SHAW SAAB closing down
January 26, 2012 in News
It is with great sadness that I’ve heard that a good friend is being forced to close down his business. Here is his letter…
It is with profound sadness that I announce we will be closing after 44 years in business as an exclusive Saab dealer. My father started the business June of 1968 as one of the founding Saab dealers of this quirky, but safe little brand. The bankruptcy of Saab Automobile AB (Sweden) has forced this hand. As hard as we all tried (and you have no idea), it was impossible to sustain this business any longer. We will be closing the doors next Friday, February 3rd at 6:00 PM.
Words cannot describe the array of emotions we are all experiencing right now. Everything from sadness and anger to pride and hope. Although I can sit here and play the ‘blame game’, or let you know how I really feel — I will limit my response to the conclusion that a deal to sell Saab to Youngman/Lotus was ultimately blocked by the decision makers at General Motors. In summary, GM from the outset made it quite clear that they would not approve a sale of Saab to any Chinese entity that allowed a transfer of shares amounting to 20% or more. In the final hours of negotiations, a proposal was presented to GM allowing Youngman/Lotus to focus and invest in new model development for the future without changing the ownership structure of Saab. That proposal was also blocked. At that moment, it became painfully clear that GM would withhold support for any such deal — and the race was lost.
Oddly enough and in retrospect, Ford found a way to get a similar deal done with Volvo. In my strongest opinion, this whole tragedy was all so very avoidable.
With this announcement, Saab Cars North America suspended the processing and payment of all warranty claims. GM has come forward and stated that they will honor the warranty on all 2009 and older vehicles. However, GM will only allow that work to be processed at a dual GM/Saab dealers (locally — Saab of Hyannis & Saab of Norwood).
There has been much work with Senator Brown’s staff and Senator Kerry’s staff regarding the Saab situation. The dealer associations in New England are attempting to rally our senators behind Senator Blumenthal of Connecticut, who has decided to grab and run with the ball on the Saab situation and the possible expansion of GM backing on such issues as customers’ warranties (2010 & 2011). There has been positive feedback from our Senators, as well as from those in Maine and New Hampshire. It is expected that Senator Blumenthal will have a letter for circulation amongst the Senators in an effort to prod GM to do more on model year coverages beyond 2009.
As far as Norwell, we have signed an agreement to sell the real estate to Herb Chambers. It is his intention to bring Lexus here. My son, Mike, presented Herb with a ‘Lexus of Norwell’ business plan. The plan encompasses a full Lexus franchise that includes Saab service and a Saab conquest program that converts Saab owners to Lexus. It is a plan that incorporates our dedicated staff giving the feel of a family business while maintaining the necessary financial strength of a premier automotive group. As a sidenote — Herb personally called me after reading Mike’s business plan and stated it gave him ‘goosebumps’. It was a thorough and very comprehensive plan. If this comes together, Mike would be named General Manager.
Timing, however, is a complicated matter. Herb’s architects and builders are working feverishly trying to complete a building design. They are uncertain as to whether the building needs a renovation, a major renovation, or a complete tear-down. This means that the building will be dark anywhere from 3-12 months.
In summary, it is our best intention to remain under this rooftop to service you, our dedicated customers. Discussions continue on this topic at this time.
In the meantime, please visit SaabUSA.com for a listing of local Saab dealers for your servicing needs.
I owe a debt of gratitude to my employees and to you, our customers. Our employees are who we are — they are the face of Shaw Saab. It has always been our philosophy to run an exclusive Saab dealership — one brand under one rooftop — and do it better than anyone else. My people did just that and I thank them for their dedication to the Saab brand, to Shaw Saab and for their painstaking efforts servicing you. I also thank you for your years of business and support.
To close this chapter, I want to share a story with you. My Uncle Ken (Kenneth G. Dalton) was editor of the Brockton Enterprise in the good ol’ days. His daily article (K.G.D. Says…) spoke of his many experiences in this wonderful New England area. He always ended the story with ‘~30~’. Upon his death in the early 80′s, my Aunt Freddie had the ‘~ 30 ~’ engraved on his headstone which finally begged the question as to the meaning. She explained that it meant ‘the end…for now’. Meaning there was another story, or another chapter coming tomorrow. That gave even greater meaning and pride to his marker.
The best way to close this out is simply to say:
~30~
Best personal regards,
Fred Shaw
74StingSaab said on January 26, 2012
I ordered quite a few things from your dealership online and I am sad to read this. I wish you the very best of luck.
