I’ll keep this short as I’m running on fumes right now…..
That picture, above, pretty much sums up everything that we’ve been looking forward to over the last month or so – or the last 12 months, really.
A new owner for Saab Automobile, and Jan-Ake Jonsson taking up his rightful place as leader of Saab operations.
That image is a screenshot of the press conference given by JAJ and VM, which finished a short time ago. I apologise for not getting a link up on the front page, but I think most people are pretty familiar with news and links showing up in comments now 
I jumped in about 5 minutes into the press conference and even though my feed was a little broken up (thankyou, Australian infrastructure) it was a real heartwarming moment.
Victor Muller made a point of thanking all of the various parties involved with this deal, including Saab’s management team and employees, GM and the Swedish government. The part that moved me, however, was when he acknowledged the support of the enthusiast community and in particular, all the convoys that have been happening around the world.
Many people have been very kind to me in comments, but it was all of YOU who got out, printed signs, stood by your vehicles in the middle of winter and got the world to take notice of the support that’s there for the Saab brand.
This site, and the other Saab sites on the web, were happy to pass around the information, but it was the willingness of people like you to get out there and show your support in a tangible way that really made the difference.
——
We’ve stuck the boots into various parties over the last 12 months. Sometimes with good reason and sometimes a little over the top, but always with a good heart.
The Swedish government copped a reasonable amount of our collective frustration, but as acknowledged by Victor Muller, they rose to the occasion and have agreed to provide loan guarantees for the EIB loan.
General Motors were on the receiving end of not only our frustration, but of our emails and other messages as well. I’m still not a fan of the company, but today, all you can do is acknowledge the fact that after some real doubts about their intentions, they agreed to sell Saab. That’s what we needed them to do.
At the end of it all, the parties that needed to get together, managed to do so.
——
It never made any sense to me whatsoever that Saab should be closed down. Never.
The history. The philosophy. The future models. The plant. The management and staff. Those dedicated dealers. You could never look at all these factors and agree that Saab should be closed.
I’m happy for us as Saab fans that we’ve got a real shot at enjoying Saabs long into the future.
More than that, though, I’m happy that the people who fought so hard this year to ensure Saab’s survival have had their efforts vindicated.
Jan-Ake Jonsson and his management team took Saab through what I believe is the biggest corporate reconstruction in Sweden’s history. JAJ himself has been noted already by many people as a rock for this company – and rightly so.
Saab’s head Legal Counsel, Kristina Geers and her husband Eric, Saab’s PR guru. Both have probably had to completely re-learn their jobs in the last 12 months as the size and scope of their responsibilities grew dramatically. The rest of the PR and marketing team, including my own contacts Joe Oliver and Gunilla Gustavs, have had the heavy job of trying to answer the millions of questions that were fired their way. Imagine the loads on their shoulders.
Most of all, though, I’m just so incredibly happy for the people who design and build these fantastic automobiles. We’re all here because we’re Saab enthusiasts. It’s all about the cars and whilst these people will remain largely nameless and faceless to us as individuals, they’re the engine room of this company.
Personally speaking, I’ve visited Trollhattan twice now. I know that many of you reading this have been there many more times. I hope you share my affection for this beautiful small city. It’s out of this affection that my greatest happiness arises.
The knowledge that these good people have been through so much this last year and will now be rewarded for it brings the biggest smile to my face. I can’t wait to get back there.
——
Saab wouldn’t be sold if there wasn’t a buyer. Thankfully there were a number of potential buyers out there and I reckon Saab have done extraordinarily well landing Spyker and Victor Muller as new owners.
I think it’s probably OK for me to reveal now that I’ve been in touch with Victor Muller, pretty much on a daily basis, for around the last three weeks. Victor was open to this regular contact because whilst I couldn’t divulge any specific information from that, the regular updates allowed me to write from an educated perspective in order to keep enthusiasts filled in with the correct perspective.
I’d heard good things about Victor from people on the ground in Sweden, but I have to say that my respect for the man has grown exponentially in the last few weeks. His intellect, management skills and energy are absolutely phenomenal and I’ve got no doubt whatsoever that Saab are in a very capable set of hands.
His negotiation and securing of this transaction in just 6 or 7 weeks since first showing interest is a testament to him and his team.
Of course, one of the factors that kept Saab in the spotlight as a marketable brand was the fact that there were a number of energetic bidders in the mix and we all owe them a debt of gratitude as well. Without them, it would have been easier for GM to cut Saab off.
I’m pretty sure that the guys from the Koenigsegg Group will always have a welcome mat laid out for them in Trollhattan. They did so much of the hard work on this deal when they were in line to buy the company last year. I know from personal correspondence that they still harbour a great deal of affection for Saab, too, and hopefully there will be some outlets for that in the future.
We also had a guy who became our home-team bidder: CJ and his Merbanco team from Wyoming, USA. His energy and willingness to participate here at SU was greatly appreciated by all the regulars here and the insights he provided to the process in interviews and comments were invaluable.
The late arrival of people of the profile of Genii and Bernie Ecclestone also helped Saab’s cause and their interest was appreciated, too.
——
So Saab is sold.
We now have a new generation of vehicles to look forward to and new relationships between the company and its customers. We, as a community, have a responsibility of sorts, to do what we reasonably can to help ensure Saab’s survival and prosperity. Saab have an obligation, too, to design and build great Saab cars.
It’s going to be one heck of a ride.
OK, so it wasn’t so short after all…..
Related posts:
{ 250 comments }
Please join this group to show support for Muller/Spyker:
“Victor Muller appreciation group”
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=victor+muller&init=quick#/group.php?gid=269399341685
It’s an incredible story, and an amazing accomplishment for Victor Muller. I’m very pleased to see his tenacity and intelligence win the day.
Great thoughts and please get some rest Swade!
Now it is our turn again to help SAAB by buying their products in great numbers. I plan on a Ng 9-5 Aero! hmmm what color though……
Chris
Someone asked in the other thread about prices for the 9-5 in Sweden. I did not see any answers, and I’m interested in the pricelist too.
Oh, I forgot: Whohooo!
What an incredible day it was…
well put Steve!
Thanks for sharing everything that passed your mailbox, or your ears.
hallelujah
Tears still in my eyes. Thanks Mr. Muller!
Excellent piece! You should write a book…..
Brilliant Swade, so well said!
I can hardly believe after all these months the deal is done – such a relief!
So, it’s time for us to start putting our money up front and ordering new Saabs. We have to help make this a strong, robust company with healthy sales!
JAJ – thanks for fighting
VM – thanks for fighting
Swade- thanks for fighting
SAAB – thanks for being a very good brand, worth fighting for.
and to all of You -thanks for fighting together
- from us in Poland, Saab Klub Polska.
SAABSpyker UP
Swade, well spoken (“Spyken”?
)
But…
I have no doubt in my mind that there will be a red mat for you too at Saab in the future and I still think you’re too humble attitude: Yes it was us who sat in the convoys, for a doy or two. You’ve been at this endlesly for over a year. I firmly believe the amount of work-hours you’ve put into “the deal” may actually surpass the work done by VM and/or CJ!!
I wouldn’t be surprised if you were to have a DHL delivery of a brand new Saab 9-3x or such for yours to keep in the future.
You deserve it.
This was great and I
Thank you Swade. Thanks to YOU, the master of the SAAB Internets! Its not hard to understand why you was the first person Victor thought about calling after the signing was done.
Sale of Saab—Done
New 9-3–To be Done
New management-Done
+1 on that!
