by Brendan
March 23, 2011 in News
Just a quick one, there’s a great not so new advert for the United States market has just been posted up on Facebook for people to comment on.
Here is the ad on YouTube or after the jump
by TimR
March 23, 2011 in Uncategorized
SAAB Sweden is right now focusing on child safety on its website. The main title Think Backwards – It’s safest that way is a clever way of promoting child seats faced backwards which have in most tests proven to be the safest way for a child to travel in a car.
How old is your child and how much does it weigh? These are the two questions you should ask yourself when choosing a child-seat. SAAB have three types of seats, 0+, 0-2, 2-3. SAAB recommends that a child rides in the car facing rearwards as long as possible, at least to the age of 4-5 years.
Personally I think this is a great thing for a car company to focus on and should be done a lot more as well. When reading through the drivers manual of my 9-5 I was surprised by how little I actually knew about these things even though I had walked through my local dealers shop far too many times =) I think SAAB should make a leaflet that covers all you need to know about child seats and deliver it with the car but also have it available at every dealer for anyone to take home…
by TimR
March 23, 2011 in Uncategorized
We have received a lot of e-mails regarding adding features to SaabsUnited and the most wanted feature is for you readers to be able to edit your comments.
There is an option in wordpress where we can force everyone who wants to comment to be registered and logged on to the website in order to comment. In this option the user can edit the comments but it sort of takes away the freedom of just posting a comment without having to go through a login process. So here is the problem, we can either have a comments function that works like it does today, or we can force everyone to be logged on and then the users can edit the comments. But we can not have both =( We are however working on a solution for that but its going to take a bit of time…
We are also working on a facebook “like” button as well as a hybrid function regarding the comments so that all comments posted on SaabsUnited is automatically shown on our facebook website as well. You can also comment directly via facebook and that comment is automatically sent to the right place on SaabsUnited.com. This sort of integrates Facebook and SaabsUnited adding more functionality without intruding on the way the SaabsUnited functions right now =)
If you guys have any other ideas of features you would want us to add to SaabsUnited please send us an e-mail and tell us about it! =)
by Brendan
March 23, 2011 in News
First up, GoAuto have a very comprehensive article about Swade and his Job at Saab. Swade’s comment on the article
“…this is pretty much the most complete article about what I did and how it got me a new job with Saab. GoAuto do the job better than any other motoring publication in Australia.”
So head over and have a good read
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/E94A6A2C2451C644CA257856001FC824
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Today marks New Salem Saab‘s 50th Birthday, below is from their website:
However, during the purchase the financial institutions of the day would not lend the money to my grandparents for a Saab franchise. Remember Saab was a foreign front wheel drive car with a three cylinder two stroke, which only arrived in the states in 1956. The banks along with everyone else didn’t know anything about this funny sounding little Swedish car hence there reluctance to assist in the purchase. Never the less our family pressed on and sold off many things to help raise the money needed including a chunk of the families savings which grandmother was “fit to be tied” over. They managed to scrap together what they needed and our franchise was awarded on March 23, 1961.
Congratulations, and all the best.
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Saab have come in at number 7 on Sweden’s 10 Greenest Brands.
http://www.swedishwire.com/business/9057-swedens-10-greenest-brands
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SNORAS, a Lithuanian bank, has released a news article about the addition of 7 Saab 9-5 Aeros to their fleet.
Bank SNORAS has innovated its vehicle fleet by seven new business class cars Saab 9-5 Aero 2.0 Turbo. Heads of Bank SNORAS will use the new model cars complying with the highest requirements of safety and environment protection.
Vladimir Antonov is the main shareholder of SNORAS, so it’s not a big surprise they’ve picked Saab.
http://www.snoras.com/en/about/news/archive?item=3065&metai=2011&page=1
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Peab are building new apartments south of Innovatum. For those unfamiliar with Trollhättan, Innovatum is the area which is home to the Saab Museum.
http://ttela.se/start/trollhattan/1.1159010-regissoren-till-forsaljning
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GM has sold of the rest its preferred shares in Ally Financial for US$1 billion. Ally Financial handles financing for GM, Chrysler, Saab, Thor Industries and Fiat Mexico. GM still holds a 9.9% interest in Ally Financial’s common stock.
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Finally, if you’re a Saab convertible owner in Sydney, Australia and you and your Saab are available on 2nd July 2011 please get in contact with me. My email address is brendan@burdon.id.au
Brendan
by RobinM
March 23, 2011 in Saabology
A weekly feature where we invite you the SU readers to tell us your stories.
A story about how you met your partner or lifelong friend– was it because of Saab? If you can think of anything that happened in your life because of Saab, we want to hear about it.
If you have a story you would like to tell, email it to the SU crew for publication. Send a few pictures along and we will publish it so the whole of SaabsUnited community can have a read.