Quijote said on January 26, 2012
Very sad news, best of luck in your future endeavors Fred Shaw & Shaw Saab staff.
GM – Go *&^% yourselves.
DanSaab said on January 26, 2012
GMs fault that jobs in the US are also at risk now thanks to the situation that Saab is forced to
Having my fingers crossed for a good outcome despite this
Baver said on January 26, 2012
This is very sad. As I posted before, all US SU members need to contact their US Representative and Senators and voice their concern/disgust over this situation. Email addresses and phone numbers are easy to find. I’m glad that a New England Senator is looking into the matter, but we need more….
Quijote said on January 26, 2012
you think they give three *&%$*? us political reps are as shady and corrupt as GM themselves.
Baver said on January 26, 2012
Many of them don’t, but we certainly aren’t getting anywhere with just convoys. Those that bitch (directly) the most, or have the most money, will get heard. Unfortunately, the latter is the preferred access method today.
Saab_Lurker said on January 26, 2012
U.S. Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121
JasonPowell said on January 26, 2012
No words…… You guys were a great part of this family.
BeSaab said on January 26, 2012
Fred, and all of my friends at Shaw Saab, I am beyond sad. You have been a trusted part of my automotive life since 1973, your dad, you and now your son. Kevin & Tom at the desk and your brother, Karl and all the trusted and brilliant technicians working their magic, it’s hard to believe I won’t breeze in and see them anymore. Your dealership was a quality shop and you have so much to be proud of.
Saab is part of my identity and I cannot imagine how hard all of this must be for you and yours.
We love our 2009 9-3 XWD Sport Combi, but I really wish I still had my last Imola Red flash or my beautiful, throaty Red 85 Turbo with the wonderful Scottish leather seats out in the driveway. Thanks for the fine service, the memories, the repair bills I lamented, I will miss you all very much. Betsey
Barry said on January 26, 2012
Here here …
Betsey, I will have to second that as well. Fred and I go back to late high school and especially early college. He was always driving that great looking 99 and supporting the local fire department. It was sad when he had to leave school abruptly to support his family at home. But I remembered that car
Fred and I caught up again a year after I graduated college, Before I knew it, I bought a base 900 from his dad. I was hooked instantly.
I have loved every car I’ve had since (all 8). My wife even had one for a few years before the rugrats arrived (all at once).
Yea there were quirks (I embraced them), and some issues, but the absolute professionalism and courtesy of the dealership was second to no one. Shaw Saab has been my exclusive dealership for 27 years. And I live over an hour away.
To the entire staff at Shaw Saab … Thank you.
Now I just gotta figure out a way to get Lexus to build more manual cars
Barry (xobrut)
Baver said on January 26, 2012
Many of them don’t, but we certainly aren’t getting anywhere with just convoys. Those that bitch (directly) the most, or have the most money, will get heard. Unfortunately, the latter is the preferred access method today.
Jelmer said on January 26, 2012
I Whish everybody at SHAW Saab all the best! Sad that it has to be this way. Somehow GM will pay for this….
BoomBoom said on January 26, 2012
Very sad. I hope that my dealer, Charles River can survive. We Saabers should vow to NEVER buy a GM product. NEVER.
David-SAAB said on January 26, 2012
I’m also on a mission to convince all my family and friends to do the same. So far so good, GM IS A BAD WORD AROUND HERE.
Bob Conolty said on January 26, 2012
Already done! I have posted several times on the gm facebook wall, that there will be absolutely NO gm products owned by me ever.
CJ said on January 26, 2012
Fred
You guys did a great job and you should be proud. You are a hero in my book.
I’m sad by this and agree it was avoidable. Very avoidable.
Best of luck – I know you will find success and and have earned a bit of stability.
David-SAAB said on January 26, 2012
Good luck to you and your team for the future.
David-SAAB said on January 26, 2012
Huge shame that Toyota, I mean Lexus (same thing), will now occupy such sacred ground.
terry9000k said on January 26, 2012
Good wishes to you in your future Fred, & your staff…,,
Sadly probably not the last of this situation.
Shame & curses on you GM, you should bow your Heads in complete Shame….
emmany3 said on January 26, 2012
Truly sad news! When my local New York dealer closed, Lighthouse Motors, I was crushed. They kept my Saab going and knew my car backwards and forwards! I’m in North Texas now and the dealers are all gone here too.
I hope that your plan B keeps everyone afloat! Your team will always be part of the Saab family!
ryanonsrc said on January 26, 2012
I am very sad to hear this … I’ve made multiple purchases from you guys, and have been a very satisfied customer.
