I’ve featured Danni and his Saabs before. Back in March I posted a few of his photos under the headline “Call Yourself Hardcore?”. Why hardcore? Well, the trip to get the car serviced is about 2000 kilometers.

That’s hardcore!

Danni’s recently been on another road trip and has been kind enough to send in a few photos. He writes:

I was basically bored on Saturday morning and remembered some good friends I have in South Africa (am working on a small mining town 277 km from the South African border running along the scenic Orange River forming the border between SSW (south south west) Namibia and South Africa.

The road was really fine and no bone jarring corrugations apart from the fact that some sections are very very narrow with barely a meter separating the edge of the road from the precipice before plunging down below.

But it is a scenic marvel and the majority of pick up (called bakkies in this part of the world) could hardly believe their eyes seeing a sedan vehicle, let alone a Saab. The pictures tell the story. Average speed was between 80-90km an hour.

To say that I was invigorated and that the MY01 9-5 cosmic blue Aero took it with aplomb is an understatement.

I’m always amazed when I see stuff like this. The sense of space is quite amazing. Thanks a bunch, Danni, for sending them in.

Forget the 9-7x. Owning a Saab in Namibia?! You, my friend, are a true Saab trail-blazer!!!

One picture here, more after the jump…..click on them to enlarge.

[Read the rest of this entry →]

A photoshop job from Muz-X.

I cannot say it clearer than this: If Saab built this car, I would buy it.

Actually, here’s a tip to those Swedish (ok, working in Germany now) design geeks working on Saab stuff. A few years ago some dedicated Holden staff here in Australia worked after hours to produce a dream car they probably talked about during lunch breaks. It was a two-door version of the Holden Commodore, which was Australia’s best selling family sedan at the time. It had a curvy body for a sedan and it lent itself quite well to the two-door task.

Some time later it actually got built by these designers and engineers. This pet project of theirs then got shown at a motor show and eventually made it into production as the Holden Monaro, eventually being exported to the UK as a Vauxhall and the USA as the Pontiac GTO.

So, Swedish design dudes – dare to dream!

It was nice to approach Sydney airport last Saturday and see one of these billboards facing all coming traffic…..

Personally, I was a little lukewarm towards the special anniversary electric blue colour, but it certainly seems to have found a few fans, enough to sell out of the anniversary model in the US quite quickly and they seem to be moving pretty well here in Oz too. With summer on the way here, I’m sure demand will be even stronger in the next few months.

Having spent some time in one a few weeks ago, I’m now much more partial to the colour scheme, which seems even better from the cockpit. The white leather’s absolutely magnificent and the blue upper door trims, which protrude into the cockpit are a very nice compliment.

The Saab 9-3 truly is the Icon-vertible.

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Car and Driver seem to agree, recently publishing a short review of the car:

This 9-3 Aero is a huge improvement over previous Saab ragtops in every way imaginable…..

…..With a body structure that is claimed to be three times stiffer than the 9-3’s predecessor, improvements in perceived solidity are significant, with no discernible windshield or cowl shake and only the slightest steering-column quiver over bad surface breaks…..

…..All in all, the 9-3 Aero strikes an intelligent balance between luxury and high performance.

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There’s also been a recent review at the Paramus Post (New Jersey). Our writer, Mark Maynard, like the V6 Aero quite a bit:

Buckling up and hitting the top-down switch in the 9-3 is like pulling off a pair of tight, hot shoes after a long day and feeling the freedom and relief. That’s how I’d like to start every day.

But he also manages a few paragraphs of criticism, centered around one of those Trollhattan Saab bugbears:

And as Saab is integrating technology, it’s time to rethink the ignition in the center console idea. At one time that odd placement for the key was, in part, a safety feature. The low placement kept the key out of the way of a knee in the event of a crash. Now, however, that placement occupies prime territory for a better cup holder…..

….Then for safety’s sake, get rid of the complex, pop-out cup holder that’s up high in the center of the instrument panel. It may be handy for a passenger, but in the event of a crash or evasive maneuver, that cup becomes a messy missile.

For the record, in Sydney last week I saw a guy in a 9-3 Sport Sedan with a very decent size cup in his central cup holder. He looked very happy, uninjured and blissfully unaware of me leering into his cabin to assess the condition of the beverage-conveying appliance.

I have to remember that my 7-minute commute renders me unqualified to comment on cupholder complaints (but they still seem needless to me).

It’s not all about caffiene, however. What convertible is?

The Saab’s near-$50,000 price will raise eyebrows, but it is more reasonable than some of the comparably equipped competitors. And it is an enjoyable convertible to drive, mostly.

