A mixed day so far…
May 2, 2011 in Uncategorized
I got a few e-mails from Mr Muller yesterday night and I can confirm that he is in Beijing for talks with other companies, thats it for now however =)
As reported yesterday by Tompa via Rune, some “djup-strupe” sources within and outside Saab are saying that a solution is more or less at hand and we should know about it very very soon, even that production might start this or early next week. The workers have been told to stay at home tomorrow as well but, there are hints that some good information might reach them by tomorrow morning.
On the bad side, several companies have been told to stop development work on the next generation 9-3 (project 540) which means that this car will probably not be available by 2013. However considering Saab’s position right now, they should maybe focus on getting back on their feet with the current fleet…
More bad news is that several suppliers have contacted the Swedish Enforcement Authority to get their money from Saab. Once a company is listed with the Enforcement Authority its very difficult to get credit in the near future from any bank.
74StingSaab said on May 2, 2011
Eh…. Good and bad, but it’s at least some news we can use. I am feeling good today for many reasons and I feel Saab will come out of this dark time…
Griffin UP everyone!
Ruben NL said on May 2, 2011
I don’t like the part on the suppliers.
The plant must restart production before it’s too late. I think there’s a challenge here for the Swedish government to push on the EIB to let VA in.
Audun said on May 2, 2011
There is also some info at Inside Saab: http://inside.saab.com/comment-on-events-from-april-30-may-1/
kaiger said on May 2, 2011
Don’t mind…but I think I hear this “very soon” every day from Saab and others since the first stop 4 weeks ago
Nevertheless keep my fingers crossed!
Frank Wulfers said on May 2, 2011
Do you mean model year 2013 that was going to be introduced next year? The 9-3 was introduced in 2002 so it will be 10 years old next year. Saab can not afford to delay the new 9-3.
TimR said on May 2, 2011
Well right now Saab can not afford to even build their current cars, so they need to prioritize a bit… the NG 9-3 will have to wait, I think that is pretty obvious now that we are talking about survival. The current 9-3 is still very good compared to a lot of other cars in its market and if they can upgrade it and also introduce a hybrid version with AAM for example it will last a couple of years more! It’s still Saab’s best selling car and shows no sign of decline due to age!
Audun said on May 2, 2011
+1
Börjesson said on May 2, 2011
I frankly don’t understand your relaxed attitude about this, Tim. This is the worst news I’ve heard since December 2009. As everybody knows, the 9-5SC, the 9-4X, the Griffin – the best they can do is to keep Saab alive and limping. The whole company is in suspended animation, just waiting for the new 9-3 that is the only thing that can save Saab. It is this new model that’s the reason for getting Saab through the crisis, the only real argument against those who want to shut the plant down now and put it out of its misery.
The new 9-3 can put Saab back on the automotive map – or blot it out altogether, should it fail. For it to be delayed is a disaster. It means that the technological head start is lost, which seriously reduces the chance of success, while at the same time prolonging the period where Saab has to scrape pennies together to try to keep the wheels turning. Any delay increases the risk of Saab dropping dead before the 9-3 is released.
Bravada from GMI said on May 2, 2011
I do hope this is Tim’s speculation that the 9-3 is delayed. I believe that, unless work has been stopped by some very major supplier much longer ago, it can get back on schedule within weeks. For what we know, development in Trollhattan itself goes along nicely, Vicura, eAAM et al. seem to be working online regardless of Saab woes, and the powerplant comes from BMW anyway. I think Fiat, who develops cars within 18 months now, and has intermittent cash problems and supplier issues of their own, has bumps like that as well, we simply don’t hear anybody speculating that much. The launch schedules for updated Chrysler models have been modified due to comparable issues as well, but we all know it all ended well, with Chrysler having an all-new/revised lineup despite going bankrupt.