No time for rest. The real work – turning Saab into a viable, profitable company – is just starting.
I find myself in the peculiar position of wanting to give JAJ (my hero) a massive (manly) hug and buy him as much beer as a man can drink.
Is that normal?
Please, keep this website “alive”! Saab may be sold, but there is still a long way for Saab to profitability.
Anyway, keep up the good work Swade and good luck with Saab Victor Muller! I’ll buy one in the future!
Steve,
I would like to thank you on behalf of all saab fans for the hard work you have done during past months, to keep us all updated….
cheers ever body
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Thanks Swade!
And, a big nod to both VM and JAJ. Two class acts, those.
~Peter
Thank you all
So now all we have to do is go out and buy Saabs….
When exactly do the sales reflect on the new company? Is that as of today, or next month??
How does that work?
Whan an achievement! Grat job VM, J
Alright!!! Time to start getting ready for a new car! When are the new cars available?
We’re going to need some pricing details soon Swade. But first, please get some SLEEP!
Mr Steven Wade:
If you’re ever in my part of the world…the beers are on me!
As always a clear summing up of the happenings during this memorable day!
Of course we understand, Swade, that you have your own channels that you can’t share right away. A good job done by you to keep all participants trust during a ,mildly speaking, intense period.
Nice also to hear your personal thougts of our new boss Victor Muller. He has certainly made a good imprerssion on me.
It’s going to be very interesting to be a part of what this man can do.
Time to go to bed and get some sleep before riding the bike back to Saab Spyker Automobiles tomorrow!!!
A big round of applause for everyone who believed in Saab…
I think it’s ok to say “we did it!”
A big round of applause for everyone who believed in Saab…
I think it’s ok to say “we did it!”
Everyone, send a thought to the Saab employees tomorrow at 12:00 when they gather at the museum.
http://employee.saab.com/
Employees, enjoy your day tomorrow. We all wish we could be there and share the moment. We’re there with you in spirit.
And then, let’s buy some Saabs. That’s the ultimate support we can give this company.
Congratulations from Amsterdam! We’re all very happy. I think my Saab will drive even better tomorrow.
The first production 9-5 should be given to the Saab museum. The second should be given to Swade!!!
Thanks you for all the effort!
BTW, is anyone making Spyker decals? I’d like to put them on my saabs….
I know they are probably coming out with a new logo or whatever but I suspect that is a few months off.
Thx
I
heck yes, Ill even toss in some gas money
heck yes, Ill even toss in some gas money
Very well said, Swade! As you also said; now it is very important that we as a community really hang in there and continue to spread the good word about SAAB as the good SAAB advocates we are. We owe Victor Muller and all the SAAB rescuers that!
Jan Ake and Victor: rest assure that you’ll have plenty of wingmen on your flight!
Cheers from Norway!
-Olav-
Always on the longest road home when out there with my SAAB. Always!
Saab really does have more lives than a cat. Their arranged marriage to GM was an unhappy one, and the divorce has certainly been messy. But despite all negativity, obstacles, doomsday prophecies and death sentences, Saab has come through with a little help from her friends!
Google translate of the message to employees:
“All employees are invited to a summit with Victor Muller and Jan
Yes – absolutely!
Wow – what a column. Read this, Swade and enjoy.
Link again:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/anythinggoes/archive/2010/01/26/folk-makt-helps-save-saab.aspx
Next time you get to Trollhattan you’ll be sure to get the Royal treatment. I challenge you to go to a pub there and not be bought a drink by a happy employee…
JAJ, Muller and Swade – the three musketeers
Saab-Spyker video
Thanks Swade for keeping us in the loop!!! As a saab tech i look forward to all the new things to come from saab, there is still along way to go.
Spyker better buy a domain name fast. I’ve looked up a few combos, saab-spyker.com etc… all taken, and it doesn’t appear to be by spyker themselves.
Anything for the quick dollar I guess.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mGEoqc4da0
That’s why Saab beats Jaguar
For our swedish comrades… Are there any photos out from the photoshoot after the VM and JAJ conference?
WOW! What a ride. I’m really grateful for this positive outcome, and to SU for giving us an outlet to celebrate Saab and what it means to us all.
There aren’t too many things in life I invest so much passion into as my Saab. My wife, nor do many of my friends understand the relationship, but I know the people here “get it”. Thanks Victor, and everyone else who cares enough to lay it on the line for the Saab brand.
Here’s to Saab! Long may it live.
To those who think that Saabs United (.com) was a response to the possibility of GM closing Saab, rest assured that Swade has been producing a fantastic website for Saab enthusiasts for a long time. I know I discovered the site in 2005, although I don’t know when he actually started it (Swade?). At the time it was trollhattansaab.net, and it’s been my go-to site for Saab news and Saab stories for years. I count myself lucky to have been a part of this site for so long (My car was the June 2006 calendar entry!)
Anyway, if anyone is interested, click on “archives” at the bottom of the front page to take a look at some of Sawde’s fantastic writing and creative content over the years.
I, for one, appreciate all the Saab Sale news lately, but I’ll be happy to get back to Saab Pride entries and updates on Swade’s Monte Carlo!
I can’t say it too loudly, but this is one of the internet’s most enjoyable corners. Truly a class act out of Hobart! Thanks.
~Peter
’93 9000 Aero, 5 spd, 119K miles.
Previously driven Saabs (not all mine, but in the family):
’79 99 (never drove this one, as I was a toddler)
’83 900s
’87 900
’91 900
’85 900T
’92 9000S
’91 9000
’97 900SE
’01 9-5
thanks swade for all your information from Humbersidesaab
SW, I guess the “secrets/inside info” you could reveal will make a book by itself. And you can write (like a Nordic God I read in comments), so you could go for the Nobel Prize in literature.
In Sweden we don’t have the Sir Steven possibility, but you in bronze statue (hugging a SAAB) in the center of Trollh
I am all worn out. I cannot imagine the emotionel rollercoaster that runs inside SW
body right now. Remember to take some deep breaths now and then.
Very good to hear that VM had so much contact with you during this time, it says a lot of both of you. You are a remarkable person SW, and I would feel very privileged to shake your hand one day. And to the rest of SU – SK
thanks to all saab enthusiasts for support and interest in this inbelieveable brand
grifin up
saab spyker up
I went to bed and missed the fun. Damned Aussie time zones! Also I had ran out of Red Bull and was down to my last can of V!
Anyway, I woke up and it seems like a 20 year bad dream is over.
Saab Up!
Spyker Up!
Griffin Up!
Mr. Ed., sorry about the spam I might have sent your way. You probably don’t need those V**g*a tablets…
Brilliant!
And a big thank-you to Swade et al for keeping the torch burning – good on ya, mate!
Tobbes
So…
Back to business as usual on saabsunited.com? Only spyshots, new model rumours, road tests, and some Saab fan chat?… some really extraordinary Saab fan chat, that is.
YES PLEASE! I couldn’t imagine anything more delightful after this thriller!
Thank you, Victor Muller
Thank you, JAJ
Thank you, Swade
Thank you, Saab Community
Thank you, CVK and Baard Eker
Thank you, CJ and Merbanco
and thank you to all the people unmentioned. I named your bosses but they’re representative for you.
but also – honour to whom honour is due -
Thank you, Swedish government
and thank you, GM!
From tv2.no (http://www.tv2underholdning.no/broom/her-er-saabs-nye-suv-3118014.html)
“Bransje-nettstedet autonews.com overv
This is an awesome ending to this story! Awesome baby!!
