SaabsUnited.com

A news story making its way through Swedish media today reports that the availability of parts have actually improved after the bankruptcy. Some suppliers with unpaid bills from Saab Automobile AB held back deliveries to Saab Parts AB as well in an attempt of putting extra pressure on Saab as a whole. The profitable Saab Parts company paid their bills, but was suspected of sponsoring the production line with various crucial pieces of parts to keep production going.

I am going to point out the obvious: If Saab Parts were indeed doing that, they were effectively looking out for the suppliers’ best interest as well. Every car made would generate money for Saab the minute it left the assembly line. Money that could have paid off the suppliers (who were getting paid by Saab parts). It was far from ideal, but much better than the alternative which I dare say has now been fully explored (as predicted a year ago, a bankruptcy means no GM licenses). In addition, by squeezing Saab Automobile AB they were also squeezing us customers, which will make it harder in the future for us to trust Saab and Saab’s suppliers if they ever get the production going again. I dare say the suppliers will need to show us customers they want our business in the future.

In any case, back to the story at hand: Saab managed to make 11280 9-5s. The question is: Will Saab Parts AB look after us 9-5 owners or will we be left to fend for ourselves? And what about the 9-4X? Few made, but the plant making the 9-4X is very much alive.

I do not have the answer to those questions now, but it is something the crew is presently looking into. Meanwhile: What parts are you guys out there waiting for (part # and short description), and for how long have you been waiting? Comments are open. And please, do not all of you answer “keys!” at the same time — We have been told a big shipload of key-fobs for the 9-3 are on their way.