SPG900NY said on May 2, 2011
I agree. In the US especially, this is dreadful news. Since the 9-5 is selling so dismally, and the 9-5SC with its 220hp motor is bound to sit on dealer lots in the US, the only thing that will keep Saab going through 2011 here is the 9-4X. The new 9-3 needs to come out ASAP. I hope the 9-5SC sells sufficiently in Europe to keep the company afloat, but the new €30 million loan isn’t going to keep Saab going for too long, particularly when creditors are already asking for their money back.
The new 9-3 almost has to be a priority above all else. It’s the only thing that can keep the company going at this point. A delayed 9-3 surely means the demise of the company. Sounds bleak, I know, but they need this car above all else.
Anders_Sweden said on May 2, 2011
I agree with Börjesson, this is really bad news (if correct). A new Saab 9-3 is essential for the survival of Saab. A ten-year-old 9-3, a low-selling new 9-5 and a 9-4X without a diesel option will never be able to save Saab.
SPG900NY said on May 2, 2011
If the 9-3 is delayed, the company’s only hope is that the 9-5SC will sell well in Europe and the 9-4X will sell well in the US. The trouble now is that people wonder about the future of the company. That’s the only thing that’s keeping me from biting on a “new” 2010 leftover 9-3X (available for $27K here in the US). That’s a lot of cash for me, as I usually buy CPO and let someone else take the depreciation. I need to be responsible with my family’s money (we’re a one-income family) and I can’t find myself two years down the road with no dealerships within a hundred or two hundred miles. The 9-4X is the first Saab in recent memory that’s been priced right and with the right engine choices for the US market. Saab freaks like us would love a diesel in that model, but in reality, the 9-4X is not meant for us specifically — it’s meant to get new people in the showrooms who are also looking at Acuras and GM (Acadia), etc. The 9-7X, although hated by many, was a good seller in the US. I think the 9-4X could keep dealers afloat here and it is far less badge-engineered than the Trollblazer was.
But if the new 9-3 is delayed another year, that’s going to be a serious, serious blow.
Jeff said on May 2, 2011
Tim is describing a worst case scenario here (and it is his own speculation based on what he’s hearing from reliable inside sources). That said, the best case scenario is still on the table as we’ve heard from Djup Strupes through email. Because of this supplier delay, many operations will need to be recalibrated. Saab has conistently overpromised and underdelivered this past year, the revised business plan allows them wiggle room to revise their projections for model releases. The real story will fall somewhere in between the two extremes. The 9-4x was said to be released in April, it’s now May and deliveries aren’t set until June. The 9-5 SC was promised by summer, it won’t be in customer hands until nearly the fall. The NG 9-3 is my next car. It will be shown to the public within the next year. I can wait the few extra months I need to get it, so long as they get it right the first time. I don’t want a half-baked car, do what you need to do Saab engineers, I trust your judgment.
montahue said on May 3, 2011
Is this just an opinion or based on real facts ??
montahue said on May 3, 2011
Tim, what are you saying here? We put our trust in that you keep calm when the heat is on. Have you heard from “djup strupe” that Saab will put the new hybrid drive into the current gen 9-3 and put the next gen 9-3 on hold for a couple of years? Also is not the next gen 9-3 heavily founded by the EIB “development of new technology” loan that has little to do with the rest of the saab-business?
montahue said on May 3, 2011
the EIB loan is a mystery to me so i guess im just ranting about it.
TimR said on May 3, 2011
Well, I’m not here to hold your hand, the reason I took over this website was to offer a clear view of the things that are going on. I’m not here to only talk good about Saab.
A lot of people believe that just because the car is launched at a date, it means that they will get the keys to that car at that date. This is not the case, it has never been the case at Saab. I know from working at Saab, what it takes to introduce a new car into the production and the way I see it right now is that Saab needs to focus on selling the cars they have right now! to earn money to survive.
They should not be talking about something that is 2-3 years into the future because that does not bring money into the company now. It rather decreases the sales of its current cars because people tend to wait for the future car without buying one now, when it is most needed!