Now, the best way we can thank VM, J
It is normal!
Cheers from Norway
-Olav-
Always on the longest road home when out there with my SAAB. Always!
Swade, you deserve the first customer 9-5 that rolls of the line and do much more. Thank you
anybody seen that press conference link?? thx
Congratulations, LANA. You all deserve this so much!
Cheers from Norway
-Olav-
Always on the longest road home when out there with my SAAB. Always!
Ya friends, I can’t sleep
It’s great, fantastic. It has been very nice idea realised with success. SAAB community is one from the best over the world. It’s the time to support the Spykers now.
Thanks SWADE, thanks Victor Muller, thanks to the Swedish Government, thanks to community once again.
Long life SAAB. SPYKER-SAAB up.
markac, you have been like a fortune teller. you pretty much guessed everything right since all of this started. amazing..
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35077526/ns/business-autos/
nice picture
Thank you all, my brothers and sisters in the Saab family!! Great day.
Thank you so much Swade for all of the work you have done here during the last year. Of course, it was all of us together who wrote emails, printed out and distributed stickers, and participated in the convois. But it was you who brought together us Saab enthusiasts from different countries all over the world. Thank you so much that you gave us this forum to contribute to this outcome! Hope the future will be as bright as this Swedish night!
I have not seen this remarked upon yet here: when Victor Muller summed up the various groups he is grateful to for helping to make the deal possible by so staunchly supporting their brand, the first one he mentioned were the ‘incredibly loyal customers who organised some 60 or maybe even 70 support convoys all around the world’.
Hey guys, that’s us!
Ivo
Look at this and smile
))))))))
Swade,
I have some pics from the Spyker/Saab cars outside Cafe Opera in Stockholm. Please email me and I will reply you and attach them…
Great work by the way!
Cheers,
Johan
I really look forward to be at the Saab Museeum tomorrow at 12.00. That will be a memory for life. The mile stone when Saab finally was released from its chains.
That was some welcome news and an amazing 700 comments to the “Saab Sold to Spyker Cars” post. I watched the Swedish Govmnt. press conference, called into the US one with John Smith (it was also web cast) and saw the one mentioned here – in English!
Victor Muller was quite impressive in his remarks and answers to questions and it was also an emotional moment for me when he mentioned the passionate customers and all the convoys to “Save Saab.”
And, Swade, everyone else in the community will happily take their credit for their part but you deserve it too! You indeed have quite a way with the subject of Saab – be it the good the bad and the ugly – and in victory!
Martha, freeze the aquavit we were saving for this moment (yes, that’s a real Martha, not just that expression).
What a relief. Thanks for everything Swade – you truly brought the power of the people to life. Thanks also to everyone at SAAB, Spyker and even GM for getting this together. It really looked like a funeral there for a while, now its turning into a birthday. There’s plenty of work to do but for today, its good just to be alive.
Celebrating tomorrow with the delivery of an as-new Anniversary 9-5 estate. The next Anniversary models will be on schedule now for Jan 2017!
I am so happpy! For everybody involved but also for the victory of opportunty over risk avoidance.
I hope GE lease in Holland is quickly adding SAAB ‘s on the menu.
I am craving for either one, be it 9-4 or 9-5!
Thank you Ed Whitacre for selling SAAB. Dank je wel & succes Victor Muller, you deserve being knighted.
The greeting of fellow SAABers by flashing lights ( be it flashing full beam) as a ritual deserves to come back as well.
dzieki,dzieki,dzieki,vm in polish it means thanx,thanx,thanx i,m gonna buy 3rd saab it,s gonna be ng 95 pozdrawiam
Thank you Steven and thank you all SAABists on this blog … you made me feel part of a big family and part of a dream becoming reality….
Hugs from Italy
Griffin up !!!
Thanks to everyone involved.
Now I’m ordering a new 9-3X!
I know tonight is the night of celebration and joy…but we have still some duties as Saab fans:
There is a poll at Germany’s
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/saab-ist-gerettet-sportwagenhersteller-spyker-uebernimmt-saab-1705499.html#article_detail
It’s about the survival chances of Saab Spyker.
Please take your time to show your optimism in New Saab!
Thanks Swade for all your efforts and late nights. It was blogs like yours that coordinated our efforts and gave us the focus we needed to win this. I shudder to think of the consequences, if this sale had happened without the internet. I think maybe GM has learned something too. The world can watch a lot more closely than it once did.
no sound?
@Swade: This is a wonderful article after several days of brutal hours. Thank you for providing a platform and thank both you and Mr Muller for providing guidance.
The plus size lady there must now sing the correct song.
Thanks to CJ for providing hope, especially in December. Thanks to fellow enthusiasts for standing up. It was a pleasure to meet several of you. Sometimes you can “take on city hall” and make a win. Thanks to JAJ and SAAB for such wonderful cars and maintaining a great operation that is worthy of carrying on, especially coming from such difficult ownership circumstances.
@74 stingray: Are the hamsters enroute to the EIB offices?
Funny, all I did was ride around our city in my Saab and with my wife driving her Saab as a part of Slovenian SSC, yet I feel happy to be a small part of this adventure.
I remember a coworker (PeterG) said after the SSC that we should have a Saab Saved Convoy in a couple of weeks… I guess he wasn’t that wrong
Hehe, remember when we were all skeptical of Spyker and VM’s viability and plans etc? I bet we all feel a bit silly now. How times change (and thankfully so!)
“Spyker better buy a domain name fast”
Domains that public use has to be short and make sense, domain name doesnt need to tell owner structure. If somebody in Finland wants to buy Saab, he will type saab.fi rather than saab-spyker.fi
If there will be any saab-spyker domain I think it will be under .nl
I got the wonderful news just before tonight’s Depeche Mode concert in Gothenburg.
A perfect day!
There is the moment all are waiting!
There is the moment all are waiting!
I just second everything of your suggestions, Per! SK
Thanks Swade for a nice web site that I have visited several times every day the last two months.
I will visit (instead of your web site) my dealer tomorrow and place an order for my new new 93 Areo sportscombi
This is a GREAT day!
Yeehoo!!
Thank you Victor Muller!
Thank you Jan-Ake Jonsson and all Saab employees and Saab enthusiasts!
Thank you Swade!
And thank you GM, CJ, Swedish Gov’t and everyone else.
Cheers!
Swade should be made the head of marketing at Saab. He deserves it, and it seems to be up his alley.
I hope there is the possibility once in my life to meet Victor Muller, shake his hand and thank him for his great effort – i have watched the press conference with great pleasure and i am really impressed about the man who rescued saab…THANK YOU VICTOR MULLER
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/group.php?gid=224719392296&ref=nf
Swade… you really did know what you were doing when you changed to SAAB UNITED did’nt you?
That has been a most remarkable internet achievment, yes INTERNET, I do believe this media has turned more people into taking, life,decisions,participation,sharing,caring,standing together as one,than anything I have seen in my lifetime.72 years young,and I am SO proud of you ALL.
Please, please add forums to SaabsUnited!!! Saab lives on and SU has solidly established itself as the premiere site for Saab fans. There’s advertising money to be made — EXPAND THE SITE!
Can we feed the Trolls now, cos they are looking really hungry and dedjected.
What a great day and thanks to all involved in saving saab.
I shall sleep well tonight.
Great summary Swade!
Now for the moving towards the future and making Saab a Saab again, not just a rebadged GM.
First order of business, bring back the hatchback!
Many thanks Swade for your hard work!
