by Swade
October 29, 2010 in Saabology
As seen on Top Gear online…..
I love wheels and I’ve always thought that the right set of wheels can really lift a car’s appearance.
If you’d told me someone was thinking of putting a set of Incas from the Saab 99 Turbo on to a Saab Sonett III, I’d have replied Noooooooooo!
Now that I see it, I like it.
Click.
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Thanks to Michael S for the link.
by Swade
October 28, 2010 in News
There are reports coming out of Sweden today saying that Saab retailers are lowing their sales expectations for 2010 – from 12,000 vehicles to 9,000 vehicles for the Swedish market.
It should be noted that Spyker are due to release their quarterly report on Friday and this chatter might be a prelude to that.
Saab have sold just under 5,500 vehicle in Sweden so far this year. The forecast would see them selling just over 1,100 per month for October, November and December, which should be quite achievable. Saab sold 1,022 cars in September 2010.
The report has come via Dagens Industri, who have a history of taking a negative line with Saab reporting in the last 18 months or so. On this occasion, they are quoting a Peter Hallberg, CEO of the Saab Dealers Association in Sweden.
“We miscalculated the time it takes to build trust. We lost a lot of pace when we were in abeyance. Everyone else was not quiet, but obviously took on. People have had time to make new contacts,” said Peter Hallberg.
The Swedish Saab dealers has lowered its sales target for this year. Previously it was thought of almost 12 000 cars sold. Now it looks to be around 9000 cars, according to Hall.
“Sales are better week by week, but it is from low levels,” he says.
Sales are indeed getting better and the new, low emissions TTiD models for the Saab 9-3 are only now being made available for order. The new 9-5 Combi, which will be the main seller in Sweden, is still more than six months away, according to plan.
Maybe this has indeed taken longer than forecast, but I don’t think it’s any cause for doom and gloom.
Saabs order books are reportedly going well. Swedish sales figures are based on what they can deliver in a given time, not on what’s ordered. Saab have seen sufficient orders to start planning for a second shift at the plant in Trollhattan. These are plans that you don’t make lightly because they can’t be un-done easily.
We all knew it would be a big challenge for Saab and so it is. But nothing’s over until the fat lady sings and right now, the fat lady ain’t even fat yet.
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by Swade
October 28, 2010 in Saabology
This one will be self-explanatory. I’m hoping to bring you a conclusion some time in the future.
Hi,
I saw and sat in in a Saab 9-5 today and I was surprised at how good it was and completely different to what I had read in reviews, I have followed Saab’s recent history as having a Rover 75 I thought how similar Saab was turning out to be like MG Rover and would ultimately die. The dashboard was fine contrary to what I had read and in fact, I found the interior to be fine even though I recognised a Vauxhall steering wheel, which however is very good.
My car is 10 years old and has been brilliant and to be frank if Rover was still going I’d probably buy their latest version of the 75. I am coming up for a change and the thought of buying a BMW 5 Series or Audi A6 does not appeal to me one bit.
I sat in a 2.0T 9-5 and the fit and finish was outstanding, as with its size and standard of its construction. The dealer had two: a silver and white model, totally unappealing compared to the colours available (according to Saab UK website, which is OK but I cannot understand why certain option are not available on some model ranges. Sales staff relatively inept and ignorant of their car features).
I am still not sure that Saab will survive but at least it gave me food for thought on my way to a Jaguar dealership
Regards,
Richard
And a post-script to this……after I asked for the OK to share this story on site:
I have no problems in sharing my story, by the way I was so impressed with the 9-5 I have held back on the Jag and will contact the dealer again for a test drive.
As mentioned, I’ll keep you posted. Richard is one of those people Saab need to reach. I hope his dealer can do so.
by Swade
October 28, 2010 in Saabology
UPDATE: Commenters have noted that Saabhuy have sourced this one from a Swedish paper, Vi Bilgare. I only saw the Saabhuy entry in isolation and treated it as coming directly to them
Short conclusion – nothing to see here. Bil Vulgare.
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I know nothing and can therefore say nothing.
……But Golfhunter is stating that this image has been sourced from Saab and represents the new Saab small car that might coming in around 3 or 4 years from now. This is not the intended replacement for the Saab 9-3, but a smaller car that’s been mentioned previously as being a retro-inspired design (this image indicates that if authentic, Saab are not going down that teardrop-inspired path).
Apparently it will be based on the same platform as the Citroen DS3. As you know, PSA partnered with BMW on the design of the engine that Saab will be using in the replacement for the Saab 9-3.
You’ve seen a portion. Go to Saabhuy to see the whole banana.
