passionate worldwide following that want to see them continue as a viable company.
Saab have always made engaging, safe, practical, utilitarian vehicles that customers connect with like few others on the road. I submit to you that if a viable offer has been received by GM that can allow Saab to continue to do this, then that offer should be considered very seriously.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Steven Wade
www.saabsunited.com
Once again, the time is now.
Related posts:
{ 596 comments }
Wow! This SAAB business is one hell of a cliffhanger!!!
So; if GM is willing to sell SAAB then the deal will be done on Monday? Or if GM is not willing to sell SAAB then hell is gonna break loose between Sweden and USA?
Email sent. Here is the text of mine:
Sir,
I have been a loyal Saab customer for more than twenty years and an aficionado for even longer.
It now seems that you still have some opportunities to save Saab, rather than scrap it and it’s long
and distinguished heritage. I’d just like to both request and implore you to do so.
Compliments of the Season and please make it a joyous Christmas for Saab employees too.
Best Regards,
Mark A. Coursey.
Adelaide, Australia.
Mr Whitacre,
I thank you for taking the time to read the letters by myself and the thousands of fellow Saab enthusiasts pertaining to the future of Saab. I think, in my humble opinion that now is the time to act and take this new bid by Spyker seriously. I think it is in all involved companies interests to finalize this deal and move on. This is still something that could remain profitable for you in the near future and would certainly be positive PR to help save a car company with the dissolution of several other iconic brands formerly in your stable. I thank you again for your time and hope you will consider this as a more positive outcome for all involved.
Chris Cullman
I am so excited to hear this Steve and thanks so much for keeping us up to date. I was so upset to hear of the deal falling through the other day. I really felt so proud of Saab when I attended the unveiling of the new 9-5 recently in the UK. I have had many Saabs over the years and have always loved them. As an Aerospace Engineer by profession I have always felt at home driving a Saab! I await the outcome…
Thank you so much for lifting this up here, Swade. I fully agree that such an initiative might support a decision in favour of Saab. Thought about a more aggressive variant but agree that polite voice is much better at this stage.
Is there any possibilty to reach more customers who could support this and send an email to Mr Whitacre, maybe even those who already stopped following the process after the bad news? Thought about the rescue-saab mailbase.
Lasse
Mr Whitacre,
I have been very disturbed at the thought of losing the company that built the car I love so much. My decision to buy a SAAB was largely based on it being owned by GM as I wanted to purchase from a US auto company. It was a no brainer for me, buying a car I fell in love with years ago and still being able to say “its owned by General Motors”. I understand the time is not right for GM to keep SAAB with your re-structuring, however the brand means so much to so many. As an American in upstate new York (a conservative), I don’t like the way this is looking for us. We are basically talking about telling a town they are closing down a few days before Christmas. I don’t believe this letter will sway any decision, I just wanted to let another voice be heard. It is such a small part of GM and such a big part of so many people’s lives. Please consider this latest offer so we can enjoy our holiday with smiling faces.
Thank you,
Rescue-Saab have received this text and an open invite to send it to their subscribers.
We have a good relationship as they’ve sponsors here for around 12 months (MobilForum, Dresden) and we collaborated on the text for the Saab mosaic photo.
They are A-1 certifiable Saab nuts.
Mr. Whitacre,
I am a Saab enthusiast. Under 40, well educated I choose Saab over Lexus, Cadillac, Audi and BMW. I am now on my 3rd NEW Saab it I really sadly feel it will be my last. I support local GM family relations business but with actions of late I find it hard to continue to support any of the GM brands.
Besides the heritage of the brand consider the town of Trollhattan. Just wait when all the 8000 direct and indirect related jobs from Trollhattan plant become officially unemployed and GM is exposed with the deal with Spyker being only 1 hour/plane flight away.
The global social ramifications of rendering 1/4 of a town’s population unemployed being that close to a deal. What a public relations nightmare! Do you know of the movie Erin Brockovich, watch it if you haven’t, then watch the new movie Invictus and do the right thing. Do not pull another “who killed the electric car” story!
Brian Mills
Done. Lets go have a drive while waiting.
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
in the times of globalization it is difficult to find something which distinguishes itself with style and appearance. Saab brand is definitely one of those things. It is hard to define the reasons behind the attractiveness and attachment it creates, that is why I am asking you to take into consideration the new proposed offer of Spyker and perhaps allow the brand to move on with its exciting new products than winding it down.
Thank you for your time,
Done
A smile comes back on my face. It’s the 4. Advent in Frankfurt and snowing like hell, it’s SAAB weather. I went back to the parking lot of my local dealer and all those cars are waiting now for a bright future, you CAN feel it:
http://pool.beckerlacour.com/wewillsurvive/
Thank you Steven for SU. Thank you spyker for your power.
Merry christmas, we will survive!
Mr Whitacre,
I am one of the several million Saab enthusiasts that got their world turned upside down this Friday. I am writing this e-mail because of my passion for Saab and asking for you an GM to really evaluate the new offers received this weekend and the following days for the sale of Saab Automobile.
The new 9-5 and 9-4x is just around the corner and after seeing it and feeling it I will just have to trade in my recently purchased BMW 3-series for it, if you give the new buyers the chance they disserve to complete the purchase of Saab.
Saab has always been a car that made people passionate about their cars, and with the new cars to come there will be more people that will look at Saab and see their value.
Thank you for taking your time reading the e-mail consider the sale of Saab Automobile.
Mathias Olsson
Falkenberg, Sweden
Done !
Very politely (wasn’t easy though…)
SWade
I sent mine a few days ago!
Cowboy Up!
Hi all!
This is what I wrote:
“Mr Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a passionate Saab owner. Please let the skilled people in Trollhättan continue to develop and sell the most inspiring cars in the world!
Saab stands for innovation, driver focus, safety and environmental responsibility. These are values of a car maker of tomorrow!
Please keep Saab or sell in order for someone else to make this wonderful company flourish!
You can make a difference, please take the chance!
Best regards
Johan Planmo”
mail to ed – done
mailed all austrian newspapers too, to put this spyker offer on their websites.
if all newspapers do, pressure on gm will raise – i hope so.
Done.
Swade, if Saab survives, they owe you BIG TIME! I hope JAJ makes you the online media Czar, and you can move to Trollhattan and bask in all the Saabness you deserve. And my wife and I can visit you and pick up our new Saab before bringing it back to the U.S., and buy you a pint.
Dear Mr Whitacre
I’m a pilot with Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia and also a proud owner of 2 SAAB 9-5′s from 2008 and 2006. I also own a 2001 SAAB 9-3 Viggen which
I really love and cherish.
I know that SAAB is a great car, it has saved my life once and I can assure you that me and many of my colleagues will buy a SAAB if you and GM will let the brand
live on.
I wish for you a very merry christmas and happy new year
Kind Regards
Tim Rokka
Helsinki, Finland
Dear Mr. Whitacre:
I am a loyal Saab car owner, having bought my first 9-3 over 10 years ago. At the outset, let me say how happy I am that you are with the new General Motors. You bring an excellent perspective with you extensive experience outside the auto industry. I am hopeful that with this varied background, you can appreciate the prominence of the Saab brand and the value of selling it…
My request is that you postpone your plans to discontinue the Saab brand and continue to negotiate with Spyker. I understand that they are indeed motivated to conclude a deal.
I appreciate your consideration and wish you a happy holiday season. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Thank you.
Done….. without politeness, passion and respect.
We got the text from Steven and later today there will be an e-mail to all “rescue-saab” members.
Thank you Steven!!! RS
E-mail sent! I wrote that during my 18 years as a saab employee I have never seen so much fighting spirit in the company as in the last 10 month. We can make miracles happen if we just get the chance.
Mr Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a Saab enthusiast and customer in the hope that you will give full consideration to new offers received this weekend for the sale of Saab Automobile.
A texan myself (though I currently live in the “traitor state of CA”), also a Red Raider, I’m glad you’re in GM’s driver’s seat given the considerable anxiety since GM’s troubles started. Plus, your signature is on my diploma!!!
A new offer for Saab has come your way and could save the general about 2 billion in US dollars in closing costs IF you should sell. As a Saab fan AND a US taxpayer, I urge you to consider (and hopefully take) the offer.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dr Kyle Owen
Oops, I mean “WITH” politeness etc.
What a typo (how embarrassing) !!!!
Mr. Whitacre,
I am a GM customer from Canada. I own a 2006 Saab 9.3 SportCombi. The car is a joy to ride and the product has been well serviced by your retail organization.
I am writting to you today as I heard that Spyker Cars has submitted a new offer for Saab Automobile AB of Sweden.
I understand that the orderly wind down of Saab, proposed on Friday, will cost GM, its Canadian and American shareholders a significant amount of money, as the company is not in bankruptcy protection.
If it is a legitimately interesting proposal from a business standpoint, that represents a better financial outcome for GM than simply winding down Saab, I hope you’ll give consideration to this renewed proposal, despite the public announcement of Friday,
As a Saab fan first, and a tax payer currently supporting GM, I would welcome the possibily to see Saab continue to operate and bring some of those new models (9-3x, 9-5 and 9-4x) to the Canadian market in the next 12 months. Given its long shared history with GM, the continued operation of Saab Automobile AB should also represent incremental revenues for GM and GM suppiers, rather than a simple transfer of technology to China with little or no incremental value to the Saab “ecosystem” in Western Europe or America.
A positive outcome for Saab this week would go a long way to put GM on the top of the list for the replacement of my wife’s aging 1998 Honda Odyssey. In an industry where quality has risen drastically over the last few years, product differentiation that triggers a new product purchase. can be down to a few, sometimes subjective, details. Being a responsible “caretaker” of Saab Automobile, arguably an iconic brand in a market crowded with several quality options, would be considered by a number of us in the Saab community, as an immense “plus” for you and your management team at GM.
Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter.
Francois Bertrand
Montreal, Canada
My Text-
Dear Mr. Whitacre-
I am writting to you as a someone who is impassioned about Saab automobiles and also as someone who is looking for signs that GM has truly changed. I trust you will give the new offer from Spyker full consideration not just for the sake of Saab employees and customers worldwide, but also to show that GM is not carrying on with the “business as usual” that we have come to expect.
I hope that after many troubled years the future will be bright for GM – please let Saab have the chance at a bright future as well.
Mr Whitacre
I just wanted to send my hopes to you about considering Spykers new bid, and if it´s true that the obstacles have been negotiated to take it. Exciting times may be ahead for SAAB, just given the chance.
I think the comming era of new fuels and electric cars would suit the SAAB-spirit like a glove, and I really think Jan-åke deserves one more chance, he looked absolute devastated this friday.
Best regards
Henrik
Sweden
Mail sent. I doubt it has much effect, but if there is anything I can do to help, I’ll do it. I’m desperate. I don’t want to be heartbroken through Christmas.
can’t understand why i can’t find this breaking news on none of the swedish newspapers websites.
MAIL THEM!!!!
I sent a note as well. I was unable to keep it short as I felt the need to tell a moose-related story. But at least I was polite and friendly. Plus I included a link to Simon Padian’s presentation of the 9-5 and made sure to mention there was a moose appearing in there somewhere.
I think we should all channel some moose power.
(yes, the events of the past couple of days may have tipped me over a bit — I’m sure the yellow coats have been dispatched)
I’ve also sent an e-mail to the US. Whether it has any effect or not, it feels good to do something.
Done
Same here in Tallinn, makes me want to go drive on an ice lake(sadly, ice isnt thick enough)
What do you mean? It is headline news everywhere! Aftonbladet, Expressen, SvD…
I tipped some Dutch newspapers.. nothing on them yet…
I am with you Swade.
Done.
My mail:
Mr. Whitacre,
since my parents bought their first Saab in 2001, I adore the brand. Actually, it made me the petrolhead I am now. Last summer I bought my first (used) car – a Saab 900. I truly love this car and the feeling it gives me when looking at it and when driving it. I know that many people do not like the latest Saabs very much but I still think that my parents’ Saab 9-5 and their 900II convertible are unique cars.
As a student I can not buy a new car right now but I know I will be a loyal customer to Saab if it continues to exist. Without Saab, I would not know which brand to buy. The world is full of dull vehicles without soul or character.
Please do not shut Saab down. Please try your best to accept Spyker’s newest offer. Please let a piece of automobile history continue to live.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Here is my mail:
Dear Mr. Whitacre
I am writing to you in the hope that you will listen to me and the many Saab customers around the globe.
In this weekend a new offer was made to GM by Spyker Cars for the sale of Saab. Please consider it very very seriously. I never fully understood why Saab could not be sold, in my view, at this late hour GM has nothing left to loose – other than public relations in the case Saab is closed.
Please do the right thing – sell Saab!
I thank you for your time, and wish you a merry christmas
My email has been sent with a photo of our 2002 Saab 9-3 that saved my wife’s life after being hit by a drunk driver in a full size Dodge Ram pickup going 62 mph.
I’m saying a prayer for all the Saab employees waiting for some kind of good news this Holiday.
done…now i will pray to God !!!!
Excellent idea! Even if it does not make a difference, at least one feels one has tried.
Here is my message:
Mr Whitacre,
I have been a Saab and Opel customer for years, and I would kindly ask you to give due consideration to new offers for the sale of Saab Automobile before finalizing GM’s decision to wind down Saab.
Given that the new 9-5 is about to be launched, Saab would seem to have a viable chance of maintaining its solid and enthusiastic customer base and attracting new customers in a niche of European cars that few other companies cater to.
Seeing that Saab does not constitute a valuable part of General Motors anymore, I submit Saab should be given the chance to test its independent strength in the automotive market. Therefore, I would be glad to know that if a viable offer is received by GM that can allow Saab to continue operating, that offer be considered seriously.
I thank you for your consideration of this matter.
NEWS!
GMs first comment on the new bid:
- They will consider the bid
Here’s mine, Ed Whitacre is going to have a very full inbox. Let’s hope it helps…
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I am writing you as a Saab owner and passionate enthusiast. I know that your job is to maximize profit for and ensure the survival of GM. I am not aware of what remaining roadblocks were involved with the sale of Saab to Spyker but urge you to do everything in your power to get past those hurdles. Saab has new cars in the pipeline that have gotten good reviews as well as a very lean and efficient factory, committed management and loyal customers. Saab will be a source of revenue for GM not only in the sale but for years to come as they purchase platforms and components from GM. If the new offer from Spyker or any other viable offers allow Saab to be sold and continue to make safe, fun, engaging vehicles I urge you and your team to do everything in your power to strike a deal. To one million Saab owners worldwide you will be held in high regard as will GM if Saab is sold on your watch. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Pokrandt
My note to Whitacre
Mr Whitacre,
I am from Malaysia and have been a proud owner of Saabs since year 2000.
This year, I acquired a Chevy Captiva and most recently Saab 93 Aero.
I would like to appeal to you and your board members to seriously consider the new offer received this weekend for the sale of Saab Automobile.
Saab is unique and it deserves a chance to move on, and move forward.
I thank you for your time and consideration.
Best Ragards,
Dear Mr. Whitcare,
My name is ————– & I am the Marketing & Press Director of Saab operations in ———.
In my career within the automotive industry, I have received broad professional experience with the BMW & Audi brands.
As you are aware of, Saab although focuses on a niche (premium) market segment, is well – perceived as a differentiated brand with a “move your mind” positioning. And that really distinguishes it from other premium brands. Brand perception stroger that product entity itself (just imagine the sales potention should the strong product offensive comes into play as well)
I hereby ask you to reconsider your decision on the wind down of Saab and work towards a sell approach, should you wish not to further invest in this (high margin ==>profitability potential) brand.
The same thing(asking to sell Saab), in my opinion, can be done by the sweedish government with jus a phone call to Mr. Obama and a nice conversation.
It’s really not that difficult.
This is not Pontiac, this is a brand that’s owned by GM but based on another continent with far greater implications than business wise.
Anyways all my hopes are with Spyker!
Please sell SAAB. They are so small and their vehicles do not compete with any of your GM vehicles. Release SAAB and give them a chance.
Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Steve
( I also attached a photo of the SAAB Christmas card)
http://newsroom.saab-web.com/news/news/sadwebelievedinthis.5.12142dab1255c3965657ffe797.html
I don’t know… This guy doesn’t use email. From a WSJ interview:
“Notable Quote: I’m not a real techie. I have a computer at home, but don’t mess with it that often. I mean, what am I going to do with 200 e-mails a day? No, I’m really not very techie, but I can use a computer. (WSJ interview, 2004)”
Folks, I’ve dabbled in public advocacy and community organizing, and I’ve heard time and time again that emailing is only a fraction as effective as sending a letter or calling. It’s very easy for people to jot an email, but decision makers are a lot more impressed by the committment and equity shown by sending a mailed letter or calling represents. We don’t have time for letters, so it’s phone calls:
So, with the same politeness, call these numbers:
General Motors Switchboard
(313) 556-5000
Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
PHONE: (517) 373-3400
Michigan Senators
Levin, Carl – (D – MI)
(202) 224-6221
Stabenow, Debbie – (D – MI)
(202) 224-4822
For those in Sweden, the US Embassy:
Tel: 08-783 53 00
Thanks Swade! Wasn’t easy with 3 kids getting up but I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t do this.
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I’m writing you today to implore you to consider the sale of SAAB rather than winding us down.
I say ‘us’ as I am not only a loyal customer. I am part of a family SAAB dealership with 2 stand-alone, state-of-the art facilities in the Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio areas.
When I heard the news Friday morning prior to getting to the store I had felt like someone had torn apart my passion and purpose. I have both for the beloved SAAB brand.
During my 15 years with Just SAAB I started as a service advisor, then to sales, and finally into management. I should also mention this is my families business.
The impact to our family is financially devastating if you close us down. You might find this odd but what hurts me more is considering the many loyal customers we have that will
be damaged by this move. My phone rang off the hook Friday and Saturday upon hearing the news. These were voices of true sadness, not anger. You see this what passionate
loyal customers feel for this brand. These people know their warranty will stay and parts will be available however they hurt for the future of their brand they’ve come to love. How many people say
they ‘love’ their cars? We have a lot.
That is the business side of me. Now to the loyalist. My first car was a 1984 900. My mother, Glenna, worked for SAAB North America in Norcross GA. She had worked for SAAB for over a
decade and was a lover of the brand. Unfortunately she was let go some years ago when GM moved operations to Detroit. I digress.
That 1984 900 saved my life in a high-speed rollover accident. The car landed on all 4 wheels and I actually drove the car home. I suffered a broken nose and that was it!
From that point forward, I’ve bought SAABs. Even having the dealerships in my family, I’ve PURCHASED my cars. I love them that much. Sure, I’ve had demonstrators but nothing is greater than
owning one of these amazing cars. I’ve had the pleasure of owning 9 SAABs over the years. The latest is a 9-5 Aero sedan.
I beg of you to consider this sale. I don’t know ANY of the details within this very complicated process however I know what I know and that is we have hundreds of loyal customers that want
to be part of the new SAAB and we have many smart, loyal, energetic employees that will ambassador the brand as we always have.
As someone with a pure drive and love for SAAB, I greatly appreciate your careful consideration.
Respectfully,
AJ Murphy
Manager
Just SAAB Cincinnati
6323 Madison Rd.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45227
513.527.4300
ajm@justsaab.com
ajmurphy2@me.com
As Winston Churchill spoke in 1940; ” We will never surender… “! This brand is to strong to be laid down !
Done! What a roller coaster….
http://www.gm.com/utilities/contact_us/contact.jsp?deep=form&community
i sent a comment here – probably goes to junk and never read.
Done.