I hope this site becomes the future focus point for SAAB enthusiast discussions, and feedback to SAAB itself! There must be thousands of good ideas among enthusiast, some of which may help SAAB become even better. (This is not the time to critisise SAAB, but let’s be frank, it needs improvments in _some_ areas to fight off the germans -and I’m sure Victor Muller is aware of this too.)
SAAB SAVED CONVOY!! FEB 20th, 2010! One month after the original ones and after the final paperwork is signed.
Pressconferance
http://www.tv4play.se/nyheter/nyhetskanalen?videoId=1.1471080
We should put the same energy that was put into the SAVE SAAB rallies into a SAAB SALEbration rally on February 15.
Six Saabs (+2, the kids cars) and counting. Thank you Swade and the rest of the global Saab Family!! What a day!!
Ok – now is the time for everyone that supported the Save Saab campaign to step up and buy Saabs.
That’s been the problem in the past. Lets all walk the walk …
From my point of view, I find Spyker to be ideal as new owners and look forward to doing business with them in the future. That is, once the Australian side is sorted out.
And finally for Swade, I’d be real surprised if the first NG 9-5 in Australia didn’t find it’s way down to the southern suburbs of Hobart with a ribbon on it. The fight needed to be led carefully, and it was, GM could not close SAAB down after that. They would have looked like fools.
I’d like to know what communications dealers receive (especially in the US) regarding when they’ll get new stock, etc.
Johan, please put pictuures here in comments or better upload to free images hosting sites and paste here links. thanks!!
Is it just me or what everytime I try to view any video from the Spyker/Saab conference it freezes up?? Anyone else having the same issue?
@ MitchbSC
LOL…they have been given antidote and have been released from duty, sorry. They served us well and deserved discharge! I think the plus sized lady was sufficiently frightened.
Cheers to all!!!
@ MitchbSC
LOL…they have been given antidote and have been released from duty, sorry. They served us well and deserved discharge! I think the plus sized lady was sufficiently frightened.
Cheers to all!!!
Ha, Steven
Swade this is an excellent article ! I feel deeply glad to notice how openminded is your own “saab mind”, and so are all Saab enthousiasts in this website. “Keep calm and carry on” was the best thing to do, no special anger against GM, and a totally fantastic result in fine. But this is only the beginning, business isn’t going easier for Saab. Spyker Cars has now a lot of work to do. Griffin up !
AWESOME!!
Put me down in the order book for a 9-4X. I’ll buy one of the 147 already made as soon as possible. Where do I place my order?
Thank you so much Swade for this extremely well informed and precise website. I have enjoyed following the enfolding news on the Saab sale so much, especially with this happy ending
. You can be proud of having brought together so many Saab enthousiasts. This community might just proof to be one of the crucial factors for reinforcing the Saab brand. Thanks!
A long time reader, a second time poster and occasional djup struper wants to thank all SU’s loyal readers. You believed we had a future when many others refused to. I salute you all. Now I am off for a Heineken.
Do you all know what time it is?
That’s right – Marzipan cake time!
Woot! A great day in history. Thank you to everyone who helped out with campaign efforts, including the nice people running this site.
I second that, Saabseller. Swade really deserves it, he is really a remarkable asset to SAAB.
Cheers from Norway
-Olav-
Always on the longest road home when out there with my SAAB. Always!
peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time
(those who know, get it)
peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time
(those who know, get it)
SportCombi – LOVE your new name change!!
TYGM
I’m sure that Swade is VERY eager start next EIB-loan saga, as that matter is still unfinished, what a jolly weeks ahead
@Johan-
Swade’s email address at the contact the author page – http://www.saabsunited.com/contact/contact-the-author.html
Fantastic news! Its actally my birthday today, this has made it truly one to remember
To release my excitement I decided to have a little virtual celebration, with a burnout;
http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/BAMs-1st-Saab/SAAB_Virtual_Celebration?full=1
Great news I am very happy for Saab and it
Wonderful news. Put me down for the newest 9-5. How long do we think before the new model is out?
All: What a great day! I’m proud of all of you and pleased for Saab, my friends there, and all of Trollhattan!
I am also proud of the great guys from Koenigsegg Group, my team, and all of the other serious bidders. All, at times, kept the flame alive.
I am happy for Victor Muller. While the hard work has just begun, I see Victor as a great fit for Saab. Congratulations!
I am happy for the Saab Team, many have become dear friends. Your perserverance has been rewarded. Never forget those here who fought with you.
Most of all, I am proud of and happy for YOU! YOU did it with a helping hand from Steven. YOU had a big part in getting Saab to this point. YOU saved her, YOU saved many jobs! YOU believed! For that, for YOU, I am thankful!
Cowboy UP!
-Mission Accomplished-
*** warning link below uses the “F” word*****
What we’d love to tell (but never would) all of the non-believers, auto-writers and people who bashed Saab… all summed up in 3 seconds by Mr. Eastwood.
profanity from the movie “Gran Torino” in the link provided.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CipXIx34jTI&feature=related
and on a lighter note, some music from my youth and should be very fitting for our collective mood!!!
Kool and the gang… CELEBRATION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M
*** warning link below uses the “F” word*****
What we’d love to tell (but never would) all of the non-believers, auto-writers and people who bashed Saab… all summed up in 3 seconds by Mr. Eastwood.
profanity from the movie “Gran Torino” in the link provided.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CipXIx34jTI&feature=related
and on a lighter note, some music from my youth and should be very fitting for our collective mood!!!
Kool and the gang… CELEBRATION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M
Everything you write Swade, sums up my feelings perfectly. You have a way with words.
Congrats to you, Spyker and Saab from Canada.
Speaking of which, WHEN WILL SAAB BE BACK IN CANADA?
indeed
As we demonstrated during the convoys as a SAAB community our strong wish to save our beloved car brand by putting SAVE SAAB flyers to our car windows, I think we all should carry a new flyer for the next few weeks to show our gratitude that SAAB could be saved. Please, could somebody come up with a proposal?
Swade & EnG:
We are forever grateful for your efforts during the last few months. We could not have gotten through this without you and the rest of our extended Saab family. My wife and I have had 3 Saabs and were very worried what we’d be buying next, but now we know.
Haha…well, it wasn’t marzipan, but I did have cake with lunch in celebration of the occasion.
I haven’t been able to say this yet, since the comments weren’t working for me awhile ago, but I want to say thanks to Swade, VM, SAAB support convoy goers, and everyone else who made this possible! It’s amazing the impact this website and this community have had on the fate of SAAB!
That’s what worries me. We (the US dealers) have heard nothing from nobody. We went through the Koenigsegg fiasco. That was supposedly a done deal. How is this different? Are all of the dealers to be retained? Somebody talk to us. I hate to be a pessimist but I can’t bear to be let down again.
I think:
SAAB
SAVED
is the obvious one. A reversal of the words, like the reversal of SAAB’s fortune, and almost as short and concise as “SAVE SAAB”.
Or, to give credit:
SAAB
SAVED,
THANKS!
I don’t know If anyone has said this yet but I think Saab/Spyker should give Swade a new 9-5 Aero for all his hard work!
Great stuff, now the tricky part!
here is Spyker’s contact page and email to say THANK YOU.
http://www.spykercars.nl/?pag=23
Congratulations to Saab and Spyker! What a result.
Swade, the last 12 months of SU has been some of the best blogging ever – don’t play down the important role you have played in the Saab sale story! Congratulations!
Yes, we need to get the word out more than ever…
we have to help move cars off the sales lots so that Saab can thrive! We are the best salespeople Saab can have!