Look at Volvo, they are not talking about their future projects 2-3 years into the future, neither does Apple or any successful company, why? They maintain a high rate of sales of their current products all the time until a new one is released. Also when they release it, the products are ready for production right away. This is not the case at Saab, they launched the 9-5 SC over 4 months ago and its still not ready for production… The first customers of the 9-5SC will get their cars 6-8 months after the launch??? This has been the case of almost every new Saab throughout history, no wonder they are having trouble selling their current cars, when people are waiting for the next one?
Saab needs money to survive right now,…
Saab needs to sell A LOT of cars right now, with the products they have, right now…
montahue said on May 3, 2011
Holding hands is all saabsunited is about. Holding hands and at the same time keeping it straight. Of course this is easy for me that don’t run no saabsite to say
Osama Dajani said on May 2, 2011
Hi there,
Although SAAB 9-3 is like the bread and butter of the firm, If I would like to buy SAAB, I wouldn’t consider buying the current model 2011 which I consider it as declining and approaching its end. I’m anxiously waiting for 9-3 NG (New Generation).
Why would I buy the current model, when I know that it would be replaced with a newer one in the near future !.
It seems that SAAB’s financial status is screwed up. It’s a loser !., That’s bad,
Best Wishes to SAAB,
dave said on May 2, 2011
You would buy the current 9-3 because it’s still a great car, with very good engines both diesel(just awesome) and gas, safe, best looking car in it’s class and because now it can seller at lower price ?
I now I would still buy one now
SPG900NY said on May 2, 2011
At $22-25K here in the states, it’s a steal compared to other cars in that price range. But the problem is, most people who don’t know Saab look at the MSRP and totally cross it off their list. The design is a decade old, and other makes out-feature it for the MSRP. You have to know that dealers are offering $10K off in order to make it competitive with other brands out there. And for how long can Saab continue to offer those kinds of discounts? I’m surprised the dealers can stay open.
Anders_Sweden said on May 2, 2011
But US car prices must generally be very low. The cheapest new Saab in Sweden, a Saab 9-3 Griffin Turbo4 163 hp manual, costs from SEK 243,900, which is $ 40,723. Sometimes a new 9-3 could be sold for SEK 229,900 ($ 38,385) or something like that, but never lower than that. And Swedish car prices are low compared to the rest of Europe.
In Norway the cheapest new Saab, a Saab 9-3 TTID4 130 hp manual, costs from NOK 329,900, which is $ 62,995!
Rune said on May 2, 2011
There will always be a newer model with some new and important feature you did not even realize you needed…
It is called playing the waiting game, and you can continue playing that game for ages.
…or you could simply decide for yourself exactly what features you need and which product delivers.
The 9-3′s engine was updated this year. It features a top-notch AWD system (as of 2008). I even like its interior, but I do not care for its entertainment center which is basically just a CD player. That is fortunately an easy problem to solve.
Jeff said on May 2, 2011
Yep, Rune’s right.
The other reason you’d buy a 9-3 now instead of waiting a year is because they’re probably a lot cheaper now when they’re at the bottom of their climb back to profitability and you’re going to get a lot more car for your money. So many people are waiting for the NG 9-3 that if you want to get your hands on one, plan on bringing a lot of cash to your dealer.
montahue said on May 4, 2011
What will sell current gen 9-3′s is the hot 180hp low taxed environmental diesel, at lest in areas where those rules apply. much like the old gen 9-5 ethanol engine sold lots of aged Saabs here in Sweden when ethanol was the fashionable thing. Also my opinion is that the current 9-3 looks better then most opponents how ever old its base design is. Especially the sport combi is one sleek pretty and “timeless” design i think.
dave said on May 2, 2011
In times I like these I like to recall an e-mail that mr. Eric Geers was kind enough to reply about 16 months ago. He said “We will succeed !”. Ever since then I try to remember it when things aren’t that well for SAAB, and that continues to be spirit.
We will succeed !
Jon said on May 2, 2011
Tim, when you say NG 9-3 will probably be available by 2013 do you mean as in the planned late 2012 MY2013 launch or the car will slip in 2014? Or mid to late 2013?
If Saab do survive this current crisis, which I’m sure they will, NG 9-3 has always been the make or break car for Saab. I know Saab need to get back on there feet but I feel delaying this car will just create another crisis later down the line.