As mentioned at the top, I know nothing so can’t pass any comment on the authenticity of the image.
by Swade
October 28, 2010 in Saabology
Last time Auto Express tested the Saab 9-3 TTiD was when the new engine made its debut in the latter part of 2007.
Back then, AE gave the car with a new power plant 3 stars out of 5.
Their new review, published this week, covers the 2011 iteration of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. This new model comes with a choice of three new TTiD engines that emit less than 120g of CO2 per kilometer, making the car a very attractive option for those who are more conscious of their road tax costs.
How big an impression has the new engine lineup made?
You might have expected the Saab 9-3 to lose half a star given its advancing age relative to the competition. But the opposite has happened.
The Saab 9-3 is awarded 4 out of 5 stars in this new review and the praise for the new TTiD engine lineup is significant.
It has a mighty 400Nm of torque available from only 1,850rpm, so it’s powerful and flexible in any of its six gears. In addition, it’s superbly quiet and smooth on the go, feeling every bit as refined as the benchmark 2.0-litre TDI units from Volkswagen.
Saab has achieved the hikes in performance and economy by reducing friction in the engine, adding low-rolling resistance tyres, thinning some of the metal bodywork to reduce weight, and using lighter materials with the same soundproofing qualities…..
…..It all adds up to a car that hasn’t the slightest whiff of being an ‘eco’ model, yet delivers fuel economy that keeps up with the best the BMW 3-Series can offer. The front-wheel-drive Saab will never quite match the dynamic prowess of the 3-Series, but it still grips well, turns in sharply and is refined on the motorway. The only gripe is the lumpy gearchange.
You can click here to read the full review.
by Swade
October 28, 2010 in Uncategorized
Another new Saab print ad.
This one was sighted in Business Fleet magazine. Sent in by Mark M – thanks!
And the text:
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by Swade
October 28, 2010 in Saabology
This is great.
For those of you who have been waiting for Saab to re-start in Canada, it’s a great moment in time. The wheels are rolling.
For me, with Vancouver as my home-in-law, it’s just great to see a new dealership start up there.
The following was received today from Jason Powell, Sales Manager at Springman’s Auto Centre in Langley, British Columbia.
Swade,
…..I have never in my 15 plus years in the car business had the pleasure to be involved with a brand such as Saab that has a fierce customer loyalty and a true love to the brand.
The dealer that I manage out here in Langley, British Columbia was a Saturn, Isuzu dealer for many years and we became a part of the famous GM wind down of brands. After watching all of our Saturn signs come down about 10 months ago, Monday and Tuesday of this week was quite special. We got to watch our new Saab signs go up, really making it feel real.
Since August, we have met so many Saab owners and one constant in all of our interactions has been the excitement that people have about the new ownership in Saab as well as us as a dealer being a Saab only new car dealer, as to not be lost in the corner of a GM showroom.
I included some photo’s for you of the new signs going up. Keep up the great work.
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Congratulations to Jason and all the crew out at Springman’s. I’ve always believed Canada should be a bigger Saab market, so here’s to a bright future for Springmans and all the new Saab dealers in Cananada (it’s a pet name we have…)
by Swade
October 27, 2010 in Saabology
I’m pleased to pass on that I’ve been invited over to Los Angeles for the public debut of the all new Saab 9-4x at the LA Auto Show.
It’s going to be great to see the new vehicle in the metal and check out what people are going to be buying next year. The Saab 9-3 ePower will be there as well.
I’ll get a Q&A post up on site closer to departure.
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Speaking of the US, Mike Colleran’s done a quick interview with an industry magazine over there, mainly speaking about dealership and distribution.
This is the only thing that’ll probably be news to the regular Saab news follower:
What changes, if any, are planned for Saab’s parts distribution network, especially relating to the availability of parts to the American aftermarket and independent repairers?
We only distribute parts directly to Saab dealers who in turn can resell to the independent distributors and repair shops in the U.S. We distribute parts to all dealers in the U.S. from our PDC (Parts Distribution Center) in Allentown, Pa. Our availability of parts has improved significantly since the Spyker acquisition from a low point of 88 percent in March to a current average of 94 percent.
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For those of you with Smartbeam headlamps in your new Saab 9-5, here’s a little bit of extra information about them, and the company that makes them.
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Here’s a question for you – who or where was the first Saab dealer?
A newspaper in Växjö thinks a local might provide the answer. Niclas L has provided a translation:
Tingsryds Auto Workshop is a traditional family business which next year celebrates its 75th anniversary. The company has sold Saab since the 1950s, which means that it is probably the world’s oldest Saab dealer.