Saab Saved!
Griffin UP!
Yes, we need to get the word out more than ever…
we have to help move cars off the sales lots so that Saab can thrive! We are the best salespeople Saab can have!
Saab Saved!
Griffin UP!
Hey Mr Swade get some rest now.
Can I send flowers internationally to Victor?
Or candy…?
Swade MUST put up his donations “Button” – I demand to be able to show my appreciation this way!
Who’s with me??
You guys are spot on – but we can do it! Look at what we did to call attention to SAAB. Now we just need to turn that attention toward the dealers so everyone can find out for themselves just what it is about these cars that we love so much.
Griffin Up for the long haul!!
@Brewman – regarding the USA dealers
Victor Muller stated in a previous interview that all of the USA dealer network would be retained under his bid.
SaabsUnited post here -
http://www.saabsunited.com/2010/01/aol-victor-muller-on-saab.html
Actual interview and story here -
http://autos.aol.com/article/spyker-ceo-on-saab
Rest Easy.
GRIFFIN UP !!!
man..i’m so happy.going out for a quick ride in Athens now (although late) with my xwd babe…need to celebrate this outdoor too! ehmm..is there a way to display in the S.I.D panel Griffin up?
There’s a video of VM standing between Spyker C8 and 9-5 and talking to reporters…
Alright, it’s like 13 degrees F here in Milwaukee but as soon as it gets warm enough to wash the car without turning it into a big black Saabsicle I’m going to peel off my FUGM sticker. I also was thinking about trading my car on a CPO vert but am going to keep the old girl another year so hopefully I can buy a new vert in 2011. I know we won’t get a new model and the button dash isn’t coming back but my fingers are crossed for a 9-4 / new 9-5 style interior remake. I still really hate the “bow tie” radio even if people claim the sound is better. Anyway, just rambling, there’s very little of consequence I can say on a great day like today. VM thank you from the bottom of my heart, I wish you and Saab nothing but the best and will keep preaching the Saab gospel to the masses.
Tonight of all nights I had to go out, but what a fantastic phone call I had from Lance Cole. Totally Brilliant. I’ve sat here, very quiet sometimes, day after day, hour after hour, watching the news but always convident that VICTOR MULLER would give us the news we wanted to hear. Thank you Victor for saving our Saab. Very big thanks go to all the believers in Saab especially SWADE and it made me cry when Lance told me that the first phone call went to Swade, he deserved it.
The photo of JAJ and VM outside the Cafe Opera in Stockholm reminded me that I drank with special Saab friends there a couple of years ago.
What a great night,
I propose to establish the:
*WORLD SAAB SAVERS CLUB*
Then we could request to Saab company a:
“Saab 9-3 SSC Edition”
(just a different logo on the back of the car, 9-3 or 9-5 or what else and please note the dual use of SSC, Saab Savers Club and Saab Support Convoy)
And… Swade as the President of the club…
A Saab Is Forever
The Show Must Go On
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bqkgY7RlMQ#
A video to tribute Saabs proud aviation heritage and will to fight.
I remember as a rookie officer deploying in the Netherlands to participate in a Partnership for Peace exercise. We where the first Viggen sqn to visit the country and meet the warm welcome of the dutch Saab Viggen spotters. Hundreds of “fans” joined up outside the fence of the apron.
One day as I was preparing the Saab for a mission, I heard the sweet sound of a 3-stroker reving, and next to “my” aircraft a beautiful green 93 pulled up. I got to meet a real enthusiast, as proud of his Saab, as I was of “mine”. He worked on the base and just took the opportunity to take some pics of the two “sisters” together. I diddn
Awesome, awesome!
Now the big question in my mind is what didn’t work for Koenigsegg that did work for Spyker? Since their business plans were similar, it would be interesting to know. Gotta be a book deal there.
Personally, I’m not that upset that GM retained some stock in the new company; after all they’re going to have to supply a lot of hardware, engines, etc for the near future, so they might as well be somewhat involved.
Hey Sportcombi / Sting, I don’t know if you got to my answer on a prior thread, but yes I do live near Pgh – are you somewhere nearby?
The Show Must Go On
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bqkgY7RlMQ#
A video to tribute Saabs proud aviation heritage and will to fight.
I remember as a rookie officer deploying in the Netherlands to participate in a Partnership for Peace exercise. We where the first Viggen sqn to visit the country and meet the warm welcome of the dutch Saab Viggen spotters. Hundreds of “fans” joined up outside the fence of the apron.
One day as I was preparing the Saab for a mission, I heard the sweet sound of a 3-stroker reving, and next to “my” aircraft a beautiful green 93 pulled up. I got to meet a real enthusiast, as proud of his Saab, as I was of “mine”. He worked on the base and just took the opportunity to take some pics of the two “sisters” together. I diddn
Yea.
Great day for Spyker and Saab.
So glad this is done and that my instincts were right.
I feel redeemed. My prediction came true and right when expected.
Now I have to find a way to make some money for that new 9-5 wagon. I hope its affordable in the US. I also hope that the economies of the world turn around so Saab has a fair chance to become a financial success.
Finally a conclusion to many years of heartache for us Saabistis. Thanks to everyone who really fought for Saab and the people who make our cars.
BTW for those in Seattle, I heard there will be Swedish Car Day at Triple X Root Beer in Issaquah on Valentines Day. I’d love a big Saab meet and some root beer floats.
Now Victor you have your first ad campaign already./..use the photos from the Saab convoys…a play on the “I want to teach the world to sing type ad but for Saab” that coke did years ago….who else remembers this ad….it wold be cool for Saab
I believe that there should be a 9-3x “Tasmanian limited Edition” worked up as a thank you.
Yes, I recall SW loves the SportCombi… so a 9-3X would be fitting….
The 2011 Saab 9-3X “SU edition”
Yes, I recall SW loves the SportCombi… so a 9-3X would be fitting….
The 2011 Saab 9-3X “SU edition”
Here’s hoping the sale doesn’t fall over!
Memo to VM: Please develop another big hatchback. Now that GM is out of the picture, that’s the only thing putting me (and a lot of others) off buying another SAAB. Maybe make a hatchback variant of the next 9-3. Thanks.
wikipedia already has been updated!!!!
wikipedia already has been updated!!!!
Congratulations to all of who helped to save SAAB.
In particular, thank you Swade for the incredibly insightful work which you have done over these many months; we all owe you a debt of deep gratitude.
To JAJ and and Victor: best of luck going forward. I know in my heart that you and your team of dedicated SAAB enthusiasts will show the world just how special SAAB is and will continue to be.
Viking Up-indeed!!
Niklas, from your description of the car and the story content I think you may be able to find the guy (and get that picture) via the Dutch Saab Forum. I am fairly certain he posts there. Link is in right-hand sidebar here: Saab Forum NL.
Ivo
Very great post Swade! Thanks for the insightful toast, revealing of some small secrets and just for being for us!
Said already in the very very good comments above, that it feels like if in a fairy tale..!
That the good cause CAN win, sometimes!!! Not frequently happening in our days…
Victory Muller again, UP!!!!
I think SU, in these months became a sort of communication channel, a sort of “bridge” between Saab people (I mean Saab staff) and Saab drivers.
Both had the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings to “the other side”.
I like to think that now, these two sides are much more conscious of the “human” part of the other side. I like it.
All of this happened thru this “bridge”.
Thanks Swade.
Swades own “Tasmanian Devil” 9-3x?
Wow, I still can’t believe the sale actually went through!