This weeks story comes from Scott and came with the title “It Brought Us Together”
by Brendan
March 23, 2011 in News
Car and Driver have put together a list of 25 cars worth waiting for, and included in the list is the 2014 Saab 92. It great to see the motoring press getting excited for future Saabs.
There are also a couple of interesting comments, that I doubt the validity.
It’s not a long piece, feel free to pop over and have a look
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/11q1/2014_saab_92-feature
Brendan
by Jeff
March 23, 2011 in Editorial
Respected Swedish car magazine Vi Bilägare recently tested 5 very different cars in a head to head comparison to see what car best handles Swedish winter roads. Unsurprisingly to us (but surprising to them), the Saab 9-5 not only performed well in a variety of snowy, slushy, cold conditions, but was actually fun to drive while doing so. They were happy to report that their long term 9-5 test vehicle hasn’t had any issues since it first had an unfortunate software malfunction which left them stranded (and very unhappy) on the side of the road. Since then, Saab issued a fix and the problem hasn’t resurfaced. That they were able to give the car top billing after an early production glitch is a good sign of their character as auto journalists.
Anyone who drives this car comes away impressed, whether they try a 2.0T or Aero V6. When I recently spoke with my dealer’s owner, he said he had to turn in his 9-5 Aero demo because he got 2 speeding tickets in a matter of weeks. This is in snowy upstate New York, where we get on average 100″+ of snow. If you haven’t tested a 9-5 yet and you’re even remotely in the market for one, get to your dealer and try one out. I don’t need to sell you on it, the car sells itself. Full translation of the article after the break.
by Jeff
March 22, 2011 in News
It wasn’t so long ago we were notified that Nils-Johan Andersson was going to take the reins as Saab’s new CFO. Now news from di.se and hd.se that he’s decided not to leave his employer, Lindab. Instead he’s going to move to the position of Business Area Manager of Ventilation within the company. Lindab says he would like to stay near his home for personal reasons.
From the Lindab’s press release:
Nils-Johan Andersson, currently Lindab’s CFO, will replace Anders Thulin as Business Area manager Ventilation with immediate effect.
Nils-Johan Andersson has been with Lindab in the position as CFO since 1999. Nils-Johan Andersson recently announced his intention to leave Lindab to take up an external position at Saab Automobile in Trollhättan. For personal reasons he will now remain in the North-West Skåne region.
“I am delighted that Nils-Johan will remain with Lindab to use his talent and long experience within Lindab to develop the Ventilation Business Area as well as continuing as a key member of the Group management team,” says David Brodetsky, CEO of Lindab.
“Nils-Johans Andersson’s business sense, his existing knowledge of our business and the Lindab culture will be a great asset in accomplishing our growth plans for this Business area.”
Anders Thulin, the current Business Area Manager Ventilation, will leave the company forthwith.
“I wish Anders Thulin much success in the future and I thank him for his contribution to Lindab during what has seen the start of the recovery period for the business,” says David Brodetsky.
Per Nilsson, currently Group Controller, will step in as acting CFO until a permanent replacement for Nils-Johan Andersson has been appointed.
While I find the whole thing slightly weird, I understand how moving one’s entire family can be a huge task. Either way, I hope Mr. Andersson all the best with Lindab.
In the meantime, Saab has yet to issue a statement regarding who or when they might appoint their next CFO. Karl G Lindström is serving as interim CFO at Saab. I imagine they were surprised by this as much as everyone else.
by Jeff
March 22, 2011 in News
Saab has been very active behind the scenes testing various mules in Sweden. Tips have been coming in on articles in other publications showing these latest prototypes, used to test various components of the Phoenix platform. Keep in mind as usual the bodies of these cars are the current models, as these are mainly for testing elements under the hood for the next generation 9-3.
From worldcarfans.com, an interesting new mule that seems to only be testing front components of the new platform, the rear seems to be from the current 9-3. I have no idea what exactly they get out of testing it this way, but feel free to speculate.
Somethings Marco noted in his tip were:
- New front rims with different bolt system.
- The car was registered in 2009 as a diesel and is currently out of use (according to Swedish authorities).
- No visible exhaust pipes, so is this really a diesel?
- The pics are taken in Arjeplog, Sweden.
And in expressen.se (english translation), we see a mule using a convertible body. Some of the obvious changes are the wider track both front and rear and the exhaust pipes placed further towards the corners. Also, it’s wearing the same wheels as the sedan above.
UPDATE: more pics at caradvice.com.au
by Rune
March 22, 2011 in News
In Norway, cars are not like other cars. The newest 9-5 is hit by a plethora of various government taxes. As a result, you have to fork out roughly $200,000 US Dollars for the V6 Aero.
One of our readers, Håkon, observed that one of these babies have recently been sold. Sola is located in the west part of Norway. Someone who have struck oil recently? In any case, we wish to congratulate the new owner on his/her excellent choice. I would not hesitate a minute myself given the opportunity.
