Comments on: Inside Saab Q&A – The Answers (part 1) http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/ Lorum Ipsum tagline Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:03:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Anonymous http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4164 Anonymous Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:26:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4164 I read in the newspaper today that they think Youngman and Pang Da are maybe backing out and the Chines Volvo owner is negotiating with SAAB. Anyone knows if it is true that Youngman and Pang Da are maybe baking out? I read in the newspaper today that they think Youngman and Pang Da are maybe backing out and the Chines Volvo owner is negotiating with SAAB. Anyone knows if it is true that Youngman and Pang Da are maybe baking out?

]]> By: Tom http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4159 Tom Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:38:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4159 “What happens to my warranty in the event of Saab bankruptcy?” That’s a complex issue that I’m still trying to find an answer for that I can communicate here in a simple manner. I simply don’t have access to the right people to provide that answer today. We’ll look to address that in Part 2.   This is an important question relating to consumer confidence and is proving to be a difference maker as to whether people buy Saab's or not. Hopefully the answer will come soon! “What happens to my warranty in the event of Saab bankruptcy?” That’s a complex issue that I’m still trying to find an answer for that I can communicate here in a simple manner. I simply don’t have access to the right people to provide that answer today. We’ll look to address that in Part 2.
 
This is an important question relating to consumer confidence and is proving to be a difference maker as to whether people buy Saab’s or not. Hopefully the answer will come soon!

]]> By: Tom http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4160 Tom Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:38:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4160 “What happens to my warranty in the event of Saab bankruptcy?” That’s a complex issue that I’m still trying to find an answer for that I can communicate here in a simple manner. I simply don’t have access to the right people to provide that answer today. We’ll look to address that in Part 2.   This is an important question relating to consumer confidence and is proving to be a difference maker as to whether people buy Saab's or not. Hopefully the answer will come soon! “What happens to my warranty in the event of Saab bankruptcy?” That’s a complex issue that I’m still trying to find an answer for that I can communicate here in a simple manner. I simply don’t have access to the right people to provide that answer today. We’ll look to address that in Part 2.
 
This is an important question relating to consumer confidence and is proving to be a difference maker as to whether people buy Saab’s or not. Hopefully the answer will come soon!

]]> By: Steven Gorenbergh http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4139 Steven Gorenbergh Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:30:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4139 A 4-cylinder Turbo engine with an automatic transmission in the $50,000 price class will be a non-starter in the US market. Saab has the V6 Turbo and it is already certified for the US market. Much as I would like to buy the 9-5 SportCombi to replace my Audi A6 Avant, there is NO way I will consider or buy this vehicle with a 4-cylinder engine. This is a big mistake on the part of Saab. A 4-cylinder Turbo engine with an automatic transmission in the $50,000 price class will be a non-starter in the US market.

Saab has the V6 Turbo and it is already certified for the US market.

Much as I would like to buy the 9-5 SportCombi to replace my Audi A6 Avant, there is NO way I will consider or buy this vehicle with a 4-cylinder engine.

This is a big mistake on the part of Saab.

]]> By: Bart Champagne http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4132 Bart Champagne Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:54:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4132 First off: thanks for including the 1.9 2.0 diesel engine question. The reason for my remark is that (here in Belgium), the 2.0 falls in a higher tax scale. More road & registration tax, less interesting for leasing. The difference is only 46cm³ (1910cm³ vs 1956cm³) and the power output difference is neglectible to nonexisting. For Saab it would certainly save money to only have 1 "general purpose" engine instead of 2 or three, due to volume costs. A 1.9 TTiD 9-5 would also be more interesting for leasing drivers, my wallet and power fans (engine well-known by Hirsch). Win-win to all. So I'm kinda puzzled over the choice to go for 2.0 But ofcourse, I have no insight in Saab's future plans for the 1.9 and/or 2.0 diesel engines... First off: thanks for including the 1.9 2.0 diesel engine question.
The reason for my remark is that (here in Belgium), the 2.0 falls in a higher tax scale.
More road & registration tax, less interesting for leasing.
The difference is only 46cm³ (1910cm³ vs 1956cm³) and the power output difference is neglectible to nonexisting.
For Saab it would certainly save money to only have 1 “general purpose” engine instead of 2 or three, due to volume costs.
A 1.9 TTiD 9-5 would also be more interesting for leasing drivers, my wallet and power fans (engine well-known by Hirsch). Win-win to all.
So I’m kinda puzzled over the choice to go for 2.0

But ofcourse, I have no insight in Saab’s future plans for the 1.9 and/or 2.0 diesel engines…

]]> By: Tom http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4131 Tom Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:04:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4131 "Answers part 1" has left us agerly awaiting part 2! “Answers part 1″ has left us agerly awaiting part 2!

]]> By: Anonymous http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4125 Anonymous Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:48:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4125 The 9-3 sounds really good too. Can't wait to see it in the USA.  A 9-5 engine and interior improvements...a great rendition of the honorable current 9-3.    Saab should consider some entry level model or trim level in the future to get people into Saabs...  most people in the USA are looking for gas mileage, a hatch (utility) and good quality. The 9-3 sounds really good too. Can’t wait to see it in the USA.  A 9-5 engine and interior improvements…a great rendition of the honorable current 9-3.    Saab should consider some entry level model or trim level in the future to get people into Saabs…  most people in the USA are looking for gas mileage, a hatch (utility) and good quality.

