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by Brendan

We are many, We are SAAB: Australia

January 17, 2012 in News, We are SAAB

Here’s the reports on the We are many, We are Saab Australian events.

Sydney

We met at Saab Salvage and chatted about all things Saab. Steve from Saab Salvage also organised a morning tea for us. Here are the Saabs at Saab Salvage.

After about an hour those of us who could go on the drive headed off to Pie in the Sky in Cowan. Where we met up with some people along the way. Here we are waiting for the Ferry at Berowra Waters.

All in all about 16 Saabs showed up to support Saab, and we all had a great time too.

More photos at Phil’s Flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/unknownlatitude/sets/72157628860583273/

Adelaide

Here’s Mark’s report on the Adelaide event.

We only had a small rally here in South Australia.

It began at Ikea at 8.45 am for breakfast. Proceeded to Adelaide Saab (South Australia’s only Saab dealer) at 11.30 am. Coincidently Adelaide Saab has a Mahindra dealership next door and there was an almost new 9-3X on the lot. Very strange.
Anyway we proceeded to the National Motor Museum at Birdwood, arriving at around 12.15 pm. By then it was getting close to 30 degrees Celsius. We had a tour of the Motor Museum before taking a few photographs.

BTW there is a white 1986 5 door Saab 900i in the Birdwood Motor Museum.

Melbourne

Here’s Alex’s report on the Melbourne event.

This morning (15th) the Melbourne event was held at Albert park lake , where the Melbourne F1 race is held. This was a meeting point for 24 Saab owners and families , who drove their cars to the lake side car park , Saabs included a brand new Saab 9.5 Aero and a 9.3X, and a range of Saabs owned by a group of dedicated supporters added our voices in support of Saab

Photos can be seen here http://www.flickr.com/photos/74371652@N04/sets/72157628874179011/

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by Brendan

Australian Convoys – UPDATED

January 10, 2012 in News

As apart of the worldwide “We are many, We are Saab” events, there will also be a convoys in Australia, and the Australian convoys will likely be the first of these convoys (because of timezones).

Sydney – Updated
The Sydney, Australia convoy will be on January 14th starting at 10:00 AM, meeting at Saab Salvage in Riverstone, for details on the route see this map http://g.co/maps/hzgy8.

After meeting at Saab Salvage, having a chat, and taking some photos, we will drive to Pie in the Sky at Cowan on the Old Pacific Highway for Lunch.

Adelaide

The Adelaide event will be on January 15th. And is being organised by Mark.

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by TimR

Australia + Hawtai?

May 7, 2011 in News

At goauto.com.au:

SAAB’S Australian distributor has confirmed it will look into importing Chinese-made Hawtai cars from Hawtai Motor Group – Saab Automobile’s new global partner and part owner.

Saab Cars Australia (SCA) managing director Stephen Nicholls told GoAuto that while Chinese-made Saabs were off the agenda for Australia, Hawtai’s own-brand vehicles were “obviously something we would look at” for a separate sales channel alongside the Saab import business.

Full story here!

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by Brendan

Saab Car Club of Australia National Event

May 2, 2011 in News

Over the Easter Long weekend (which was 5 days long this year) the Saab Car Club of Australia held its national event. The event was held in Coffs Harbour in New South Wales and its surrounding areas.

The weekend began with dinner and drinks on Friday night, as most had driven to Coffs Harbour that day.

Saturday was a river cruise on the Nambucca River from Nambucca Heads to Macksville. It was a chance to catch up with Saab club members from other parts of Australia we don’t normally see very often. Along the cruise our guide informed us of many facts about the river and the towns on the river. One that we’ll remember for a while is that oysters take 4 years to reach the stage at which they can be eaten! Saturday afternoon was left free to clean and prepare cars for the Concours D’elegance.

Sunday morning was the Concours D’elegance, in total there were 12 cars on show, there were 4 trophies for the Concours and many had been busy cleaning their cars the day before and that morning. Here’s a photo of the cars on display and the trophies.

On the Sunday night we had a dinner and the winners of the trophies were announced, here they are
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by Brendan

Saab Typos

April 8, 2011 in Uncategorized

In my searches around the interwebz for Saab news relevant to Australia (Saab Australia are running Saab 9-5 press days yesterday and today) I came across an amusing (well amusing to me) typo.

The Sydney Morning Herald have posted up a gallery for the 2011 Saab 5-9.

Have a look at the Sydney Morning Herald website or there’s a screenshot after the jump

Has anybody else seen any other amusing Saab typos/mistakes out and about?

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by Brendan

Australian Saab Sales 2010 and 2011

April 6, 2011 in ssd

I’m just wanting to let you guys know what is happening Down Under in terms of sales. I’ve just got my hands on the new car registration data.

In March the following was reported

  • Saab 9-3: 12
  • Saab 9-5: 5
  • Saab 9-3 Convertible: 7
  • Total: 24

That’s 24 cars for March, and the current year to date is 24 (so no sales in January and February). Last year after March the year to date sales was just 1.

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by Swade

Independence Day – Australia

February 24, 2011 in Saabology

No photos – it was a meeting and a dinner. But it was a good one.