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
dcpattie said on January 26, 2012
The individual dealership bankruptcies is the number one issue as I see it. If 50% of the Saab dealership network cannot survive the next 2 months then its pretty much an irreversible death (at least for the U.S. market).
Hopefully there will be a solution within the next two weeks and my local Saab dealer (International Saab of Falls Church, VA) can hold on.
100%Saab said on January 26, 2012
I guess this means the end of Saab Parts USA, too?
William Shum said on January 26, 2012
I am having the same question as well
JasonPowell said on January 26, 2012
careful with this one, Shaw Saab had a site called saabpartsusa.com. That has nothing to do with parts starting to flow in the US from what I understand. Parts are starting to arrive at dealers across the USA and this will not change that. A tad bit confusing because the name of their parts site sounds like it’s part of Saab Parts.
100%Saab said on January 26, 2012
Yes, I have ordered parts from them before.
E said on January 26, 2012
@JasonPowell Their site is actually saabusaparts.com and they are no longer taking parts orders. I tried yesterday to order some stuff.
That said, other dealers who remain are starting to see the parts flow in. Our “local” dealer saw a 2011 Saab 9-5 windshield arrived last week after nearly 5 (I think he said 5–it was long time) months on order.
JasonPowell said on January 26, 2012
Sorry if I got the website wrong, but yes, US dealers are starting to see parts arrive. I have spoke to many dealers and most have received orders. Hopefully us in Canada won’t be far behind. My point more so was that Shaw closing will not hinder the availability of parts.
William Shum said on January 26, 2012
What a sad news, best of luck to Fred Shaw & Shaw Saab staff.
I hate GM!
Aero1 said on January 26, 2012
Class Action against GM is exactly what’s needed!
Baver said on January 26, 2012
Instead of giving the lawyers all of the cash and us left with $200 off our next friggin’ Buick, I say we make a case as a group, then file them individually in small claims courts across the nation.
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
Now now, it’s 250.00 off a Sonic. For a Buick, you might get $500.00 off if you’re a good little sheep.
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
Frankly, dealers’ efforts would be better spent talking to conservative politicians to represent them. It’s nice to hear that John Kerry showed interest—-but realistically, most Democrats will be timid about confronting General Motors because the White House propped them up a couple years ago—and is clearly protectionist when it comes to GM. This was very sad to read. What a great group of people for the Saab customers in that area to have selling and working on their cars.
100%Saab said on January 26, 2012
Yes, the President was very positive, praising GM and “American” jobs both.
74StingSaab said on January 26, 2012
eh.
meccano said on January 26, 2012
Partisan nonsense and nice attempt to rewrite history.
Despite being turned down for a government loan from the Senate Banking Committee and House of Representatives Financial Services Committee previously, in December 2008 GM received $9 billion in federal aid at the order of President George W. Bush. In 2009, GM then went to the President again, by then Barack Obama, who turned them down further financial aid and instead told GM they needed a better business plan and should file for bankruptcy. The Obama administration also demanded GM CEO Rick Wagner resign. During the bankruptcy, the US government purchased the viable assets of GM creating the company that exists now. Should they have financed GM’s bankruptcy? You decide, but know that of bailing out GM was started by George W. Bush, with no strings attached I might add, before Barack Obama was president.
100%Saab said on January 26, 2012
Yes and last night the President in his State of the Union speech specifically praised GM.
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
Sources? Or did you dream it? And Mecanno, THIS President gave a giant chunk of the car maker to the United Auto Workers. Why do you suppose that was? Couldn’t possibly have anything to do with repaying campaign support, could it?
meccano said on January 26, 2012
What are YOUR sources? You can look at any news source in the world and find something as common knowledge as President George W. Bush authorizing the initial bailout, excuse me, handouts to GM. Were you not alive and breathing at the time? The union became a share holder of the new entity because GM was not able to fund the health and retiree benefits fund which they were obligated by law to pay and needed to pay as part of their bankruptcy proposal. They owned them money they couldn’t pay. Big conspiracy theory there.
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
You’re doing a wonderful job of making my point—-if the administration would have stayed the hell out of it, GM would have gone through bankruptcy like any other corporation—and could shed the piggish legacy benefits they’re obligated to—and started over, leaner. In addition, assets like Saab could have been sold off and at this point, GM wouldn’t be lording it over us. Instead, the bailout preserved the status quo—-a failed business model—-at OUR expense. But of course, the politicians who facilitated it in 2009 will get fat campaign contributions now. Get a clue how things work.
meccano said on January 26, 2012
How did GM not go through bankruptcy? How was Saab not sold off? It wasn’t? They didn’t try to sell Saturn too? They tried to sell that to Penske, but Penske back out at the last minute because of Nissan wouldn’t let them import Renault Samsung cars from Korea which was their business plan to continue Saturn. Nissan killed Saturn. Go figure.