Saab is Dutch now! (Well, sort of…)
A big thanks to Swade for the hard work keeping us informed through this whole ordeal that has turned into a great adventure!
I tried not to do it. but reading this post I just broke down and cried like a child.
The person who really deserves a new 9-5 is the long suffering Mrs. Wade. Her current 9000 can go to the Saab museum.
I’m sure some sort of European delivery can be arranged. She always seems to miss-out on the trips (and the full night’s sleep, and the quiet vacations, etc, etc).
THANK YOU VICTOR MULLER
Show your support for Muller/Spyker: “Victor Muller appreciation group”
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=victor+muller&init=quick#/group.php?gid=269399341685
Sometimes strange things happen…
When I posted the official press release of Saab selling in our italian Saab club forum, I realized that I posted it at page… 99!
It was too good, so we decided to stop that post and to start a new one for celebrating!
http://www.saabwayclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8097&start=1960
My suggestion to Mr JAJ is to name a version of the new 9-5, the 9-5 vIctor…
Cheers!
Just finished watching the VM / JAJ press conference… I feel even more excited for a bright future!!!!
Just finished watching the VM / JAJ press conference… I feel even more excited for a bright future!!!!
A fantastic day for Saab and Spyker.
Congratulations to Victor Muller and Spyker for their determination and courage in purchasing Saab from GM. A massive thank you to Jan-Ake Jonsson and the Saab management team, and also CvK for putting together such a robust business plan.
A big round of applause to Swade for providing a focal point for news and support for all Saab’s fans, from customers through to dealers and even those seeking, and eventually buying the Company.
As UK dealers, Concept Saab, we will always appreciate and remember the efforts of all those who pulled off this remarkable achievement.We look forward to delivering the first of the new 9-5′s very soon!
“My suggestion to Mr JAJ is to name a version of the new 9-5, the 9-5 vIctor…”
Well, “VICTOR-Y” it sure is for Saab & Spyker !!
Dear mister Wade,
In this moment of joy and relief I must think of the role you played here on the ‘internets’. I think there is no spokesperson for a brand anywhere in the world who is so dedicated and true, so honest and inspiring.
In a period of great peril you have shown us, the Saab fans, how ‘united we stand’, you managed to empower us in words and action. More importantly, you have succeeded in showing the great people at Saab in Sweden (and at branches everywhere in the world) how much we, the fans, love and support their products and their jobs.
And all that as a volunteer, quite simply a true Saab enthusiast, who happens to be living on the other side of the planet.
To think there was a time, which seems much longer ago than it really is, you thought of quitting this ‘blogging-hobby’ of yours. I cannot imagine how we would have done without you!
Steven, for all this, you have my deepest gratitude. As we say in the Netherlands; I take my hat off for you. I’ll buy you a beer whenever you happen to end up here in Amsterdam.
Now have your well deserved rest.
-Geert
PS: I know it’s just a car. But it’s really, really important!! (All too often have I been telling my friends just this during the past couple of weeks…)
Just made it to a computer and got the news. Speachless!! Congratulations to all Saab employees and dealers, to all Saab fans out there, to VM and Co. for becoming part of Saab history and of course special congrats to you Swade, I like to believe that today happened with your not unsignificant help too. And of course to the community here and everywhere that never stopped believing in Saab. Some great time ahead, I am sure! The world is a better place to live in than it was yesterday!
Found this in the wikipedia entry:
“R
I would highlight this sentence from
VM talking about support of Saab customers by SSCs around the globe:
“I DON’T THINK THAT ANY OTHER BRAND COULD ACHIEVE THAT”
I think it’s true.
Here is the link, go to 8’49” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYioLV2jYyQ&feature=channel
A Saab Is Forever. (me)
in my next incarnation, i’m going to request fluency in dutch and swedish.
As a GM employee and current Saab owner, I am both happy and sad at the news. Happy in that the Saab company has been saved with the sale to Spyker, but sad in that as long as I remain at GM, I probably won’t be able to get another Saab. They are great cars and I was lucky to finally get one a couple of months ago.
Also, a big thank you to the people that run this site. Very informative and it’s good to know that there are plenty of Saab fans out there. Congratualtions to the Saab employees, dealers and fans. Good luck in the future.
Just woke up.
YES!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic news…. and as a bonus I wonder what my Spyker shares will do tomorrow!
As for Victor’s comments of producing the Aero-X as Spyker – perfect!
Oh poo, that should have read as “producing the Aero-X at Spyker”
You are a very humble, and very dedicated man, Mr. Wade.
I believe that you and your dedicaton to the brand, your dedication to SaabsUnited, and your dedication to help bring the worldwide support community together had no small part in helping this deal become a reality.
Thank you, and bless you, my friend.
GB24Hours
After listening to the VM press conference it sounds like this guy really means business. He’s not a softy that is for sure. He answered most questions with a lot of confidence and is very optimistic about Saab/Spyker.Hopefully he can get things going right away and I’m still not sure where one can currently buy a new Saab in Canada. The 3 dealers in my city no longer carry Saabs I think that might be a problem a little problem. The sooner they can re-establish the dealer network the better.
What a FANTASTIC day!
SAAB saved. The all-clear at the dentist. And now its time to break open the champagne.
Cheers to Mr Steven Wade, Mr Victor Muller, J-AJ and everyone at SAAB.
*ching-ching*
SAAB UP!
CJ, you are one of a kind! I hope there is some way for you to get involved in SAABs future. Godspeed to you and Merbanco!
What a wonderful day. That Autocar article that Iggy pointed to shows the power of the Internet. Great work Swade, you deserve all the accolades you receive. I feel great being part of the great SAAB community. Thanks all.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY…….
Finally,we will be able to get the 93x in the states,huh!!!????
CJ you are the man and I will never forget what you did…
COWBOY UP!!!!!! forever!!!
Victor Muller -very very VERY freaking NICE !!!!!
im just happy…….
Listen to this guys………it sums up the day nicely
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elbmZl52Ktc&feature=related
CJ: Next time I am up Jackson Hole way, I will buy you a beer (if you will see me!). Pretty far drive from Memphis, but my brother lives in Bozeman.
CJ: I am hoping that some of those GM preferred shares are convertible to ordinary shares and you get to buy some. You would be great on the Saab-Spyker board.
Nice to see you posting here… You guys have an exciting time ahead.
Enjoy the celebrations tomorrow at the museum and say hi to VM and JAJ from the SU readership.
In reflection, I do believe that Spyker is the perfect company to purchase SAAB. The company motto “Nulla tenaci invia est via”, For the tenacious, no road is impassable is clearly embodied in Victor Muller. Great job and without that tenaciousness, I don’t know if this deal could have been made. That kind of work ethic will take SAAB to a level of success not seen is years. I am so excited!
Hi Joe, great to see you here, always good to see you when I do, you all did a great job, fantastic news for trollhattan and Saab,
CJ, I want to thank you for your little notes now and again, always keeping the hopes alive. Read every one of them. Thank you for being there for us and especially for Swade. I know you wont be going anywhere, now to get the Saab Canada set up again.
Cowboy UP CJ.
I get it. And well played, SportCombi.
Great stuff…the last months were crazy! Saab magic!!!!!!!!
)))))
Saab up!!!! now let the bird fly!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6RlPysKTxQ
Thanks to everybody there i hope everyone will drive a Aero x
Please give your vote: German ams poll “How big is the chance that Saab can survive long term under Spyker?”
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/saab-ist-gerettet-sportwagenhersteller-spyker-uebernimmt-saab-1705499.html
(At the bottom of article you can find the voting.)