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Apologies to TedY for not posting his link earlier, but Vi Bilägare’s previous issue recently picked the best winter car there is. Check out the front page.
by TimR
March 22, 2011 in Saabology
Our good friends at SAABLOG-IN had a great link they received from one of their supporters showing the coolest SAAB Studio in the world, enjoy! =)
Here is the original link to the story - Click Here -
by RikardH
March 22, 2011 in Sotw
It’s time for this week’s SOTW, which comes from David in foggy San Francisco.
“Hello!
“Linnea” is my third Saab, and my first purchased new. She’s a 2000 Saab 9-3 “S” Coupé, 5-speed with leather package and heated seats with just over 82,000 miles, and has always been garaged or under covered parking. My plan is to keep this car operational and attractive for as long as possible. This Saab is perfect for my needs – sporty, stylish, practical, and unique.
Modifications are minimal and intended tasteful. They are:
- Saab Sport Exhaust
- 22mm rear anti-sway bar
- Eibach springs
- Bilstein HD shocks
- 16” Viking Aero wheels
- Black chrome front grille (a rare accessory)
- Carbon fiber dash
Reliability has been excellent, though service is expensive in San Francisco, even at a Saab independent garage. I live in the city, and have no space to perform maintenance myself, though I’m mechanically able.
Eventual plans are to upgrade stereo to “SE” spec, with door speakers and amplifier, and install silver painted mirror covers.
Previously I’ve owned a 1980 3-door 900 Turbo, and a 1977 5-door 99GL. Clearly, I’m a fan of the hatchback.
Photographs were taken at the Golden Gate Park horse stables, in San Francisco. Note the fog!
David
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Don’t forget to join us on www.facebook.com/SaabsUnited
RikardH
by RobinM
March 22, 2011 in News
As you know, Saab have been friends with the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi for many years now. Some may remember an Aero X being carved into ice. Well, this advert popped up on my Twitter feed the other day and I thought I’d like to share it with the rest of SU as I know we have some very good designers out there who might like to have a go.
by Brendan
March 22, 2011 in News
A journalist at Forbes wrote the following as an introduction
Sitting in a movie theater a few weeks ago sleepily waiting for the previews to begin, a sleek add jolted me to my senses. It was an advertisement for the latest cars built by Saab, supposedly the automobile brand that had vanished due to bankruptcy.
While many have doubted whether he was really unaware of Saab’s survival, the point is that the advert would of let the average punter know that Saab was still around. Saab in the USA are letting people know they are alive and kicking.
Meanwhile a look at an article in the Sydney Morning Herald written by Elizabeth Farrelly, a columnist, author and architect, on the 3rd March 2011 tells us that Saab have suspended sales in Australia. Farrelly is on the quest for a car that is “green” and has flair.
In the end, I decided a Saab, and only a Saab, had the right mix of intellect, Left Bank queerness and reliability. I do like a car that goes. It was also moderately green, in terms of road-load, with a good turning circle and an enjoyable acoustic, as evidenced not just by the satisfying thunk of its door-closure but also by the lovely flickety-sound its indicator makes.
But the clincher, re the Saab, was the room. It may be Saab’s airplane-making origins that led them to it, for the interior is as much cockpit as car (to the point where you expect push-button machine guns on the dash). But as a room, especially for the driver, immensely flattering. As a good room should, it makes you feel loved. And of course, I love it right back.
Only now, heartbreakingly, I’m back at square one, for Saab has temporarily suspended selling cars in Australia.
A trip out to my Saab independent mechanic always ends up in a chat about all things Saab. A trip out there just last week found us discussing the new offerings from Saab. The guys told me that many of their customers were asking about if Saab were still selling cars in Australia.
The Saab enthusiast would know that Saab is still alive down under. The average punter on the other hand, who recycles the motoring section in the weekend paper and never picks up a Motoring Magazine, thinks that Saab isn’t doing business down under.
Brendan
by Brendan
March 21, 2011 in News
There’s an interesting article/blog over at Forbes
The author, John Tamny, writes that the United States government feared that jobs would disappear if they allowed the auto-makers and banks in the United States to go into bankruptcy. So the United States government stepped in with bailout packages.
Tamny then goes on to look at Saab and how they dispelled the myth that bankruptcy means that the jobs will disappear. Saab went into the Swedish equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy and came out the other side at its “market clearing level”. He then goes on to outline bankruptcy as a positive, and companies come out of it with better management practices ready to succeed.
Saab’s story is a reminder that as opposed to something we should fear, bankruptcy often is what ensures the perpetuation of things we like. Saab survived bankruptcy and lived to tell the story, and it’s time we apply the lessons of Saab to other corporate entities living off of the money of others.
Feel free to pop over and read for yourselves.
http://blogs.forbes.com/johntamny/2011/03/20/bailouts-bankruptcy-and-the-revival-of-saab-automobile/
Brendan
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