A Saab 9-4x owner’s review with something for EVERYONE

September 23, 2011 9:53 Line

By: Swade

Comments (11)

As you might guess, there are PLENTY of Saab owners in my address book. I’ve been in email contact with Clay M for a few years now and a few days ago, he sent me a link to an article he wrote outlining his purchase of a new Saab 9-4x Aero.

Actually, ‘outlining’ isn’t the right word for this one. ‘Detailing’ would be much more appropriate because he covers quite a lot of the purchase process, as well as detailed thoughts about the Saab 9-4x itself. As such, there’s something in it for everyone.

You can read the full review here.

FOR SAAB CARS NORTH AMERICA:

….several months ago, I decided to get the ball rolling on our 9-4X purchase and that’s where our dealership experiences begin. I’ll try not to name names, as everyone has a bad day at some point in time…but you can guess who I’m referring to, you know who you are, you can contact me directly for specifics, or you can take my experience as just a small sampling of what else is out there and what Saab Cars North America has to deal with.

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FOR SOME DEALERS OUT THERE:

I contacted approximately 20 Saab dealerships within a 1,000-mile radius from us and so begins my first rant. …. I initially contacted all of the dealerships online. My opinion is that if you’re going to have a way for the public to communicate with you online or by e-mail, make sure that the contact form works, goes to a real person, and a response can be expected in a timely manner. When I filled out the various information request/contact forms, a number of them were returned to me undeliverable due to a faulty e-mail address or other technical issue…unacceptable in my book. I also received a significant number of automated response e-mails, but never heard back from a real live person. I’m not sure how much more I need to wave my money around for people to take notice, but either of the above scenarios probably excluded that particular dealership from my list of potential contacts. If you aren’t going to monitor e-mails or online submissions, simply put your telephone number on your website and I will gladly call. Unfortunately, this is an issue that cost several dealerships my own personal business.

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FOR SOME OTHER DEALERS OUT THERE:

I will say that I made contact with a number of very nice dealers. Most of these individuals were very well-informed, courteous, and gave me a significant feeling of comfort in dealing with them. There were, however, several instances in which misinformation or lack of information adversely affected the potential of a sale.

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FOR ONE PARTICULAR DEALER OUT THERE:

Gebhardt Saab of Boulder in Colorado is probably one of the lesser-known Saab dealerships in Colorado. When I filled out their online contact form, I received a very prompt response from Gregg Sunfield. Gregg was knowledgeable, courteous, and I instantly got the impression that he would go above and beyond to make sure we were happy before, during, and after the sale…and that’s exactly what happened…..

……One thing that I will say about Bob and Gregg is that they were both highly optimistic about the future of Saab, they are clearly dedicated to the brand through thick and thin, and I failed to receive a single ounce of misinformation from them……… the information they provided and the confidence that they offered was not salesperson-speak…it was based on factual information and was very well-founded. Kudos to each of them and to the entire Gebhardt family for getting it right!

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FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN A SAAB 9-4X:

Clay’s starting point for this review……

I’m setting aside all Saab-bias that I may have for this particular review and hope that it may be viewed from a neutral standpoint. Quality of materials and fit-and-finish is extremely important to me, as I absolutely can’t stand something cheap that’s trying to look expensive, nor do I tolerate any misplaced rattle, groan, or squeak. I don’t want gimmicks and bling…there is definitely something to be said for clean functionality. Handling and performance are vital…not only do these attributes influence the overall experience, but they also affect various aspects of safety. I don’t want a vehicle that feels like a brick on wheels, but by the same token, I certainly don’t want to feel like I’m driving around a slinky atop a waterbed. My experience with Saab in the past has proven that a delicate balance of the aforementioned characteristics is a shared ideal.

And his conclusions……

I simply fail to find any compromises on this vehicle and Saab has undoubtedly created a machine that they can and should be proud of in the 9-4X. And for anyone that wants to argue against the value you receive in the 9-4X regarding the purchase price…I argue that your comments will be unfounded. To us, the 9-4X is worth every single penny that we spent on it and we would do it again in a heartbeat if given the opportunity. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Acura, Infiniti, Audi, Volkswagen…nothing could provide us with a better value and I am absolutely certain of that.

As much as I’ve reproduced here for your information, it really is just an introduction. Clay goes into an enormous amount of detail as to his research, purchase process and his first impressions on all aspects of the car.

You can read the full review here.

If you’re a prospective Saab 9-4x purchaser, or just a person with an eye for detail, this review is going to make for very interesting reading.

From an internal perspective, it’s gratifying that we have people like Clay and Holly as customers and that we’re still making vehicles that satisfy their Saaby needs. If you look at Clay’s vehicle history, you’ll see that he’s owned a bunch of historic Saabs in the past.

It’s also a good reminder for us that we have to better support our distribution network and provide them with the materials and motivation to serve their customers well, every time.