German market is important for Saab. Let’s show some support
To Swade!!!
I want to express my humble and endlees gratitude for your tireless and at-all-times-classy efforts to keep ALL SAAB heads around the world high and proud during these trying times!
This SAAB victory gives such an all-around sweet feeling about appreciation and viability of true greatness.
It was so unexplicably terrific to see all the afficioandos across the globe to sand up in convoy.
Truly, hope is a beautiful thing.
My warmest regards,
Leon, the NY SAABISTI
I’m still on cloud 9… For the past ten years I have lived and breathed Saab (and I’m only 25). I couldn’t imagine a world without Saab.
I am so excited to hear the news. Thank you Swade, Victor, JAJ, and most importantly all of my fellow Saab followers!
Enjoy that fine Dutch product, Joe! Thanks for dropping by and congrats!
Swade ,I don’t know how you do it all,but it seems like you have a special contract signed with Red Bull,no!? You got to drink tons of that stuff.haha
You’ve been great Swade.
SWADE UP !!!!
High-five to all! Look at all the interest in buying the product! I had the same visceral reaction when I heard the news today- I feel like a Saab owner for life! I so look forward to he innovation, at least maintaining if not enhancing branded quality, innovation, safety that can come from this ‘merger’ of auto companies. Long live Saab!
You are an extraordinary class act, CJ – thanks for the support and belief during these turbulent times!
Joe, I myself prefer Grolsch, but regardless – we believed together, and dare I say did it together. The hard work has only started! And we are counting on you fine Saab people to put our beloved brand where it belongs – on top of the automotive food chain.
Mrs. Wade, thank you for letting your husband run this site. Without you supporting Steve, I’m not sure we would have had a “forum” like this one. Saab’s reality might have looked completely different without this place.
(and of course a big thanks to the community and to Victor and Jan-Ake … and to Ed for finally signing the paperwork)
” Saab what else ”
Thank you to everyone who helped save our sAAb.
Oh, & want it or not Swade, a big (yea,very big) smack on the lips from us UK Saabies.
PS; To GM……YOU DO HAVE A HEART AFTER ALL (well the Money is Good too)……….curse Lifted.
PPS; To Saab company workers……….HAPPPPPPYYYYY
NEW YEAR
From Maryland to Wyoming…thanks CJ.
What a great day! Here’s looking forward to a great future!
I don’t expect to ever be without a Saab automobile again.
We should thank Ed Whitacre, Jr for firing the GM old guy(s), not closing the door on Saab, and in the end doing the right thing for Saab, GM, the US Government, and the rest of us.
With what I consider new cars, a 2008 9-3 and 2009 9-3XWD, I may not immediately buy a new Saab.
On the other hand get the cars on the lot because I just might buy a new 9-3X, a 9-5, or a 9-4X.
Special thanks to Swade for keeping us informed and giving us a voice. VM don’t be a stranger to SaabsUnited.
Good night, cause this bear is going to sleep well tonight.
To; Victor and Jan-Ake
” SAAB, what else ”
You can use it in advertising if you want too.
General Motors and Spyker Cars Reach Agreement on Saab:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8YCIjIbRRc
Swade – Thanks for all you have done to keep us all informed and believing! We owe you a trip to the Saab Convention in the US this summer. Incredible! This is the best news the auto industry has had in many years. Victor/Spyker – we will show our thanks for many years! – Dan
Bless You, Swade for your passion, determination, perseverance and integrity, YOU SIR, are a CLASS ACT!
Mr. Muller…….and I can speak for everyone here……you have our undying loyalty!
N
I WILL buy that new 9-5………
I saw the biggest bottle of Grolsch I have ever seen the other day. Had to be a whole litre!
I have a question. When are we gonna get our dealers back here in Canada?
…suddenly, I love my Saab cars even more..
Thanks to Victor Muller for his perseverance, Swade for keeping us informed on development and everyone in Trollhattan for making the great and superb Saab cars.
Saab up! Spyker up!………… GM up!?
Mike900,
That is an AWESOME photo. It’s now the status on facebook…
BORN FROM JETS & SAVED BY THE THE “PROPELLER”
THE PHOENIX HAS RISEN
Thanks to Swade, GM, Saab Management, Jan Ake, Victor Muller, Spyker and all the enthusiasts, world wide who like the “Little Dutch Boy,” stuck their thumbs in the Dyke, to hold back the impossible.
Let us not forget the Swedish Goverment, who arranged the EIB loan.
Thank you God.
I bought my first Saab in the 1980s. I remember the comfort of the seats and the way I could take a long drive 5+ hours away and not get tired. It was also wonderful in the cold weather, and I had no fear of driving on snow in my Saab. I was not very good with a clutch however, and my father asked me to buy an American car next time. I could not afford a new Saab, so I bought an American car.
After many years I became very successful, and my husband wanted me to buy a Mercedes. My dream car was the Saab convertible in red, in the late 1980s version, which was out of my price range then.
I finally purchased a Saab convertible Aero in 2008 and drove up to Boston to find the color and features I wanted in the car. It has been great, except I could not get home in the last NY blizzard with it, so with some disappointment, I went out and purchased snow tires last month. The traction with the snow tires is incredible.
I drive around the windy roads of upstate NY as often as I can. I take the top down as often as I can. One afternoon, I picked up my daughter from school and the temp was about 60 degrees. My daughter asked why I had the top down. Her principal answered for me “Just for the fun of it,” she replied!
My Saab makes a 10 minute drive to work “Fun”. I can’t wait to see how the brand develops now…
The Grass-Roots effort to save the Saab Brand was simply amazing.
You wrote letters to your Government Officials, and You staged Rallys
all over the World. You made it known to all parties involved that
Saab would not go down without a fight.
Swade I have a free decal for you – see link below. If anyone deserves one of these besides VM its you.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320480307284&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:MOTORS:1123#ht_4737wt_1167
Email me your address and I will ship it right out.
Alex
As a few before me have noted … as exhausted and emotionally spent as many here are (Swade, Saab employees, fans) … the reality is that this was the easy part.
The hard part is making Saab work. Make Saab relevant. Make Saab great.
Capture the emotion and excitement that reached a crescendo today, and use that energy to get people to take a second look at the brand. Millions have to wonder why we are so excited about this deal … Saab has to find a way to keep that mindshare and cultivate it into future customers.
I’m terribly excited that Saab has a chance to survive. Even under GM the current lineup has something that Buicks and Cadillacs lack … GM couldn’t kill that last spark of spirit … now we all must fan that spark into a flame as the Griffin plays the part of a phoenix and rises from the ashes!
Thanks to everyone here – Swade, Eggs, CJ, VM and EVERYONE else … it has been a heck of a ride the last year plus … and we live to ride another day!
Congrats on your beautiful ‘vert, many are after that one very much (me included)
Take care of her and let her take care of you!
Dear Swade,
I am a four time Saab owner, starting with a 1984 Saab 900, who lives in Maryland just outside of Washington DC. I discovered your amazing website last summer by accident from a mention in the Saabnet bulletin boards. As useful as Saabnet is, your site has been a godsend for Saab information, for comprehensive commentary on models and the brand, and especially during the trying last months of Saab’s tortured existence.
I want to personally thank you for all you have done for the Saab community and for me personally. Your reporting and your ability to maintain the confidence of your sources have keep us and our spirits afloat when it seemed the most hopeless.