]]> By: Anonymous http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4119 Anonymous Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:55:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4119 Wonderful job Steven which must give for everyone a true light on what could still be confusing. I have received one comment (in french) about this Q&A tonight : <i>"a brand with wonderful cars, a company that is human and answers to your questions. Thank you and good luck for the coming months!"</i> That was adressed to you of course! Cheers, Rémi Wonderful job Steven which must give for everyone a true light on what could still be confusing. I have received one comment (in french) about this Q&A tonight :
“a brand with wonderful cars, a company that is human and answers to your questions. Thank you and good luck for the coming months!”
That was adressed to you of course!

Cheers,
Rémi

]]> By: Anonymous http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4116 Anonymous Sat, 01 Oct 2011 11:14:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4116 Totally agree on the price issue.  We need to make a compelling argument to lune new consumers to Saab, not give them another reason to go elsewhere.  Swade said Saab did not sell enough cars when it needed to - which caused razor thin operating margins resulting in the production stoppage and ultimately the reorganization (and 'possibly' the death of the company).  One reason Saab did not sell enough cars when it needed to was their cars were grossly overpriced in the US market.  Please understand, I am not saying the cars are not WORTH the price, just simply where Saab needs to be at pricepoint-wise in the US market place to move cars.  Saab needs to be considerably cheaper than BMW/Audi and slightly less (or no more than equal to) Volvo.  An absolutely loaded 9-5 SC with a 4-cyc cannot cost more than $42,000 MSRP.  Once Saab understands this, prices accordingly, then (and only then) will they start to move inventory and build market share.  Saab can only move upmarket over time and after it establishes itself as a manufacturer in it for the long haul! Totally agree on the price issue.  We need to make a compelling argument to lune new consumers to Saab, not give them another reason to go elsewhere.  Swade said Saab did not sell enough cars when it needed to – which caused razor thin operating margins resulting in the production stoppage and ultimately the reorganization (and ‘possibly’ the death of the company).  One reason Saab did not sell enough cars when it needed to was their cars were grossly overpriced in the US market.  Please understand, I am not saying the cars are not WORTH the price, just simply where Saab needs to be at pricepoint-wise in the US market place to move cars.  Saab needs to be considerably cheaper than BMW/Audi and slightly less (or no more than equal to) Volvo.  An absolutely loaded 9-5 SC with a 4-cyc cannot cost more than $42,000 MSRP.  Once Saab understands this, prices accordingly, then (and only then) will they start to move inventory and build market share.  Saab can only move upmarket over time and after it establishes itself as a manufacturer in it for the long haul!

]]> By: Anonymous http://inside.saab.com/inside-saab-qa-the-answers-part-1/#comment-4115 Anonymous Sat, 01 Oct 2011 10:28:00 +0000 http://inside.saab.com/?p=3206#comment-4115 I agree that it is smart for Saab to just offer one trim model and engine choice for the NG 9-5 SC, unfortunately, they picked the wrong motor.  The 220 4-cyc only beats the 2.8T V6 by one MPG (18/28 vs 17/27) when comparing automatic transmissions.  Personally, I'll take the extra 80 HP and the one MPG penalty.  And I'm tried of whole the "Right-Sizing" argument, unless the 4-cyc can significantly improve fuel economy, it just makes Saab's look underpowered.  Look at what BMW is doing with their new 2.0 4-cyc in the 5-series, more power 240 HP/258 ft-lbs, and much better fuel economy (23/34). I say let's give these Saab's the Hirsch Tune directly from the assembly line and let the Saab engineers work some magic to get the MPG at 20/30.  Of course, we should be grateful that Saab is even planning to offer a true wagon for the NA market unlike BMW (5-series wagon), Audi (A6 Avant) and Volvo (V70), all of which are no longer for sale in the U.S.  On looks alone, the 9-5 aero wagon will be a huge hit! I agree that it is smart for Saab to just offer one trim model and engine choice for the NG 9-5 SC, unfortunately, they picked the wrong motor.  The 220 4-cyc only beats the 2.8T V6 by one MPG (18/28 vs 17/27) when comparing automatic transmissions.  Personally, I’ll take the extra 80 HP and the one MPG penalty.  And I’m tried of whole the “Right-Sizing” argument, unless the 4-cyc can significantly improve fuel economy, it just makes Saab’s look underpowered.  Look at what BMW is doing with their new 2.0 4-cyc in the 5-series, more power 240 HP/258 ft-lbs, and much better fuel economy (23/34).

I say let’s give these Saab’s the Hirsch Tune directly from the assembly line and let the Saab engineers work some magic to get the MPG at 20/30.  Of course, we should be grateful that Saab is even planning to offer a true wagon for the NA market unlike BMW (5-series wagon), Audi (A6 Avant) and Volvo (V70), all of which are no longer for sale in the U.S.  On looks alone, the 9-5 aero wagon will be a huge hit!

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