Sorry if this appears negativr, its not intended that way, I have never felt negative towards Saab. I just hope a delay is not much longer that the planned lauch date.
TimR said on May 2, 2011
Well every car since 1980′s have been a make-or-break car for SAAB. I remember the launch of the 9000 series as well as the launch of the “new 900″, every car so far has had the headline “the car that will save saab”. Right now its all about survival… nothing else matters right now! We cant even speculate on when the NG 9-3 will arrive, but rather look at the current 9-3 which are in stores today, which is a VERY good car! The only thing I have heard is a launch of the NG 9-3 in october 2012, but after that its usually 12-18 months before people can get their hands on the keys to one. As far as I know right now, it has not entered any form of testing yet… Normally a car enters pre-production “frickeboa”, a facility at Saab where they learn how to build the car, about 12-14 months before it enters the production line… and the NG 9-3 is not there yet… (as far as I know)…
Ragund said on May 2, 2011
- you must mean snickeboa. Which is an reference to the famous Swedish author of books for children Astrid Lindgren and her books about Emil in Lönneberga who spent quite a lot of time in the farms carpentry shed where his father put him when he had been doing mischief.
TimR said on May 2, 2011
No, everyone who have worked at Saab knows about frickeboa… not snickeboa…
Rune said on May 2, 2011
Hmm… I think I have all the pieces to solve your little puzzle Tim.
Is there a friendly and very helpful man called Bengt involved at any point?
Jon said on May 2, 2011
Your right, every Saab since the 80′s has been the car to save and I believe had it not been for GM delaying 9-5 for so long and the economic meltdown, current 9-3 would have been that car. As good as current 9-3 is however, its 10 years old next September, and that is a long long time in todays market.
I just seem to remember reading here that Saab wanted to show NG 9-3 in September 2012 for pretty much imediate MY13 lanuch.
Saab UP!! I still believe.
mike saunders said on May 2, 2011
Oh, come on, Jon….You can’t stick this one on GM.
Saab had a history of overly long development cycles. The 900 was introduced in 1979 and was finally retired in 1994. Much of that tenure was spent as an independent company, or just partially owned by GM.
Saab has always been painfully slow to release new products and has historically been content to stick with something long after the rest of the world has moved on.
ivo 71 said on May 2, 2011
That’s as may be, Mike. But in 2007 there was a new 9-5 ready for presentation. Probably a bit different from the latest NG 9-5 but still. And it didn’t get presented, let alone launched, because GM decided it would be too much of a competitor for their ‘own’ models. Like Saab wasn’t a GM division as well…
So you can’t stick this one on Saab
.
Ivo
gunteman said on May 2, 2011
It makes sense to pause stuff right now. Doesn’t have to mean a massive delay once everything is back in business.
In other good news….
The word “tokhyllas” is a made up word, but sort of means “is praised like nothing else”…
gunteman said on May 2, 2011
OK, I messed up the link, but I think you get it.
Frank Wulfers said on May 2, 2011
No matter how good the current 9-3 is, customers and the press may see it different and it may go the same way as the 1st generation 9-5 which was 12 years old.
If the new 9-3 is delayed, I hope they can make an update to the interior and replace the GM radio and climate controls so it doesn’t look dated. Perhaps an interior close to the 9-5 and 9-4X would be a welcome change in addition to the refreshed exterior.
Hopefully, the new 9-3 is going to be back on track after the current fires in Trollhattan have been put out.
74StingSaab said on May 2, 2011
As much as id like to see a whole new 9-3 soon, the current outside of the 9-3 is still sexy as hell. Some interior upgrades, maybe some new colors….a new grille treatment can get a few more years out of the old girl.