- I usually jokingly say that I was born in a Saab, the owner Sven-Olof Carlsson says.
Tingsryds Auto Workshop is today run by the brothers Sven-Olof and Jonas Carlson. They have sold Saab for 60 years, Opel in 20 years and the latest brand Chevrolet has been selling for 4 years. With good service you have a loyal group of customers who always come back.
- Good service always pays in the long run, Sven-Olof says.
Swedish quality brand
In addition to Tingsryd the company has also been present in Karlshamn for 19 years.- In total, we currently have 38 employees in the company.
That Saab is close to Sven-Olof’s heart, there is no doubt about. The family business began selling Saab in the early 50th century when Sven-Olof grew up and the car brand has followed him through life since then. After several turbulent years the future looks bright again for Saab.
- It’s very positive. The sale is back at the same levels as before the crisis.
What is it that makes Saab such a great car?
- It is a Swedish, safe quality brand.
Sven-Olof also highlights Opel of course.
- Opel has a very wide range from Opel Corsa to the new Opel Insignia. Opel has always had cars with very low cost of ownership. Recently we had premiered on a brand new Opel Meriva.
DAVID FÄRDIGH, MAGAZINET
I’ve always heard the name Philipsons mentioned in relation to Saab’s early days but I’m not sure how those early dealership arrangements worked.
My suspicion is that the reporter is claiming seniority for this dealership because of its age, and because it makes a nice story. And of course, he may be right, too.
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by Swade
October 27, 2010 in News
Trollhättan, Sweden: Saab Automobile today announced the appointment of Matthias Seidl as Executive Director Sales, effective from January 1. Seidl joins Saab’s senior management team from Detroit-based automotive consultancy API, where he was President and CEO. Prior to that, Seidl spent 20 years in the Volkswagen Group where he held several senior executive positions in the sales organizations of Audi and Volkswagen.
At Volkswagen, Seidl was COO for the brand in the United States. During his 12 years at Audi, he was a senior sales and marketing executive in the European and Asia-Pacific region prior to running the brand’s North and South American sales region. Seidl will be based at Saab’s headquarters in Trollhättan, Sweden, where he will report directly to Saab Automobile President and CEO, Jan Åke Jonsson.
“I feel extremely honoured to be joining such an iconic brand as Saab,” said Seidl, 47. “This is a very exciting period for the company and I look forward to helping increase sales volumes and opening up new territories for the brand in markets around the globe.”
Announcing the appointment, Jan Åke Jonsson said: “I am very pleased to welcome Matthias to our senior management team. His experience and skills will be very important to Saab as we continue to establish ourselves as a successful independent company.
“Over the next twelve months we will be launching two new products – the 9-4X and the 9-5 SportCombi – and Matthias’s contribution will be vital in optimizing the sales of these exciting new vehicles.”
As reported earlier, current Executive Director Sales Adrian Hallmark will be leaving Saab for a position within Jaguar. “We wish Adrian all the best and thank him for his contributions during his time with Saab”, said Jonsson.
by Swade
October 27, 2010 in Saabology
I haven’t done a desktop calendar here for a few months, so this is a nice little reminder for me to get out there and harvest a few more photos.
The good people at Saabturbo.pl have held a good natured competition with people submitting photos for inclusion in a calendar running from Nov 2010 to May 2012 (an 19 month calendar).
The ‘winners’ can be viewed here at Picasa. They’re all fantastic shots, so congratulations to all involved.
Here are a few samples…..
If I’ve figured out the credits right, then this one was taken by J Depo:
And this one by R. Wolski:
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BONUS – there’s also a 2011 calendar based on photos from the Saab Support Convoys held in Poland.
You can view a PDF version of that calendar at Google Docs.
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I absolutely love this sort of stuff. It’s the sort of thing that the Saab Pride campaign of a few years ago was built on – people going out of their way to show their cars off at their best.
It’s also really encouraging for those concerned to have their Saabs appreciated so much by their fellow club members.
Does your club do a similar thing each year?
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by Swade
October 27, 2010 in Uncategorized
If the video doesn’t work for you, go to your favourite video provider and search for the official video of Short Skirt Long Jacket, by Cake.
The official video is one where people are listening to the song on headphones and then giving their comments on the song.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF43shMjs0o
by Swade
October 27, 2010 in News, Saabology
Hirsch Performance – Saab’s officially approved tuning house – have released some details about an upgrade that’s been whispered about for a while now – the 2.0T from the new Saab 9-5.