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Saab 900 Convertible vs Viggen – which is the better weekender?

September 22, 2011 22:31 Line

By: Swade

Comments (15)

The following is a query received here at Inside Saab. I tried to email a reply but it bounced, and I figured it’d be fun to place it here anyway to gather some thoughts from others.

I thought it might be useful to open it up to the masses for some feedback. It comes from Roberto A, in Mexico.

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We don’t have many Saabs here in Mexico, and most of them are from GM’s time, so try growing up explaining your friends that SAAB’s are your favorites cars with no classic examples.

I remember one time traveling abroad, I picked up a magazine and seeing a SAAB ad, the one of Saab vs Saab featuring both Viggens – that was the moment I came to love the idea, the company, the philosophy, the brand.

Now I’m in my mid-twenties and already have paid for my first car (a 2008 Nissan Sentra, a perfect fit for my everyday work commute in Mexico City, but not by any means an emotional car) and I’m looking a weekend car. As you could imagine I want a Saab, and here is my question: 900 turbo convertible vs Viggen?

Remember, it’s only for the weekends but there aren’t many spare parts in Mexico, and doubtfully mechanics, so it would be really painful to keep the car in shape but i’m willing to do it. Which would be easier to mantain given the spare parts in US market?

Just quickly, as much as I absolutely adore the Viggen, if you were looking for an absolute classic to keep for a long time, then I’d look for a good late model 900 Convertible. They’re just so very beautiful and still very rewarding to drive.

But if you don’t like the sun beating down on you all the time, then you should easily fall in love with a Viggen, too. (Just make sure it’s a Lightning Blue 3-door)

Vote #1 – C900 Convertible.
Vote #2 (narrow margin) – Viggen.

That’s my quick 2 cents. Please provide your thoughts for Roberto in comments.

And Roberto – good luck with your search!

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Saabosphere – links we liked this week

September 22, 2011 22:15 Line

By: Swade

Comments (3)

It’s been another big week or so in the immediate life and times of Saab Automobile. We’re relieved to be in calmer waters now, but we know that there’s a lot of work to be done and we have plans in place to do it.

You can read some initial information about Project Cheetah in English here, or in Swedish here. I’ll see if there’s some more information about this process that I can bring forward in the near future.

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If you’re still catching up on what’s happened with Saab this week, the best summary news article is at Bloomberg (as usual).

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And on the same theme, here’s some video of Victor Muller from yesterday, reacting to the reorganisation decision. Video picked up by Saabworld.

Muller:%20S%C3%A5%20ska%20vi%20r%C3%A4dda%20Saab%20nu

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Your must-read for this week is the Saab 900 Enduro website.

If you’re not familiar with it, the Saab 900 Enduro is a rather bonkers edition of the 900 that was commissioned by Saab Australia back when the 900 first came out. There were only 12 of them ever made and it’s thought that only half of those still exist.

I’m hoping to do a video with at least one – and maybe more – of the existing Enduros, some time in the near future. Contact was made earlier this year and we’re just waiting on some further restoration to one of the cars.

Should be fun.

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Those of you who are interested in scale model Saabs really, and I mean really, have to add Griffin Models to your bookmark list.

The site’s not complete, but when you visit, you can see some of the stuff they’ll be selling, as well as reading about how they’re making them. Hand made from scratch.

Great stuff.

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I have a couple of other links to send on, but they’re so big that they really deserve posts of their own.

So they will come tomorrow.

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Saab historical vehicles earmarked, but safe

September 22, 2011 15:35 Line

By: Swade

Comments (24)

I went to the Saab Museum this morning to take a look at some recent additions. The recent additions are not vehicles, but little stickers applied to the vehicles that were already there.

Click to enlarge

Kronofogden stickers - Saab Sonett
Kronofogden stickers - Saab Aero-X
Kronofogden stickers - Saab 9-X Air

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Utmätt Gods translates to ‘goods sequestered for debt’ and the little stickers were applied to the collection by Kronofogden, the debt enforcement agency here in Sweden. As you can see above, the Aero-X has one. The Sonett and Saab 9-X Air both have one, too. Even UrSaab has one.

The labels were applied earlier this week, no doubt timed to precede our reorganisation decision. It’s Kronofogden’s way of claiming these vehicles as part of a group of assets earmarked for sale in order to pay debts that some of our creditors have asked Kronofogden to collect. I know that’s a shocking statement if you’re a Saab fan, but please relax and keep reading.

The decision yesterday to grant us reorganisation status means that no further action can be taken by Kronofogden right now, in respect of these vehicles. However, should our reorganisation fail, then the vehicles resume their place amongst the assets that Kronofogden would seek to liquidate in order to collect amounts owing to some creditors.