Airflow is excellent with the top down, even on the interstate. No flimsy back-seat air deflector is needed. The top powers back quickly, in about 20 seconds, and lowers the windows, all four. Back seat space is limited. None of the riders I chauffeured raised a complaint, but they were 12 years old.

The top headliner is finely finished and insulated with no trace of a rag top. Sightlines aren’t bad when the top is up and there’s decent luggage space when the top is down.

A worthwhile read for those interested in the Iconvertible.

I owe a quick apology to all those that have emailed me in the last week or so without me getting back to them. It’s been pretty busy here with all the Motor Show stuff and the sheer volume of emails.

As a mass response to those that emailed me about it – Yes, I have now seen the Saab US advertising survey, however I’m still endeavouring to follow the correct path that allows me to see the imagery (I’m aware of the correct path, just need to get onto a different PC as it’s cookie based). Thanks to all that let me know about it.

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The Aero-X really is cooking up a storm here in Australia at the Motor Show in Sydney. There’s been a bunch of articles about it as well as considerable coverage about the biofuel debate here in Australia.

Hi-Octane Glamour

Saab Goes Green with Even Better Performance Environmental Leadership on Show

Saab drives biofuel debate

Sadly, I think any hopes we have for seeing E85 here in the near future are misplaced. The following should give you Aussies out there a reasonable insight into how our elected government is feeling about the issue.

I ran an article earlier this month where Australian Saab head honcho, Parveen Batish, presented Saab Biopower at a conference in Sydney. The promise at that time was to bring four Saab Biopower vehicles here to Australia to show off to government and the press.

Information received since that time indicates that Saab Oz received a phone call shortly thereafter from the government department responsible for interfering with such things. The caller stated that they were going to restrict the registration of the Saab Biopower vehicles so that they could only be driven by GM employees on the roads, which would mean press access would be restricted to the track only, and in practical terms it would also rule out any meaningful governement assessment.

Fortunately they’ve since recanted and Saab’s Biopower vehicles should be arriving shortly.

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Comments on yesterday’s post on dealer servicing were interesting.

As expected it seems to vary from dealer to dealer with some being well regarded and some being quite poor. More interesting were the comments from Saab technicians, who recall being treated pretty poorly by their employer (i.e. the dealership). Combine this with the Pre-Delivery Inspection post I did a while ago and it seems many dealerships have a way to go in the customer service department. It’s not just about smiling and being nice.

It looks like this comes down to a micro level. Dealers will live or die by their own service ethos but unfortunately it reflects on the brand as well.

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It’s October 31st, which means sales figures will be forthcoming in the next few days.

Saab globally are aiming for a record-making and profitable year so it’ll be interesting to see the numbers in the next 36 hours or so.

As reported last month, Saab USA need around 3,500 vehicle sales this month if they’re to have a realistic chance of catching last year’s sales total.

Fingers crossed.

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A new month also means a new monthly calendar.

C900 fans – clear your desktops!

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GM Inside News will be running a “GM Revitalisation in Action” post on Saab shortly. It’ll be their take on what the Saab lineup could be with the right resources put in place etc.

It should be interesting. Their last ‘RIA’ post was on buick and sparked a fair bit of discussion over there. Hopefully the Saab piece will do the same.

I’ll post a link as soon as it’s available.

This just in via email…..The Borg moves on relentlessly. It’s good they’re going to spruce up the place, but Saabs and Chevys as part of the same corporate identity? Call me a Saab snob all you like, but it doesn’t seem to me to be the way to build what’s supposed to be your global premium brand.

The subsequent question that remains after reading this:

Do Cadillac get dedicated showrooms?

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GM is launching a new dealer Corporate Identity (CI) program throughout Europe. The rollout involving approximately 9,000 dealers, started this month and continues until 2010, with most dealers converting to the new design in the 2007 to 2009 timeframe.

These numbers exclude Vauxhall brand dealers as a similar program is already being rolled out in the UK.

The new exterior signage, featuring blue transparent glass and a unique printing technique, combines the brands – Saab, Opel & Chevrolet – in one coordinated look that is cost-effective and flexible. No matter whether the dealership represents one, two, or all three brands, only one pylon is needed for logos and can easily be expanded to accommodate additional GM brands. Functional, high-quality interiors and displays include counter systems with atmospheric illumination and multi-media screens, retail display systems for catalogues or accessories, car data stands, sales consultant islands, brand walls and a display platform to feature new cars. The interiors clearly convey each brand’s identity and utilize brand-specific ‘signatures’. For example, within this group brand approach, Saab continues the roll-out of its “Unlimited” dealer showroom CI, which has already been implemented by about half of its dealerships.