You start off with this wide sweeping accusations that simply aren’t true and then change your argument. The Republican President George W. Bush, without consultation of approval from any branch of the government, started the bailout of GM in 2008. Sorry, dems dare are the facts. Sorry that doesn’t fit into your political diatribe that somehow blames the democratic party for saving GM and thereby killing Saab Automobile AB.
Retiree benefits? You think that obligation just *POOF* disappears? GM took the money from their employees paychecks to put into a retirement account that they were supposed to have matched. If they didn’t want to do that, then they shouldn’t have agreed to it in the first place. Further, had GM failed to protect the retiree accounts the US taxpayer would get stuck with the bill through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation which had no where near the money to cover GM’s liability and so would have to go to the treasury anyway. HELLO! There would be NO WAY for the treasury to recover the money needed to cover the PBGC had GM died and the taxpayer would have been stuck with the entire bill. In the deal worked out, the liability remained where it belong, with GM. Since GM couldn’t finance their own restructuring the treasury acted as the bank of record and in the process became the stock holder allowing the treasury to recoup the funds once the new entity went public. Unlike the Bush administration who just handed them money. Now you can say that GM shouldn’t have been saved, fine, but you can’t blame (or give credit to) one political party or one person because facts and history stand in the way of that argument.
You can beat your chest and say these people are good and those people are bad, but reality, history and facts don’t equate to that in real life.
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
I’m not beating my chest. I’ll cite sources, because you tend to lecture without disclosing where you’re getting the information. Here is a good article that discusses Bush’s and Obama’s participation in the bailout.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/obama-fact-check-bush-responsible-for-bailouts-and-gm-is-number-one/
And by the way—-I never said Bush was right for using Wall Street bailout funds for the automakers. Contrary to what you wrote, he did have Congress vote to approve this. The billions upon billions of dollars gifted to GM—-sorry, I meant “loaned” to GM, gave them the opportunity to avoid the hardships of Chapter 11 without the government moneybags floating GM. The UAW would have had to BUY IN, not been handed a large share of the corporation. They would have had to make concessions—-those contracts are one of the reasons GM went south in the first place. And before you accuse me of being anti-union, I respect the rank and file of the UAW. Good people. Good familes. The leadership is corrupt. And frankly, the corporation unwound because they simply couldn’t afford what they were pressed into—-platinum plated health plans, fat pensions—-and yes, the executives pork and bonuses—-worse than the UAW, with golden parachutes and all. Terrible leadership, dummies. They gave the public cars that people didn’t buy—-they laughed at them. It has continued—-from Aztec to Volt.
Nobleman said on January 27, 2012
Let’s face it you yanks had to nationalise one of your leading brands What next a national health service? You just can’t face the facts that in a free market GM would have gone as would most of the banks. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing but america went all socialist for short time. Ironic don’t you agree?
“If GM were the last manufacturer of cars on the earth; I’d walk”
Angelo V. said on January 27, 2012
Nobleman: Yes, unless we get some sanity, socialist healthcare IS coming! Interesting thing, isn’t it? We’re becoming socialist and China is eating our lunch (and owning us) by dabbling in capitalism.
meccano said on January 27, 2012
Really? That’s a good article? You have the entire internet at your finger tips and you put up some link to some partisan blog that no one has ever heard of with a Glen Beck ad on the top selling gold through that Goldline scam. I’m going to get all my information from some partisan internet rag like The Blaze for my understanding of history so I can go online and continue to spout and reiterate those same slanted observations that make no attempt to understand or analyze history but boldly point at one group of people and say it is all their fault. No, you never said Bush was right, you just wanted to pretend that his bailout of GM never happened so you could demonize the entire Democratic party (even those like Senator Kerry) because Democrats as so timid about confronting GM and clearly protectionist. But…when George W. Bush hands GM money its all good…no protectionism there. When the next President says no to GM next time they come around and tells them no more handouts and that they need a new business plan, need to get rid of their current ceo and need to file for bankruptcy…the democrats are the protectionists and scared to death and timid of GM. Your myopic insular views of the world are frankly appalling. The Blaze. Seriously, I’m still laughing at the site and it merely reinforces that you can only find fault in any situation by creating an enemy out of “those” people that you have demonized with your inaccurate board brush and lack of or omission of historical facts.