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a Saab owner in the hope that you and the board of directors will give the latest offer from Spyker cars full consideration.
GM has done a lot to make the SAAB brand successful over the past years, but with the recent development in the global economy I fully understand GM’s wish to sell SAAB. However I believe that the SAAB employees and management should be given a chance with a new owner. They are a tremendous team which have achieved impressive results even-though under great pressure. They have been rewarded the Swedish LEAN Manufacturing price and have developed the new 9-5 which they are ready to launch.
Furthermore losing another car manufacturer will be tough not only to Scandinavia but to Europe. In recent years many jobs have been lost to the far east and once lost they are extremely difficult to return.
Therefore please give SAAB a chance to survive and continue to offer engaging, safe and practical cars.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Merry Christmas
Mikkel Bruncke
Denmark
Done, herewith the note:
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I am thousands of miles away tucked deep down the southern and desolate frontiers of Africa in a country called Namibia and to show the wherewithal of Saab, I have owned two of the 9-5 variants, albeit retaining still one. There is a seamless beauty and functionality about Scandinavian design that goes right into the heart and can get you hooked for life. But the real secret to the early success of Saab lays in the way those early pioneers thought as they saw things differently.
I am keenly aware of the ramifications the economic downturn has caused to a number of firms around the world, not least in the developing countries such as Namibia, but the rest of the world. I am also keenly aware of the ramifications the decision of General Motors to wind down Saab Automobile AB will have, not only in the town of Trollhättan, Sweden, but also for many of us, such as me, who happened to own a Saab. Given the fact the 9-5 variant had such a long product life cycle, a bunch of us have been in the throes of waiting for the next iteration to replace our beloved 9-5’s, but with GM’s Board decision, that seems to be null and void.
My writing to you is simple: if GM can find a suitor for Saab Automobile AB, and the terms and conditions of the sale is concomitant with what the Board has scripted, please accept the offer and sign along the dotted line. You have no idea what your signature or the notify party to the agreement will mean to thousands of owners and enthusiasts.
The sound of Saab will surely resonate and reverberate again around the world.
Warm regards from sunny Namibia, Africa,
Done.
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a Saab owner in the hope that you and the board of directors will give the latest offer from Spyker cars full consideration.
GM has done a lot to make the SAAB brand successful over the past years, but with the recent development in the global economy I fully understand GM’s wish to sell SAAB. However I believe that the SAAB employees and management should be given a chance with a new owner. They are a tremendous team which have achieved impressive results even-though under great pressure. They have been rewarded the Swedish LEAN Manufacturing price and have developed the new 9-5 which they are ready to launch.
Furthermore losing another car manufacturer will be tough not only to Scandinavia but to Europe. In recent years many jobs have been lost to the far east and once lost they are extremely difficult to return.
Therefore please give SAAB a chance to survive and continue to offer engaging, safe and practical cars.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Merry Christmas
Mikkel Bruncke
Denmark
Her is what I sent:
___________________
Dear Mr Whitacre.
I just want to send you my deepest hope that you will not end one of the world’s most iconic car brands; SAAB. I have had many cars in my life; BMW, Ford, Opel – to mention the volume brands, but I have always wanted a SAAB, and now I am driving my fifth SAAB in a row bought brand new from GM in September 2005. SAAB it’s the absolute best car I’ve ever had and both my wife and I just love it! You see – I grew up in the rear seat of a SAAB 96 and 99 in the late sixties and beginning of the seventies. My father was an aircraft engineer, and very fond of his SAABs. What he enjoyed in special was the engineering and how simple and robust it was, the practicality, the quirkiness, how fun it was to drive, how safe it was and not least the attention the car brought with it. SAAB was never a mainstream car, and that has also been SAAB’s strength. SAAB has always had a huge crowd of loyal followers, and we are now a huge group of very sad people all over the world watching SAAB as a dying patient in an emergency room at the hospital.
The automotive world will have a big and tragic loss if GM close SAAB down. I am off course not only thinking my own needs here, I also think about the thousands of people losing their jobs because of a SAAB close down, but SAAB was this year also ready to take a new step in the right direction bringing SAAB closer to its roots. We were all very excited about this, and I also noticed a huge increase in the interest of SAAB among non-SAABers around me. And that was actually something new!
Dear Mr Whitacre, I have said what I wanted to say. I know very well that you are in charge of a huge business with lots of economical and other challenges, but this SAAB issue isn’t only about money and intellectual properties in the short run. Please reconsider your decision about SAAB!
I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Greetings from Norway
-Olav-
Always on the longest road home when out there with my SAAB. Always!!!
__________________
Well, that’s my humble contribution
Send the new 9-5 aero to Top Gear. Let them test it. I hope that publicity will be of good help in this situation.
Swade,
Thanks to you and Eggs you for your work on this blog. Moments ago, I sent an email to Mr. Whitache, which I have excerpted below.
“…GM has a chance to do the right thing for legions of loyal and passionate GM and Saab lovers by selling Saab to a company that will cherish and nurture the brand for the next generation. Car companies, like GM, depend on loyal and faithful customers like me, my parents, and my children. With the announcement of Friday, December 18, I found it hard to think of how I could continue to support GM in the decades ahead. Wonderful, innovative products on the production line in the U.S., Sweden, and Mexico that were the beneficiaries of the synergy between the two companies now won’t be fully realized unless Saab survives. I’m finding it hard for this to make sense to me but perhaps that is because I am so passionate about the brand.
Mr. Whitacre, please do the right thing and save Saab by selling it. You would certainly preserve the Saab brand, but you would also build a bit of loyalty and goodwill toward GM when it really needs it. Otherwise I could predict with a great deal of certainty that the thousands and thousands of Saab customers who also buy other company’s vehicles will not be stopping at a GM dealership anytime soon. And really, sir, how does that help GM?”
Mister Whitacre,
I hope you will take a few seconds to read those lines.
I’m a passionate of SAAB automotiles.
I thinck this brand have a soul no other brand has got. ( sorry for the other brands of GM!).
I will thanck you infinitly if you could consider the last offer done to save SAAB, this week end.
Please, give a last chance to this brand.
Please , give a chance to thousands of people working for SAAB.
Please, give a last chance to all customers of this brand.
Please, give a last chance to GM to show a nice face.
Please, give SAAB a future.
I know you have huge responsabilities againts US adminstration, and SAAB is not your only problem.
You have in your hands the future of thousands people.
Please give them the nicest Xmast they’ve never had.
YES YOU CAN !
Thank you very much Mr Whitacre.
I trust on you.
Mister Whitacre,
I hope you will take a few seconds to read those lines.
I’m a passionate of SAAB automotiles.
I thinck this brand have a soul no other brand has got. ( sorry for the other brands of GM!).
I will thanck you infinitly if you could consider the last offer done to save SAAB, this week end.
Please, give a last chance to this brand.
Please , give a chance to thousands of people working for SAAB.
Please, give a last chance to all customers of this brand.
Please, give a last chance to GM to show a nice face.
Please, give SAAB a future.
I know you have huge responsabilities againts US adminstration, and SAAB is not your only problem.
You have in your hands the future of thousands people.
Please give them the nicest Xmast they’ve never had.
YES YOU CAN !
Thank you very much Mr Whitacre.
I trust on you.
Done:
Mr. Whitacre,
After several cars, last three of them being Japanese, I decided to buy my first Saab, the car I admired since being the kid. My black 9-3 should be on its way to snowy Croatia at the moment.
I bought the car although I was completely aware of the situation, even if I knew that it might be among the last cars ever produced in Trollhatten factory, if Your company decides to wind-down the famous car brand after many decades of production.
I believe that selling may be more fruitful for Your company than winding-down of the brand, especially since this would be also a better choice for thousands of people directly involved (workers, dealers) and more than 1 million owners aroud the World.
I would like to believe that my brand new Saab will not be among the last ones ever produced (and also not my last Saab)…
With the best regards from snowy Croatia,
Igor Vlahovic
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
Although the chances are small that you will ever read this e-mail or the bunch of similar ones that you are probably receiving right now, I am writing to you as a true SAAB enthusiast and a man that is really hurt to see the brand near to extinction.
I am sure you know better than me the current situation that SAAB is into – poor sales, but new models arriving, huge hope for the future but no possibility for a future within GM anymore. I am also sure that there are strong reasons that GM would rather close the brand than let it go. But as much as this is just business, please consider the many thousands out there who are just like me and would feel like losing somebody they loved. Sell SAAB and create a better future for the auto industry.
Saving SAAB will turn you into Santa Claus for so many people right now!
a nice poem I found posted in the comments on the Saab newsroom:
Seán Moloney
Move your mind, for now we hope, that this is not the end
As I for one, would like the choice, to move my mind again
Perspectives change, yes you changed mine, so we can’t let you go
When all is well, yes then we’ll say, yeah see, we told you so
Conventions break, you broke them well, and so we all are set
We only hope, to save the car, that was born from a jet
when i looked up the swedish websites couldn’t find anything. (maybe a cache or proxy problem) di.se for example put it online 10 min ago.
Dear Sir-
You are championed with the difficult task of ushering in a new corporate mindset into a company that is reluctant and slow to change. This mindset can only be changed by injecting a sense of responsibility to replace the all too common practice of passing the buck. The sale of SAAB presents a golden opportunity to take the lead and demonstrate this new corporate ethos by wholeheartedly and sincerely striving to complete the deal.
For too long SAAB has been lost in the shadows of the Renaissance Center. While it pales in comparison to the size of GM’s other divisions, it makes up for this lack of volume with a passionate and dedicated customer base. For many of these people, not to mention the factory workers in Trollhättan and the thousands associated with the distribution network, the news on Friday was devastating. However, there is now still a glimmer of hope for all those people. I implore you to take responsibility for the current status of SAAB and do the right thing by actively working to maintain its viable existence. Ultimately, such action will demonstrate your commitment to building a ‘new’ GM that is prepared to tackle the difficult days ahead.
Done! Whatever I can do to save SAAB. This my letter: (I hope you don’t mind me stealing a few words from yours Swade!)
Dear Mr Whitacre,
I am writing to you because I am passionate about cars and particularly about SAABs. I hope that you and your colleagues of the GM board of directors will give your full consideration to the new offers received this weekend for the sale of SAAB Automobile.
Myself I have a SAAB 9-5 and I could not think to replace it with anything but another SAAB. The new 9-5 seems to me an absolute stunning vehicle and it would be a shame if it never ended up in show rooms around the world.
SAAB has an outstanding team of dedicated workers, from their management team down to the people working in, what I believe is, the most efficient factory in Europe. Myself and other enthusiasts are passionate about the SAAB brand and we would all want to see SAAB continue with it’s business plan that has new vehicles on the verge of being released and a lot of new environmentally friendly technology in the pipeline.
SAAB means a lot to us Swedes and if it is within you power to save it please do. SAAB has always made cars that have dedicated fans around the world. If this new offer is viable please consider it carefully.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
From a fellow SAAB enthusiast,
Mathias
Have sent an email too.
Danni, we visited Namibia some months ago, and what an amazing country, so beautiful
please support us and our FB Group to give Saab an option:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=photos&ref=nf&gid=224719392296#/group.php?v=wall&ref=nf&gid=224719392296
thx
Thomas, how do you know this??
I too have done some political organizing. I like to keep the email contacts similar to show there’s an organized effort afoot that is watching. I too am pressed for time (but wow AJ, nice letter), so pardon the plagiarism.
Aside #1: May call my US Senators and US Rep on Monday. They’re from South Carolina but we have 2-3 SAAB dealerships and maybe one internet parts operation on the line.
Aside #2: An internet thanks out to the dude and quite likely fellow motorhead on the decked out Harley who gave my wife an nice thumbs-up and horn toot while she was driving my 2009 9-5 Griffin SC at the Sandhills shopping center in Columbia SC. It made my day (and helped get that damn David Nail “Red Light” song out of my head). Not only are SAAB enthusiasts watching, THE ENTIRE MOTORING ENTHUSIAST COMMUNITY IS WATCHING.
Sent this:
==================================
Mr. Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a Saab enthusiast, loyal GM customer for 16 years at almost one vehicle per year, GM family (my father and father-in-law), and U.S. taxpayer in the hope that you will give full consideration to new offers received this weekend for the sale of Saab Automobile.
Saab have new vehicles on the verge of being released, they have an excellent management team, an award-winning efficient factory and they have a passionate worldwide following that want to see them continue as a viable company.
Saab and GM vehicles like the GMC Acadia feature prominently in the mix of vehicles on my driveway. I want that entire mix to have a future as well as a past.
Saab have always made engaging, safe, practical, utilitarian vehicles that customers connect with like few others on the road. I submit to you that if a viable offer has been received by GM that can allow Saab to continue to do this, then that offer should be considered very seriously.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Mr Whitacre,
if you do care about keeping GM as a global brand then winding down Saab is not the solution. Your company will be amongst Toyota`s, Honda`s, Ford`s, Hyundai`s as a plain volume car maker. Your effort in bringing Cadillac to Europe as a premium brand will never see the light of the day. In Saab you have a dooropener to this segment if you put your heart and soul in it. For us here in Sweden it would be a glorious day if you kept Saab under your wings. Do i need to remind you that we Swede`s are making your life in Detroit a better place every week. Yes i`m talking about Lidström, Holmström, Zetterberg, Kronwall, Eriksson, Franzèn in the Red Wings. They show you exactly what Sweden, Saab and the red Wing`s are all about: Pride, Passion and the will to go “All in – never give up”!! I`f non of the above is in GM`s interest please release us!!
From all of us, to all of you a merry, merry Christmas
Peter Jonasson
Done
Dear Mr Whitacre:
After learning about your business background, I have great respect for your work with AT+T — a company that has always provided excellent and innovative phone service.
I have no doubt that when you think of AT+T’s bold moves with Apple’s iPhone you might also think of Saab. Saab’s time to be bold and have that overwhelming success like the iPhone is on the horizon. Saab’s business plan is looking at making a performance hybrid. As a member of the auto industry myself, working with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy system, I do believe Saab could revolutionize hybrid technology all over again to make a car that is geared more towards the art of driving instead of simply saving money and gasoline. Like Apple’s iPhone that is still (even inadvertently) changing and challenging the way we understand telecommunications, Saab will do the same for driving.
Spyker is providing Saab with this opportunity for success along with a great platform to “boost” off. I am sure when you think of your work with AT+T it is with a delightful fondness. This holiday season please think of Saab and its future in the same “light”.
And I hope someday when this is behind you and Saab is an entity of Spyker’s with an amazing hybrid sports car, I can demonstrate to you and any other interested buyer what a Saab car can do for you — engineering-wise, performance-wise, safety-wise.
In any case, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year.
Have a stocking for Sweden this year, in your heart at least.
Thank you for your time.
Kindest Regards,
Sarah Hyatt
Short and polite mail sent.
Done. We love Saab
Dear Mr. Witacre
I am writing to you as a loyal Saab owner In the hope that you and you fellow board members will let Saab live on. It is a classic brand and with a special form of soul not found in many brands. The engineering in Trollhättan is state of the art. Maybe there is something it for GM to? Maybe you can use the engineering skills for your own products? Maybe you can sell solutions and make money to!
Please reconsider!
Have a happy Christmas time!
Tobias, Sweden
Does any one here know the exact details of Spyker’s renewed proposal? And what exactly caused the previous talks to fail?
For me, (I’m Dutch) it’s very hard to understand why Spyker should take over Saab, as Saab is much bigger, and far too expensive for Spyker to obtain.
Still, I’n not feeling too confident about Spyker and their proposal.
But it’s better to have them own Saab, than GM leaving Saab to die and rot.
Paper DN writes that GM have received several offers since Friday and will evaluate them and that they only have seen Spykers offer as a press release.
http://www.dn.se/ekonomi/spyker-kommer-med-nytt-bud-1.1016996
Simply : done
Swadey! done!:)
I am off to Trollhattan now to spend time there during x-mas and NY.
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a Saab owner in the hope that you will give serious consideration to new offers received this weekend for the sale of Saab Automobile.
Saab is a viable company with interesting new vehicles ready for introduction to the market. The company has a worldwide customer and fan base. GM could continue to sell parts to Saab and benefit from its engineering innovations for years to come. If there is a workable deal to be made, to keep Saab alive, I ask you to please strike the deal. GM will benefit, Saab will benefit, the people of Trollhattan will benefit, and Saab aficionados throughout the world will benefit.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
done…dunno if hes gonna read all of them…
Message sent
They never do read them. They tally them. This applies to politicians as well as CXO officers. at companies The big thing is to get the “SAAB Up!” tally as large as we can get it.
Done!!!
Done !
Has anyone the emailadress from Mr Obama
First time I’ve commented on SU, but I found I’ve been reading for two or three years. I guess I’ve been moved to action!
Message sent:
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I’ve heard that Spyker has renewed their offer to buy SAAB and has addressed some of your concerns about GM’s intellectual property interest in the SAAB technology. It seems that SAAB won’t go quietly (and I don’t want to see it go), so I wanted to drop you a note about why you should help save it and accept Spyker’s new offer.
I bought my first SAAB in 1998. Since that time, I’ve owned three (two 900′s and a 9-3), my brother has owned three (two 9-5′s and a 9-7), my wife two (a 9-5 SC and a 9-3 SC), my sister-in-law one (a 9-3 SC), and my mother-in-law one (a 9-2x). That’s ten SAAB’s for my family in 11 years!
I’ve wondered about the reason we have all been drawn to the brand–we do all fit the same demographic (college and graduate school degrees, somewhat socially liberal but fiscally conservative, care very much about safety but don’t want to sacrifice style, are “brand” conscious–but only because we care what the brand means to us–we aren’t driving SAAB’s to impress anyone). I still haven’t figured out why we were all drawn towards the brand in the first place, but what I’ve learned is that the SAAB brand somehow binds us with a common identity that is the undercurrent of an actual culture. SAAB driver’s waive to each other on the road. We turn our lights on and off in recognition of each other. We don’t need to talk to others about how much we love our cars, we just nod and smile. More than anything, that speaks to the people who designed and built our SAAB’s, their intelligence and ascetic. When I drive my SAAB, I feel like I know the people who crafted it. I can say that about very few material things–and that’s what makes SAAB worth saving.
Please allow us to continue to share in the people of Trollhattan’s vision!
Geoff Heim
Attorney at Law
Moran and Heim PC, LLC
220 E. Costilla Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Ph. 719.636.9250 Fx. 719.389.0089
geoff@moranandheim.com
http://www.moranandheim.com
Sent!
Dear Ed:
As a former Saab owner, an as a consumer who was planning on buying the anticipated Sportcombi version of the new Saab 9-5, I am asking you and Board not to give up on the Saab brand. Please do everything you can do to make a sale of the marque happen.
I know you guys are working hard to bring back a stronger, more competitive GM, and I wish you success.
Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Michael Wells
M – yep, it is amazing when you consider the reach of Saab globally. To my knowledge, there are currently 5 Saabs either 9-3 or 9-5 in the whole country of about 2.08 million. But indeed, we have ‘em.
Glad you enjoyed the landscape and its people. There is something about this country, which makes coming again and again so easy: once the sand gets in your shoes, you tend to come back to shake it off. The analogy is similar with Saab – once you have seen one or driven in one, you are caught – hook, line and sinker!
Best Mr Whitacre,
I’ve received information regarding the sale of SAAB that a new offer has been made to GM, and that this offer is a direct response to clear the issues that remained between the Spyker deal and GM.
If this is true I really hope that GM will consider their offer and take a good decision about what to do with SAAB.