So, the vehicles are protected at the moment and of course, Saab will seek to repay all outstanding amounts (including those submitted to Kronofogden) and when that happens, the little stickers will be removed and so will any lien hanging over the vehicles.

It’s not a nice part of our current story, but it’s a part of it nonetheless and one that we will do everything to ensure is wound up with a happy ending, as soon as possible.

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Press Release: Saab Automobile To Improve Efficiency As Part Of Business Plan Review

September 21, 2011 16:02 Line

By: Swade

Comments (12)

Trollhättan, Sweden: Swedish Automobile N.V. (Swan) announces that Saab Automobile AB (Saab Automobile) has launched an efficiency improvement initiative as part of a broader review of the company’s business plan for 2012 and beyond, aiming at creating a more flexible and more competitive cost structure for the company. This initiative also reflects the effects of the prolonged production stoppage since April of this year and is an important element of the voluntary reorganization plan that will be presented at a forthcoming creditors meeting.

During the coming weeks, Saab Automobile will identify areas throughout the whole organization where efficiencies can be gained. The initiative will focus on both fixed and variable costs and aims to create a lower and more flexible cost structure within Saab Automobile by eliminating duplication of work, streamlining processes, shortening lead times, improving coordination between departments and simplifying the organizational structure. As a result of this initiative headcount reductions cannot be ruled out. All improvements should be implemented before year-end in order for Saab Automobile to have a new, competitive cost structure for the 2012 financial year.

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My own reflections on today’s positive news……

September 21, 2011 15:14 Line

By: Swade

Comments (24)

It’s a strange feeling, to celebrate entering a process that most companies would prefer to avoid. However, it gives you an idea as to how beaten down Saab has been in the public’s mind (and in our own, to some extent) when I tell you that there were, indeed, some small celebrations here today after the court in Gothenburg approved our appeal and granted us ‘reorganisation’ status.

For us as a company, it means that actions against us by unions and creditors are on hold (or withdrawn) whilst we reorganise our operations. It means that we have a stable climate in which we can get our house in order, organise our operations and plan for a re-start of production in an orderly manner without having to fend off arrows from so many different directions.

For our staff, who have done it tough in the last month but have still turned up for work and done whatever they could to keep things going, it means some welcome financial relief.

For our other stakeholders, who have supported us so much in some pretty dark times, I hope that it’s the light at the end of the tunnel getting a little bit brighter. We have a road map for where we’re going and today’s decision will be of great assistance in getting there.

For me personally, and I think for many others as well, there is the realisation that whilst this decision is a positive outcome (it beats the hell out of the alternative), it also means that the real work for Saab begins now (again). This decision gives us some space and some calmer waters in which to operate, but there’s still a hell of a lot of work to be done in order to bring this company around.

We have to negotiate with, and then pay, our suppliers. We have to get production up and running so that we can supply our distributors. We have to reorganise the company so that it’s more efficient and effective. We have to communicate our message effectively whilst giving the papers nothing to write about.

All of that’s going to require a lot of work, but I know that our people are up to the task. Today there was a brief moment where we could feel some relief, but the processes that will underpin our internal reorganisation are already in motion and this is where the real work begins.

I was chatting with a colleague this morning, and he likened this whole drama to a never-ending movie, with all its ups and downs, underdogs, villains and near-death experiences. We both agreed that it would be nice to write the final scene now, one where the main characters go off into the sunset to lead a normal, outwardly boring existence doing whatever it is that they do.

We design and build great Swedish cars. It’d be so wonderful to get back to doing just that.

If you haven’t done so yet, I’d recommend that you read In Saab’s Corner – a series of posts I did a few weeks ago outlining the many things this company has got going for it. We have a lot to share with the world and we can’t wait to do it.

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Press Release: Saab Automobile Voluntary Reorganization Filing Approved

September 21, 2011 13:33 Line

By: Swade

Comments (13)

Trollhättan, Sweden: Swedish Automobile N.V. (Swan) announces that Saab Automobile AB and its subsidiaries Saab Automobile Powertrain AB and Saab Automobile Tools AB (collectively Saab Automobile) received approval for their proposal for voluntary reorganization from the Court of Appeal in Gothenburg, Sweden today. The purpose of the voluntary reorganization process is to secure short-term stability while simultaneously attracting additional funding, pending the inflow of the equity contributions by Pang Da and Youngman.

The Swedish Company Reorganization Act says that an application shall not be approved unless there is reasonable cause to assume that the purpose of the reorganization will be achieved. In today’s decision, the Court of Appeal has found that such conditions exist, thereby overturning an earlier ruling by the District Court in Vänersborg, Sweden.

As a consequence of the Court of Appeal ruling, Saab Automobile will request for the bankruptcy filings by unions IF Metall, Unionen and Ledarna to be cancelled.

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Reorg: Yes.