Sorry Nobleman that us Yanks disappoint, but there is no such thing a free market in the United States or anywhere else in the world. Welcome to reality. The United States never went all anything; not even for a short time I’m afraid. Like the rest of the world we are a mixture of many ideologies, practices and belief systems. Just like you and the country you live in, we have never been, and will never be, all one thing or another.
SaabMan said on January 26, 2012
Fred Shaw’s letter mentioned both a Democratic (Kerry) and a Republican (Brown) senator, specifically his own senators from Massachusetts, and the senators of most of his customers. It should come as no surprise that the leadership on this issue would come from East-coast Democrats since the largest concentration of Saab dealerships (and drivers) is in the Northeast. But I don’t think that politics and loyalties related to the government’s bailout of GM will come into play, except to the extent that they, like us, must be appalled at GM’s actions, much like those who reluctantly supported the banking bailouts have been appalled at how banks haven’t extended the same generosity and support to consumers (through allowing lower risk loans, etc) that the US government showed them.
Tilley said on January 26, 2012
My heart sank with every sentence I read of the letter.
A ~30~ back to you all. Until the next time….
Keith said on January 26, 2012
The delusional comments about GM are embarrassing. Saab’s memory deserves better.
davidgmills said on January 26, 2012
God I hate to sound like a GM apologist, but I have to agree. GM warned everyone that they could not accept more than a 20 % Chinese interest. Who knows what GM’s deals are with its Chinese partners? It would seem to me that any deal with Youngman would be a slap in the face to their present Chinese partners. I am sure these partners would feel slighted.
What I don’t get is why VM wouldn’t work with Mahindra who seems not to create near the conflicts as Youngman did.
I hope Shaw enjoys his new Lexus dealership. If Mahindra does get approval, Shaw may regret the decision to go Lexus, although it is hard to argue financially with a Lexus deal.
Rune said on January 26, 2012
@davidgmills, @Keith
“GM warned everyone that they could not accept more than a 20 % Chinese interest.”
This is true. Victor warned the Chinese of this prior to the 100% deal that Lofalk pushed for.
But they did not warn anyone that they would also pull the licenses in case Saab borrowed money from a Chinese entity (or possibly anyone — we just don’t know, but GM’s latest statement that they won’t license tech to _anyone_ is perhaps an indication).
I strongly suspect this was in breach of all agreements that existed between GM and Saab, but Saab was in no way in any shape to take this to court.
davidgmills said on January 26, 2012
A lot of the GM bashing seems like American bashing to me. And Ford’s situation simply was not comparable for a whole host of reasons.
Dreadnought said on January 26, 2012
I was a former GM loyalist, my taxes bailed out this company and I got the shaft.
Since when is it a mark of a “good American” to stick up for GM. That is hilarious nonsense. You GM apologists crack me up-now you are questioning people’s patriotism? Unbelievable.
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
David: Don’t question my patriotism. I’m an American. I’m bashing General Motors, not my country. I would also like to bash (with facts and figures as well as bona fide sources) the administration in Washington who shoveled billions of dollars in hard earned taxpayer funds to these demons at GM—-but I want to respect the people who run this site, who don’t want this to be overly political. So I’ll leave it there. But for GM, their “reservation about a deal” has gradually evolved into including just about any deal with any partner to keep Saab in business. It’s now a matter of “protecting shareholders” by not allowing a deal that will result in Saabs being sold anywhere GMs are sold. It’s disgusting. As a taxpayer, I’m outraged. When I hear their spokeslackey James Cain make more absurd statements, it makes my blood boil Thousands of jobs, yes in Sweden and yes in the U.S. are being eliminated by the actions of the cowards at GM. What a fool I’ve been—-I’ve owned 9 of their products over the years and I’m done with them now—-and will encourage everyone I know, as well as thousands who I’ve never met to boycott these misfits and spread the word to others to do the same. They deserve to fail—-because they did fail. It was only through the incompetents in DC that they are even still in business in their current form. Ford was jobbed—-they should have been able to bid on GM assets. The free market was spit on. And now the arrogant SOBs are going to try to see to it that Saab is crushed. I urge Saab lovers and also lovers of fairness to go to GM’s Facebook pages and comment.
Peter Gilbert said on January 26, 2012
Angelo, this is political did you hear the China bashing in the State of The Onion Speech last night?
I was so incensed 2 weeks ago that I went to see my Congressman. We taxpayers deserve to be reimbursed for some of that bailout money. At least the 2 of us really know what’s going on. Shenanigans!