I can not believe that winding down a complete brand instead of selling would be a good thing, but of course, the selling must be less costly than a wind down for GM. If I’m correctly informed, the Spyker deal is giving GM a way out that wouldn’t hurt GM at all and the responsibility of the brand will not be GM after the sale.
As a SAAB owner since many years, I pledge you to give Spyker a chance to make SAAB a small brand for the enthusiast. And if they fail, it’s not GM to blame.. SAAB has never ever tried to make it on there own, they have always done what the parent company told them to do.
But one chance of trying this plan by themselves is what SAAB needs and deserves
Best regards
done!
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I’m a happy SAAB-driver from Moscow! I would like to say that SAAB as brand will live because of the famous SAAB spirit. Please look around to see how many people are really worried about the future of this outstanding company. These people are loyal to SAAB for many years, that is why SAAB as a brand can be profitable especially now when a basically new model is ready to enter the market and new models are “under construction”. So, please do not destroy a worldwide famous brand. Just let it go, sell it and I’m sure it will survive. Do not ruin the expectations of many people.
Thank you.
Shcherbatov Valeriy
Moscow, Russia
Done !
Dear sir,
I am a Swede who grew up in Africa, where my father worked as a missionary far out in the bush. We had SAAB cars, with protective rally plates underneeat for protection, and I have since loved SAAB, and my first own car was of course a SAAB.
After that I have also owned other makes: Volvo (company car), Chrysler Voyager, Toyota Previa, The last 10 years we have hade two cars: a SAAB 9-5 and a VW Multivan and a now also a Opel Corsa.
I have had to have big cars for my family, with 7 children. So necessity made us choose non-SAAB-cars
But the best cars of all I have ever had are the SAABs!!
Now that my children are growing up I have been really looking forward to buying the new SAAB 9-5.
Please let the SAAB factory continue to build those cars, so I can buy one!! Or better yet sell the SAAB-name and equipment to somebody that wants to continue making SAABs for us who love that car!!!
Published 1 minute ago:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hXD9jAcF21x4w02GidVuDFdoBEBg
Done!
e-mail sent!
Here’s what I had in my inbox when I went to compose my letter:
As we drive into that special time of the year, we’d like to offer our warmest wishes to you and yours this holiday season. We’d also like to thank you for the support you’ve shown us and invite you to see our amazing new lineup.
To keep the spirit of the season going, give yourself something to celebrate at the Red Tag Event. It’s your chance to see red and save green on Chevy cars, trucks and crossovers. Take advantage of 0% APR for 72 months for qualified buyers on most ’09 models(1).
Thanks again for your interest in Chevy. On the road together, we can make 2010 a wonderful year to remember.
Sincerely,
Your Chevy Team
That’s what I read in the NYT last saturday the 19th (page A1). But who now could really buy Saab Automobile, as long as GM still refuses to sell IPs ? The last talks with Koenigsegg and Spyker collapsed, due to suspicious about Sberbank and Covers Group (russia banks).
Mr Whitacre,
I urge you to make a decent decision and sell Saab Automobile AB. We are many Saab owners and enthusiasts who love Saab and I am sure that if we are given the opportunity, we will make Saab a great brand that you and your company can be proud to once have owned.
Best regards,
Arild
Saab owner in Norway
I sent my note off to Ed. I’ve owned 9 brand new cars, 3 GM, beginning with a 1971 Opel Kadette wagon bought from a Buick dealership, 2 Pontiacs(my dad loved them, but they never worked out for me) and 6 fabulous Saabs.
At the moment our 7 month old 2009 9-3XWD Sport Combi sits in the driveway in Massachusetts buried under two feet of snow, just waiting. She’s waiting for her first winter voyage XWD into the wild white stuff. Her odometer turned to 10,000 miles yesterday. On Friday amid many tears we were so glad we had a new Saab to carry on with. Sadly we had to trade our 1999 lovely red 9-3 hatchback back in May, but it had a gazillion well-loved miles on it. We love our Sport Combi.
Please make this last hope work!!!
I attached a photo collage fo Ed from my flickr account.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/4189985849_9f022ece47_o.jpg
Hello, Mr Whitacre.
I’m writing to you regarding SAAB and the decision made by you and the other boardmembers to shut down SAAB.
As certain as I am that this mail wont do any difference, I still feel obligated to raise my voice and make myself heard to you, Mr Whitacre.
My family’s driven SAAB since I was born.
A lime-green SAAB 99 took us to our destination each day, on vacation each year.
It was the first SAAB my parents owned.
As some years passed, the next car was a SAAB 900 GLS.
A fabolous car, which we kept for many years.
It was in that car that I first had my own driving experiences, as I started to take my driving license.
Them cars never left me nor my parents heart.
As I’m writing to you today, I’m a proud owner of my own SAAB 9-5 Combi from 2000.
Do I even have to mention that my parents have a SAAB 9-5 Sedan signed 2003?
Even as the news on friday hit me like a bomb, I still have my mind set; My next car will be a SAAB.
It’s safe, an engine that just keeps on going, and the designs are just plain beautiful!
I even got a collegue of mine to testdrive my car. Now, 2 months later, he’s driving his very own SAAB!
He said it was the best car he’s ever driven, and I’m not making this up.
I know that GM wont continue the journey with SAAB, but I beg you, to let someone else continue to carry the torch.
There’s so many of us, not only in Sweden, that would be enormously happy to see SAAB living on.
If you got this far down, reading it all;
Thank you, Mr Whitacre.
Not only for reading, but for doing what you thought best for SAAB during these years.
Regards
I couldn’t just sit idly by while Saab’s fate remains ever uncertain. Here’s my email:
Mr. Whitacre.
In this dire hour, I am sure that you must not even have time to read each and every email sent to you by loyal Saab enthusiasts around the world. It is the hope of many that this iconic brand is given the chance to survive and make history once more, since it did from its inception back in 1947, and not merely become a part of history. Now that Spyker submitted a revised bid, I implore you to strongly consider selling the brand, not only to save the Griffin itself, but the thousands of people who rely on Saab in order to survive in this harsh economic world of today. Thank you for your time and I hope GM reaches a decision beneficial to all parties involved.
Sincerely,
Vincent C. Cirilli
New Jersey
Mr Whitacre,
In January of 2009 I bought my first Saab, a brand new 9-3. While most people my age (23) are out buying more “mainstream” cars I had remembered looking at Saab dealership several years earlier (from which i bought a used non-Saab as I was only 18 at the time) and remembered admiring the styling and simple yet sophisticated look of the Saab vehicles. I did my research and found that the Saab 9-3 was a very safe, reliable car which also had the ability to “get up and go”. Over the past year I have fallen in love with my car. It is a intuitively designed vehicle that is a lot of fun to drive and is much different, for the better, than most “cookie cutter” cars on the road. I have enjoyed my car so much that I have already been making plans for my next car purchase, more than likely 3-4 years from now, which was with no doubt going to be a Saab. The cars, the people and the company that make up Saab have a way of connecting with their customers that is unlike anything I have ever seen.
During the past year I know that General Motors has been going though many changes and the sale of Saab has been a major topic on the agenda, one that with my fondness for the brand I have been following closely . Last Friday I heard that negotiations with the second potential owner had concluded and that the brand would be winded down. Recently I have seen a report stating that a new offer has been submitted for a potential owner for Saab. I strongly urge you to consider this and any other offers received regarding the sale of Saab. This company has so much potential, with a great business plan and fresh new models in the pipeline that will no doubt breath new life into this wonderful brand and help create more loyal customers.
The Saab AB brand of 62 years, with a history rich of thinking outside of the box and creating safe cars that are fun to drive must be continued. The employees in Trollhättan and around the globe are counting on you. The loyal customers, many of which will be customers for life if given the chance are counting on you. Please do whatever it takes to help this company start a new chapter.
Philip Crawford
Loyal Saab Customer
Wrote a msg to him also, as well as other Russian saabclub.su club saab enthusiasts.
Message sent:
Dear Mr Whitacre,
It’s my understanding that GM may have a new opportunity for the sale of Saab Automobile. As a long time Saab customer and enthusiast I urge you to give any such offer your full consideration. Saab’s design tradition represents over 60 years of innovative thinking and passion, and given the right opportunity, I believe Saab and its excellent management team can succeed. I’d like to thank the GM team for its efforts on Saab’s behalf. Your efforts will not be forgotten! Many thanks,
Mark Setevdemio
Massachusetts
Mr. Whitacre
I have been a Saab enthusiast for all my life and would never consider to buy another brand. I am also a Swede, and being that I know the great importance of Saab Automobile AB for the well of my country. Therefor I have recieved your message regarding a wind-down of Saab with great sadness and worries of the future.
I beg you to seriously consider any new bids coming in, this means a lot, not only for the Saab employees but also for Saab customers around the world. I am also convinced that succeeding in selling Saab would be better for GM than winding it down. Another wind-down of a GM company would not look good in the eyes of the public, especially when Ford succeeds to sell some of their brands.
A succeeded sale of Saab on the other hand would show GM:s new face as a modern company with competent management.
Mr. Whitacre, please don’t kill our beloved brand. I am sure it has a future, and even if I’m wrong on this one that will not be your problem once it has been sold.
Thank you for your valueable time and merry christmas!
My message, not quite so polite, but reasonable:
To the honorable Mr. Whitacre,
PLEASE SELL SAAB! DON’T DESTROY AN ICONIC BRAND!.
Two of our 3 vehicles are other, bought-new, GM vehicles (Chevy
Silverado and Pontiac Aztek), and I will consider more in the future if
you do the honorable thing and sell SAAB. However, I swear, I will park
them and never be seen in a GM vehicle again if you don’t.
Spyker has made a new, reasonable bid, and others such as Mebanco are
wanting SAAB. Please take the honorable course of action!
George (Ted) Yurkon
SENT AND DONE!
20 December 2009
Mark Kissel
3404 Woolsey Drive
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815-3923
Mr. Edward E. Whitacre, Jr
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
General Motors, Incorporated
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, Michigan 48232-5170
Mr. Whitacre:
With great interest, I have followed the news regarding General Motor’s Swedish car company, SAAB. I have owned three SAABs, following in the footsteps of my father. I currently do not drive a SAAB but this is only because I am currently serving as a diplomat in Latin America for the U.S. Department of State. Not driving a SAAB for four and half years has been part of my sacrifice for serving in South and Central America. When I return to the U.S. in June 2010, my focus and genuine intent is to purchase a SAAB 9-3 Kombi. I also very much look forward to the unveiling of the new 9-5 and 9-5 Wagon.
Apparently, there is a new Spyker deal on the table, less complex and more direct. I request that you move forward with the deal and salvage value from General Motor’s ownership of SAAB. The new 9-5; the upcoming 9-4X; the upcoming 9-3; SAAB’s great XWD, safety, and sporting technology; and the quality delivered by SAAB’s workforce and manufacturing facility merit consideration in the market place not only by committed customers such as me but more importantly by customer prospects.
Completing the sale to Spyker will enable the company to freshly promote itself as a story of rebirth. This will let customer prospects make the decision if SAAB’s products merit purchasing. Obviously, the committed and passionate such as myself will vote our economic dollars toward SAABs. If customer prospects don’t commit to purchasing SAABs, then SAAB may very well change into something else (engineering services provider) or close its operations. However, with SAAB’s great line-up of new products and technology, let the market place decide on the appeal of SAAB.
In sum, please give the new Spyker deal General Motor’s full consideration, let SAAB re-establish itself as a separate company, and allow the market to decide on SAAB’s new products and technology. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Mark E. Kissel
Economic Chief
Embassy of the United States
San Jose Costa Rica
Done. No receipt confirmation still.
Done !!
SAAB up !
email now sent!
I just returned from a short holiday trip to Stockholm. When I saw the bad news on the front page of a Swedish newspaper yesterday I was totally shocked. This message almost ruined my holidays. I couldn’t wait to read the entire story here on SU – and thanks to Swade and you all there is still hope. I therefore didn’t hesitate to write this E-mail to Mr. Whitaker, whether he checks his inbox or not:
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I am a Germany-based car enthusiast working in the automotive industry. I bought my first Saab end of last year right in the middle of the crisis, fully aware of Saab’s difficult situation. I had the choice between some well established German brands such as BMW or Audi, but I chose a Saab 9-3 because the car touched me, emotionally. More than this, it is the best ride I ever had.
I would definitely buy another one in 2012 if you only let this outstanding car maker survive. And isn’t this what a car company should accomplish? Making people love their car, stick to the brand, and buy a new one every once in a while? Well, as far as I am concerned, Saab has already reached this goal. Making the right decision at this time and accepting Spyker’s new bid certainly won’t be a disadvantage to GM even if Saab is independent afterwards. I am thus kindly asking you to sell Saab instead of winding it down. I honestly appreciate your consideration.
Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year I remain respectfully yours
Christian K.
Leipzig, Germany
Sent mine.
Ivo
Dear all,
Write even to Mr. Fredrikk Reinfeldt. Via this address:
http://www.regeringen.se/pub/road/Classic/article/117/jsp/Render.jsp?a=70244&m=popup&l=sv
Dear Mr Whitacre,
I live in Trollhättan, Sweden. I have worked at Saab Automobile in the past for a total of 4 and a half years. Without question, the passion for the brand runs thru that organization to the supplier chain and out into the streets. I know there must be some core buisness principal being executed here, but when you look into the lives affected; buisness should show compassion. Just like in “A Christmas Carol”, this decision will be the chains you will wear for eternity. It’s not too late! What would Jesus do?
Save Saab
God Bless
Merry Christmas
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I’m Ivan Imhof, 43 years old designer from Hungary.
I would like to ask for a few minute of your precious time to read my short mail please.
I’m a Saab customer and enthusisast. I drive Saab cars 14 years ago and the current one is my 5th Saab.
Since I owned my first Saab I was totally impressed by the brand because they represent such engineering and design valueas that are very important for me: safety, turbo power from a small engine, ergonomy, utility, uniqe style, responsible thinking.
They are very innovative, they have a modern manufacturing site with competent workers, they have excellent management.
They have 2 new models ready for the mass production.
If there is any reasonable way to complete the deal of selling Saab brand, I beg for your kind support to make a positive decision.
I sincerely hope that my appeal will receive your favourable attention.
If somebody want to write to Mr. Obama:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
at these moments I don’t know what I love more- my car or being among such people as SAABfans.
Proud to be a SAABer!
Here’s my comment:
Mr Whitacre,
I am writing to you from a small country Lithuania, as a Saab enthusiast for many years and, I still hope, future customer.
SAAB, it’s a great, charismatical regional company with amazing loyality of their drivers.
In SAAB’s portfolio – amazing turbo story (You know it better – this story started back in 1977), 5 star rating passive and active safety, “born from jets” spirit… Smart facility, good team, perfect done advertisments…
If everything going to be closed, it’ll be so hard to choose another brand. Not for me, personally. For all SAAB lovers round the world.
For my eye, GM has the last (if we are talking about making the deal till the end of tihis year) possibility not to close SAAB brand. I believe in GM’s democracy when making hard judgements.
I still hope… for a nice and warm Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank You for Your attention.
Dainius Sislavas
SAAB friend from Lithuania
Done! I just got back from a short break and knew nothing about the closure until 30 miniutes ago! My heart sank and has now rissen a little!
I just hope GM ARE serious about selling! If they are – we could see a saved Saab! PLEASE!
Go Spyker!!!
Hi, I too sent an email to mr. Whittacre.
Even if he does not read them, the combined efforts of all Saab people will overflow his inbox and I have no doubt that someone will be there at GM to read his email for him and inform him.
So don’t let the fact that he says not to use a computer hinder us from sending an email!
Alessio Coloni Dott. Arch.
Grosse Sperlgasse 7,
A-1010 Vienna
Dec.20.th 2009
E-mail:coloniarc@gmail.com
GM Corporation
CEO E. Whittacre
In this drammatic hours I beg You not to liquidate SAAB car company.
As an enthusiastic SAAB driver, this car is expression of free minded intelectuals over the world.
We all love to drive SAAB and I am looking forward next year to buy a NEW 9-5.
Small car manufacturer from Holland Spyker is making efforts – today 20th 12. 2009 they made a new bid to GM to buy SAAB car company that You want to sell.
In this drammatic hours PLEASE Mr. Whittacre think how various, colourful and beatiful the world is.
I beg You to think that this small car manufacturer for 60 YEARS made nice and safety SAAB CARS WE LOVED.
Please GIVE SAAB A CHANCE to continue to produce in Sweden THIS MARVELOUS cars.
SPYKER is like an ant against giant like GM is. WE BELIEVE SPYKER CAN MAKE IT.
I hope there is enough GOOD WILLING FORCES to finalize the sell.
We are LOOKING FORWARD to see OUR SAAB CARS WE LOVE not like cars BUT LIKE HUMAN BEINGS.
I made with my 9-3 /2001, 298.000km its like DRIVEING 8 TIMES WORLD ARROUND.
Next spring I would like to buy a new 9-5, and then 9,4,… JUST SAAB.
I know how pathetic and foolish my letter is, I have just one wish for CHRISTMASS: LET SAVE SAAB CAR COMPANY.
Ed you are just a person even if your responsability is great, you must save your company in USA, BE A GREAT MAN, let us have in Europe this nice brand.
SAAB is enthusiasting people over the world. WE LOVE IT.
Ed YES YOU CAN!
(Well, I think this one was VERY polite.)
____________
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
It is a major concern for me to write you these lines from Germany. I am the owner of a successful German design & marketing company. I am also a car enthusiast. For many years I have well respected GM and its products. Lots of our business partners did so too. Especially during the last decade we have seen great steps towards the best product quality.
Currently however, all of us are worried, that the image of GM could take big damage. If you should close the unique cult brand SAAB, this will have devastating consequences for the reputation of GM in Europe and other parts of the world.
SAAB is a brand like no other. I myself am a professional marketing and brand specialist. And I’m sure: For the future prospects of GM, it would be very important not to let SAAB die. The present serious bids should be carefully considered. Thank you for taking the time.
Sincerely yours
Radulf Jetter
Dipl.-Designer AGD
SOONTEAM corporate culture
soonteam.com
Well, they all have the story now.
From Financial Times Germany:
http://www.ftd.de/unternehmen/:autokonzern-vor-der-abwicklung-spyker-macht-neues-angebot-fuer-saab/50052823.html
Did it…
Is there somebody who can find out Victor Mullers emailadress? Just to thank him…
E-mail to Ed sent and this picked up on GM:s website:
“GM statement regarding Saab inquiries
2009-12-20
Following Friday’s announcement that GM will begin the orderly wind down of Saab, GM has received inquiries from several parties. We will evaluate each inquiry. We will not comment further until these evaluations have been completed.
Tom Wilkinson
Tel: 313-667-0366
Mobile: 313-378-6233
tom.wilkinson@gm.com
John McDonald
General Motors Company
Phone: 313-667-3714
Mobile: 313-418-2139
john.m.mcdonald@gm.com
Johan Willems
GM International Operations Communications
Tel: +86 212 899 6417
Mobile: +86 1376 1998 8381
Stefan Weinmann
Director Opel Global Corporate and Internal Communications
Tel: +49 (0) 6142 7 77339
Mobile: +49 (0) 175 228 9452
stefan.weinmann@de.opel.com”
There is still hope!
Sent
This press release from GM that was highlighted by someone earlier needs more attention:
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2009/Dec/1220_saab
Note SEVERAL parties… the plot thickens.
I was visiting the Spyker owner’s forum. Obviously, they are a small group but appear very supportive of the SAAB brand and those employed in Trollhattan.
I would like to extend my thanks to Spyker owners and hope to connect with all of you sometime in the future in a shared forum.