This engine produces 220hp and 350Nm in its standard guise. Hirsch bump that up by just short of 20% with the usual Saab warranty intact.
The 2.0T is already more fun than a houseful of puppies. This upgrade will make it the most fun you can have in a 5 meter, 5 person car.
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260hp Performance Upgrade 2.0T ’10 FWD / XWD Automatic
For the second generation Saab 9-5, the reliable 2-litre engine from the Saab 9-3 has been developed further, and equipped with direct injection and a modern twin scroll turbocharger. Perfect conditions for a performance upgrade! With the improved charge cooling with the direct injection, more power and torque than before can be generated; 260hp and 400Nm, and thanks to the twin scroll technology, the throttle response is significantly faster.
Built for the Autobahn
With the performance upgrade from Hirsch Performance, the maximum power is not only available for short bursts of acceleration, but can be maintained, just like the top speed of 250km/h, for hours at a time. Should it be necessary.
No compromises
Just like all other Hirsch Performance upgrades, this performance upgrade is compliant with the same emission regulations as the original car. A world first is therefore that just like the original car, the performance upgrade meets the extremely stringent Euro 5 emission requirements. Service intervals remain unchanged. Vehicles upgraded with Hirsch Performance upgrades remain covered by Saab Original Warranty.
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Hirsch Performance products are only available in certain markets. Check the Hirsch Performance website or Saab in your country for availability.
by Swade
October 27, 2010 in sponsors
Note: State of Nine is a sponsor of Saabs United.
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With Halloween coming along, Dan’s opted for a suitably themed ad for his brand new range of custom car covers.
They’re called Microbead and there’s a couple of very good features with these babies:
The cover itself is made from a silver colored, woven polyester fabric that keeps the weather off your car but still allows airflow, helping to keep the car dry and rust free if stored in adverse conditions.
The kit costs $259 and comes with all of the following:
Custom Microbead Saab Car Covers at State of Nine.
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by Swade
October 26, 2010 in Saabology
I’m not recovering that quickly so I’ll probably take a night off if that’s OK with you guys.
In the meantime, here’s a little assignment for some of you.
My first ride/drive in a Saab 9000 back in the early 1990′s convinced me pretty quickly that Saabs were a make of car that I’d like to explore pretty extensively. The interest was cemented when I started to find out a bit more about the company – its heritage, philosophy, etc. Saab was like few other makes that I’d encountered at that time that had such a rich backstory that you could really sink your teeth into.
It took a while, but what I learned back in the beginning stayed with me until I bought my first Saab, a 1972 Saab 99E, in the late 1990s.
I believe in the power of a good story and its ability to support a good company with a good product. Hence, I believe in the potential that telling that story represents, which is why I took on the task of establishing Trollhattan Saab and then Saabs United.
What I’d like to do is collect some supporting evidence that this exercise has been worthwhile in helping you, the readers of this site, in establishing a better connection to the company, the ownership community, etc.
The big question:
Has Saabs United helped you in your decision to become a Saab owner and if so, what was the result?
Obviously, I’ve never sold anyone a car, but maybe I’ve helped a few people to stay connected and feel more comfortable exploring their own purchase considerations a little further.
If Saabs United has helped you with a purchase decision, could I ask you to shoot me an email with a quick few lines as to when and why? It’d be even better if you could include a photo of your car.
I’m not looking for pats on the back here. Call it a brief testimonial, if you like. It’ll assist me in building up a CV for Saabs United that might be useful for talking about the effect of blogging in general, and the effectiveness of Saabs United in particular.
Your assistance would be appreciated.
All emails should be sent to swade99-at-gmail-dot-com (you can figure that out) and if you include “SUCV” in the title, that’d be a great help.
by Swade
October 26, 2010 in Uncategorized
A new video called Saab “Elements” was made public on Vimeo in the last few days.
It seems to be a showcase of the producer’s talents more than a real video showcasing Saab at all. There are no cars in it, for starters, though the ants and moose make an appearance and it does follow on from recent official advertising.
Yann Secouet – Saab ‘Elements’ from SeventySix on Vimeo.
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A few years ago, there was a fantastic Saab-themed video called Blackbird, which was a similar effort. It was visually fantastic and had a distinct focus on the Saab Aero-X, but it wasn’t an official Saab video. The producer, Joseph Kosinski, made it to showcase his talents in order to shop himself around for work.
I think it worked for him, and I hope it works for this guy as well.
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One more, also found on Vimeo…..
This one’s called Saab Brand Display and seems to include a mix of current and older themes.
SAAB Brand Display from Dave Corbett on Vimeo.
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