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
It’s the height of hypocricy, the things that are going on with the auto bailout. Simply unbelieveable. But Peter, there are a lot more than 2 of us who know what’s going on. We just feel powerless to do anything about it. We know that General Electric has an “in” with the administration too—-not paying taxes and buddying up with the White House. Watch—-GE will end up buying a big fleet of Volts (with fat write-offs and more preferencial treatment from DC). Ditto for some of the other supporters—-maybe a few green energy concerns similar to Solyndra. Peter—-these hollow businesses will get hundreds of millions of dollars from the government for renewable and green energy (even though they have no real business plan). Then they will dutifully use the money to support the rest of the clique (like GE and GM) who in turn make huge political contributions to the people “spreading the wealth around.” It’s twisted and sick. What does it have to do with Saab? Everything. GM shouldn’t even be in business at this point. Saab would have been purchased as a GM asset a couple years ago, and at this point GM wouldn’t have the control they have now to squash Saab—-clearly what they are doing.
Simply9-5 said on January 26, 2012
Delusional? Surely you can’t be serious. I come from a GM family and I’m embarrassed to say that I am..
Peter Doyle said on January 26, 2012
Pretty much GM got what they want. They were able to shut down the brand, close down dealers as part of there wind down proceedure and they gat cash from Victor.
Now with the bail out with your tax dollars, the company is thriving and they are still taking american jobs by shifting manufactoring of the volt to China.
I think the power of the internet should be use to stop the american public from buying GM products.
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
Thank you Peter, thank you.
dave lewis said on January 26, 2012
You don’t even have to click the link. Just read the link.
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/china-to-gm-give-us-chevy-volt-secrets-or-itll-cost-19-000-mo/
What would YOU do?
1. Build in the USA and have an extra $19K tacked on the prices? Do that and there is not point because you won’t be selling any Volts in China.
2. Don’t make cars for the Chinese market in the USA? Same end result (but you save money).
3. Build them in China for the Chinese market and make a profit?
Unfortunately these are the choices.
Of course GM + the USA can go to the WTO and fight it. By the time there’s a resolution the Volt would be obsolete. In the meantime, GM wouldn’t be selling any Volts in China.
China is the same country that many here want to push GM around to teach GM a lesson. In this case those people should be thrilled at what is happening.
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
Do we really expect the Volt to sell well in China? They can’t seem to sell them in the U.S. (less than 8000 sold, with a ridiculous boost from the government). It’s not a desireable car. How important is it to invest to build it and sell it in China?
JP said on January 26, 2012
A very eloquent, raw letter, and very sad news. Best wishes to all at Shaw for a bright future.
aZuL2001 said on January 26, 2012
Thanks Fred for this touching story.
Not much i can add to ease the bloody pain.
Good luck with your future.
Longtime SAAB said on January 26, 2012
Thank you for your personal insight, wish you the best of success in your future.
bender said on January 26, 2012
Very hard to hear of this. I dealt with Roy Sances for parts, and it’s been phenomenal. I had plans to come visit you guys to thank you personally for all. I’m sad to know that won’t be happening.
Best of luck to you all. Stay in touch.
Vagabond said on January 26, 2012
All the best to the owner and all the staff at Shaw.
Richard said on January 26, 2012
I had purchased an ignition cassette from Shaw Saab last year and have nothing but great praise for the staff and service for their online parts sales. Shaw Saab will be missed for their service, but obviously even more so for their dedication and support of Saab over nearly five decades.
Shaw Saab is the kind of business that politicians pay lip service to about it being the heart of America or “Main Street” America, and yet here we see a respected pillar of the community closing it’s doors. Something must change to halt this fundamental loss of core business. It is ultimately the consumer who must be the change by giving their dollars to businesses who support their community, and withhold their dollars from those businesses that prioritize enrichment of shareholders over community growth and support.
MichelD said on January 26, 2012
No chance with the politicians. I post a comment few days ago about the story of the GM EV-1 and the US Gov. A complete lost of time and energy.