Today I had the pleasure of meeting up with Saab’s Australian team, as well as the dealer principals from the dealerships that will make up the beginning of the Australian Saab network.

It’s small beginnings at Saab Australia, for sure, but it’s an incredibly dedicated and enthusiastic team. I was really, really impressed with their industry experience and knowledge, but moreso by their excitement at the prospect of doing a ground-up rebuild of the Saab brand here in Australia.

And yes, they really are starting from the ground up. Right now, the offices are so new that they don’t even have a fridge!

But this is one keen team and the dealers seem pretty excited as well. Some of the original planned dealers have not been able to come on board straight away due to logistic concerns expressed by other brands they hold. Basically, at GM’s request, a Saab dealer has to have a separated building and keep their Saab stuff away from GM stuff (all are carry-over dealers from pre-sale days). Not all dealers have that facility, but those that do are on board and all have taken a share of Saab’s first stock shipment.

The other good news for Aussies is that the 9-5 launch will be held in April. Press events will be held in the first third of the month, so cars should hopefully be available for distribution in the near term, following that program.

I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to make a presentation to the dealer group, talking about Saabs United and the role the website was fortunate enough to play covering the sale. Of course, a huge part of that was the Saab Support Convoys and I got to share just how big an impact you, the community, had on keeping Saab’s fate in the public eye.

We had a great time here. I hope you’re having a great time wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.

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by Swade

Saabs landing in Australia

February 7, 2011 in News

Finally, some visual confirmation of Saabs landing downunder. It’s been a LONG time since we’ve been able to show images like these.

The first shipment arrived a week or so ago and the new cars are various models of Saab 9-3, including the Saab 9-3x, as you can see. These cars are shown arriving at Brisbane Prestige Group in Queensland (and my thanks to Kevin for sending me the pics).

The Saab 9-3x will be the focus of the first Saab Australia media activities in absolutely ages. The Saab 9-5 launch will be held later in the year, after the first 9-5s arrive.

There was an article in The Australian last weekend. According to the article, the shipment was made up of 75 vehicles, which will be distributed around the nation’s 11 signed-up dealers. Saab Oz have already stated that they’re looking to add a few more in key locations.

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And about the photos above, that Brisbane dealership sure looks a lot better now than what it did a few weeks ago, when the floods came through.

They’ve done a fantastic job of cleaning up there.

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Oh, and there’s a part of that article in The Australian that makes it sound like I’m about to buy my ninth new Saab. I’ve not owned 8 new Saabs in the past and I didn’t indicate that I have. I simply told the journo that I’d like to buy a new one some time in the near future, and that I’ve had 8 Saabs up until now. Misrepresented, but no harm, no foul.

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by Swade

Saturday morning quick snippets – Geneva edition

January 22, 2011 in Saabology

Geneva, here we come!

My application for press credentials is in, and RedJ’s will be following quite soon. We’re doubling-down to make sure everything’s covered as thoroughly as possible.

Gonna be a big time, baby!

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Saab Australia watchers should check out this latest article at Go Auto.

The first shipment, which will bring the 9-3x to our shores, is just days away from landing and in that article, Saab Australia chief, Stephen Nicholls, outlines the strategy for this year.

In a nutshell – they’ll start quietly, build when the 9-5 arrives and take a long-term perspective. They have 11 dealers signed up so far, but are looking to add a couple more, especially in Sydney.

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Meanwhile, back in Sweden…..

Saab have lost their first case relating to the partition of debts arising from their re-organisation in 2009. This case relates to wage guarantees and as with the rental case mentioned a few days ago, Saab were seeking to have those guarantees counted as part of the accord. The court has decided it isn’t. Saab will appeal.

Before you start weeping, remember that Saab are entitled to make a case here. It’s not the end of the road and should things end badly, it’s still not the end of the road, not by any stretch.

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Teknikens Varld held a poll, asking which “Kombi” people were likely to buy. The Saab 9-5 stole the show with 61% of the vote.

Teknikens are now saying they think the vote might have been skewed. They can’t look at SU, though. I didn’t even know it was on until Tobias A pointed it out to me (now that it’s finished).

Very encouraging.

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It’s late. I’m done.

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by Swade

Australia – Start your Saab engines!

January 19, 2011 in News

Good news today…..

Saab Oz 9-3x

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I can hear you now…….. What’s the big deal about a Saab 9-3x on a Saab build-your-own website?

Well, the big deal is that that particular screenshot comes from the Saab Australia website, which means that things are finally getting underway Downunder. Turbin was snooping around on the site and picked up on the new model loaded there. There’s also a dealer listing, but we’re unsure if that’s accurate at this point in time.

More than that, I can tell you I spent half an hour on the phone with a motoring jounalist from The Australian a few days ago. They’re preparing an article for their weekend magazine and wanted to know a little more about the state of Saab from the enthusiast’s point of view.

There’s even more to tell, but I best leave that until a more appropriate time.

Saab will re-start operations here with the 9-3 range, including the new Saab 9-3x. The Saab 9-5 sedan is expected around mid-year and the Saab 9-4x early next year.

Good news, Aussies!

