Our Saab 9000 has, as predicted, been written off by our insurers.
Despite the inevitability of someone calling me a goose, I’m accepting this decision and have now started the search for a replacement. The criteria: inexpensive, preferably another 9000 due to cargo needs, decent condition and acceptable mileage.
This one seems to fit the bill. I drove it a few days ago and whilst the brakes feel a little spongy and the steering a little rubbery, the price and condition are right. It’ll be the first time in years I’ve owned a Saab with a cloth interior, though – which is not a bad thing, just different.
I’m getting it looked over early next week. Hopefully everything checks out OK. If not, it looks like I’ll have to swallow the extra $1,000 it costs to head off to the mainland to look for an Anni.
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According to Gasgoo, the Saab 9-4x could be the first of the new generation Saabs to hit the Chinese market next year….
Swedish carmaker Saab, now owned by Dutch auto maker Spyker, will start selling cars in China, Russia, Brazil and Mexico in the first half 2011. Its small luxury crossover, the new Saab 9-4X will probably be the first model to be put on the Chinese market, where SUVs are the most beloved, xcar.com reported Friday, citing Adrian Hallmark, Saab’s executive director of sales.
I’m a little dubious on this one, for a couple of reasons. First, there’s the Adrian Hallmark citation. Hallmark’s resignation was announced last month, though he doesn’t start at Jaguar until December and could still be tying up loose ends.
Also, how are they going to enter the Chinese market in the first half of 2011 when their supposed first vehicle, the Saab 9-4x, won’t going sale in countries outside North America until August?
Chinese Saab fans – I think you’ll get the 9-5 and 9-3 before the beloved crossover (which is how I think the 9-4x should be referred to from now on 
).
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Swedish Automotive commentator, Matt Carlson, thinks that a lot of the doom and gloom permeating Saab press reports is a tad premature.
It’s nice to see someone there looking at the bigger picture and acknowledging all that Saab has been up against this year. Carlson thinks Saab need to rebuild confidence over the next six months and a turnaround will need to be evident during Spring.
Fair call. I’d give them until summer, when the 9-5 combi should come.
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Speaking of Sweden, it’s cold in Trollhattan right now. Spare a thought for the little Trolls….
Thanks to Tim and Mioh
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