SaabMan said on January 26, 2012
A few years ago I decided to trade in an old but serviceable car and fulfill my long-time dream of owning a Saab. I actually drive past a Saab dealer every day on my way to work, but ended up purchasing a used 9-3 from the less convenient but more famous Charles River Saab. It was a good car-buying experience all in all (though not without its stresses and a bit of pressure) and I ended up with a great car. However, I found CRS a little crazy to get to, so I took my car to Shaw Saab in Norwell for servicing. It is further away but a less crazy drive. I was so impressed by their service department that when I started considering an upgrade to a newer model I went in on a whim and was met by Mike Shaw and Mark Atherton. Mike took me for a test drive on a beautiful 2011 9-3 Aero and Mark very fairly evaluated my then current car–with no visits to a secret room. I hesitated and had the car I was looking at sold out from under me, but then I tried a 9-3 xwd and liked it better than the Aero. I was introduced to Fred Shaw and had a great conversation with him about Saab and its future, which at the time was more hopeful. I loved the car so much that I bought it. Fred walked me through the financing papers himself while Mike had the car inspected and prepared. It was by far the best car-buying experience I could have asked for. There was no pressure, no salesmen tactics, just honest conversation. I have been so sad ever since I got Fred’s email this morning announcing Shaw Saab’s closure. I had hoped they could make a go of it with the internet business, selling used vehicles, and offering outstanding service. But it is not to be. There are currently 10 or 11 Saab dealers in Massachusetts, so there will be plenty of places to find service here. But what will be lost by Shaw Saab’s closure is the personal attention that is only possible in an independent, specialized business like theirs. It is the exact kind of place one would want to give his or her business and promote, but unfortunately it is also the most vulnerable without a larger dealer network or brand sharing like all the rest around here. Shaw Saab is a class act. The Saab world will be greatly diminished without them. But I for one am glad to have had the experiences I did. I trust that my 9-3 will lasts very long time. Its front plate frame will always advertise what has been the finest in the business.
till72 said on January 26, 2012
sad.
Chris Hansel said on January 26, 2012
Being from the east, I’m sad to see the stand- alone Saab dealers disappear, my favorite has been gone for some time, Sports and Specialists of Princeton. But what are we left with in the rest of the country? The multi-GM/Saab dealer. Now, I understand everyone here wants to burn these people down, but remember they will the only remaining Saab dealers left in the country. When and if, a buyer is found, remember the buyer will want these north American dealerships. So do as I do, support them, and the Canadian’s like Jason in western Canada. The eastern network will have to be rebuild. And it will. If a good buyer is found, all can still be made right. Have faith, the brand is highly desired, thanks to the efforts of a lot of folks, mostly people from here. Griffen up y’all
Alberto said on January 26, 2012
GM plays tough the business game. They could have done it differently with saab from the beginning. Well, as a customer I am a ‘car market player’, and I’ll play consequently. I will spread the word around here in Italy on how GM let down saab and its customers, and how I would be afraid to be let down by buying a car of theirs. So I won’t buy GM and advise as many people as possible not to.
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
It’s what we all have to do—-everyone who is disappointed about what is happening at Saab must do the same thing you are doing, and spread the word.
Alberto said on January 26, 2012
Some thinking for our GM guys. The message that saab customers will pass is: I bought saab as a GM brand, and they let us down to the point to kill the brand in a nasty way; why now buy again a GM…you’ll do it again, maybe killing a brand again, or killing the sales of a brand in a country or killing a model of a brand. You did it once, you’ll do it again.
Then some simple maths for our GM guys: it’s facebook time you’re leaving in, so what if I post the message with my 100 friends who in average have 100 friends…?
Then some final thoughts for our GM guys: hey, we are saab customers, we use our brain and think, as well as we are passionate about our cars!
Angelo V. said on January 26, 2012
Alberto: You’ll find me on GM’s Facebook pages. I encourage everyone to go there and tell them what we think. Talk positive about our Saabs. Let them know how we feel about what they are doing.
Alberto said on January 26, 2012
Just wanted to add: I wrote before in a post that GM killed saab, but I still wait for the Phoenix to rise from the ashes…somebody wrote that the fat lady sung, but there is a young chinese lady and two tenors (turkish, indian)asking to sing: let’s hope the music changes.
dezzer said on January 26, 2012
very sad news…good luck for the future…..on a side note….WE REALLY DO NEED SOME GOOD NEWS VERY VERY SOON or this type of news will be a daily event
M.A. said on January 26, 2012
Very sad news from the other side of the Atlantic. Hoping for better times, soon.
Steve said on January 26, 2012
Not gonna lie, I teared up.
henli1970 said on January 26, 2012
This is very sad to read that dealers are closing down, but I do understand that it has to be done. Still I hope for a solution where Saab can raise up again as the Phoenix bird. Still I am considering to see if I can find one 9-3X stock vehicle with XWD and automatic gearbox to replace (which I initially thought) my wifes 9-5 SC which she and my self just loves here in Sweden. (when we have been thinking a little bit more the idea actually came up to keep that car as well eventhough we will have 3 cars in that case and the kids are too small to drive. The trade in price for it will most likely be loosy, eventhough it is very low milaege. 55000 km/ 88000 miles in seven years and service according to the books every year including intermidiate oil drains. But most importantly we love the car and it would be fun to keep.)