I am a devoted SAAB owner and hope to remain so for the rest of my life. I have now just become a monumental fan of Spyker cars and Victor Muller.
“nulla tenaci invia est via”
Hi Swade
Mail sent to Ed! Very polite and passionate! Also pleading for the employees and other people depending of SAAB. Am a SAAB-buff most of all though! Will send a mail to several of the newspapers in Sweden make them publish Eds mail!
/Andreas H
Keep up the good work!
Well written, Ralf!
A polite email has been sent…This renewed offer from Spyker will surely tell us if GM were ever serious about selling Saab……..
Dear Mr Whitacre
Im an Architect based in Singapore. My father bought his first red two door Saab 99 in the mid 1970s, and since then, I have been a in love with Saab. It is my sincere hope that you give Saab the chance to live through a new owner. Im greatful to GM for keeping saab alive for the last 20 year, as a father, I know parenting sometimes is difficult, but rewarding.
As someone that is impressed with america, and the values it stands for, i sincerly hope that, you and GM find it in your hearts, to give saab, the chance to live. The world would feel empty without saab.
I wish GM the best in the year of 2010.
Thank you for taking time reading this mail.
/A
mine:
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
As a Saab owner of almost 30 years, and having owned nearly 20 of these remarkable vehicles during that time of just about every model, I join my fellow enthusiasts in requesting GM to reconsider winding down the Saab brand. This is particularly so in light of the apparent interest in continuing the brand by third parties both before and after GM’s announcement. I am a taxpayer and respectfully object to GM spending billions of dollars to shutter Saab rather than finding a reasonable alternative to continuing Saab operations in Trollhattan. I am sure you know the Saab factory is a model of efficiency, the workers on the floor are highly dedicated and themselves enthusiasts of this storied brand and the leadership of Jan Ake Jonnson second to none. My standalone dealer, Reinertsen Motors, Inc. (an exclusive SAAB dealer of 40 years) in Denville New Jersey is the most professional and accommodating dealer one could hope for – genuinely good folks. Moreover, the 2009 Saab 9-3 Aero wagon that Reinertsen Motors sold me this past summer is the best Saab I’ve owned yet, and is just as unique, thrilling to drive and well built as any other car brand I’ve owned over the years – including every German brand. Saab has great product in the pipeline with the 9-3X getting great press, 9-5 having just secured phenomenal crash tests results and an enthusiastic reception by everyone who has seen it and the 9-4X also looks just as promising. Please arrange for the Board to reconsider winding down this wonderful brand and make the decisive decision to rescue the people who have made it what it is today.
Thank you for your consideration,
Kurt W. Krauss
Mail sent. I particularly noted how much here in France several BMW and Audi customers are interested in the new 9-5 and 9-4x, giving Saab a potentialy fresh new breath.
Over the past few months, it has become very clear that GM has no intention of selling Saab. Actions speak louder than words, and it is clear that GM is intent on killing Saab.
GM wants Saab dead so they can profit off this innovative company, and steal their technology.
The government of Sweden needs to wake up and realize that GM has been stealing from Saab for years.
>> Write even to Mr. Fredrikk Reinfeldt. (YES! Swedish government is very important.) Via this address:
http://www.regeringen.se/pub/road/Classic/article/117/jsp/Render.jsp?a=70244&m=popup&l=sv
DONE.
___________________
Dear Mr. Reinfeld,
It is a major concern for me to write you these lines from Germany. I am the owner of a successful German design & marketing company. I am also a car enthusiast. For many years I have well loved Sweden, its products and its design. Lots of our business partners did so too.
Currently however, all of us are worried, that the image of Sweden could take big damage. If you should close the unique cult brand SAAB, this will have devastating consequences for the reputation of Sweden in Europe and other parts of the world.
SAAB is a brand like no other. I myself am a professional marketing and brand specialist. And I’m sure: For the future prospects of Sweden, it would be very important not to let SAAB die. The present serious (new) bids should be carefully considered. Your government should resolve this directly with Mr. Obama. Thank you for taking the time.
Sincerely yours
Radulf Jetter
Dipl.-Designer AGD
SOONTEAM corporate culture
soonteam.com
D-55595 Münchwald
Germany
Done!
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I am deeply upset to hear that GM intends to close Saab rather than sell it as a going concern. I have heard that there are parties interested in purchasing the company, and it strikes me that this is an opportunity for you to relaunch and refresh the brand – and come out of this difficult period looking good.
• A complete sale will no doubt result in other sources of income for GM over time. Saab have a portfolio of vehicles ready for launch which is an attractive prospect to any buyer. Much of the development of these products was done under GM ownership and as a result their success may be partly attributed to you
• The new 9-5 has been positively reviewed by critics and will function as a halo product which will boost the brand and attract new customers. After such a successful relaunch, those consumers who may not be in the market for a new vehicle may instead purchase older, GM based Saabs which would need components from yourselves
• A refreshed Saab would bring diversity to the European prestige market and a welcome alternative to BMW/Audi/Mercedes. It is highly unlikely that they would be marketed in a way that competes with Vauxhall/Opel, but at a higher price point once interior quality issues have been addressed
• The world needs brands which offer distinct, well-designed quality products which are instantly recognisable. Saab offer just this. They already have a loyal customer base who are rated as the most psychologically engaged with their brand – which as you will know, is marketing gold dust. In the same way that Cadillac is a meaningful brand in the US, Saab has meaning in Europe. If GM were to sell Saab rather than close it, these people will pay credit where it is due and this will go some way towards GM rebuilding a positive corporate reputation in the world. You must know that this is not the case today.
In summary, do the right thing and people will notice. Alternatively, If we are to face a world where only a tiny number of manufacturers produce everyone’s cars, I for one will be getting on my bike instead.
Yours sincerely,
T Clarke
Done
Mr Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a former Saab employee in the hope that you will give full consideration to new offers received this weekend for the sale of Saab Automobile.
I have seen what the engineers at Saab are capable of and I would say that the product is a very honest vehicle that want to do people good. Safety has always been much higher than legislation and that is one reason why the cooperation together with Opel never worked, the culture at Opel is only to make cheap parts, not good parts…
I am now working at Haldex, the supplier of AWD-systems and the system we developed togheter with Saab is outstanding. It is also avilable in the Cadillac.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Regards Martin Söderberg, Sweden
Done!
“GM was saved to protect thousand of US jobs and avoid collaps of US economi. GM was given one more chance. Saab is not only a very special brand but also the bread and butter for many people and families. Saab has one final shot left and should not be denied this final chance to prove it selves viable. Like GM, Saab deserves to be given one more chance – don’t you think?”
This was my contribution…
Dear Mr Whitacre,
I am writing this mail to you since it has come to my knowledge that there is still a chance to save our beloved Saab Automobile.
Saab has always played an important part of my and all of my relatives life. Ever since my parents drove me home in their red Saab 96 V4, 32 years ago, the brand has a solid place in my heart.
Me myself have been a proud Saab owner for more than 15 years now and I am waiting for the new 9-5 to make it to the dealers and later on to my garage.
As you probably can understand this last year has been one of the worst years from a Saab point of view.
I was however optimistic until the tragic press release came to my attention on friday afternoon. I just could not believe it was true.
All the efforts that were made by Jan-Åke Jonsson and his crew was for nothing. The three new models that were ready for launch would never make it to the showrooms.
It just did not make any sense to me. I am working as a design manager for a multinational company with more than 50 000 employees and I know for sure that every big decision are made with economic aspects in mind.
Maybe I am being stubborn but for me it makes more sense to sell a company like Saab and make some money rather than just vaste years of investments.
As I have understood, Saab will still for many years use GM-platforms for their cars. So GM would surely have some profits from Saab if the company continues to sell cars. Am I right?
Yesterday I did visit my local dealer just to make sure that I could buy one of the few 9-5´s that he still had in stock. If Saab is closed, this will most probably be the last new car I will buy.
If there still are just a tiny little chance for this deal to be completed, please think it over one more time. I just can´t see myself in another car.
Thank you very much for your attention. I hope that I could make a difference.
Best regards
/Henrik Sundberg – Ludvika, Sweden
Thanks for all you do with this site, Steven! I’ve been hanging on to every post for some time now, and have my fingers and toes crossed that Spkyker’s bid 2.0 will work.
Like many others here, I sent Ed Whitacre the nicest e-mail I could. Not that anyone will look, but I even replaced the “FUGM” logo I had on my Facebook profile with a SAAB logo.
Let’s all hang in there and think positive – maybe it will make a difference!
Done! Keep ‘em coming everyone!
just wrote this to the white house
don’t know if it’ll do much but what else can?!….
Dear Mr. President of the United States Of America,
I never thought that as a citizen of Romania I would end up writing a letter to the USA Whitehouse.
I’m doing this now because I am a Saab enthusiast and, as I’m sure you are most aware, GM is taking actions to shut Saab down.
The reasons for that I’m sure are sustained by figueres and facts but something still makes me believe there could be another outcome if GM just spears them one more month.
I think that would be sufficient time for them to conclude a deal with a buyer.
This is why, Sir, I’m asking for your help…
If there is something, anything you could do to just postpone the decision form Fryday you would not only be a hero in the US but also all around the world and definetly in all Saab enthusiasts hearts.
Just like the US is a symbol and unique from all other countries in the world just the same can be said for Saab.
So please help us save an icon and let us be proud that a unique make like Saab exists along unique country like the US.
Merry Christmas
Sent, C’mon GM do this for us!!! SAAB deserves it!!!!
Saab isn’t like any other company in the world. Saab cars come with great handling, amazing looks and of course all those quirky touches. But Saab’s also come with something else that I have yet to see any other car make replicate; passion. When you buy a Saab its not juste your daily driver, a Saab isn’t a car that sits in a driveway unnoticed. It may not be the best selling car in America or the world, but with the right tools and given the chance, Saab can rise and be successful once more.
Closing down Saab would be devastating not only to Saab fans but to thousands of people around the world. Thousands of people in Sweden depend on Saab to make a living. Not only would it be horrible to see a company with this history go down but it would destroy many people’s lives. When GM was going down your government stepped in and helped you overcome it, save Saab and think of it as the one good thing GM ownership has done for this company.
I’m attaching a photo which may give you some more insight about the type of people who believe in Saab. These people have been fighting for the last year to show what the new Saab will be about. They have worked day and night to complete the new 9-5 and 9-4x. They deserve a chance to show the world what they’ve been working on.
(I attached this picture http://twitpic.com/u7yhu)
Move your mind.
Done. (Although I think nothing will change, I want to fill their inbox, anyway.)
ketter to Mr Whitacre : [x] done.
done
Mail sent!
What seems a litle bit worrying with this new offer, atlest to some swedish journalists/journalistic-economist’s, is the short deadline at 23.00 swedish time spyker has set for their new offer.
I hope there is a good reason for this we dont know about at this time.
Just a thought for anyone emailing GM from the US, send a copy to both your senators and your congressman. They don’t like to lose votes and it will remind them that a relatively small but vocal number of voters are interested in the outcome. It won’t hurt if a few of them call GM and the board members that were installed by congress to find out why they are getting copied. I heard that if they get as few as 25 emails on a single subject it gets their attention as they realize there are many more who don’t write but are paying attention to that subject.
The same goes for anyone from Sweden, send a copy to anyone directly involved plus your local representative.
It’s time to remind them that we are paying attention and we also hold them partially responsible for the outcome.
SAAB UP!
Me too…
And added — “politely”, but firmly — that my renewal of OnStar was contingent upon a satisfactory resolution that had Saab sold whole or normal operations restored.
Mr Whitacre,
As a long term Saab owner and enthusiast, may I humbly beg you give your full consideration to the renewed offers for this unique auto maker.
If the deal does go through, it will benefit GM and Saab equally, Saab depends on GM for certain technology and parts supply and this could develop into a florishing collaborate relationship.
Thank you.
==================================================
And this is posted to Spyker:
I love you guys at Spyker for your effort and resolve to preserve a unique auto maker! Even if this deal falls though, it would not be because of lack of trying on your part or Saab’s part. It would have been a battle well fought.
I have already decided to place order for a new 9-5 if Saab can be saved. You have already got yourself a fan and loyal customer.
Thank you.
Haha, I added – politely – that people like me supported GMs second chance via he Government of Ontario.
Saab deserves a second chance, too!
The dedication and loyalty to the Saab brand is truly amazing…
Sent.
Just had a phone call with my SAAB dealer.
He couldn’t believe what’s going on.
It completely blew him out of his mind.
SAAB history was full of obstacles and critical situations.
But NOW we see the biggest task of them all. We’re part of it.
——————————————————
>>> Maybe together we can write history.
But we have to arouse a tornado to reach this goal. Very fast! Time counts!
Done! Just went out in the snowstorm with buddies TurboX, simply awesome. Keeping the faith here in Maine.
Mr. Whitecare:
I am writing to you as a both a Saab and auto enthuisast, hoping GM won’t be killing off Saab.
I have been a Saab enthuisast since I was 8-year-old, have owned both 88 900i, 92 900 Turbo 16V, 93 900S 16V, and, currently, a 09 9-3 2.0T XWD SportCombi. Those Swedes have put lots of great attention-to-details and enginnering in the vehicles. They also have contributed lots of innovations in the auto landscape, there are still opportunities to keep this Swedish company alive rather than scraping it. With Spyker’s new interest in Saab, I think all those involved parties should move on and give it a new life. This would also give positive PR to save an iconic carmaker rather than killing it. Not to mention the keeping of 8000 employment over in Northern Europe region.
Please seriously consider the latst offer, at the same time, wish you and your family have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I sent an email. Swade, thanks for the opportunity to help.
Best headline I have seen today:
SAAB back from dead…eating brains.
I have also submitted an email to Whitacre.
Very good idea to even include the Swedish government in our efforts! Sent my mail to Mr Whitacre around 15.00 European time and are about to write to the Swedish government. Very encouraging that there are so many people sending emails! It was mentioned in a comment above that even the White house might be seen as one key player here.
Without the money from the US government GM would not be able to play their game like this. According to WTO rules, it is illegal business practice to press competitors out of the market by using state aid. Even if these rules not apply here, since GM is the owner of Saab automobile as a future competitor it is bad and dirty business practice – and has to be blamed when the time has come!
Gruß aus Schweden
Lars
Sent. Passionate but polite. My beautiful 9-3 is in the garage just waiting to take wherever I need to go in the snow….
My Letter:
Dear Mr Whitacre,
I’m writing to you today as a concerned auto enthusiast. Over the past year, the American auto industry has understandably endured a period of restructuring. It has also endured a year of heartbreak. While GM has already closed several of it’s storied brands, Saab shouldn’t now be one of them. Saab is different. Saab is more than a roundel applied to GM global platforms. Saab has meaning. Meaning that is enthusiastically delivered by a dedicated factory, with dedicated employees, dedicated designers, and dedicated management. This is the way it has been for over 60 years. Saab represents the David in a world of Goliaths. And everybody knows the hero and villain in that story.
By closing Saab, GM management, and you personally, are putting your stamp of approval on the worldwide stereotype of GM as the epitome of evil corporation. I have yet to ever believe that there is actually such a thing. The fiscal conservative in me understands that GM is a business, not a charity. You have stockholders, and now the American people to please. But something seems different – a bit off – about this Saab situation. This doesn’t strike me as being purely about finances, and when business start making major decisions about closing factories and laying off employees for reasons beyond mere finances, it destroys any faith in the business world anyone may have left.
The closure of Saab means that small-scale, independent business ideas are a recipe for failure.
I understand Spyker has today renewed their offer to GM for Saab. This is now the second time Spyker will be making a bid for Saab. They undeniably show that they want Saab to survive. Now it’s up to GM to show that they really want to help, rather than hinder the sale of Saab. Please, end the turmoil for thousands of employees and millions of customers and enthusiasts. Accept Spyker’s new offer and let’s put all of this behind us.
Kindest Regards,
Dan Palka
Info-Mac Moderator
dan@info-mac.org
Sent one. Not so brief thought
.
You know how this tune goes. Where I write you and say, “Save Saab”. Well I must do my “DUE DILIGENCE” and tell you WHY.
I am only 18 years old, and I have been in love with the Saab brand since 2002. I always thought of the Saab brand as quirky, sophisticated, and mysterious.
Us Saab fans are a curious, quirky bunch ourselves, and this brand has been a cult for us, no matter how battered it may seem by many outsiders. Its just our saving grace. Mr. Whitacre, I am BEGGING you to take the revised bid by Spyker seriously (and accept. If you choose to deny this bid as well, then the world will catch your bluff..just saying).
When comparing GM and Ford’s sale of their Swedish assets, Saab and Volvo, respectively, you see almost no correlation. GM runs around like a chicken with its head cut off, while Ford is more low-key, calm, and progressively moving forward. GM has made many demands on the potential buyers of Saab, and they have left accordingly. Renco, Merbanco (turned away for apparently no reason at all), and the infamous Koenigsegg. Please don’t let Spyker join that pile.
My love affair with Saab and the Saab community can never be taken away, no matter what your decision is by 5pm tomorrow evening. I will still purchase used Saab’s in the future as well. However, as you and the accounts look over Saab’s profile, and see there is no business case for Saab, remember that Saab cars will NOT sell without some form of stability in the company. This is the main reason Volvo, despite the sell, is doing so well, and turning profit again (rumored, anyway). Saab has been in a tailspin for the past year.
Now I’m going to wrap it up and just say that without Saab, our community will more than likely disperse into other European brands. Cadillac’s upcoming 3-series fighter will more or less take the place of the 9-3 (but “done right”) in the GM house. I can almost promise you, no matter how good, or how amazing this vehicle is, Saab customers will more than likely not buy it. Neither will European customers. We are a sassy bunch that simply know what we want, and Cadillac cannot bring it. Saab is a global brand, and if shuttered, will be the FIRST brand in the recession to do so, and the first in decades. Pontiac, Saturn, etc, were all regional brands that have no life outside of America. Saab has so much potential to truly do damage on a world stage, and battle Audi and friends.
Our brand is our passion, an obsession. If Saab ceases to exist, then our liberal minded-selves will just move to VW-AUDI, Mini, and of course Volvo. None of these brands would be GM brands unfortunately. As you try and please the GM board, US government, as well as the public, with the “cut and run” strategy, remember the repercussion. Believe it or not, there are consequences.
The world is watching Mr. Whitacre. Trust me. Thank you for your time.
I have sent my email hope we can do some good. every thing crossed.
My contribution:
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I have no doubt that the details and intricacies regarding what to do with SAAB are enough to make a genius’s mind spin ad infinitum. And without those specifics, we out here in our somewhat fanatically loyal World of SAAB can only guess at what the best, non-emotional business approach should be from a GM perspective. Yet, sometning tells me that a very strong case could be made that striking a deal that would result in an imminent and incisive amputation of SAAB would be preferable to months, and probably years of disposing one crumb after another and attending to the myriad legal ramifications that would result from the proposed wind-down. So, allow me to appeal to you, “Give SAAB a Chance”, and allow your attenuated resources the opportunity to focus more completely on making GM the best that it can be. Happy Holidays!
Best Regards,
_______________
Great idea! I’m on it. Facebooking my “favorite” senators now.
Thanks for the link, done, text as follows
Dear Sir
I would like to add my name to the list of people who want Saab saved, for all the right reasons – The name, heritage, the product (great), the people, the jobs (not only Saab direcly but suppliers, dealers etc), the new 95 and 94 models and Sweden!
It is within your power to do this great thing and be named as someone who was associated with saving this great automotive marque.
