Saab gave their press conference today and as expected, no explosive details were revealed, though the EIB loan process was detailed. Victor showed a more humble side, instead of expressing over the top optimism, he toned it down to express a more pragmatic vision for Saab’s current situation. Here’s hoping that next year’s press conference gets back to the excitement and enthusiasm we’re used to, when we’ll get to see the new 9-3 in the metal.
Was looking forward to a Q & A period.
I think VM thought the EIB would be able to take a decision before Eastern. At least I did. 🙁
No decision will be made or announced until the stockmarket in the Netherlands closes or before its opens tomorrow morning
Sounded to me like VM thought the decision may not come until early next week. An honest presentation by VM which is what I think Saab fans wanted to hear. Not sure somebody strolling the show (which is still not open to the general public if I recall) would have felt all warm and fuzzy. Big thing is to see how the journalists spin his presentation.
The stockmarket is closed tomorrow (and monday).
Approving changes in EIBs loans to SAAB is complicated, since GM as a shareholder must also approve all the changes, according to what EIB has stated here</a . That might be reason why EIBs approval has taken time (EIB refuses to give more details).
So nobody exceppt GM seems to know when an approval might come from EIB.
When I hear VM I forgett about Saabs problems.
Great show, short and efficient. Seems to be quite crowded.
Can’t see the stream:
Linux with Firefox 4.0 and Flash Player 10.2.153.1
The recorded stuff on:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/14177068
doesn’t work for me either.
YouTube videos like the recent PhoeniX one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qovhgMy–oU&feature=player_embedded
work fine.
It’s on youtube now as you can see above Gerrit 🙂 I rushed that one for you. The scene was very positive, press pretty much have discounted the situation, it’s as if everyone just knows and trusts Vladimir Antonov has the means to get the job done. I spoke with reporters from the New York Times, Car and Driver, the Wall Street Journal – all agreed that Saab has a bright future ahead and this was just a blip. The Swedish media really blew this one up, sometimes you just need to have a little faith.
Thanks Jeff.
Vladimir Antonov riding in on a White Horse to save Saab? Although I’m convinced about his good intentions, the White Horse thingy always makes me antsy.
It’s actually a white C8 aileron 😉
Back at work now. Will have more up later.
This would be terrific news for Saab. Publicity has become a major hurdle for them, and if automotive journalists agree that their financial headache is indeed a small and temporary setback, it would be hugely beneficial for them to come forward in their reporting and say so.
Thanks for the great update, Jeff.
Great speaches and presentation.
Um, mobile phone technology controlling my car?
It’ll take ages to start (waiting for upgrades) and ages to stop (installing upgrades do not turn off!).
I have a video of it in action. It works pretty well actually (shockingly). They’re really stripping out a lot of the fancy features/games/animations that bog down the current crop of phones. At the rate that mobile processors are advancing, don’t be surprised to see a very stable, closed/controlled IQon systems that rarely ever gives u hassles. Saab has a clear vision of where they’re going with this tech.
Although Android is open source the applications available to IQon will be closed. They will be tested and verified by SAAB before they will become available for download. Let’s stay clear of discussions about possible ‘jailbreak’ solutions because this can and would lead to all sorts of problems that the user would bring upon themselves for invalidating the IQon EULA.
Jeff – great work! Keep it up and don’t forget to rest from time to time as well.. 😉
Why did VM say the comment about fukushima… Thats some serious bad press.
kanundrum,
If you read the full context of the statement I don’t think it’s all that bad.The article below shows what he was saying, remember fukushima was first reported to be not a big deal and then it spun out of control. I think we should just read what he said and not read too much into it. The parallels are there.
http://blogs.motortrend.com/victor-muller-saabs-production-interruption-like-small-fukushima-14423.html
I really like the line about “Interesting press presence”. I have to agree, it seemed honest and to the point. As far as not giving warm and fuzzy, I think all anyone can ask for is an honest approach to what is going on, which I think we got.
I think Victor did exactly what he needed to, and the dose of humility should hopefully be welcomed by the Swedish press. (crossing my fingers)
I don’t know when this man sleeps, right after that he had a conference call with the North American dealers and from what I understand was very upbeat and left everyone on the call feeling the same way. Just like gas, this too will pass.
I agree, was a good briefing and said just what needed to be said.
I just noticed something on the NY auto show’s official page that I found interesting.
While searching the list of exhibitors to see where Saab is located (Hall 4), I saw that if you scroll over Saab’s listing, a message pops up offering a, “$500 gift certificate towards a new Saab vehicle!” I’ve posted the image here.
It’s not much, but still a cool way to extend an added incentive to potential buyers visiting the show. And none of the other manufacturers I saw seemed to have a similar promotion. 🙂 Nice job, Saab!
Great reports from New York Auto Show and the press conference. I had also hoped on good news from EIB, but we have to wait a little. I am sure Saab will have a great time in US with the new cars and many old Saab buyers will have a chance to come back to their favorite car. But there is a lot of hard work anyway!
Great presentation, my faith holds strong. link below from Press Conference and Saab stand.
There’s a lot, enjoy:)
https://picasaweb.google.com/101194679956399236593/Apr212011NYIAS?authkey=Gv1sRgCOnG4dLRnuORWw#
Where is JAJ????