by Swade
January 23, 2010 in Saabology
A note through from Chris H, via comments:
I would be most willing to put on a Saab Phoenix event on January 31, from the Legends Saab on 101 Scottsdale North to the Ikea store in Tempe from say 1 to 3 PM.
Anyone interested should contact Chris on 602-370-8226.
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by Swade
January 23, 2010 in Saabology
There are a number of Saab Support Convoys happening this weekend.
Here are some updates for some of them:
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SAAB SUPPORT CONVOY DECALS
Patterns for Saab Support Convoy decals that you can download and print are available at the following links, with thanks once again to Gary McConnell. Various locations and dates are available.
Check out the other links whilst you’re there, too. Lots of good stuff (calendars, etc)
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From Chris C:
The Raleigh SSC will be meeting at the RDU observation deck at 10am on Saturday the 23rd.
We will be driving to the Capital building. Hopefully we can get a good group. Again you can always check for details on the Carolina Saab Club facebook page or email me directly at hockeysurfer03@gmail.com.
The South Carolina event is not going ahead.
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A message from Peter Gilbert (million mile Saab guy) for those driving to the Chicago event from Wisconsin….
Cheese Heads Please RSVP Peter Gilbert – I am still hoping for more WISCONSIN owners to come, some are driving straight from Madison down I-90 to save a 100 miles.
Please email me at pggilbertsaab@yahoo.com or call me at: 414-581-7383 and we will leave the College Ave, & I-94 Park and Ride at 10 am.
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From Steve C:
The convoy will continue another 6 miles after passing Times Square to Liberty State Park in New Jersey for a spectacular photo op that may include the Statue of Liberty in the background!
The convoy expects to arrive at Liberty State Park sometime after 12 noon but probably no later than 1 PM.
Here’s a link to the proposed route to be taken.
Even if you can’t make it for the convoy and the trip through New York City, please consider showing up at final destination at Liberty State Park during the noon hour for the group photo. The Park is conveniently off Exit 14B (Jersey City) of I-78 (see the google map). This makes it quick and easy for New Jersey Saab owners to participate in this event in support of Saab.
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Preparations underway at Aktive Motors for the Saab Support Convoy in Toronto. Lots of cars to wash, eh?
by Swade
January 23, 2010 in News
BusinessWeek/Bloomberg are reporting Victor Muller’s presence in Stockholm:
General Motors Co. and Spyker Cars NV officials met in Stockholm today to review a potential sale of GM’s Saab unit as the parties near an agreement, according to two people familiar with the matter.
GM considers Spyker’s $500 million offer of cash and preferred shares in the new Saab to be adequate, while the companies negotiate terms including those related to production plans, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. A deal may still fall through, they said.
An agreement, which may be announced as early as next week, hinges on the Swedish government agreeing to guarantee a 400 million-euro ($566 million) loan from the European Investment Bank for the Swedish carmaker, said the people. GM also insists that Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov, the chairman and biggest investor in the Zeewolde, Netherlands-based sports-car maker, exit the company, said one of the people.
In line with current policy on this sort of thing, I can tell you that the geographic location is correct, and that Muller “isn’t there for the weather”.
It’s not champagne time yet, people, but things definitely appear to be progressing in a positive manner.
Some Djup Strupery that I can share with you is advice I’ve received from Saab personnel in several countries, stating that they’ve been booked in for a conference call with Sweden on Tuesday, January 26.
by Swade
January 23, 2010 in Saabology
I had a discussion with a friend of mine in the Netherlands earlier this evening. We thought we’d open it up to the wider Saab community in an attempt to actually figure out what happened last weekend.
The whole Saab Support Convoy movement was unprecedented in motoring, as far as I know. Most companies could only dream of having such a loyal base to build from; customers willing to come out and get together to do their part to try and support the company in a time of need.
In plain terms – most of the world would view it as unusual behavior, but it made total sense to me, as I’m sure it did to you.
From my friend in the Netherlands:
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What started as an idea in the Netherlands sort of got picked up worldwide. It does, however, raise questions about all those involved and everyone else watching it on television, on the Internet and in the papers.
Did you participate? If so, did you ever ask yourself why?
Did you even ask yourself as to why is it that you own a Saab and feel so moved by it to come out in the cold and gather, as we did?