The future could be bright, the future is SAAB!
Best regards
Nick Keys
What about contacting Carl Bildt? He’s Swedens foreign minister, and from my point of view, this is a political issue .. the US Government (the owner of GM) is exporting unemployment to Sweden.
I doubt that Mr Whitacre will care much about our mails, but CB has his own blog, and a few comments on it might be useful.
Saab spammers from the graveyard. Ed wont read them as he doesnt have time nor interest, by now he most likely already has a new email account set while his assistance/secretary tries to collect work related emails from the old pile.
When US government owns 62% of the GM, then Detroit doesnt have a final word, in good or bad. One person in Sweden has a theoretical chance to call in Washington but I dont think he does.
E-mail sent. It was very passionate and the most polite
Saab aint buried yet!
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2009/Dec/1220_saab :
“Following Friday’s announcement that GM will begin the orderly wind down of Saab, GM has received inquiries from several parties. We will evaluate each inquiry. We will not comment further until these evaluations have been completed.”
(Several!?)
Dear Mr. Whitacre!
Regarding the future of Saab:
I am sure that I am talking on behalf of many architects and designers around the world, when I strongly ask you to reconsider the future of Saab.
For me – and many (most?) professionals working with form, shape and design – Saab is among the, very few, car-brands that have a design with sufficient personality, character, charm, originality and elegance – combined with functionality – making it worthy to catch an eye on and to consider purchasing.
Regarding the brands innovative history and pioneer-spirit it will be a true shame to miss it in a market drowning in – sorry to say so – boring, uninspirering and conform car-brands – including some of the very exclusive ones.
I therefore seriously appeal to you: Find a solution to let the Saab-brands and –cars survive!
Kind regards: Troels Grum-Schwensen, architect, designer and Saab-driver.
Kind regards/de venligste hilsner:
GRUMDESIGN Troels Grum-Schwensen
Troels Grum-Schwensen
Architect MAA Designer MDD
Østerbrogade 50, 4.t.v.
DK 2100 København Ø
tel. +45 35 43 44 72
mob. +45 40 44 44 72
troels@grumdesign.com
http://www.grumdesign.com
Done. Here’s to hope…
Dear Mr. Whitacre!
Regarding the future of Saab:
I am sure that I am talking on behalf of many architects and designers around the world, when I strongly ask you to reconsider the future of Saab.
For me – and many (most?) professionals working with form, shape and design – Saab is among the, very few, car-brands that have a design with sufficient personality, character, charm, originality and elegance – combined with functionality – making it worthy to catch an eye on and to consider purchasing.
Regarding the brands innovative history and pioneer-spirit it will be a true shame to miss it in a market drowning in – sorry to say so – boring, uninspirering and conform car-brands – including some of the very exclusive ones.
I therefore seriously appeal to you: Find a solution to let the Saab-brands and –cars survive!
Kind regards: Troels Grum-Schwensen, architect, designer and Saab-driver.
Kind regards/de venligste hilsner:
GRUMDESIGN Troels Grum-Schwensen
Troels Grum-Schwensen
Architect MAA Designer MDD
Østerbrogade 50, 4.t.v.
DK 2100 København Ø
tel. +45 35 43 44 72
mob. +45 40 44 44 72
troels@grumdesign.com
http://www.grumdesign.com
Done. Perhaps it does not help but i have tried.
Another e-mail on it’s way.
Let’s hope the spirit of the season has reached the board of GM…
Per Klerestam
Done. My wife and fellow SAAB owners here are writing theirs next!
Done.
Great idea. Thank you once again Swade for everything you´ve done for Saab and for us.
My bit:
“Dear Mr Whitacre
I am writing to express my fillings and thoughts about Friday General Motors decision on closing the factory of Saab in Trolhattan.
From emotional point this decision made me really sad as I believed I could continue driving these unique cars to the rest of my days. It also made me sad that many people in Trollhattan, Saab suppliers and dealers are loosing their jobs, because no better solution was found. I believe it was and it still is a way to preserve jobs at Saab and build cars. Quite recently GM found a way to save its biggest European brand – Opel. Thanks to your good decision, many jobs in Poland were saved, and also, we Poles still have a chance to drive Opels, that have a very good reputation here as really reliable and affordable cars.
I really think, that in terms of business, there is always better to sell an unsuccessful business for a penny, rather than pay all the costs of liquidation. I understand, that it could be difficult for GM to find the right place in its global mosaic of brands, but why not to give a chance someone else to try? In case they cannot run it it will be the new owner of the plant to be blamed for making it die.
I also think, that even if the new owner decides to build models of cars that theoretically can compete with other GM cars, as Saab always tended to attract specific, niche customers, it can never threaten other GM businesses. Also, there are legal ways of securing GM intellectual property rights. Another thing is that in future, the new Saab could continue cooperation with GM on a partnership base, exchanging technologies, and components.
I know I don’t know all facts that lead you to take such a difficult decision but I can easily imagine, that letting Saab live could bring profits to both Saab and GM
Regards,
Jakub Godzinski
kugo@orange.pl
+48 502 178 537
Poland”
Great idea! … done!
It’s worth a try! A positive spin on it is that we at least don’t have to wait that long for this deadline…
I hope!
Done,
I just want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their effort and great support! Swade and all the people at SU make it a lot easier to going into work tomorrow.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for what tomorrow might bring.
Again, Thanks for all the great support for SAAB.
Most popular stories right now on CNN
1. Saab may get a second life
2.Storm rages north, blanketing East Coast
3. British troops to get new camouflage
4. Facebookers rage against ‘X-Factor’
What America looks at… hmmmmm… at least there’s something sensible about us at times.
2-don you are in Houston right? if so we need to get a Saab meet-up asap
Sorry “TuuSaR”, but you don’t understand what this is all about.
(“by now he most likely already has a new email account set while his assistance/secretary tries …”)
This has not taken place yet. It’s the weekend in USA.
Where should your egoistic pessimism take us now?
Do you have any professional insights we do not know about?
Do you think SU & RS are naive? They are professionals.
Why should anyone outside lend us his ears, if we don’t believe ourselves in our powers ?
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
Please reconsider the decision to close down Saab. Saab deserves a chance to show the world what we can do without the boundaries and chains that was forced upon us by GM.
We can and we will survive…
Best regards
As a Saab enthusiast and owner, while owning several other GM cars (08 vette, 06 sts, 04 cts) I hope that you give this brand one more chance that GM was not able to give under its ownership. I can assure you that after GM’s sudden and irrelevant closing we vowed to stop our GM purchases for the future. I feel that GM never really wanted to sell the brand, just played a game with SAAB, as do many other SAAB enthusiasts’ feel. I hope GM can think in new ways and sell this brand with an enormous following, and not resort to the old GM of shutting companies down. GM has used SAAB for many technologies, and don’t you think its time to pay them back by giving them a fighting chance, and giving their employees a great Christmas gift?
Sincerely
Mohammad Iqbal
SAAB 9-3
My email:
Dear Mr Whitacre,
I guess for you all those emails regarding Saab that are landing in your inbox doesn’t really mather.
But for us, saab lovers, it’s a little way of showing you all what the brand means for us and how important it is for us that Saab survives!
So please please, take a good look at the emails and an even better look at what decision your are making!
Sell Saab and save them!
Here is my E-mail:
Dear Mr. Whitacre:
I am writing to you as a long time GM customer, having owned Oldsmobiles, Chevrolets, Saturns and most recently SAABs. I have long had a passion for SAAB with its superior design, performance and safety, having owned one now for several years I can only state that I underestimated what an excellent car they are and what a fine stalemate it makes to our Chevy TrailBlazer and Venture.
I was excited that SAAB appeared to have a chance at continued life with the recent offer from Spyker and was similarly crushed when the deal fell though. I understand that Spyker has made a revised offer addressing GM’s concerns.
I wanted to express to you my hope that GM will give this offer all due consideration and take a positive stance to working out a deal with Spyker. I hope that GM will seek out the “win-win” solution — for current GM investors, customers, SAAB customers and the US taxpayers who have stood by GM during these difficult times.
GM is a company I have believed in each of those capacities and hope to do so in the future.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Christopher H. Schell
I know this from experience. Never underestimate the power of media, large media. Please copy your emails and send them to CNN, BBC, ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS.
Emails to Whitacre will not do it alone. Major media needs to understand what the brand means to so many to place pressure on GM.
Here is what I wrote, my story is much longer but the man has little time
Hello Mr. Whitacre,
I have always driven a SAAB and I hope I always will, with safety of my family, wife and 3 children in mind I now drive a 9 5 station car MY 2002 with 127.000 km on the clock and failing nothing. I really like the new 9 5 and I would like to go and get one next sommer and proceed driving and owning SAAB. I also have an old 900 turbo 16 that I love a lot and I will never sell it.
I hope that you keep in mind all the people who like owning and driving SAAB as well as people who make SAAB when you consider this great carmaker, please keep it going.
Best regards, Jón Gunnar Kristinsson, Damark
Wow, just woke up to these developments AMAZING! Lord please bless the good folks at Trollhattan with a favorable outcome. Mr. Whitacre he must have received AT LEAST 100 emails thanks our collected efforts alone. Thank you Swade and EnG!
Here’s mine.
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I’m writing to you as a concerned Saab customer and American tax paying citizen.
I am 29 and have owned two Saabs, my parents have as well. I’ve always been fascinated with its heritage and “underdog” status. My parents moved to this country several decades ago as struggling immigrants and through hard work and persistence, have done quite well – hence the underdog love.
My parents and I were initially Oldsmobile customers. They owned a couple variations, including a beautiful all white 1986 Cutlass. I myself had a 1996 Cutlass – my first car. Although Oldsmobile certainly once had a pedigreed heritage, eventually the platform cross badging became excessive and frankly disposed of its unique identity. Because of this, they eventually purchased a Saab 9-5 which is where my fascination for Saab initialy started. This same cross platform badging didn’t help Saab’s cause, but that’s behind us now.
I understand GM’s decision to discontinue its other brands, indeed it was rather evident that there was way too much overlapping. I agree with your decisions to discontinue Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn – and frankly I think GMC should’ve been included with this group but hopefully I’m proven wrongly.
Point is – winding down those brands did constitute to job losses, but the foundations, for the most part, remained intact. The US automotive economic engine, and its surrounding dependencies (dealers, suppliers, distributors, etc) remained somewhat intact. However, a sudden shutter of the Saab brand would wreak havoc in such a small country as Sweden. Direct and indirect job losses would near 10,000. In a country of around 9 million, this WILL create significant hardship for thousands of families – let alone the majority of Trollhattan. Considering that Saab’s foundations continue to be in place, including an incredibly efficient factory and new products on the verge of production, shutting Saab down now would seem incredibly injustied, wreckless, and inhumane. I don’t understand why GM sees more value in shutting down the brand, and eliminating thousands of jobs instead of taking Spyker’s offer and let hope float.
Seeing GM disappear would’ve obviously created similar hardships in this country. While controversial, I agree with our government’s bailout of your company – and apparently it has been for the good. Unfortunately Sweden’s stance on bailouts is different from ours. However an 11th hour “hail mary” has come in the form of Spyker’s revised offer. Saab doesn’t have to be GM’s concern anymore – but GM should be concerned with the negative press and relations should a rejection of the revised offer take place. We won’t know if Saab will be around in ten years under Spyker’s control – but only an agreement to the revised offer would allow us to find out, and allow thousands of hard working Swedes continue to work for the brand they, and their previous generations, loved to work for. And as a US tax paying citizen, its only fair that my voice be heard.
Respectfully yours,
Jose A. Nino Jr
Swade, whatever happens thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of the entire SAAB community.
Done!!
Maybe Santa will have a surprise present for us all this week.
Here is my message to mr. Whitacre, my story is of a lot longer but the man is busy
Hello Mr. Whitacre,
I have always driven a SAAB and I hope I always will, with safety of my family, wife and 3 children in mind I now drive a 9 5 station car MY 2002 with 127.000 km on the clock and failing nothing. I really like the new 9 5 and I would like to go and get one next sommer and proceed driving and owning SAAB. I also have an old 900 turbo 16 that I love a lot and I will never sell it.
I hope that you keep in mind all the people who like owning and driving SAAB as well as people who make SAAB when you consider this great carmaker, please keep it going.
Best regards, Jón Gunnar Kristinsson, Damark
PLEASY – You people in Swenden
You MUST put pressure on your government.
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
What do you feel, if you send more than 4,000 people shortly before the Christmas in the unemployment?
People, always dutiful to theirs undertake have stood.
I want to hope that GM finds one more way, Saab in live to receive. There are simply makes of car which one must receive in the life.
And for the people they work there, if it was a nice Christmas present.
If they give Spyker and other one more chance.
I’ll hold off on my “conspiracy theory” until we see the outcome of this latest effort.
Sent!
I was not overtly rude, but I did not candy-coat it. I reminded ED that he was appointed by the US Government to change the corporate culture of GM and to pay the US taxpayer back.
I simply stated that I failed to see how paying an estimated $2 billion to shut a brand down rather than sell for an estimated $1 billion helped him achieve either of the aforementioned objectives.
I also forwarded it my congressman, my two senators, and President Obama.
Thanks for this opportunity, Swade!
I think that we can make a difference in this, GM is trying to recover from the lousy economy and bad prior decisions. They may do nothing but count the ones with SAAB in the subject line but they will do that knowing that very few say close SAAB.
I think they are getting a wake up call on the power of the internet as even 10 years ago SAAB would have gone with not a whole lot of press outside the automotive and business world.
GM doesn’t need a rather vocal group of people saying anything but GM when asked what kind of car would you buy. I ordered 72 of the FUGM stickers to pass out to my customers and will order more as needed, I am now hoping that I can put those in a file marked souvenirs and not need to use them.
Fully agree with you, Ralf.
More than this. Even if there is a new email account for Mr Whitacre and even if he won’t read the mails anyway, if this collective action enters the media it cannot be ignored and it will do its job. We will get a response.
By the way, I haven’t yet received any email from rescue-saab. Is it about to come? The effect in the media will be much greater if there are thousands rather than hundrets of mails. “GM mailserver crashed after thousands of Saab enthusiasts expressed their opinion about close-down”
Lasse
This would make GM look like negotiating geniuses, of course. That’s fine with me.
I, too, sent the email. Too bad there’s not time to flood them with actual MAIL. That’s more effective.
Chris
Iggy,
Pardon if I sound ignorant, but how exactly would we go about doing this? Are there any direct links or emails we can use?
Done!
Could not live with myself if not having sent a mail, whatever difference it makes.
This is the worst soap opera / roller coaster I ever been on…
SWade, you’re the MAN!
Thanks for all your work and commitment, being our voice and forum…
The new Spyker revised bid is ALL OVER the wires. Its even listed as teh very first headline on CNN.COM.
Excellent – this can only put added pressure on GM. And its almost identical to the Spyker release – very emotional.
email sent, as per Your instructions; polite, passionate and very brief.
Hoping for the best,
Patrik
Saab 9-3 2,0t BioPower -08
rescue-saab-mail on the way right now!
As a current saab 9-5SC MY08 owner i urge you to do the right thing and sell saab to spyker rather than to close the brand. People who buy saabs are not you typical GM customers and they won’t consider Cadillac as a replacement they would rather get other european brand. There won’t be any benefit to GM by letting saab die. On the other hand, Saab has a lot of faithfull followers who will be pissed off if gm chooses to kill the brand and we all have friends and acquaintances and the negative PR from such action will continue to hunt GM for years to come.
Please Sir, do the right thing
I work at the factory and I was gutted on Friday when we all got the news that the deal was off. Then this happens today, talk about being on a rollercoaster ride to hell and back !! I don’t know what to believe anymore but if what Spyker say’s is true and that they have ironed out the differences then it will be interesting to see what GM say. If they say no to this and won’t even entertain the idea of new negotiations then I think that it’s safe to say that GM will close Saab because they are running scared of what might happen if an owner get’s a hold of it and follows the business plan. What else can it be ? For the sake of my 3 kids, my mortgage and for the fantastic Saab family I hope that there is some truth in what GM says and that they will look at all options properly. My gut feeling says that they will not but I for one hope that Santa comes more than once this year….
God Jul
In the US should we be notifying ABC, NBC, CBS, NPR etc. I’ll write the emails if someone wants to give me clue as to how to phrase it. Something along the lines of “Saab enthusiasts start email campaign to GM CEO to preassure sale of Saab.”?
E-mail sent.
Dear Mr. Whitacre and GM,
As a current Saab owner, I’m on my third and look forward to many more (starting with hopefully the new 9-5 in a wagon for my growing family), I would like to take a moment of your valuable time to kindly ask you to please sell Saab and do not wind it down.
Here a few of the best reasons in my humble opinion:
-To allow current and future Saab owners the incredible joy it is to drive these wonderful cars, from performance to safety to efficiency to innovative design to simply beautiful cars…I could go on…
-To allow the thousands of current Saab employees (and the thousands more of suppliers’ employees) to retain their important jobs.
-It will create a tremendous amount of goodwill (and I would imagine a smart and well-respected business decision) for you and GM to save Saab. From an automotive enthusiast’s point of view Saab has one of the most fascinating histories of innovation – from front wheel drive to turbos to braking systems to the new XWD system etc. If Saab survives, you and GM will certainly receive considerable credit and acclaim for developing the what I hear to be wonderful new 9-5 and 9-4 models among other technologies…while if Saab does not survive, no one will ever know and get to enjoy what great work GM has done of late with Saab.
Please sell Saab and do not wind it down for these and many more reasons I’m sure you are aware of.
Many thanks and happy holidays.
Done
Done!
WELL DONE !!!!
Here’s hoping to an email inbox for Mr Whitacre of… let’s see, is it 18248 emails?
Maybe I’ll send in a few extras from my other email accounts just to be sure
Done.
I just had to
move your mind
Done….
“Moose Up” …
When GM announced the other day that negotiations with Spyker had failed and they’d commence shutting down Saab, the timing struck me as odd. Why say this 13 days before the deadline instead of exactly on the 31st? Was this an intentional negotiating ploy by GM to get Spyker to change their offer?
I wasn’t sure at the time, but now that Spyker has changed their offer, I now believe that GM’s timing had to of been calculated to hopefully illicit a better offer. It seems to have worked.
Here are some links you may need:
CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/tips/newstips.html or
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form1.html?39
Fox:
At the bomttom of the website, http://www.foxnews.com click the following link: Email FOXNews.com Newsroom
BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newswatch/ukfs/hi/newsid_3950000/newsid_3959100/3959111.stm
ABC:
http://abcnews.go.com/Site/page?id=3052660
All media outlets have contact links for news stories on their public websites usually located on the bottom of their homepages in small print.
E-mail sent!
Actually GM had already planned to kill Saab 2 years.
I found a fitting song for this whole mess….
@Zippy, just TRY and get this song out of your head..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp9852hq0W0&feature=related
Red Ryder-Lunatic Fringe (A.K.A. GM)
Lunatic Fringe
I know you’re out there
You’re in hiding
And you hold your meetings
We can hear you coming
We know what you’re after
We’re wise to you this time
We won’t let you kill the laughter
Lunatic Fringe
In the twilight’s last gleaming
This is open season
But you won’t get too far
We know you’ve got to blame someone
For your own confusion
But we’re on guard this time
Against your final solution
We can hear you coming
(We can hear you coming)
No you’re not going to win this time
We can hear the footsteps
(We can hear the footsteps)
Way out along the walkway
Lunatic Fringe
We know you’re out there
But in these new dark ages
There will still be light
An eye for an eye
Well, before you go under
Can you feel the resistance
Can you feel the….thunder
Done!