StateofNine said on January 26, 2012
Fred & Shaw Team,
I am very sad to hear this news. You have been a great resource and spirit for the brand. I hope you and your family land on your feet and continue to build on your automotive history. It sounds like you are starting with a great plan. Keep in touch.
Best regards,
Dan
100%Saab said on January 27, 2012
I’ve bought from Saab Parts USA, but I’ve also bought from StateofNine and will continue to buy from you. Thank you.
saim said on January 26, 2012
It´s sad that a Saab-partner of this age and wonderful connections to all of his Saab-clients has to close down.
I feel with you, and I think to say and to mean -30- is a good thing to do.
The best to you!
Martin
Darryl said on January 26, 2012
Fred,
I passed some emotion reading this entry this morning. Unfortunately for me it reviewed our (New Salem Saab) recent closing in the not so distant past. It is a serious disappointment and of the utmost troubling to me as it has been going through our own ordeal. I so wish the future of your son and yourself to be peaceful, prosperous and stable. I am sadden again by the monumental loss of the Saab brand, my fellow dealers and friends. Stay in touch.
On a different but similar note, some other good friends and yet another exclusive Saab dealer, [B]Sports Car Centre in Syracuse NY[/B] is also closing their doors forever tomorrow January 27. Again, it is extremely painful to see the demise of the brand and furthermore to total destruction of the dealership base as the pride of these Saab dealers is some of the greatest that ever existed. I truly understand your range of emotions during this time. May peace find you and hold you tight.
R.I.P Shaw Saab & Sports Car Centre.
saabaudi said on January 26, 2012
In 2099 our German dealer had to close though he had added the brand Alfa-Romeo as a second basis for his business some years ago. This shut was the reason why we finished our Saab career with great sadness. 29 years we had been living with this brand as owners of 8 Saab. Now we are driving a Mercedes C automatic estate, a very good car. But the Saab-Virus has not yet disappeared.
GerritN said on January 26, 2012
Crap, sorry, that’s just how I feel when I see all those really committed dealers going down the drain.
Although I’ve never defended GM’s defensive tactics I did understand what they were doing. BUT, what really pisses me off is that GM doesn’t have the basic decency to let the independent Saab dealers honor the GM backed warranties. This is a direct action to put this competition out of business. I wonder if those dealers would be able to defend their case in court? Any lawyers out there?
saabdealer said on January 26, 2012
An independent Saab dealer can perform warranty but they cannot process warranty directly to GM. They have to have a partner Saab / GM dealer facilitate the processing and reimburse the independent.
This does make sense as the process of submitting warranty is done via GM’s specific software that Saab dealers no longer have access to.
fanofsaab said on January 26, 2012
Just want to reiterate independent Saab dealers can perform warranty work and processing is up to them. In the meantime, boycott General Malfeasance
mark said on January 26, 2012
What is left out of the commentary, is that there are many situations where a District Rep needs to be involved, or prior authorization needs to be obtained. Being a single point dealer, you have no contact with GM and/or GM reps, therefore you can’t obtain any necessary authorization or documentation. If anyone had a real sense of what inputting warranty claims involves (there is an entire field of business dedicated to it), they would realize what GM is expecting of stand alone dealers is tantamount to a warranty termination. As well, no dual point GM/Saab dealers are “required” to do this for another dealer, some are lucky enough to have a good relationship with a dual point, where others are not. As well as the fact that GM documents are considered “GM eyes only”, AKA “you can’t send this along to a Saab dealer to help them” you really get a vision of how difficult GM is trying to make it for some dealers to do any kind of warranty work. GM is only trying to bolster a PR campaign to show people “Hey, look, we’re trying to help the situation”, when in actuality they are trying as hard as possible to pay as little as possible when it comes to Saab.
100%Saab said on January 27, 2012
I think I already know this. Maptun anyone?
Marcia Cowing Gagnon said on February 10, 2012
To the Shaw family~ Thank you for carrying on the Saab legacy for my Gradfather George “Red’ Cowing, The FOUNDING Father of Saab in New England. He was happy to have sold you the business and carry on the Saab traditions!
Marcia Cowing Gagnon
South Berwick, Maine