SaabWorld is a global community of Saab drivers. Spain is no exception. With the help of one of our Spanish colleagues of SaabWorld, José Luis (user jlrdrony), SaabWorld reviews Spain.
Spain is a major Saab market, having reached as high as fourth in terms of worldwide Saab sales by country in 2009, with only the United States, United Kingdom, and Sweden leading in sales. With Spyker acquiring Saab Automobile from General Motors in February, 2010, Spain was without an importer for a short time. This was remedied in May, 2010 when Spyker formed Saab Automobile España, a wholely owned subsidiary of Saab Automobile AB.
After the formation of the new Saab Automobile España, a new car financing arrangement was established with Cetelem, a partner of the BNP Paribas banking group. This provided a source of credit for new Saab buyers. 2010 was a tumultous year for Saab in Spain, with the restructuring of the Saab importer in Spain and the automotive industry, in general, suffering the effects of a second year of economic recession in Spain.
The number of dealers has remained relatively constant at 52, from a peak of 55. Maintaining a reasonable dealer network brings Saab's sales goals closer to fruition. Saab's sales in Spain reached its highest in 2007 when 5,361 Saabs were sold. The 2010 figure was 755 cars at a time that Spainish car sales, in general, were down about 25% in 2010.
Despite Spain being a major market for Saab, Saabs are not a common sight in Spain. Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Seville, and Valencia are the largest local markets. General Motors, the previous owner of Saab, has an Opel factory in Figueruelas, near Zaragoza.
Saab 9-3 Aero, Spain
Manuel Alcazar, the head of Saab Automobile España gave an interview to the Spanish publication, La Gaceta, in the fall of 2010 (http://www.intereconomia.com/noticia...al-saab-espana) He said that he wants Saab to grow in Spain, but only to 5-7,000 cars annually in order to preserve the premium brand image. Alcazar said, in Spanish, that “Saab is the Apple (Computer) of the automotive industry…Apple had a moment like we are going through now, but has since become a great brand and a clear reference in the world of technology. We are the alternative to the conventional premium segment; we have inherited a history of aeronautical design, brand philosophy, and (technological) ability”
Saab Automobile España uses the global slogan of Saab, “Move your mind”, even keeping it in English. However, there is market specific advertising for Spain. In a recent advertising campaign for the new Saab 9-5, reverse psychology was used with the tagline “tú eres un tipo muy serio. No es para ti” which translate to “(informal/familiar form of you) you are the very serious type. It (this car) is not for you”.
Saab Live Experience
Saab has recently partnered with the Reial Automòbil Club de Catalunya to include driver training for the purchasers of new Saabs. Not only is high performance driving taught, including accident avoidance of a test moose, but also economical driving. Instruction to maximize the braking potential of the car by using the anti-lock braking system and emergency brake assist is also part of the course. The program is marketed under a broader name, Saab Live Experience. See SaabWorld - Saab Performance Program for new Saab owners in Spain
photo from Saab Live Experience - Spain
The Saab Live Experience campaign is also promoting Saab's Scandinavian heritage and winter capabilities by partnering with Cuylás, a company specializing in ski and sports wear as well as skiing instruction. Cuylás will feature the Saab name in its stores and some Saab dealers will have a Cuylás accessories section. Skiing adventures to North America are planned as well as winter trips to parts of northern Sweden and ice hotel. Saab importers in some other countries already offer Arctic trips to Saab owners.
As is the case in many countries, owning a Saab can create owner loyalty. One way Spanish Saab owners can meet each other is through the Club Saab España (Saab Club - Spain), which is organized independently from Saab Automobile AB. Their most recent gathering was at the end of October, 2010 when there was a driving convoy which stopped in several towns, ending at a museum in Albecete, a city in the southeast between Madrid and Valencia.
Interacting with Saab dealers in Spain
In Spain, typically Saab dealers have cars which are display models. Customers order their cars and have to wait for delivery. This contrasts to the opposite extreme in the United States where the majority of customers buy a car already in the dealer’s lot. The price of new cars, including Saabs, is generally fixed at the list price but that dealers can offer financing deals or gifts, such as a GPS. Self importation of new cars from other EU countries is possible but involves much bureaucracy, resulting in the brave few who try to often hire a gestor (a type of administrator) to handle paperwork for the process which can take several months and cost up to € 600. Cars are generally purchased outright though there are leases of one to two years available.
Artal Motor, Saab dealer in Zaragoza (Porsche, Lexus, Saab, Ford, Toyota)
Spanish 9-3 owners can choose between the 175 hp 1.8t Biopower, 200 hp 2.0t Biopower, 210 hp 2.0T, and three two phase turbodiesel engines producing up to 130 hp, 160 hp, or 180 hp. The 1.8t engine is actually a 2.0 litre turbo that can use E85, which is 85% ethanol. This is in contrast to the U.S. where only one engine choice is offered (210 hp 2.0T).
Saabs are equipped with different tires based on the country. Summer performance tires, such as the Continental ContiSportContact 2, have been used on some models in Spain. In contrast, U.S. market cars tend to be equipped with all season tires. All season tires are sold in Spain but summer tires are popular with textile socks or chains used after snowfalls and winter tires used in mountain regions.
Saab Automobile España warranty period has varied with the model year. For 2007 cars, a 2 year warranty was standard with maintenance not included in the warranty or price of the car. In the U.S., the warranty is 4 years with 3 years of free maintenance. Although at one time, a six year, 100,000 mile warranty for the engine and transmission was standard with the car.
Spain is a major market for Saabs. Drivers in Spain are lucky to have the option of buying a Saab and Saab is fortunate to have identified a large market for its cars.
Busy road at the Expo 2008 grounds in Zaragoza
all photos courtesy of jlrdrony, except as noted
thanks to José Luis for comments and suggestions
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A review of Saab in Spain
byDave T- View Profile
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Published on 04 February 2011 13:30 Number of Views: 63660 Comments
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Is there excessive consumption of engine oil?
Anderson,
silver2u 2 Days Ago
you should maybe do a simple test yourself before you speak to your mechanic, it is referred to as "the PCV glove test"Is there excessive consumption of engine oil?
Thank you very much. I will visit the local Saab repair technician on Tuesday and propose the solution you provided to him!
Anderson 3 Days AgoIs there excessive consumption of engine oil?
Assuming your recent oil consumption issue is related to a newly defective PCV system .(and not some of the other more serious causes mentioned earlier)
silver2u 4 Days AgoIs there excessive consumption of engine oil?
I have received your message. My PCV system was indeed repaired at the beginning of this year, and there was no oil consumption issue before that. Thank
Anderson 6 Days AgoFacebook
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