Ruben NL said on May 2, 2011
At least someone is now shaking up some pillows: http://translate.google.nl/translate?hl=nl&sl=sv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ttela.se%2F
scmit02 said on May 2, 2011
I think they will be OK with the 9-3 a little longer, but I really see Saab needing to drop the MSRPs of all models. They are already discounting the 9-3 to the low or mid 20s in the US so just price the thing at $24,900 USD and get people in the showroom. The 9-5 needs to start below an Acura TL so my thinking is it needs to be around 32,500 to 34,500 (base). Automatics need to be no charge on all models.
If you can increase the volume of sales, you will gain investor confidence . Plus it sounds like the parts business is currently where the money is to be made for Saab, so more cars equals more parts!
SPG900NY said on May 2, 2011
“They are already discounting the 9-3 to the low or mid 20s in the US so just price the thing at $24,900 USD and get people in the showroom.”
+1000
Bravada from GMI said on May 2, 2011
If the 9-3 is delayed indeed, it looks VERY gloomy. The new 9-3 needs to come round post-haste, it was my assumption it’s 18 months away or less. Unless it can be launched within that period, Saab has very slim chances of surviving. I do hope this is wrong information – while some testing and development might be postponed by a month or two, delaying the launch would be terminal. I am very worried by that announcement.
I wouldn’t be too worried about Saab being reported to the Enforcement Agency, they’ve had the very worst credit rating anyway, I would have been surprised if any bank lent them money on commercial terms. I hope it doesn’t stand in the way of drawing from the EIB loan though.
Jeff said on May 2, 2011
Bravada, I’m with you 99.9% of the time, but I think that if the 9-4x and 9-5 can fill in the blanks for long enough, as long as they’re near the breakeven it will be okay. The delay won’t be huge either, just a delay.
Bravada from GMI said on May 2, 2011
They can’t. This is the 0.1% of the time I am right. But I hope Tim is wrong as well, and we’ll see an official dementi from Saab quickly.
Francisco said on May 2, 2011
Jeff,no way. The canno fill up any blanks. ¿Why you aks?
1. The 9-4x is a proyect from 2005 without diesel engine,sales are already dead in Europe,just take a look at the nissan murano.
2. The 9-5x is the flagship in size and “PRICE”,inside the Saab family they are several individuals that cannot buy a 9-5. My wife,my son,my brother is waiting for a segment C car from Saab for daily and short travelling. 9-3 is the real family flagship and top sales.
JH said on May 2, 2011
This alleged temporary development stop might be just a few weeks, until the most important acute things have been sorted out. But I’m with you that it is a problem if the 3rd generation 9-3 is delayed more that 1-2 months from what has originally been planned.
Jeff said on May 2, 2011
Beat you by a minute
The press release is up on the front page, make comments there.
JH said on May 2, 2011
Jeff, where did your article about the 9-4X first impressions go? I was reading it but then reloaded the page to see if there were any new comments – and got an HTTP 404 error.
bjornorn said on May 2, 2011
it might be this one from expressen
http://www.expressen.se/motor/1.2421629/bilen-som-kan-radda-hela-saab
“the car that can save SAAB”
“could be the best mid SUV on the planet”
Jeff said on May 2, 2011
I delayed it so that people could see the press release for the Chinese partnership with Hawtai. Just for you JH, I’ll put it back on the main page right now instead of in 3 hours
JH said on May 2, 2011
Thanks!
But please, please consider a change of the title to the post about the Hawtai partnership.
LarsG said on May 2, 2011
If Saab can make some updates as back radar, lane control, active speed pilot and some choose of instrument panel surface such as walnut or similar it will work another 4-5 years. Could the new 4-wheel system be implemented and the business plan is OK with max 120000 cars of all models it is a plus.
Francisco said on May 2, 2011
¿What the h..? I’ was waiting maximum 1 year to see my brand new 9-3!! This is the worst news I could imagine. ¿I mean, whas the situation so bad in Saab, that they most stop the development? How much money has been really spent in the 9-3….Some days ago Castriota told that he was giving the form to the wheels of the 9.3? I mean we are very close,not 2 years ago….