We hope something good happen!
Actually GM had already planned to kill Saab 2 years ago.
Dear Mr Whitacre,
In the bigger picture, it is fairly irrelevant for a giant like GM whether Saab lives or dies. The costs for shutting it down are not very large by your standards, but then neither are the effects that a living, independent Saab could have on your global market share. The only real effects this decision will have on GM is in public relations. Saab as a brand punches far above its weight in terms of global recognition, with an unusual loyalty and spirit from its followers. Treating Saab in a fair and honourable way would have a surprisingly big positive impact on GM’s public image, both in the US and across the world. The opposite is of course also true.
For Sweden, Saab is an essential part of the automotive cluster – comprising Saab, Volvo, Volvo Trucks and Scania Trucks – that are the heart of both our economy and our technological knowhow. If these jobs go away, if these skills are scattered and lost, they will never come back, and our country will be much poorer for it. Also, Saab is a national icon, one of the strongest symbols of the nation of Sweden and vital for both our image abroad and our self-image. And, of course, the cars themselves are beautiful, soulful things, loved by many, and would be sorely missed. It would also be heartbreaking to never see realized those promising new models and innovations that have been hinted to come from an independent Saab.
Please don’t shut Saab down!
May I also take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’m sure a little joy and peace of mind after this troubled year will do us all a world of good.
Best regards,
sad that we can not make a video campaign
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKViA_z6jwE
the spots says everything on this whole story
RELEASE SAAB
sent! this is my message 2 ed whitacre:
dear mr. whitacre,
i’m the chief correspondent on politics with the german national public radio “Deutschlandfunk” but today i’m writing this mail as a year-long enthusiast for SAAB automobiles. i own three SAABs from two decades and i cannot imagine the SAAB brand to disapperar.
so i’m sending this e-mail to you because you are the one who can give a last chance to the SAAB brand.
SAAB has been a small and lossmaking yet outstanding and ingenious car maker whose products always have touched the customers’ emotions. its heritage is a precious one and i know that thousands of car enthusiasts want this heritage to live on. i am one of them.
so if there is a substantial offer from spyker or another company that is willing and able to buy the remains of SAAB, i beseech you to consider these offers seriously and benevolently.
please, sir, give SAAB a chance to live on with another owner.
thank you for considering this issue and thank you for your time.
i whish you and your beloved ones a blessed christmas time.
best regards from germany – christoph gehring
Mr. Whitacre,
As a SAAB enthusiast and owner I ask that you reconsider the most resent bid from Spyker, or listen to any other offers that may come in the coming days. As I am sure you are well aware SAAB has an incredibly intense and loyal following. Please considering giving this group of people, as well as the thousands of SAAB employees around the world the best gift that could be given this holiday season… another chance.
Thank you,
John Goughnour
I crosspost this information with email adress to russians SAAB funclubs. Some people already write to GM CEO few notes, as I do. So, we do all we can.
With a little hope.
I think we should try to support this deal by putting ‘your money where your mouth is’.
We should each put up say $1000 and buy some stock in Spyker that would go towards a deal or back the organisation. But a suitable structure would have to be developed.
I have sent an email to Fredrik Reinfeldt, telling him to please press GM hard to make this last atempt by spyker go trough.
Maybe I’m biased being an employee of SAAB Powertrain Sweden… But sent anyway.
If this somehow works out, which I dearly hope, there are oooh so much interesting things ahead!
message sent! Z!
@x in Sweden….we’re all doing what we can to help! As hard as it may be to do right now, try and enjoy the holiday season!
Cheers from Pennsylvania!
Done, and cc’d to also to John MacDonald at GM who took the time to reply in the last few days – decent bloke it seems.
BBC now reporting – GM have been puton the spot!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8423363.stm
Message sent!!!
Done–
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I have driven a SAAB as my first car as a teenager in the 60’s. The SAAB car has been a tradition in our family with the most wonderful sales representatives and mechanics as well. It was a special car with handling and an essence unique to its own.
It is my sincere hope that you will make the decision to sell SAAB to a new owner who will carry on the tradition and thereby preserve the “jewel” of Sweden. The management team in Sweden is recognized world wide through their products to produce cars that are innovative, safe and beautiful to drive as an experience, more than just a “cut above”.
Thank you for reading my letter.
email sent. I ask others from Montana USA to do the same. Merry Christmas to Saab employees in Trollhattan.
Message sent.
This is my first contribution to the site though I have been following it on a daily basis for the last seven months. Just couldn’t sit on the sidelines any longer, especially given the incredible passion shown by everyone else here at SU.
Congratulations to you all. As the current GM ad campaign would say, “may the best cars win” (and we know who makes them!)
Done. Email did not bounce back.
The month is not over yet, and the deadline was set by the old guys.
I guess GM could wind done the “Brand” by selling Saab under a different format.
Remember the old guys got fired. Ed’s a builder (the new AT&T) not a liquidator. Ed does deals!
OK, Cowboy Up, go buy Saab!
sent
We shoud get this page – with our passion and loyalty expressed in these words, to the media and make it viral (I hate that word but it’s appropriate here). These words are so moving they can be placed in a book.
We need to show the world and change their opinion of ‘Saab is a brand with no concequence and no buyers’.
I have already pledged to myself, that the new 9-5 will be the first brand new car I will buy should saab live.
Fiiiiine, I wrote one. Gosh!
What’s the record for most number of comments on a blog post?
Oh yeah, nulla tenaci invia est via!!
Dear friends, look at that:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/12/20/wade.saab.tribute/
!!!!!!!
Mr Whitacre
As an enthusiast SAAB customer, I would hope that you would seriously consider the new Spyker offer. This would be an opportunity for GM to make an important contribution to the car industry.
For having sold SAAB for five years and also having sold Cadillac, both cars are of high quality. The new Cadillac as all it takes to be successful and satisfied is customer base. SAAB as a different customer profile and if it was dismantled, it would only be an opportunity for other European brand.
I am convince that SAAB fatefull customers would be strong enough to allow SAAB to succed.
Thanks you for consideration.
Réjean Chartier
SWADE UP
Yeah!
Swade up!
Swade UP!
way to go brother!!!!
Dropped the e-mail, see below:
Dear Mr. Whitarce,
As a longtime Saab fan and owner since 2002, I would like to stress my concerns about the way GM are handling the Saab situation.
Saab has been known, for decades, for their innovative design and engineering. It would really sadden me if that would all be gone in a few weeks from now.
Ever since I was a kid I wanted to have one Saab of my own and I finally succeeded. Since there are some new models ready to roll, the brand has gained attractivenes worldwide.
I seriously intend to buy the 9-5 Estate, if only I could.
You can make it possible. Please, do not unwind Saab, but sell it to the highest bidder. And let the legend of turbo charged fuel economics and great ergonomics live on.
Not only for me. But also for the thousands of other fans out there, for the Trollhättan plant workers, for the suppliers, for the dealers and their staffs.
You can make history tomorrow.
Hope you’ll have a Christmas just as good as I will.
Kind regards,
Ruben Snippe,
Zutphen-The Netherlands.
MSG Sent
Everything is in place for a miracle. All of you, who believe in God, please pray for the Thousand of family’s which well-being is in japery.
Let all pray together to Saved SAAB and their family. This would be a beautiful Christmas present.
Thanks you God for saving SAAB and their families.
Rejean Chartier
Montreal Quebec Canada
I vote this statement as the biggest teaser of the month.
(We’d all love to learn what SAAB Powertrain Sweden have cooking in their labs these days…)
Well, as a few of you has pointed out, we can´t be sure if these letters actually is coming through to Big Ed. But I must say it feels good to express feelings and just making somekind of an effort!
Mr Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a Saab enthusiast and customer. My feeling is that this brand deserves a better fate than being left on the scrapyard by GM. It has always been a brand driven by its engineers and passion for details and odd solutions. I think that these qualities is what could take a carmaker into the next generation of cars that are environmentally friendly yet driveable and classy.
GM would most certainly benefit from being in the mix with a freethinking, small carmaker in the years to come. In the long run I think that both parties would benefit from GM letting Saab go now as a working complete carmaker ready to cooperate with GM in the future. To close down the brand now would only mean lost money and a bad eputation for GM.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Gunner, Sweden
I still say the only thing that works with GM is a big stick. The Swedish government need to start waving it. No more watching from the aisles!
Did it! Save our S(aab)ouls!
I’ve sent my email to Mr. Whitacre.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed and thinking good thoughts.
Thx for the good work!
Okay, another mail to Mr. Whitacre is sent.
Just hope that the assistant won’t delete it immediately…
Short but sweet e-mail sent.
Mr. Whiteacre:
I am writing you as both an American and a Saab loyalist. I currently own a 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible. I really love this car. It is the best and safest convertible on the road. I am looking forward to purchasing the next generation of the 9-3 convertible. Please allow the car company that I love to continue making their fine automobiles.
Thank you for your time.
eewjr@gm.com
Dear Mr. Whitacre
Knowing of course that this mail is one of many in a row, this correspondent is one of many in a row as well, but… he is quite sure that – if there is an ongoing continuity by SAAB – he will drive SAAB as long as he is able to drive cars (or read: fly planes).
Please be convinced that this isn’t a kind of prayer or plea, but more a confirmation of an entry into an engagement which has started +/- 7 years ago. He is sure that – being one of many in a row – lots of other SAAB drivers think and handle as him.
He is so free to ask you very kind that if considering about the destiny of SAAB your result to push it into a positive decision for SAAB, and let SAAB exist as a car builder with his specific identity.
Thanks in advance for a future with SAAB,
Yours faithfully,
Jim Goetschalckx
Satisfied customer of SAAB Luyten, Herentals
Belgium
So, CJ is back in the race? I hope so! Without the need for an EIB loan?
Cowboy Up!
Could this group be Merbanco? I hope so!
Go CJ! Cowboy up!
Short but sweet e-mail sent.
Mr. Whiteacre:
I am writing you as both an American and a Saab loyalist. I currently own a 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible. I really love this car. It is the best and safest convertible on the road. I am looking forward to purchasing the next generation of the 9-3 convertible. Please allow the car company that I love to continue making their fine automobiles.
Thank you for your time.
Dear Sir
I am writing to you to ask that you please take into consideration the new bids for SAAB cars and that you save our car company.
A SAAB is not just a car in the sense of the word. I feel as if my SAAB is a part of me when I head outside kind of like you put on a jacket to protect yourself from the elements. My SAAB becomes a part of me when I start her up. She protects me from the many dangers on the road like no other car on the market. Add to that the fact they are a blast to drive kind of completes the picture. The great people of Trollhattan have depended on SAAB for their livelihoods for the past 62 years and I cannot
understand why you feel it would be more economical for GM and taxpayers in the US and here in Canada to close SAAB rather than sell the company on to someone who wants to nurture the brand. The folks at GM have spent a considerable amount of money and time developing the new SAAB 9-5, the 9-4X and have interests in developing an electric/hybrid technology that I am sure even GM could find a use for.
All this SAAB enthusiast is asking is for the folks at GM to give SAAB a chance to flourish by selling the company to someone who wants it. It’s money in the bank for GM and we get to keep the car company that builds cars that, more than any other car make on the planet, owners’ have
a significant emotional attachment to.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email and all the best for 2010.
………..
Canadian SAAB nut
For me the announcement of GM of the wind-down process its a dirty movement of GM to push the buyers, and they are obtaining what they want. Spyker and the other new offers are the results of this tactics.
GM doesn’t loose absolutly anything. They maintain what they want, the Saab tech and sell all the other to compensate the costs of the wind-down process. And the second reason that ttela.se said about the decisiveness its another example of this tactic, to push the buyers.
In Spain we say, “El perro del hortelano que no come ni deja comer”, and in English, the dog in the manger.
regards
I think this is a good idea. But the question remains on whether those mainstream US media care about such a niche carmaker, even if their auto giant is heading for PR disaster for scrapping it? Maybe you can give me an idea on doing the same to Canadian media too. Like the Saab-loving weekly TV program Motoring2010. http://www.motoringtv.com , perhaps?
With the update concerning other bidders the picture gets more and more complete. GM is playing a game here, trying to make the public believe that there is no serious party interested in Saab – to shut the brand down without any negative impact on public relations. We should really not allow them to get away this way! We should not allow the Swedish government to get out of this as easy either.
Lasse
Saab owners from SAABKLUB Polska during this day send hundreds of mail to the GM. Some mails were also sent to Fredrik Reinfeldt and Barack Obama.
I just re-read Swade’s blog entry with the quote from Deep Throat:
“Another undisclosed group submitted a proposal days ago, together with management, to acquire Saab. This group completed its due diligence review months ago, was a finalist when Koenigsegg was selected and is in regular contact with the government. With management, they have offered to move quickly to close.”
I haven’t noticed any comments regarding same although it is quite possible that I missed something. But did anyone notice that the “undisclosed group” submitted their offer “together with management” and that the “undisclosed group” was a finalist when Koeninsegg was selected. That could only be Renco or Merbanco to my limited way of thinking. Has there been any attention paid to this offer with the frenzy surrounding the Spyker negotiation? So who is this? And are they still in play?
i agree hughw…im a bit confused
I’m afraid that as long as the political preasure are missing nothing will change the decision taken by the GM board. Reinfeldt; have you called Obama tonight?
This is first class corporate miss management of the SAAB brand, the GM brand, the US taxpayers money, the Swedish taxpayers money and a complete and utter waste of the resources in Trollhättan!
Even if it is maybe too late for SAAB I hope that the media will start digging, real deep, in this sh*t…
Email sent. One thing I added, as a US citizen, my tax dollars (a very large chunk of them, I might add) have been invested in the attempt to rescue GM. That gives me not only an interest as a customer, but also as an investor of sorts.
I included mention that the American public deserved as good an ROI as possible and that allowing Saab to die would be a disservice to the public trust. That everything that could be done to maximize the return should be done.
I also tweeted this link, with the hashtag of #Saab. It would be awesome to see this as a trending topic.
Tonight at swedish news, GM says that Spyker has not sent them a new offer. They have only seen it in their pressrelease???
Done, email sent!
Great idea to contact the media. With power of media it will work. Keep on working!
Merry X-mas to all of you!
@Iggy or whoever have used this user name today: I have been using name “Iggy” since a long time ago. I haven’t found anything wrong in your comments on this post but please choose another user name. That way we could all be easily identified by our fellow SAAB friends. Thank you in advance!
@Swade, is there any way we could have our user name reserved, so that accidents like this could be prevented?
WTF? Any dirty trick from GM?
Or is that group known as Investor AB?
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I’ve been a loyal SAAB owner since I moved from Europe to the
US in 1996. My family has owned 4 SAAB’s since then and we
really hoped that we would be able to continue this tradition for
a long time still. SAAB’s really suit our needs and it looks like
there are many other people feeling the same attachment to
this brand.
This last year has been very exciting for many of us. The economy
seems to be slowing turning around and it is good to see that
our tax money has given GM a chance to weather the storm
and emerge as a leaner and more agile company. SAAB has been
doing the same this last year. The management has performed
a miracle of keeping SAAB going and actually turning it into
one of the most efficient car producing facilities in the world with
several new, eagerly awaited, models in the pipeline.
So it looked that a bright light was burning at the end of the tunnel for both
GM and SAAB and I was imply baffled by GM’s decision to
close down SAAB last Friday. Please, reconsider this decision!
Give SAAB a chance to live on as a brand by selling it to a
suitable buyer. Hopefully you are passionate about GM’s
vehicles and can appreciate the fact that SAAB’s have their
own, well deserved, place in the automotive world.
Thank you and happy holidays,
Dr. Gerit van Nieuwenhuizen
There, e-mail sent to Fredrik reinfeldt as well…
Message sent to Whitacre. I hope that guy can see through the greed and allow Saab to go free.
FREE SAAB!
“Tonight at swedish news, GM says that Spyker has not sent them a new offer. They have only seen it in their pressrelease???”
I guess you are refering to DN? Check the headline at SvD. Saab has confirmed the bid also, so has a spokesperson at GME.
The article DN is running is based on an SR interview some 7 hours ago.
No i heard it att TV4 news at 22.00 swedish time. thats an half hour ago. But it might been an interview from earlier today???
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
Like many others, I am writing to ask you and the Board to give every consideration to selling Saab Automobile AB, rather than closing the company and selling off its assets.
I am a longtime Saab enthusiast, and among my family’s current cars we count a 2003 9-5 sedan and a 1991 900 S. I made a special trip to the New England Auto Show in Boston a few weeks ago solely to see the new 9-5 sedan, and I came away wholely impressed. It’s my opinion that this car, if it’s given the chance to reach the worldwide market, will bring many new enthusiasts into the Saab fold, so appealing are its design and materials.
As a journalist for Hemmings Motor News, I (and my coworkers) have been promoting both vintage and modern Saabs in our various publications for years, often with very positive feedback. Below is just a small sample.
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2008/12/01/hmn_feature25.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2006/11/01/hmn_feature24.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2009/09/01/hmn_feature10.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2006/12/01/hmn_feature15.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2006/12/01/hmn_feature8.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2006/07/01/hmn_feature18.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2007/02/01/hmn_feature26.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2009/04/01/hmn_feature22.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2008/12/01/hmn_feature19.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2005/12/01/hmn_feature30.html
Our readers, and in fact, people around the world, are truly engaged and moved by this brand and the fine automobiles it produces. Please give Saab and its employees the chance to continue that fine work.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration,
And a positive new year for you and your family,
Mark J. McCourt
Associate Editor
Hemmings Motor News
Why not to send the link to our comments under this topic to the main press agencies?, Newspapers.
Seems that Big Ed will receive some 500 emails on one day. It is an EVENT for the press.
OK guys, here is the old Iggy. I have noticed an article in Swedish SVD:
http://www.svd.se/naringsliv/nyheter/exportsugna-svenskar-satsar-pa-mellanostern_3970745.svd
Shortly Swedish minister of trade has visited Abu Dhabi. Could she have met some people from Mubadahla and had discussions about SAAB-Spyker deal? This could well coincide with the latest offer from Spyker.
No insider information, just a thought.
today the German “auto motor and sport” magazine (the online version) is presenting in their front two older articles: a 9-3x road test dated 9th of March 2009 and an article bout the NG 9-5 dated 28th of July 2009:
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/fahrberichte/saab-9-3x-im-ersten-fahrbericht-so-faehrt-sich-der-neue-robust-kombi-von-saab-1042850.html
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/saab-9-5-auf-der-iaa-2009-das-neue-schweden-flaggschiff-1359300.html
a little strange, isn’t it?
Dear Mr. Whitacre
SAAB is worth saving it. Please consider the offers seriously, which you get now.
There is still quite a lot of passion about SAAB-cars all around the world, because quality, innovation and cool design produce passion…
With kind regards from Switzerland,
Oliver Hintz
just sent an email to Mr. W.
NO dirty trick this time GM!
Wouldnt it be a good idea to show the world that, we the saab enthusiast, are not only engaged on the web, but in real life.
AT MIDNIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE, AT 12 O CLOCK, ME AND MY SAAB WILL DRIVE OUT TO A DESSERTED PART OF TOWN, AND HONK OUR HORN FOR ONE FULL MINUTE. LETTING MY SAAB HOWL OUT THE DARK WINTER SKY, ASKING FOR A MIRACLE. I WILL FLASH MY HEADLIGHTS 9 TIMES, IN RESPECT TO ‘THE GREAT SAAB’.