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by Swade

Sneak Peek – Saab 9-5 lineup for Australia

December 1, 2010 in News

Djup Strupe walked past my house overnight and an envelope with some 9-5 specs must have accidentally fallen out of his/her coat pocket.

Apparently the new Saab 9-5 will come to Australia with two model lines only – Vector and Aero.

Equipment listings on the base model Vector are therefore very impressive from the get-go, including items that are options elsewhere such as the color screen and Satnav as standard. Add HUD and Saab Smartbeam Xenons to that list.

Vector will come with either 2.0T or the 2.0TiD engine. Aero is V6 only.

Pricing will be keenly based on current prices for the Audi A6 at just over $70K for the Vector and mid $90K for the Aero (cf $73K for base A6 and $109K for 3.0TFSI). Add the on-road costs.

These numbers are significantly less than the BMW 5er and the Saab’s base level equipment will have the Teutonic shopper checking the options list for days.

9-5s are expected to land here around the end of the first quarter 2011.

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by Swade

Saab Australia to launch Saab 9-3x January 2011

November 29, 2010 in News

UPDATED: see below

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It’s great to see some new content on the Saab Australia website….

Customers on dealer databases should have received an email recently, informing them of the update and the impending arrival of the first shipment of vehicles from Sweden in more than 18 months (and quite possibly longer than that).

The email indicates that the Saab 9-3x will be released for sale in January 2011, which is fantastic news. The Saab 9-3x will be available in XWD/petrol models only and pricing isn’t on site yet.

Welcome back, Saab Australia!

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UPDATE: According to the latest issue of Go Auto’s Motor Monthly (pdf), the Saab 9-5 should be seen in Australia around April 2011, with the Saab 9-4x coming very late in the year, or early 2012.

Thanks Peh!

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by Swade

Press Release: Saab Automobile Establishes New Sales Organization In Australia And New Zealand

October 6, 2010 in News

Following from remarks a few days ago about Saab re-establishing itself in Australia/NZ, it’s now officially official!!

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5th October 2010

Saab Automobile Establishes New Sales Organization In Australia And New Zealand

  • Saab restructuring continues with new sales organization in Australia and New Zealand
  • Continuity of customer service is assured during transition
  • Development of new Saab international sales structure on track

Trollhättan, Sweden: Saab Automobile is continuing to enhance its international sales organization by setting up Saab Australia, a new, wholly-owned subsidiary company responsible for operations in Australia and New Zealand. Transitioning over the coming months, it will assume all marketing, sales and distribution responsibilities from GM Holden Ltd, following the purchase of Saab Automobile from General Motors by Spyker Cars N.V. of the Netherlands seven months ago.

The new subsidiary will be responsible for supplying and maintaining national networks of dealers, including existing Saab dealerships and new outlets, in Australia and New Zealand. The existing dealer network will continue to serve customers during the transition period.

Announcing the new organization, Adrian Hallmark, Saab Automobile’s Executive Director of Sales, said: “We are delighted to make this announcement, which represents the start of a new chapter for Saab as an independent car manufacturer in the Australian and New Zealand markets. After evaluating a number of different business models, we believe that having a Saab-owned subsidiary is the best way for Saab to optimize its great sales potential and to best cater for current and future customers in these markets.

“Australia and New Zealand are vital to Saab’s representation in the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to relaunching the Saab brand in Australasia next year with exciting new products like the new 9-5 Sedan, 9-4X and 9-5 SportCombi. Our new organization will ensure we get the right infrastructure in place.”

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by Swade

Saab Australia will cover Un-Zud, too

October 4, 2010 in News

I’ve just had an email come through to me from a guy at Saab, referring to the recent article here about Saab Australia recommencing operations on February 1 next year.

He wanted to respond briefly to a question that was asked several times in comments – what about New Zealand?

I’m pleased to pass on that Saab Australia will be responsible for New Zealand as well, but it’ll probably just go by the name Saab Australia (to facilitate the use of normal sized business cards, letterheads, and for the preservation of syllables generally).

Saab Oz will hit the ground officially on February 1st, 2011. I’m not privy to when the first visits or deliveries to NZ will be, but Kiwis should be pleased that Feb 1st will mark the official recommencement of Saab activities in your part of the world as well!

Saab Up!!

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by Swade

Saab Australia to kick off February 1

October 1, 2010 in News

Thank goodness this is finally out there. I’ve hinted here and there that Saab were going to go it alone in Australia rather than appoint an importer.

Now, Carpoint have had a lengthy chat with Saab’s Executive Director of Sales, Adrian Hallmark. They’ve put to print about as much detail as the Aussie Saab customer could possibly hope to read at this early stage.

February 1 is the date and Saab will be running the organisation themselves. I can tell you that some dealers have already been meeting and the first order of 60 cars was made a few weeks ago. From what I know, the model line will consist mostly of Linear and Aero models and as you’ll read in the Carpoint article, there are big hopes for the 9-4x here.

Here are some dot points. And thanks to Jonathan L for the tip!

“Monday, we agreed the business plan,” he began. “It’s taken longer than expected by about three weeks — the reason being, looking at all our priorities as a company, we need to put cash into Australia to start the business moving, of course.

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