IM DISSAPOINTED
Dmain said on May 2, 2011
The biggest problem with the current 9-3 is the dash in general. Very out of date. I know because I have one (2009 9-3 Aeo XWD). I think the 9-3 could be extended by doing a proper interior overhaul. The exterior and drivetrain has some good life left. Dodge has done this with a bunch of thier cars, and it actually makes a huge difference. In the 300C they made a minor exterior update, but the interior looks great (its used to be a lot of hard plastic). A good comparison is the current 2011 Buick Regal (Opel Insignia). Very similar to the 9-3 in a lot of ways, but the interior looks much more modern and inviting. (To think that the 9-3 is really competing with A-4s, and 3 series is fooling no one). In a recent test drive, my 9-3 has much better handling, performance, etc, but it’s interior is at least a generation behind (except the seats are still fantastic).
079-3Prem said on May 2, 2011
OK, Now’s the time. I have been an avid visitor of this site for many years, and it has always helped to keep me calm during each ‘trying’ time. I kept quiet through the whole GM unloading process. I kept quiet when Spyker announced their plan for Saab. I even kept quiet these past few weeks during the shutdown, BUT now I want to share my .02:
Ah, where to begin. I suppose it’s best to just give you all a brain dump of where my head is. A bit random but all good I hope…..
Well, first let me say that I was really excited when Spyker stepped up and took over saab.Let us not all forget though – as has been said here before – saab was not a charity that VM felt sorry for. He is an incredibly smart businessman and he saw the potential to make lots of $$$. I think he’s right.
I am excited to hear the direction of the new 9-3. I have an 07 that I am anxious to replace if it ever gets here. I think it’s going in the absolute right direction. Saab never should have strayed from the hatch formula. Thanks GM.
Actually, let me say a few more words about GM. I know that many, many, many people have negative things to say about the big general, BUT I don’t. I don’t believe saab would be here today if it weren’t for GM. Saab has always used other platforms on which to base their vehicles. It was never a problem. What Saab does best in my opinion is take the scraps that are left and turn them into something amazing. My 9-3 is a good example. Yes, there are some areas of the interior that are below-average. But not many. Everytime I drive that car I think what a great job Saab did with what GM gave them. The reality is, they had the money (at the time) to keep it going. I have serious fears about Spyker after just one year. Yes, I know there are unforeseen costs but wow that $$ went way too fast.
The current lineup: mixed bag.
9-3: I had bigger hopes for the Griffen. The list I was hoping for was something like this: fix the bad plastics (door handles – or wrap them with hirsch – center console, window switches, rear-view mirror…that’s about it) textured dash (we got now woo hoo!), a more pronounced change to the front and back – especially the back. Bring back the old door handles, make the aero suspension standard, and price it correctly. If the Griffen was a 25K car and was loaded with nice features, Saab might not make much per car but I TRULY the volume would increase – and that is what needs to happen in my mind, and fast!!!!
9-5 sedan: Nice. Too big of a car to replace those current 9-5 owners. I know of 3 or 4 that are waiting for the next 9-3. 9-5 is too much $$ for what it is and the only model of interest to me and my friends is not available in the US: 2.0T awd 6-speed manual.
9-5 wagon: Nicer. Definitely more saabish – looks unlike anything else out there. very distinctive. Now delayed for the US. ugh
9-4X: Nice. I finally sat in this in NYC yesterday. Better than I expected. We have been looking at this CUV for 3 years now. It’s already starting to look old. rear legroom is also very tight. I think this will sell though as there are people that won’t even consider a sedan anymore.
Future: As much as I’d love to see a 9-1 or sonett I don’t see this happening anytime soon. BUT I think with the right 9-3 variants that we can still attract those types of buyers. Saab NEEDS a 3 door 9-3 again. So if we had 9-3 5 door and 3 door and convertible we’d be in good shape. I am not a fan of the current wagon and I don’t see the need for a 5 door and a wagon. Send those people over to the 9-5 since it will only be offered with 4 cylinder anyway!