A lot of the comments on SaabsUnited are about the love we all have for Saab. Someone said the following about the Dutch convoy:
“I drove to a convoy gathering point. Spent an hour or so there getting wet and cold, fitting stickers to my car and a rally sign to the grill. The I drove to the Museum in a convoy and yet again found myself getting more wet feet and cold. Then I drove in another convoy to Muiden, where the sun was setting, so I got even colder. But I would not have missed this for the world.“
What is it that brings us all out in droves, to basically kick tyres in the wet, gloat over every model ever sold in the Netherlands and share in this feeling of warmth?
What would have happened if the Koenigsegg deal had gone through? Would we all have come out and celebrated like this? And of so, would the gatherings have been as large worldwide as they were on January the 17th?
Lots of questions raised, questions a lot of people would like to see an answer for.
Can you help and state why you did what you did when participating in a convoy?
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I’m sure the people at Saab would be curious to know the answers to all these questions as well.
It really was a remarkable occasion.
by Swade
January 22, 2010 in Saabology
I’ve got a bunch of questions to pass the time. This post holds one of them, and there’ll be a bunch more coming in another post later on.
The first one concerns the direction of future Saabs. Design, powertrain, the whole package.
I have very little doubt in my mind that Saabs in the future are going to be better designed (no disrespect to Messrs Mauer, Lo, Padian, Daniel, Dyson, Czorny and co), better built and as a consequence, somewhat more expensive than what we’re used to.
Don’t be too surprised with that. It was part of the Koenigsegg plan to take Saab upmarket and everyone bidding for Saab has done so on the basis of the existing business plan. Obviously they’ll change and adapt as they go along, but for now the basic premise has to be “build better cars and charge more for them”.
So be it.
Whilst I love the new 9-5 – I’m getting to love it more and more with each viewing – and look forward to a new 9-3 and even the 9-4x, I do wonder what’s going to be Saab’s reason for being?
What is going to make Saab appeal to the drivers, rather than just the cross-shoppers and the loyalists?
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I started thinking about this when I was looking around the classifieds today. I check them out every other day, just to imagine what I might pick up next to fill my dream garage.
(As an aside, someone asked in comments the other day, what would be your five car garage – non-Saabs included. Saab 9-3x, Saab 9-3 Viggen, Saab 99 Turbo, Alfa Romeo 33 16V and mid-1980s Porsche 911).
Anyway, as I was perusing the classies, I came across this photo.
Now what do you suppose is the purpose of that car?
It’s nicely trimmed for the period, but it’s not a cruiser. Bucket seats, prominent gearshift, steering wheel and gauges. That’s what stands out.
This car is an Alfa Romeo 1600 Junior, and it’s sole purpose was to be driven. It was comfortable inside, but the beauty of the Alfa was its advanced engine and drivetrain.
What’s this got to do with Saab?
I know they’re going to offer all the latest and greatest gadgetry, the most efficient powerplant they can develop. I’m am quite sure that the engineers there in Trollhattan have a number of surprises up their sleeve and our eyes will pop when we see some of the things they can do.
I’m excited by all of those possibilities.
But I also wonder if there might be room in a future Saab range for something they used to do incredibly well – a lightweight, compact, driver’s car.
One of the questions I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on is this: what’s the minimum equipment level you could live with? Appropriately priced, of course.
Personally, I’d like power steering, power windows, a heater and a radio. The only other things I need are all underneath. The thrill of the turbo, some nice direct steering that puts the car where you point it and a chassis that keeps you there.
Will there be room for a car like that in a new Saab range? And would you want it? Or am I just some foolish old romantic?
by Swade
January 22, 2010 in Saabology
Something to pass the time….
I know this was brought up in comments yesterday.
I know some didn’t want to vote because they refuse to believe Saab are dying (and I can see the logic, believe me).
But still……
If you’d like to have a vote in the Newsvine poll – Which dead or dying brand will you miss the most – then click that link and let your electronic voice be heard.
A few minutes before writing this, the poll stood as follows:
The Pontiac vote is interesting, and for me, it’s encouraging.
I have a soft spot for Pontiac, mostly because of the screaming chicken, the Pontiac Trans Am from the 1970s. I’m a big Smokey and the Bandit fan 
It’s a brand that like Saab, should have had a definite identity. But like Saab, it suffered in a malaise of brand confusion and cost cutting.