Many have tried, yet no one can really explain why: somehow this is a car company whose products get into your soul to the point where reading your site and its comments today have brought tears to our eyes…somehow, tears are falling for a machine!
Now that Saab’s future is set, I am free to buy a replacement for my 2001 9-5 Aero, which I will be doing this spring. Any word on when the first NG 9-5′s will reach the USA?
I wrote to Victor via Spyker comm’s page.
With your posterior permission I promised him in the name of Saab community to make up for his kithcen sink!
Now we’re almost at 1000 comments this evening… Wow!
Marque, I like that name. I hope that Spyker truly makes Saab a ‘marque’ again. Not just a brand name like GM made it, which it could (and did) slap on lesser cars.
I married into a SAAB family in 1965 (my wife had a 1964 96, and her father owned a 1959 93 and a 1962 95), and since then we have had at least one SAAB in our family, sometimes two. Today I got the good news that I can continue to buy and enjoy SAABs for the foreseeable future.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO WERE DETERMINED NOT TO LET SAAB DIE!!
Here are the SAABs I have owned in the order in which I owned them:
1964 96
1969 99
1959 or ’60 93F (my “work” car)
1971 99
1968 95
1977 99
1973 96
1979 99
1984 900
1987 900
1989 900S
1991 9000 (base)
1996 9000 CS (still driving this one; waiting for a new 9-5)
D’oh! Got interrupted by real life when commenting earlier.
I would like to leave A BIG THANK YOU TO MR. MULLER for the time, money, and tenacity to Save Saab. Good luck and God speed in closing the final details of the sale.
Thank you, Swade! Very soon after first visiting this site I got convinced that it’s ‘the place to be’ for Saab news. You’ve handled it really perfectly and shouldn’t underestimate your role in events when it comes to keeping up the spirit of all those Saab enthousiasts around the world. Who’d expect Djup Struppe (did I spell that right?) to be the man Muller himself?
I wish Saab will have a long and glorious path ahead, where they will continue to make their traditional smart and unique technological and design decisions and solutions.
About the welcome-mat laid out for the K-egg group: I hope that’s the case, and that Victor Muller extends that mat to for example the Norwegian electric vehicle investors that came with the K-egg deal, so that Saab may become world’s leading green tech car manufacturer as well. A tradition in against-the-grain style smart thinking really is a big help in that field, I’m sure!
Like everyone else today that drives a SAAB, I feel privileged. I have the privilege of knowing that all over the world others like me are experiencing the pride of ownership. The privilege of being part of a world-wide community of experience. We are not only moved by our minds, but WE are moved by our hearts. My pride was evident as I up shifted to fourth gear entering the Turnpike. My pride was evident when I let another driver take the space in front of me on the highway. My pride was evident as I patted the dash board explaining to Breezie (2001 CV),
Swade,
Your last editorial piece was about how the internet can bring issues to the fore and get people involved. That has certainly been the case with Saab but I would go further and say that the clarity of information which you have put out on SU has attracted Saab people and potential purchasers and has become a catalyst for the level of support that Saab has recieved. Part of the deal which has now been struck between Spyker and Saab is down to the effort that you have put in over the last year.
Many thanks for bringing us together, you are owed many beers in many countries.
Paul
I could hardly sleep last night! I
Steven Wade, the man who can’t drive a Viggen for peanuts and whose mechanical skills really suck, has done more to save a struggling car manufacturer than I could ever dream of doing. Bloody well done!
Drew B
All — It is a wonderful day that we’ve all waited very long to see happen. I wish it could have happened sooner, but happen it has, and for that we are all grateful. Mostly, we’re happy for the tens of thousands of folks who will have an opportunity to buy a new Saab in the years to come — and the hundreds of thousands of people who are current owners — and the millions of fans and enthusiasts who support Saab and all it stands for.
We need to get the deal closed … nothing is final until it’s final … and we will work very hard to ensure that happens with due diligence and speed. We’re hoping to have things wrapped up by Mid-February.
I wanted to personally tell everyone who has written to me over the past year … those who took the time to call, or participate in a convoy where we’ve met .. I’ve been deeply moved by your passion for the product and all it represents. Mostly, the exchanges were supportive and passionate … but, as with all these kinds of things … there were a few that wished ill upon our company and people. I know they were not the rule, rather the exception, and their words never dissuaded us from the greater goal of taking care of Saab customers, no matter what happened. Some folks just had to vent at someone, and I’m more than happy to be that person for GM.
So, have a toast and take a few minutes to celebrate. You deserve it. And don’t ever forget … the best way to support your passion and brand is to continue to buy the great products and services.
John M. McDonald
GM Spokesman
Detroit
Thank you Mr. McDonald for your kind words!
We are all happy that GM did “the right thing”!
All the best for you and your company!
Dear Mr McDonald,
thank You and thank you to your company to allow our dreams to come true.
As you said, people allways need somebody to blame, and GM has always been an easy target. But I hope you did notice that many of the FUGM changed overnight into TYGM.
I wish you and your company all the best, and
may the best car win!!!
Thank you kindly, Mr McDonald! Your warm words are much appreciated.
Maybe the sales process hasn’t always gone as smoothly as the Saab enthusiasts would have liked, but GM has stayed with it instead of pulling the plug, and we are all grateful. A special thanks to you hard-working folks in Detroit on behalf of my home region of Western Sweden, which would have been hard hit by a closure.
TYGM
Thank you kindly, Mr McDonald! Your warm words are much appreciated.
Maybe the sales process hasn’t always gone as smoothly as the Saab enthusiasts would have liked, but GM has stayed with it instead of pulling the plug, and we are all grateful. A special thanks to you hard-working folks in Detroit on behalf of my home region of Western Sweden, which would have been hard hit by a closure.
TYGM
Dear Mr. McDonald,
Also like to echo my colleagues appreciative remarks above.
Magnanimous of you to write in such a conciliatory tone — deserves the same. There is still raw emotion here in spades. I’ve been amongst your harshest critics; and a proud owner of a Saab [Turbo X] produced under GM stewardship. But I think we’ve achieved a ‘win-win’ for all parties involved.
The battle is over now and I trust that mutual respect — with a good dose of competitive spirit! — will be the order of the day forward.
Sincerely,
Mark Marcon (aka North Toronto Punter)& Board Member, Saab Club of Canada.
After the NEWS, My wife and I had a celebration with Dutch Beer! I dreamed of this day, and it has come.
Many many thanks to all of SAABer.
Special thanks to you, Mr. SWade.
We wouldn’t be here without your dedication!
I’m so greatful being part of world wide SAABer!
Thank you CvK.
Thank you CJ.
Thank you JAJ.
Thank you VM.
and Thank you GM doing right things!
Another toss to SAAB!
Kanpai! SAAB/Spyker!
This is fabulous news!
I’ve been so busy. The first I heard of it was when I received a text from the dealership!
Put a huge smile on my face that did.
I know that GM still have a large stake in Saab, but in the configuration we are going to see, I think this will be a much better symbiotic relationship.
Now, with Spyker on board…….is anyone else thinking Aero X?!?!?
On my drive there are two SAAB’s; a 900 from 1985 and a 9.5 from 2000. I can’t drive anything but a SAAB.
Have just ordered a third SAAB, the new 9-5. Please join the group of ordinary people who are making history, the story of ‘the car that refusd to die’.
Finally some good news.
)
Sounds great.Hope they make the best of it.
Good luck !
(and get this 9-X BioHybrid & 9-X Air on the road as soon as possible
What a result! Congratulations to the efforts and achievements of everyone involved during this entire year long process!
J
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