Cash flow and the Chinese: Folks, I hate to say this but we are in a different age. The automobile industry is not the same as it was 20 years ago. If Saab is to survive it needs a steady flow of cash. Guess where there’s a steady flow of cash? China, of course. that is why Volvo is not in danger of surviving right now……
So all in all I am cautiosly optimistic. I think I was short-sighted in the beginning when VM took over. I was so excited to see someone so passionate about Saab and willing to bring the company to the next level. I was beyond words with all the excitement in geneva just 1 month ago – only to be crushed to pieces the very next week with a production shut-down.
I guess I’ll fade back into the shadows now and keep my fingers crossed. Sorry for the long-winded email but just needed to get all of this off my chest.
I feel better
thanks……
SPG900NY said on May 2, 2011
Please don’t fade into the background. These are all valid points. I know a lot of people despise GM too, but the fact is, Saab needed GM or it wouldn’t have survived back then. GM brought a global distribution network and quality control with it. Generally speaking, the quality of Saabs has just gone up continually under GM’s watch. I own two GM Saabs (2003 9-5 Aero Sedan and 2004 9-5 Arc Wagon). The 2003 has over 200K miles on it, and the 2004 is just hitting 130K. I never wonder if the cars are going to make it to their destination, even with the high miles. These are quality cars, and I thank GM for them.
That said, I think a lot of us are thinking what you’re thinking about where the money went, and what the future holds or does not hold. The 9-3 needs to start at around $26 max, not $30K. At the very least, there needs to be an “advertis-able” $23-24K car, like VW is doing with the pricing on the Jetta. That, at least, will get people in the showroom and then people will realize they can get a higher-equipped model at under the MSRP. But right now, there’s no showroom traffic.
Stick around. Saab needs to hear voices like yours, especially in the US.
Jeff said on May 2, 2011
I agree with every word you said. Feel free to chime in more often.
Alex said on May 2, 2011
I have a four month old 9-3 ttid sw and love it,its a great car and i am very happy with it. It does exactly what my family want, looks as up to date or better as any other car on the market and agree with Tim that it has lots of life left in it yet and sells well in the uk, they are everywhere over here. All the buyer.needs is the confidence that the company will.stay in business and they will be happy to keep on buying the current 9-3. Sadly we have had the new 9-5 here for while and they are not flying of.the shelf despite being ‘new generation’. A Saab will allways sell to a Saab fan
Alex L said on May 2, 2011
What is the source on the development of the 9-3 being paused? That would IMHO be a ridiculous decision because a new 9-3 is exactly what Saab needs. With today’s good news in mind though, I doubt that the 9-3 will be delayed.
TimR said on May 2, 2011
Nobody said the development has been paused!
Jeff said on May 2, 2011
He said some companies (meaning suppliers) have stopped their development, not all. Big difference in words. There’s so much left to be done that there are other things to work on without affecting development too much. Will it be ready to buy at your Saab dealership a year from August? Probably not. Does that mean you’ll have to wait long after that? Probably not, either.
Alex L said on May 2, 2011
Ok, that’s reassuring
I want a new 9-3 as soon as I finish med school!
zippy said on May 2, 2011
How on earth did I miss this?! Saab is back to where it was in January 2010. All that hard work over the last year has, I hate to say this, gone to waste.
I have to say this though. Why did VM take a huge chunk of money out of Saab as a ‘bonus’ knowing that the situation at Saab was so grave? This deal with Hawtai better be a good one……..
SAAB_Andee said on May 2, 2011
zippy : we didn´t exactly know why victor get´s the bonus – but he had a really hard work with the takeover and without that …. there would be no saab today. and for the whole situation this bonus is peanuts and i don´t want to judge from a computer wide away from trollhättan haven´t the full facts.
of course the situation after the stop is a disaster but we also can say thank you to the suppliers and the press which started this domino effect.
Artichoke said on May 3, 2011
It’s all awful. This business about the 9-3 sounds very much like MG-Rover and its desperately needed new 25/45 that never arrived.
Artichoke said on May 4, 2011
And to go with the weird parallel with MG Rover, I have just discovered that Hawtai’s B11 sedan uses the improved Rover K-series engine known as the Kavachi, supplied by SAIC.