It’s good to see Pontiac getting some votes, just as long as they don’t catch the Saab vote.
by Swade
January 22, 2010 in Saabology
Two Tennessee Saab Support Convoys on one weekend!!
From the organiser, Barry Lanier:
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The tentative plans for the Memphis SSC are as follows….
Starting location: SAAB of Memphis (dealership parking lot), 7733 U.S. Highway 64, Memphis, TN 38133.
Date: January 31, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM
Departure Time: 12:15
Route (subject to change pending proper approvals): From the dealership to Pyramid Arena, near downtown overlooking the Mississippi River)…approximately 20 miles.
The plan is to have our “photo opportunity” at Pyramid Arena and time to meet and “mingle” there.
I will be the contact person for anyone who would like to participate. And although we invite anyone who wishes to participate, it would be great if I could get an email confirmation of participation at blanier AT saabofmemphis DOT com.
With a list of contacts, I will then be able to inform everyone of any changes to the itinerary, provide general information, answer questions, etc.
by Swade
January 22, 2010 in Saabology
There’s a couple three more Saab Support Convoys to add to the list – two this weekend and one the next.
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NEW!! Nth and Sth Carolina, USA
From Chris C….
Just wanted to let you know the Carolina Saab Club is planning a convoy this weekend as well.
There will be one for sure in Raleigh (time and place to be determined), but will be driving to the Capital building for pictures. If there is enough interest there will also be one in SC near Columbia.
For updates people can check the Saabnet CSC BB, carolinasaabclub.com, or carolina saab club facebook page.
The Facebook page seems to be the one to go for……
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NEW!! Jacksonville FL, USA
The North East Florida Saab Club is going to hold a Saab Support Convoy and they’re going to do it as part of a big car event so the word gets really gets out to the wider car community.
This event will be on this Saturday, January 23.
We are considering meeting at one of the First Coast Car Council of Jacksonville’s weekly “Cruise In’s.”
….Cost of attendance is free. There is no registration, just cruise in, show off and look around. This weekend’s Cruise In is scheduled for this Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Chick-Fil-A at 9630 Applecross Road, Jacksonville, FL 32222. We would like to show up at closer to 4 p.m. so we can park together and get organized.
All the details are here at the Club forum.
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NEW!! Vancouver, Canada
The Saab Club of Western Canada will be holding their regular month-end meeting – you guessed it – at the end of this month, and that meeting will be held as a Saab Support Convoy event.
TIME: 10:30am to 1:00pm
MEET LOCATION: COQUITLAM IKEA (1000 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam)
Any questions – please contact Saabken on saabken-at-yahoo-dot-ca or visit the club site.
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Other Saab Support Convoys held in the near future will be at:
Make sure you get along to one if there’s an event near you!
by Swade
January 22, 2010 in Saabology
Yes, we’re still treading water.
Here are the rules, for those of you busting your F5 key.
If Saab are to be closed, I will report that as soon as I hear it. There’s nothing left to lose at that point.
If Saab are sold, then I will not say a thing about it prior to an official announcement, other than reporting solid news broken elsewhere that I can verify. That’s news, not speculation.
As a blogger, I would love to break the news first and ‘stick it to the man’, etc. But the whole company’s future is in the balance here and there’s no way I’m going to risk annoying GM just for the sake of a scoop.
So if you’re hearing nothing, that means all is progressing as far as I’m able to tell. I know that’s not the answer some were looking for, but it’s the only one I’ve got.
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Our site sponors, State of Nine, attended the Brookline MA convoy and have a gallery of images up on their website from the event.
They’re also helping to publicise the next round of convoys with direct mailouts to clients, etc.
In addition to all that, they’re also offering a 9% rebate on purchases, not including shipping, until 11:59PM Sunday January, 24th.
To claim the rebate, you simply select your items as you normally would, then add the 9% rebate product to your shopping cart. They will take the 9% off once they see that item in your cart.
Thanks again to State of Nine for the support.
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And whilst we’re speaking of sponsor’s products…..
A few nights ago, a friend of mine here in Hobart tuned his 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero V6 with new Maptuner plug-in device.