Man alive! This is unbelieveable this the longest business deal ever or the longest failure I have ever seen in my lifetime. Just get it done! Enough mind games people…Tomorrow will be another story I’m sure, and the saga will go on. When will this t.v series finally come to an end??
I too have sent Mr. Whitacre an email; let’s hope the message gets through loud and clear.
Remember the old marketing slogan from the seventies:
“Go swift. Go safe. Go SAAB!”
A message from a SAAB owner
Dear Mr Whitacre:
SAAB has been my favorite brand for more than 10 years. The brand has a very small, but loyal customer base around the world. I have one SAAB in China and another SAAB in Canada, I find the owners in both places so passionate about the brand, that killing it is like taking their lives away! It’s taking a huge part of my life away if SAAB disappears.
Forgive me on this, I am telling the truth: at least 90%+ of the SAAB owners will not purchase another GM product if SAAB is killed. Please take SAAB into serious consideration, whether killing it is really worth it or not. It’s not Pontiac, not Saturn, not Oldsmobile. This is one of the most iconic brand ever, with the most passionate fans and owners.
Thank you for your understanding. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! And please, give us a Happy New Year! We are not asking for much, we just want SAAB to survive!
Sincerely Yours,
KT
20/12/09
To all the German SAAB enthusiasts amongst us. This is the mail I’ve sent to the Swedish Embassy.
—————————————-
ambassaden.berlin@foreign.ministry.se
—————————————-
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
als langjährige Freunde und Besucher Ihres schönen Landes sind wir aktuell äußerst besorgt. Was wird aus SAAB – der vom Image-Kern her wertvollsten schwedischen Marke? Die negative Berichterstattung und die mangelnde Unterstützung durch die schwedische Regierung hat uns zunächst verwundert und schließlich entsetzt. Wie kann man tatenlos dabei zuschauen, wenn ein solcher europäischer Wert ganz offensichtlich der undurchsichtigen und unaufrichtigen Taktik des bisherigen Eigentümers GM zum Opfer fällt?
SAAB hat weltweit eine Gemeinschaft von Enthusiasten wie keine andere Automarke. Und dies zu Recht. Diese Marke wurde zwar von GM nicht verstanden – aber potenziell ist sie immer noch reines Gold wert. Diese faszinierende und eigenwillige Marke darf nicht sterben. Der eintönige heutige Markt braucht eine solche Nischenmarke. Diese Nische lässt sich kommerziell erfolgreich ausfüllen und erweitern. Auch und gerade in der Zukunft.
SAAB hat in der Vergangenheit einige Probleme zu bewältigen gehabt. Bedingt durch die monatelange Hängepartie war das Jahr 2009 schlimm für SAAB. Die Behauptung, SAAB habe seit 20 Jahren keinen Gewinn gemacht, entspringt jedoch nicht den wahren Hintergründen. GM hat innerhalb seines Konzerns Gewinne und wertvolle SAAB-Leistungen verschoben und bei SAAB Verluste ausgewiesen, um die hohen schwedischen Steuern nicht bezahlen zu müssen.
Nicht nur vom Image-Schaden her, welcher bei einer SAAB-Schließung für ihr Land entstünde, sondern auch beim Vergleich der tatsächlichen Kosten, kann es definitiv keinen Sinn machen, SAAB sterben zu lassen. Weltweit haben sich in den letzten Monaten bereits mehr als 18.000 SAAB Fahrer und Enthusiasten zusammengetan, um SAAB zu unterstützen (rescue-saab.com). Bei saabsunited.com gibt es monatlich mehr als 400.000 Pageviews. Die Marke SAAB ist höchst lebendig und sollte weiterleben.
Die schwedische Regierung sollte schnellstens direkt mit der amerikanischen Regierung (derzeit größter Teilhaber von GM) klären, dass eine willkürliche Schließung von SAAB gegen schwedische Interessen verstößt. Erstaunlich: Europäische Länder wie Deutschland und Frankreich, sowie die USA haben ihre eigene Autoindustrie mit umfangreichen Maßnahmen in der Krise unterstützt. Und Schweden schaut beim Untergang von SAAB zu? Das können wir einfach nicht glauben. SAAB verdient Chancengleichheit mit den anderen.
SAAB hat modernste, schlanke Produktionsanlagen, ein bewundernswertes Management, fantastische Mitarbeiter und sehnlichst erwartete neue Produkte (neue 9-5, 9-4x, 9-3x).
Übrigens bin ich mit meiner Firma seit vielen Jahren erfolgreich als Marken- und Marketing-Spezialist tätig. Wir wissen, wovon wir reden, wenn wir von Marken-Werten sprechen. Diese zu fördern ist unsere tägliche Arbeit.
Schauen Sie nicht dabei zu, dass dieser große Schaden für Ihr Land angerichtet wird. Es sind offenbar nur noch wenige Tage Zeit.
Mit bestem Dank für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit
und freundlichen Grüßen
Radulf Jetter
Dipl.-Designer AGD
_________________
SOONTEAM CC
Soonwaldstraße 22
D-55595 Münchwald
Germany
Done!
Really hope this works out.
Dear mr Withacre,
Please give Saab a future. For years I’m waiting for a great car to replace my current 9-5 Estate. The NG9-5 just seems perfect. Please allow a sale of Saab, as it would be dissapointing for people like me to have to drive BMW, Audi or Volvo. I would be happy to order a full option 9-5 right away. For the first time in my life I have the money to spend good money on a car, and I will. Please make sure it can be spend on a brand new Saab. Thank you.
Regards,
Joren van der Pluijm
P.S. I’ve just bought a Onyx Yellow 9-3 Convertible. Eventhough I was born in a Saab 96 and owned a 99, 9-3 and 9-5, my Saab life is just begining…
Just sent the email to Saab Club of Poland President asking him to give an info on our mailing action on sabklub.pl site.
That can give another one hundred emails in Big Ed’s inbox
I have just sent it:
Dear Mr Whitacre,
These are exceptional times and sometimes they require exceptional decisions. But clever decisions as well. I understand that the latest decision about SAAB was brought while considering interest of one of the biggest car companies in the world. But I also think that considering that decision now in light of the new offers (and one of them is from Spyker) is also a clever move that could potentially be of interest for both SAAB as one of the pioneers of the motor industry as well as for GM, which is despite of the current issues on the top of the car industry.
I would like to thank you in advance for going the extra mile and considering the latest offers for our beloved SAAB.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
closing italics
Done. Wrote Mr Obama, too.
Long live Saab.
Tom, I am having a hard time finding decent contact info for the US news outlets. Most of them only have the vague “ask us a question” sort of contatcts. Anyone here work in the journalism world that might be able to get this campaign some more exposure? We need to get the word out to everywhere we can if anyone would pick this up it might become “viral” as someone had said.
I have not received any mail from rescue-saab?
Have I missed something, is it not going to be sent?
Time is scarce
Swade, if I understand correctly, there are at present at least three different groups seriously interested to acquire Saab; Spyker, one of the earlier finalists (Merbanco or Renco) and an unknown consortium of well-connected Swedish businessmen (as you mentioned a few days ago). Could you confirm this? I think it would be good for GM and the Swedish Government to know that the public is aware of the existence of various serious contenders. It would then be more difficult to dismiss the possible buyers as “not serious”.
I sent one as well to Ed, I hope I was polite enough…
Dear Ed
As a Swede living in the most SAAB dense city in the world I feel that SAAB deserves a fair chance of survival.
The last year have displayed a unbelievable mismanagement of not just the SAAB brand but also the GM brand and the US taxpayers money. The option to let SAAB die will further drain both the US and the Swedish taxpayers money as well as drain the value of the GM brand, not just in Sweden. In Sweden the common idea is that it is worth to let SAAB carry on with a new owner which will allow this little wonderful carmaker to keep on making quirky, intelligent and safe cars.
Now is the time for you to do the right thing. It is not necessarily to sell SAAB at any cost. But to sell SAAB to a sustainable buyer if possible. If not possible; communicate the reasons in detail, clearly and in public.
Kind Regards
Patrik Berglund
Uppsala
Sweden
From Ttela.se (ttela.se/ekonomi/saab/1.681041), a googletrans:
Bin appeal to GM
Several unions are now together and appeal to General Motors to postpone the closure of Saab.
On Sunday, Spyker Cars, brought new hope to all those involved in Saab’s closure when the Dutch company said it submitted a new bid.
During the evening were the presidents of IF Metall, Sweden and the Union of Engineers out with an open letter to GM’s board where they want GM postpones execution of Saab’s decommissioning.
- Now that the bidder will return with a better and new material is required GM, in our view, to take that opportunity, “said Stefan Löfven, president of IF Metall.
Löfven says he understands that GM would like Saab and his own good.
- It is unclear whether it can sell the company must be an advantage even for GM.
The letter writers concludes his letter by pointing out that “in addition to human suffering, the cost for the owners, employees and all concerned of a settlement very high. We therefore appeal to the Board of General Motors to consider carefully the initiative of the remaining stakeholders.”
TT
@ Patrik – Excellent point to Ed about publicly disclosing reasons if somehow he still think he can kill Saab. Call these guys out if they think we’re all that naive. Thoughts with all the workers and related industries in Sweden. Your finest hour is upon all of us.
More exposure is exactly what this campaign needs!
Dear Steven,
Thank you for all the effort you put into the saving of SAAB.
I did sent an e-mail to mr. Whitacre of GM.
Kees in ‘t Veld, the Netherlands
Mr Whitacre,
I am just a one of GM’s customers. Sweden is a small country where Saab means a lot for many people. Many of us (like myself) is grown up with Saabs and would have hard to “indentify” with any other brand. We see Saab as a brand that have “something unique” and I am pretty sure Saab would survive if they would get a chance. If a viable offer has been received by GM that can allow Saab to continue producing cars, please consider that offer very seriously.
Please also consider that succeeded efforts in selling Saab would increase goodwill for GM in the Nordic countries and among Saab-enthusiasts in general.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Best regards
Per Ljungqvist
Contacted Ryan from saabhistory.com to write about our mailing action.
More emails Big Ed receives,bigger chance the news write about it.
Dear Mr Ed Whitacre,
First I would like to thank GM for not deciding on SAAB’s fate back at the end of the last month when Koenigsegg decided pull out of there offer to takeover SAAB. There were so many relieved hearts around the World for GM when this was done. But now the final hour is again in the fate of GM and yourself, but this time not only will your decision help save SAAB it will begin a new chapter on a Car companys long unique history on innovation and design that has made SAAB one of the most loved cars in the world.
As for myself, the current owner of two SAAB’s (2002 9-5, 2005 9-2x) my history goes back to my Dad. He owned several of the SAAB 99V models during his time in England back in the 70′s infact he has a picture of me sitting on the “Bonnet” of his Dark Green SAAB 99V, when I was only 5 years old. From that point I have wanted a SAAB. It is one of the few cars I would trust with my family, especially in the recent Winter Storm we experienced here in Northern New Jersey.
I had planned on trading in my 9-5 for a new 9-4x, but now what I do in the future as well as what many millions of people will decide to do for their next new car solely depends on you. Please reconsider the new offer from Spyker, and give the SAAB family a unforgettable Christmas this year.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year
Thanks
Raj Chauhan
My email has gone to Detroit:
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a customer and enthusiast of Saab.
I understand that you have received another offer from Spyker to buy Saab which overcomes the obstacles to a deal which were present last week. I would like to urge you to consider this offer and allow Saab the chance of an independent future.
I am sure that as the Chairman and CEO of GM, Saab represents a minor issue compared to your task of restoring GM to its earlier greatness. Closing Saab certainly enables you to concentrate on these greater issues. But a quick sale of the marque to Spyker will achieve the same objective – while allowing the people at Saab the chance of a future of their own.
Saab have always made cars which inspire rare engagement in their owners. I would urge you to consider an offer which will allow Saab to continue this proud tradition.
With very kind regards,
[99GL]
I have changed my community name to Bionic. I appologize for any confusion with the pre-existing Iggy. I have never had that issue before.
I had sent an immediate response to Quijote but it did not post.
In short, if you are interested in contacting news media such as CNN, BBS, Fox News, whoever, you can go to their website homepages. At the very bottom of the page they will have a contact link in small print which will take you to a subsequent newsroom email contact link in most cases.
Swade,
I just love the passion and feeling from this site. I fondly recall my early Saab days (in a C900) where Saab drivers would wave to one another as they passed on the road. Fond memories! Anyway here’s my email contribution to GM,
*****************************************************
Dear Mr Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a 20+ year Saab enthusiast and customer, having purchased and owned 7 new Saabs during this period.
As you well know, Saab is an innovative, passionate and committed car manufacturing and design house. They have often been at the fore front of vehicle design and safety and have demonstrated on many occasions their leadership in delivering award-winning and state-of -the-art vehicles that truely connect with their customers like few others on the road today. Sure they are not a high volume manufacturer however they do deliver a high value product at a reasonable and fair price and we know they can be profitable at modest sales volumes. I believe that Koenigsegg, Spyker and others have articulated detailed and quality business plans showing the profitable possibilities for Saab.
Saab have new vehicles on the verge of being released like the new 9-5. This car is already being lauded as innovative in design and a future awarding winning vehicle. Saab have an excellent management team, an award-winning efficient factory and they have a passionate worldwide following that want to see them continue as a viable company.
Saab have always made engaging, safe, practical, utilitarian vehicles that customers connect with like few others on the road. I submit to you that if a viable offer has been received by GM that can allow Saab to continue to do this, then that offer should be considered very seriously.
It is my hope that you will give full consideration to all bone fide new offers received this weekend for the sale of Saab Automobile.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Kind Regards
*****************************************************
The fat lady still hasn’t sung yet! What great reading (as a book) this will make one day whichever outcome.
Clearly, this looks like it will go down to the wire!
GO SAAB!!!!!!
I’m guessing all parties are “busier than a one armed bricklayer in Bagdad!”
As carried out:
Dear Sir,
I am a passionate SAAB owner, and have been so the last 16 years. I have owned 5 different SAAB automobiles, and they have all been great cars. Currently I drive a SAAB 9-5 SportCombi 2004, and it is, despite the age of the car’s design, a car still with qualities seldom found on more modern cars from competetors of SAAB. This makes me eager to test and purchase the new great SAAB 9-5 which is around the corner. Or was. That is fully up to you Sir.
You have bids on the table, bids which promise to secure the future life of an iconic swedish brand, genious swedish engineering and a great nordic identity. Please give these bids a thorough consideration, and do the right thing: RELEASE SAAB!
Best regards
Torgeir Båtnes
Norway
Here’s what I wrote–
Dear Mr. Whitacre:
I am writing to join the chorus of loyal and devoted Saab owners pleading that GM find a way to keep Saab alive. I have owned Saabs since 1972. They have all been great, reliable, unique, fun-to-drive, character-filled cars in a world of Japanese vanilla and Detroit disappointments. First was the British-racing-green Saab 99, a terrific cars with unstoppable front wheel drive, energy absorbing bumpers, a wide, aggressive stance, tight sheet metal stretched out to the wheels. It had a thick steering wheel, and an unbelievably inspiring exhaust note, all of which made it wholly unique and fun to drive. Then came a 1984 steel blue Saab 900S four-door, still in my mind one of the best designed and most attractive cars I’ve ever seen. Its broad stance, bulging wheel arches, clam-shell hood, and sloping rear deck are classics today. Trouble-free for 16 years and 185,000 miles, with its terrific in-line four cylinder, the same exhaust note, and solid, unusually thick sheet metal that held paint that looked as good when I traded it in as when I bought it. Now I drive a first-generation 9-3 5-door. It was pejoratively labeled a “hatch-back” by auto critics who didn’t know much but, I would argue, is today one of the most copied cars in the world. You can see its influence in new cars as diverse as the Lexus RX, BMW 550i, and Audi A5 and A7 Fastbacks. Sadly, Saab, a company that pioneered the turbo-charged “fastback” hatch before GM, under GM stopped making a fastback just when every other premium car company started copying it.
But for our family, Saab has been far more than a brand or a great machine. We owe our ownership experience in part to our local dealer, Dana Motors. They have been the epitome of what a local car dealership should be. They are family owned and operated. When I say “family operated,” I mean this: when I take the my Saab 9-3 in for routine service at 6:30 in the morning, Bob Wilson the owner is sweeping out one of the service bays. Like his co-owners, the late Henry Erickson and Sven Larson, he sells great Saab cars, takes care of his customers, knows them by name, often drives the courtesy car to pick me up when the service is done. Mike Smith, sales manager and the guy who sold me the 9-3 was Dana’s mechanic who performed all the service on our 900S. Great people they are and a loyal, stand-alone Saab dealer with no-other brand. They have the largest and most loyal customer base per capita in Saab’s dealer network.
Please, Mr. Whitacre, please do right by this great company and its greater people and customers. Find a way, as I believe GM can, to sell the company to someone who cares about its survival. Sincerely,
One thing is sure, GM wants to find a fast solution. This whole saga is taking away their resources when GM has a zillion other time critical things to focus their attention.
Done…. with passion….
Thanks swade…
Done.
And thanks to Steven and all the rest of you.
Soon I’m driving my third SAAB (9-3X)
Peder Almgren
Sweden
Swade on CNN.com:
http://bit.ly/4Y2D6Y
Yup.
So many comments! This is great!
Plus, as updates keep coming out, please keep emailing. Not the same letter of course, but mention your new-found knowledge.
This way, GM knows that we are serious. More emails, more informed.
It’s time for bed here in Sweden. But it seems like I can’t pull myself away from SU. I guess I just have to try to get some sleep although I don’t think I will be able to. It’s just to freaking nervous about this new development.
Anyway, to all of you: “Sov Gott”, “Sleep well” or “Slaap Lekker”, whatever tomorrow will bring.
Regarding the second update: This is amazing. I just wish it all happened a month earlier and not now, on the brink of extinction. I really hope one of Spyker or the second consortium/bidder wins the prize!
keep it going…as long as it gets public, the more difficult will be for GM to play “dirty Harry” once more…Spyker well knew that beforehand…man with a vision…keep going (I already tipped a fellow journalist and the spyker come-back was mentioned on central tv news of my meditteranean country.
FUGM
Just sent the link to this post to 2 most recognized Polish web portals. Tomorrow I’ll check if they made any use of it.
If it works the information on us, fighting to save Saab will be in the news in Poland soon.
Make as many Saabbers write to Mr Whiteacre and ask everybody to leave a copy here. If we have 1000 e-mails it’ll be something really unusual. Something that can make journalist to write and influence public opinion.
It is the only thing we can do so let’s do it!
“Swade on CNN.com:
http://bit.ly/4Y2D6Y ”
WOW! Great stuff Swade!
I like those updates Swade. I will try to get some sleep now. I will probably wake up every hour to check how things are going.
Well over 300 comments just now. Record!
Who will do the movie “Saab. The true story behind the fall and rise of the legendary carmanufacturer.” when this is all over? Spielberg?
The ending will be happy. I feel it!
CJ joins the mystery swedish bidder ?
Now it is time to go to bed for me, and I wish everyone in Europe a good night sleep, and also I urge you to adress parts of your bedtime prayers this night to SAAB and its workforce. I will. For the rest of you: Godspeed!
Thank you, Swade, for your work here and giving us an opportunity to do what we can. Hope it helps!
***********************
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
As part owner of a valve manufacturing company, I can somewhat appreciate how difficult the process to bring GM back to profitability must be. I can also understand that parting with Saab is a necessary part of that process. However, as a long time Saab owner and enthusiast, I ask that you give serious consideration to reasonable offers to save this unique automobile company.