September 21, 2011 13:08 Line

By: Swade

Comments (14)

We’ve just heard that the Swedish court has approved our appeal, and thereby granted us reorganisation status. This decision will provide stability that’s much needed as we get things together in advance of our dealing with Chinese partners in the future.

Never, ever give up.

Press Release to follow.

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Follow-up: Why we shouldn’t call the next Saab the “9-3″

September 21, 2011 11:37 Line

By: Swade

Comments (18)

When I posted a few days ago about my personal preference for the next new Saab to be called the 900 rather than the 9-3, I was expecting a little bit of controversy and criticism – and it certainly came to pass. I think we had a pretty good and robust discussion, though, and it was good to hear people’s thoughts on the idea.

I’d like to tackle a couple of themes running through the comments and perhaps narrow the discussion down a little bit.

Firstly, I’d like to tackle one misconception that was mentioned. This is a fair assumption on Steve’s part, however…..

With Swade’s status as an employee, I’m assuming he has seen more details of the design. Perhaps he sees something that we can’t yet appreciate.

Actually, I haven’t. The Saab Design studio is a mere 200 meters or so from where I sit, but I haven’t visited there yet. I know that if I see the vehicle it’ll be really, really hard for me to not talk about it. So I’ve made a conscious decision to keep away for the time being. I know a little bit more about the car than the average Saab nut right now, but I’ve not gone to see it for myself.

So with that out of the way, what about a few of the other themes that came through in comments?

Saab should change the range of names to …..

I don’t suggest, nor think, that there’s any value in changing the entire Saab nomenclature. That would require an extraordinary marketing investment and time that we just don’t have. And aside from that, as I mentioned in the original piece, I actually like the 9-3, 9-5, 9-4x way of labelling vehicles. It’s logical, sensible and it looks good on the cars. I’m not writing this with the idea in my head of changing the whole setup.

What I’m suggesting here is that Saab retain the 9-* nomenclature for the entire range, except for the vehicle that will replace the 9-3. I’m suggesting that we change that one and call it a Saab 900. So, when that vehicle comes out, we would have the 900, a 9-5 and a 9-4x.

…….tangent:

I’m just thinking out loud here, but perhaps Saab could retain the 9-3 name for this new vehicle, but use the 900 name for a performance package? Maybe in conjunction with the Aero tag? So you have a 9-3 Linear and 9-3 Vector (or base and Premium, if that’s the way it’s going to go), then move up to the 900 Aero for the top model? Just a quick thought on the side.

/tangent

I know it will be a point of contention for many to have two different naming conventions: 9-* and 900. But is it that much of a problem, really? Step outside the regimented initial thought process for just a moment and I think you’ll see it can work quite easily. The naming convention remains the same except for one model, which uses a classic Saab nameplate.

IMHO, It’s not that hard and still way more understandable and coherent than a bunch of unrelated alpha-based names.

Saab should look forwards, not back

A fair call, but I’m not convinced that it’s right in the context of what I’m suggesting.

I’m not suggesting that Saab should track down the tooling for the original 900 and start building it again. That’s re-tracing one’s steps in a manner that can only lead to oblivion.

What I’m suggesting here is that the 900 moniker still has a lot of value, and that value is better being unlocked and used for the company’s benefit, creating connections between former owners and the new vehicle. It’s better than that value only being saved for retrospective pieces and owners’ gatherings.

If what I’m suggesting is so wrong, then why do we have the Mini today, the Fiat 500, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the Dodge Challenger, the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro, and of course, the continued existence of the Porsche 911. It’s a mix of successful older badge names attached to new vehicles that carry on the heritage and help to build links with former owners, or new owners who idealised the original cars in their youth.

They key, once again, is to have the right car. If the replacement for the Saab 9-3 has those key Saab features that we all hope for, that combination of performance, utility, safety and comfort/luxury that the 900 did so well, then why not adorn it with Saab’s most purchased and most revered nameplate?

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Thanks again for your input and thoughts. I don’t know what’s actually going to happen with the naming of the 9-3 successor, but it’s nice to toss around this idea and perhaps the people who will actually make that decision are reading this and considering the issue.

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Press Release: Saab Automobile And Saab Automobile Powertrain Dispute Union Bankruptcy Filings

September 20, 2011 16:38 Line

By: Swade

Comments (3)

Trollhättan, Sweden: Swedish Automobile N.V. (Swan) announces that Saab Automobile AB and Saab Automobile Powertrain AB (collectively Saab Automobile) have officially disputed the bankruptcy filings by two Swedish unions with the District Court in Vänersborg, Sweden.

Both companies argue they are not insolvent and have only temporary liquidity problems which they expect to solve following the planned equity contributions by Pang Da and Youngman, for which regulatory approval is expected in November. Saab Automobile continues to await the decision of the Court of Appeal in Gothenburg on the company’s appeal against the decision by the District Court to reject’s Saab Automobile’s application for voluntary reorganization.

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