I have video of the tune, which I’m going to process and upload as soon as I can get hold of the right cable to go between my camera and my Macbook (why don’t they use the same Firewire port as my old iMac had? Frustrating).
Needless to say, though, the tuning process was quick, and the car is now very quick.
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Maptuner has just become available for Trionic7 engines!
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You can read about another Maptuner experience here (that’s SU regular, PT and his 9-3 SportCombi).
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I received an email a few nights ago from a guy here in Australia, wanting to know some details about the Viggen I crashed and wrote off a few years ago.
Yesterday, I came to understand why.
My old Viggen is for sale.
To save having to answer any more emails on the subject (not that I mind, it’s just quicker this way)….
The car was definitely repairable and it was running like a dream when it crashed.
Just make sure you do your homework and satisfy yourself that the repair has been done to a proper standard. An independent inspection by a quality body shop should do the trick.
by Swade
January 21, 2010 in News
Still unwell, so I’m off to bed early again.
Despite the optimism fueled by Reuters, I’m not expecting an announcement before I wake up, but just in case…….
Robin, you’ve still got my number, right????
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It was encouraging to receive a copy of this letter today. It’s written to Ed Whitacre, from the mayor of Attleboro, MA.
So why would a local mayor in Massachusetts be so moved to write to the Chairman of General Motors?
Well, there’s local jobs, for starters.
Then there’s the cars in his driveway
Thanks to John M….
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Please do keep one another informed if anything big breaks.
I’m pretty optimistic that we’ll see a positive outcome for Saab now. I just don’t know when.
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by Swade
January 21, 2010 in Saabology
Gary McConnell is the guy who designed and offered up the yellow Saab Support Convoy banners that everyone displayed with such pride on their vehicles last weekend.
I’ve heard that he’s also doing some up for the NYC convoy this coming weekend, as well as preparing commemorative calendars and “We Were There” badges that people will be able access.
Gary, you deserve a big round of applause, mate.
His stuff is here.
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There’s a fantastic, albeit small, gallery of images from the Dutch SSC here. The reason it’s both fantastic and small is because the photographer shot with film.
Remember film?
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Saab’s suppliers gathered in Trollhattan a few days ago to demand some answers from General Motors about the future of the company.
If you find anything out, lads, please let us know
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Genii’s Lars Carlstrom’s article in Dagens Industri yesterday drew a lot of support.
DI did a follow up article later in the day, citing 245 comments and most of those in support of Carlstrom’s view that Saab have been poorly supported in the press and the public arena.
“Bulls-eye,” says one reader, while others agree and think that Carlstr
by Swade
January 21, 2010 in News
Things seem to be moving along, pretty much as stated through this week. Negotiations ongoing with Spyker as the face across the table from GM.
I asked Victor Muller from Spyker for a quick comment and he provided the following:
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We continue to work hard in discussions with General Motors with regard to buying Saab and are encouraged by the resources they’re putting into this process.
The support rallies on the weekend were a confirmation of the fact were are fighting for a great cause: saving a brand cherished by so many. Congratulations to all involved.
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My thanks to Victor Muller for the update and the encouragement with regard to the gatherings held on the weekend.
As I mentioned earlier in the week, it didn’t matter if the gathering was big or small. The only thing that mattered is that it happened.
by Swade
January 21, 2010 in Saabology
The Saab Support Convoy movement continues to grow with additions of new convoys in both Nashville and Singapore.
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NEW!!
Singapore
The Singapore Saab club, Saabstance, will be organising a Saab Support Convoy this coming Saturday, 23 January. Some 20 to 25 Saab cars (as well as a couple of other cars driven by ex-Saab fans (owners)) are expected to turn up for the event.
Details are:
Landing Strip: Trans Eurokars, Leng Kee
Date & Time : Saturday, January 23rd 2010 at 0900 hrs.
Parking : In the hangar – you will be guided by the lollipop man from the runway
Food : Light breakfast will be provided
Take-off Time : 1030hrs.
Destination : Trans Eurokars, 12 Sungei Kadut Ave.
There’s a page for all this at the Saabstance website, but you’ll need registration to get in.
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NEW!!
Nashville TN, USA
Our very own Eggs n Grits is acting as point man for this gathering, with a view to using it as a springboard to gather interest for a local SCNA-affiliated club.