While I am a “car guy” and have also owned Austin Healeys, Porsches, Audis, VWs, and Chevys, Saabs have always been my favorites with their aircraft heritage and innovative and uncompromising designs. I am now on my second 9-5 Aero and have been patiently awaiting its next generation replacement.
I hope that the offer or offers now on the table at this late hour will be sufficient to allow this new model to be produced. Again, all I can ask of you is to give them serious consideration.
Thank you and best regards,
PFR
’74 Sonett III (owned since new, daily driver for 10 years, total restoration now nearly complete)
’82 900S
’88 9000 Turbo
’92 9000 Turbo (perhaps my favorite)
’00 9-5 Aero
’03 9-5 Aero (my current car)
From the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/business/global/21saab.html?hp
Note that Victor Muller claims that the EIB loan doesn’t have to be in place with their current bid. More money flowing in from somewhere?
My Viggen was buried in 2 feet of snow today. I had to give it a hug.
I would like to repeat a link that someone provided earlier. This is a great column by Par Brandt at Auto Motor & Sport:
http://www.automotorsport.se/news/19960/gm-s-beslut-live-or-let-die–saab/
I checked the googledygook trans version as well… some bits come out really strange. Belive me, Par Brandt did not mean to say that Saab’s engineers are full of shit (rather the opposite) but that’s what Google’s trans does…
Yes, time is scarce, Maria. TF just told me, since hours they had very big server-problems in Dresden.
RS newsletter sent out NOW. (Confirmed: I’ve got it.)
Sorry, should have been more specific:
Victor Muller saying that the EIB loan does not have to be in place BEFORE the end of year deadline with their current bid.
Done aswell .
Some real d@#$%bags making comments on that article too. Some really uniformed comments as well.
Of course mainstream media sites bring them out of the woodwork.
Sent. I don’t even own a Saab, I just want to.
Good news, I just spotted the story on Yahoo! homepage. More exposure!!! Writing my letter to Ed ASAP.
What we need is contact info for someone in Washington DC. Someone involved with the Government Bail Out of GM. I have no idea how do go about finding this but I’m sure one of us does!
I have emailed my comments to the CEO. As a 2x Saab owner I hope this deal goes through. These are the best cars ever. My first car a 99 900 turbo (ah yes the old school hearse like Saab) was my baby. Living in Maine I can declare the Saab definitely has a huge following here. Lets all hope for the best. I don’t want to drive a Volvo someday, just won’t be the same for me.
I’m in!
I sent a polite e-mail also. I wonder how many Ed will receive in his inbox?
Hailing frequencies open and message sent.
Sent mine, too!
Done! Hope it helps to keep Saab alive!
Mitch Page
Connecticut
I just sent emails to Ed, toSweden prime minister and to Barack Obama. I hope this will help in any way. Saab, keep the fight!
we could only hope CJ is in the mix…..
All the German SAAB enthusiasts amongst us: This is the mail I’ve sent to the Swedish Embassy.
———————————————–
ambassaden.berlin@foreign.ministry.se
———————————————–
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
als langjährige Freunde und Besucher Ihres schönen Landes sind wir aktuell äußerst besorgt. Was wird aus SAAB – der vom Image-Kern her wertvollsten schwedischen Marke? Die negative Berichterstattung und die mangelnde Unterstützung durch die schwedische Regierung hat uns zunächst verwundert und schließlich entsetzt. Wie kann man tatenlos dabei zuschauen, wenn ein solcher europäischer Wert ganz offensichtlich der undurchsichtigen und unaufrichtigen Taktik des bisherigen Eigentümers GM zum Opfer fällt?
SAAB hat weltweit eine Gemeinschaft von Enthusiasten wie keine andere Automarke. Und dies zu Recht. Diese Marke wurde zwar von GM nicht verstanden – aber potenziell ist sie immer noch reines Gold wert. Diese faszinierende und eigenwillige Marke darf nicht sterben. Der eintönige heutige Markt braucht eine solche Nischenmarke. Diese Nische lässt sich kommerziell erfolgreich ausfüllen und erweitern. Auch und gerade in der Zukunft.
SAAB hat in der Vergangenheit einige Probleme zu bewältigen gehabt. Bedingt durch die monatelange Hängepartie war das Jahr 2009 schlimm für SAAB. Die Behauptung, SAAB habe seit 20 Jahren keinen Gewinn gemacht, entspringt jedoch nicht den wahren Hintergründen. GM hat innerhalb seines Konzerns Gewinne und wertvolle SAAB-Leistungen verschoben und bei SAAB Verluste ausgewiesen, um die hohen schwedischen Steuern nicht bezahlen zu müssen.
Nicht nur vom Image-Schaden her, welcher bei einer SAAB-Schließung für ihr Land entstünde, sondern auch beim Vergleich der tatsächlichen Kosten, kann es definitiv keinen Sinn machen, SAAB sterben zu lassen. Weltweit haben sich in den letzten Monaten bereits zehntausende SAAB Fahrer und Enthusiasten zusammengetan, um SAAB zu unterstützen (rescue-saab.com). Bei saabsunited.com gibt es monatlich mehr als 400.000 Pageviews. Die Marke SAAB ist höchst lebendig und sollte weiterleben.
Die schwedische Regierung sollte schnellstens direkt mit der amerikanischen Regierung (derzeit größter Teilhaber von GM) klären, dass eine willkürliche Schließung von SAAB gegen schwedische Interessen verstößt. Erstaunlich: Europäische Länder wie Deutschland und Frankreich, sowie die USA haben ihre eigene Autoindustrie mit umfangreichen Maßnahmen in der Krise unterstützt. Und Schweden schaut beim Untergang von SAAB zu? Das können wir einfach nicht glauben. SAAB verdient Chancengleichheit mit den anderen.
SAAB hat modernste, schlanke Produktionsanlagen, ein bewundernswertes Management, fantastische Mitarbeiter und sehnlichst erwartete neue Produkte (neue 9-5, 9-4x, 9-3x).
Übrigens bin ich mit meiner Firma seit vielen Jahren erfolgreich als Marken- und Marketing-Spezialist tätig. Wir wissen, wovon wir reden, wenn wir von Marken-Werten sprechen. Diese zu fördern ist unsere tägliche Arbeit.
Schauen Sie nicht dabei zu, dass dieser große Schaden für Ihr Land angerichtet wird. Viele meiner Geschäftspartner stimmen hier mit mir überein.
Es sind offenbar nur noch wenige Tage Zeit.
Mit bestem Dank für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit
und freundlichen Grüßen
Radulf Jetter
Dipl.-Designer AGD
SOONTEAM CC
Soonwaldstraße 22
D-55595 Münchwald
Germany
For US residents, I’d also recommend contacting your Representative or Senators. Remind them that we’re 60% owners of GM, and they’re wasting our money.
I don’t understand why GM would rather spend $2 billion closing a company that has others willing to buy? This is exactly the type of business practice that got GM into its current sorry state.
My letter was a little long.
Good afternoon Mr. Whitacre, my name is Ameleo Manuel of Dallas, NC and a proud
owner of a 2001 Saab 9-3 SE hatch.
This morning I was rocked by the news that my favorite car company would
start shutting down at the beginning of the new year. As an owner and a planned future purchaser of new Saabs, I feel that the loss of this iconic and unique brand would leave a major void in the global automotive landscape. Saab owners are so passionate about their brand because of its combination of utility,performance, low-key luxury; and of course, off-beat personality. These are cars people LOVE, not just appliances for ansportation. In my case, I wanted a Saab every since I was 10 years old, and read an article about the 9000 AERO in a magazine. After that I saved and saved until I was able to purchase my present car on my 19th birthday.
I feel that you all should strongly consider Spyker’s new offer or any other reasonable new offers in order to keep the brand alive. Considering that there are two production ready new models (9-5/9-4x), it seems such a waste to let all that time, engineering, and money go down the drain on what appears to be two extremely competent offerings for their segments. Even if supplier prices for parts are not ideal, consider the long term revenue that GM will receive due to the connection with the present new models (with at least a 5 year model run). Not to mention the devastating effects from a economic, social, and public relations standpoint to allow such a large organization goes under. Think about the thousands of individuals both in Sweden and America that will be out of a job, and the snowball effect of this on other businesses due to their reduction in purchasing power. From this point if view, I feel you all have MORAL obligation to the people of SAAB for their livelihood.
I all else fails, why not just KEEP SAAB. if managed right, it could be a major ASSET to GM at this time. I have to say that over these years, I haven’t been totally satisfied with some of the decisions you all have made with SAAB(9-7x/9-2x), but the future holds new possibilities. In a way it seems like some of the decisions were an effort for SAAB not to overshadow Cadillac, but look at it this way. Cadillacs and SAABs, for the most part, appeal to two different consumers, and having both would be a way to offer two different takes on the premium/sport sedan experience. Considering Ford sold off Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin, and Chrysler is kind of in a mess, keeping SAAB would give GM a global presence in Markets that aren’t your strongest. Also,if you all allow Trollhattan more autonomy in the development of the automobiles for more distinctiveness (SAABINESS) from other GM models, believe me the buyers will come.
As a future purchaser, some suggestions
9-3 hatch, sedan (DELTA) 4-cyl Turbo line
9-5 Add hatch (2.0 turbo with at least 260 hp) I know you can do it (Cobalt SS)
3.0 DI Turbo (replace 2.8 PFI turbo) 360-380 hp
turbo diesel 4-cyl and V6 offered in the US
Whether you all sell SAAB or keep them, it would be a tragedy to see the brand go away. Plus, I need a new car after graduate school, and I hope it will be a 9-5 Aero hatch.
Thank you for reading a SAAB lover’s plea. Ameleo Manuel
Mates,
Paste copies of your emails here and try to send links to the media in your countries.
If there is a journalist who counts our letters to Ed he’ll be likely to write about our action.
I’am pretty sure Ed will never read these emails but all the rest of the world possibly will. If the news people find a track of these emails.
1000 emails to GM President within 12 hours? It is really good topic for the news.
Thanks Swade for the job being done.
I have sent my email to Mr. Whitacre. I am just a Saab driver (no business or commercial relationship with Saab or with the automotive industry). But I do not see myself in another car than in a Saab.
I will keep informed through Saabsunited!
Thanks to all of you for your great job.
Short message sent.
Man I hope that is CJ back in the game! What other car company inspires this kind of loyalty and passion?
Cowboy Up!
the Saabforum-oracle has spoken again and could confirm the quote of Djup Strupe at the top of this topic. but the consortium asked for a ‘radio silence’, which needs to be respected, i think. it all looks positive, and interest came from unexpected area’s (i.e. swedish army). also gouvernments and the European Community realise that they may need to take responsability and will meet with GM-folks, either at GM or ‘here’, in Europe.
so, no news is good news, for the coming days. all we can do is just sit, wait, hold our breaths and keep our fingers crossed.
SAAB UP!
Have sent a email to both Ed and Fredrik Reinfeldt
74 & Nate: If the mix is what you hope for us, then in the mix we shall be! We also like our new dual Swedish partners. Stronger every day!
Cowboy Up!
Kuba is right. I can’t empahsize enough, the importance of pasting a copy of your Whitacre email to your local media and more importantly to National or International News outlets.
Once again, I can draw parallels to a personal battle against a decision by a government agency that waqs overturned as the result of my utilization of media coverage.
keep fighting.
Good Luck, CJ!
Since it’s GM you’re dealing with, you’re gonna need it.
thanks ralf! sent your text in a modified version to the swedish embassy in vienna. austria is in
Loyalty? Passion? The companies who do that can be counted on one hand. Im totally impressed by the dedication of all the fans!
To the next buyer, you’ll be happy to know that I’ve recently persuaded a friend to buy the upcoming 9-5 wagon in the beginning of 2011. You can add that to your list of future sales.
CJ: are you actually confirming here that this undisclosed group consists of your people and two Sweden-based entities?
Ivo
GO CJ! She is all yours and we are all behind you!
Round of applause for CJ. Cowboy up!
Done
I think it would be useful to ask the question: Why should US tax payers pay several billions to close down Saab when there are several serious parties interested to take over the company.
Sent my contribution to GM, Primeminister of Sweden and Maud!
I wonder if the brand isn’t getting stronger from this!
Hope UP!
Thanks Swade! When this is over and SAAB is saved we’ll all collect that money for the Laser red car for you, promise!!! License plate saying simply HERO!
Swade UP!
Shhhhhh
(like elmer fudd)
be very very quiet…..
We better not say anything until the time is right…. GM might get mad!!!
Cowboy UP!
Sent this a few hours ago:
Dear Mr Whitacre
I am writing to you as a passionate Saab enthusiast and future customer. I hope that
you will consider new offers for the Saab brand and assets, especially of Spyker BV.
I am a 21 year old IT student from Germany, and since my childhood, when my father bought
his first Saab, my dream has always been to buy a new one and take delivery directly at the factory
in Trollhättan. My family never had the money to buy a new Saab, only used ones. I will.
The first appeal of Saab to me and my father was always the certain individuality and practical details,
often described by others as “quirkyness”. But it was the dealer that made us love Saab. The wonderful
team at the Saab Zentrum Paderborn know what “premium” means. I don’t know if Saab cars can be
considered premium, but this dealer is the exact definition of premium. And I know that there are lots
of passionate Saab dealers out there that are just like that. They make Saab more than just a name.
Please don’t let them down. Please don’t let all the Saab enthusiasts down. Please let me buy a factory new
Saab in three or four years. I don’t know what else I should buy.
Thank you for your time, best wishes and a nice holiday season
Sebastian Fischer
Remember CJ, I promised you a beer about a month ago if you pulled this off.
A lot has happened since then but the offer still stands.
I’ll drive to Wyoming to get it too you if need be (It’s a 9.5 Aero, I’ll be comfortable).
That’s what it seems like, Ivo. Go CJ!
YES! VERY important issue!
Please: Just DO IT NOW!
@Bionic:
“I can’t empahsize enough, the importance of pasting a copy of your Whitacre email to your local media and more importantly to National or International News outlets.”
—————————————————
>>> Big media coverage is the main key to success.
—————————————————
(Past midnight in Germany. This Sunday I’ll never forget in my whole life. Very tired.
But … maybe … it works …)
Here’s my email to Mr. Whitacre:
Let Saab Live
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
In the name of decency and for ALL parties involved with the Saab marque, let Saab have a chance to carry-on and prosper. Surely you must know of the unique loyalty and interest Saab commands world wide. It would be a despicable act to kill the brand. I have owned two Saabs over the last eight years and my current 2002 Viggen is by far the best car I have ever owned. Mr. Whitacre, take a look in the mirror and then make the right decision.
Sincerely,
HN
Marietta, GA
@CJ
Nice to hear that you have not given up.
Holy shibby! Amazing! My faith in Saab is slowly reigniting. Excitingggg.
This is truly amazing,Swade.
Done) My very girlish letter:
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
My name is Anna, I’m from Moscow, Russia. I’m a loyal fan of SAAB for almost 5 years, and I’m very happy to have my own 9-3!
As far as you are the main person to make a final decision about the future of SAAB brand, I’m asking very much for your mercy.. for your kind attitude to thousands of people who found their devoted friends in their SAABautos.
I understand it’s just a business and who cares about those crazy members of Moscow Saab-Club who understand the spirit and adore their intellectual and beautiful autos, who gather together to carry out an interesting idea, to create or just to discuss something because they are all united by passion for SAAB. Who cares about such values like reliability, quality, intelligence, drive, adrenalin, excitement, pride and strength, when talking about business, profit, competition.. But…
Please asking you from the very bottom of my heart, please be gracious, let SAAB live, let it be saved by a purchase of Spyker or whomever in order to let SAAB live and keep making happy thousands of people all over the world, who proudly call themselves “SAABers”.
I have not much confidence that you will even notice this message in your mailbox, but still…
Anyway thank you very much for your time, attention and your kind attitude.
Sincerely yours,
Anna, Moscow, Russia
Here is my appeal. I also cc:’d behindthewheel@cnbc.com, as Phil LeBeau had earlier made a comment that he had not heard much from the SAAB community. Please let the media know we care about this brand.
———————————
Dear Mr. Whitacre,
I am joining the other appeals to save our beloved SAAB brand.
SAABs have been my daily driver for over 20 years, now a 2006 9-3 Convertible, which I drive in all weather conditions here in Minnesota.
I understand the difficult business decisions facing GM this year and the years ahead. I understand the impulse to maximize GM profit from the SAAB brand.
Hopefully by now you realize that the SAAB community is passionate about their cars, and your decision will reverberate in this community for years to come.
Please bear in mind these statistics from the Saab Network:
Source- The Saab Network subscribers
* Average income of Saab owners is over $100,000.
* 60% are between the ages of 25 and 44.
* 76% have degrees (24% advanced degrees).
* 87% are professionals or in technical roles.
* 52% are dual income households.
* 61% are married while 32% are single.
* 39% have children.
* 60%+ have pets.
This is a target market that should be highly prized by GM, or to whomever SAAB is sold. Please do not wind down the brand and keep it in the GM closet. SAAB owners will likely drift away from GM, never to return.
Peter F. Bornstein, MD
St. Paul Infectious Disease Associates, Ltd.
1959 Sloan Place, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55117
holy cow, I need a drink!
We’re all right behind you CJ – good luck. Your faith in the company will no tbe forgotten by the enthusiasts – Saab 9-5 CJ-edition anyone?
So this “dual Swedish partner” business… Swedish Investment and the MANAGEMENT OF SAAB!!!?? COOL BEANS!!!
There really is one feature I miss on this platform: a private-email facility.
Ivo
good article. I hope this is not the end.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/12/20/wade.saab.tribute/
Swade: Instructions received…
Mobilize the Michigan Brigade: Saabers of Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills and Grosse Pointe Unite…To the RenCen!
Saab Club of Canada pledges support: Ontario and Quebec will send reinforcements.
Kroum: Sound the Trumpets, Light the Bonfires and Release the Dogs!!!!
We Ride from Katz’s Deli at Dawn.
Skål.
This support is soooooo amazing!!!
LOVE SAAB
SWADE UP!!!
This message and the request should be sent (by dealers and importers) to all Saab customers (not only the ones that follow saabunited.com or Rescue SAAB)of which the email adress is available!!!
My message for Mr. Whitacre was simple:
I am a Saab enthusiast and Saab customer for 34 years now. I bought my first Saab after the birth of our first child, just because of the (child) safety features of this brand. As a pediatrician, I considered this as a major aspect. Thereafter, I discovered all other qualities of Saab and never bought another car; my current Saab is number 8 in row, and all came from the same dealer. I believe that the majority of Saab customers is like me; they drive Saab because they appreciate this brand not only in a rational but also in an emotional way. Please, do not disappoint them and give Saab a chance to survive! Saab is different from Saturn and Hummer.
With best regards,
Louis Kollée
Just sended my polite mail to mr. Whitacre and can’t await the polite answer. But I do not expect much about that last one.
I all let you know if any, when or how the answer will be …
Mr. Whitacre isn’t Santa Claus and I do not expect any miracle, not from him and not from any other party involved.
“generic car company overlords with their everyday transportation appliances will have won another battle in the war of automotive mediocrity.”
Steve, you’re a genius. That’s why I love reading your blog!
CJ, if you guys pull this one off, I will not only buy a NG 9-5 ASAP (this I’ll do no matter what), but will also start negotiations with the missus about naming our first born “CJ”.
I’m going to sleep now… Keep the good news coming!
and to you my friend!
Cheers to Saab!
Cowboy UP
CJ, we wish you all the best, and we welcome you with open arms to be the owner of our beloved brand.
Is that really you?
Goodluck !!
COWBOY UP!