The event is scheduled for January 31st and potential attendees should contacts Eggs via email on eggsngrits-at-gmail-dot-com
Get along, check out Eggs’ new convertible and show your Saab love, Music City style.
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The Saab Support Convoys still to come and the dates thereof are as follows:
by Swade
January 21, 2010 in Saabology
I received this information from Bart W today, via email. It’s also been posted at Saabforum.nl, so some may have seen it there already.
I think the excitement will speak for itself……
Thanks to Bart for sending this through. I’m sure we’re all pretty jealous
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My father and I went to the Saab stand immediately when we arrived at the Brussels motor show…
There we saw an old friend from back in the days my Dad started working on Saab cars and connecting with dealers. Joris is his name. He invited us to come look at the the new 9-5 Aero and told us about the shape and the details that make this new Saab a real SAAB. Then he went a way for a few minutes and came back and said to my father “here you go Marc, what do you think about a test drive with the new 9-5 aero at 11.30?”
“What? You’re serious! Sure, thanks a lot!”
Then the test pilot came and said follow me! We went outdoors and there he was in that nice blue trim and 19 inch rims. We got into the car, fastened seatbelts and off we went.
First slowly to the highway and then BOOM, the 2.8 V6 turbo engine kicked in! Easily to 180 km/h and then the guy said now look how it accelerates from here…. BOOM again, full trottle to 210 km/h – easy!
We then went off the highway just in front of a BMW that also was leaving the highway. An ABS test….. Full brakes…… Changing lanes and still the car is in complete control due to the 100 adjustments per second ABS system.
Then again full throttle on the highway back to the car show. At the end there were several corners; a left one at 120 degrees in to a sharp right. On the other side there were trucks and cars but we took the inside at a mind blowing speed! I thought we were going to fly out this corner for sure, no way……. It stuck to the ground like glue!
This car is amazing! I have been in a few test drives now, but this was the mother of all test drives to me! This is a real SAAB! This car has to be produced. The world will be blown away!
What this car can perform and handle, its like no other feeling!
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There are more photos available here.
How good does this baby look in blue?? Mmmmmmm.
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by Swade
January 21, 2010 in Saabology
There’s a group of Saab Support Convoys happening this weekend:
….and now there’s a few more to add to that list.
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NEW
Minneapolis MN, USA
The Minnesota Saab Club is holding its Saab Support Rally this Sunday, January 24th, from 1 to 3 pm, at the American-Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. The Facebook page for the event is here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=303320404895
We expect some media coverage of the event — one of local TV stations did a story on local Saab enthusiasts when GM made the original announcement about winding Saab down on December 18th.
The American-Swedish Institute will be open during the Rally, providing easy access to restrooms and their coffee shop. Arrangements are being made to bring other beverages and snacks.
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NEW!
Toronto, Canada
This was received via email from North Toronto Punter today:
Aktive Motors is organizing a SAVE SAAB CONVOY this Saturday, January 23, 2010. They would like to invite all SAAB owners and enthusiasts to unite and show their support for SAAB. We need to send a clear message to GM. That message simply is that SAAB should be sold. This is not a protest of GM, but a celebration of SAAB as a unique and viable brand if given a chance to be independent.
This event is what all SAAB owners in Toronto, Canada have been waiting for. For all those owners that feel as passionately as I do about our beloved brand, please meet at Aktive Motors this Saturday, January 23, 2010 starting at 11am. There will be light refreshments served. We will then depart at 12pm to join with other SAAB owners at IKEA at the 401/Leslie around 1pm. Afterwhich, we will depart IKEA at 1:30pm and meet at the GM headquarters around 2:15pm. We will take a group photo and show the world that the owners in Toronto, Canada also care about SAAB’s future.
For more information, please call Aktive Motors at 905-842-0017, or visit the website http://www.aktivemotors.com for information with regard to times and directions to the convoy site.
Whatever the outcome of SAAB’s future, please join us and show your support for SAAB. Be a part of this global community that are willing to unite to SAVE SAAB around the world. Thank you to Christian and Kathy Skovbjerg of Aktive Motors for having the passion to organize this event. Looking forward to seeing all of the Toronto SAAB fans unite!
Details should also be available at Saabclub.ca
Please create an account to get started.