“The newly developed group design is clean and its technically advanced look and feel communicates the right quality standards. It raises the bar for retail environments in the European automotive scene in a way that is both flexible and affordable for our retailers. This is a further important step in strengthening our European business,” says Jonathan Browning, GM Europe Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

The implementation of the new CI at larger multibrand dealerships, representing Saab, Opel and Chevrolet, will cost up to €100,000, with the investment shared between the dealer and GM. On the other hand, a small, single brand Authorized Repairer, can upgrade CI for around €10,000. GM Europe covers the complete cost of design development, technical development, engineering and prototyping. In addition, GM will make available a range of centrally sourced, matching storage elements and furniture that dealers can purchase for use throughout the dealership.

I have one local Saab dealer here in Hobart.

I have two available Saab specialist mechanics, though one is frequently off somewhere making or selling fudge so I haven’t used his services on a paid basis yet.

My choices are fairly limited and as I spent the last half of last week in a city that did offer choices it made me wonder what I’d do in that scenario. It also made me appreciative of the fact that our local dealer is a true Saab fan and the local specialist that I use is a thorough professional and really cares about the results of his work.

I’ve mentioned our local Saab dealer, Tony B, several times before on this site. Tony’s been a huge supporter of our car club and over the last few years he’s also become a friend. He’s not your typical car guy who just sells them because he’s in the business. Sure, he may take a vehicle home off the lot but it’s not the only Saab in his driveway. His wife and daughter also drive them. He believes in the product he sells for a living enough to put his family into them. That speaks a fair bit to me. He’s been keen to learn about the history of the brand and luckily we have a good spread of historical Saabs here in Tasmania so he’s been able to do that pretty easily.

He’s been an enthusiastic advocate for the club and an interested driver of Saabs since day 1, and it made me wonder what life for our club, as well as for me as an enthusiast, would be like if someone else was in the chair.

It’s a similar story with service. We have an independant workshop here that has one of the best Saab techs in Australia on the tools. Steve E can be called at any time and I know that almost any job he does for me will be fixed 100% the first time. Every car has its gremlins, but I know that Steve will apply all of his considerable knowledge and skill on every job. He cut his teeth working on 99s and 900s and has worked on everything Saab released between then and around 2002. He was the Principal tech at the local dealership until it was sold, when he went to work for an independant workshop. At the dealership they had around 1,100 clients on their books and when he moved, about 1,000 of those clients moved with him.

Last week I had dinner with some people from the New South Wales branch of the Saab Car Club of Australia. One of them had purchased a 2005 model 9-5 brand new. Another of the guys was a service mechanic for Mercedes Benz, but a long-term Saab owner.

It was amazing to hear the contrasting stories about service experience from both of them. Paul, the 9-5 owner, was very disappointed with the local Saab service agent. He’d bought a car from these people brand new and feels that the servicing side of the transaction has been pretty disappointing to say the least. You’re herded in as one of the GM cattle and are treated the same as if you’d purchased a $15,000 Barina. There were greasy finger marks over the engine bay, etc etc.

Simon, the MB service guy, spoke about the MB service ethos as being pretty critical in terms of retaining customers. The service environment, the reporting, the finished car that’s presented back to the customer – all of them play a critical role in how the customer sees the brand and the dealership in particular. A happy customer is one that will think about coming back rather than looking for alternatives, as Paul is (insofar as his scheduled servicing is concerned).

Saab came under the GM umbrella in 2000 but here in Australia at least, they retained some independance in service and parts up until last year. In 2005 this role was taken over by Holden and it’s fair to say it hasn’t always been smooth sailing since. There are some long-time Saab dealerships that have the formula right, but there’s also some Holden dealerships that have had Saab thrust upon them and I fear it’s in these dealerships that the customer experience is less than ideal.

How are things where you are? As mentioned I’m blessed with an enthusiastic dealer and easy access to good, professional service.

What’s it like where you are and has it ever threatened to influence your buying or repeat-buying decisions?

Following on from the news that the 9-3 SportCombi range in Australia would receive a Vector line, I thought it might be interesting to have a look at the Vector and do a very brief comparison against the Germans.

For the purpose of the comparison, I’ve used the more expensive Vector Sport model, which adds $4,000 to the price – and parking assist, a glass sunroof and a sports chassis to the car.

The Vector line in the 9-3 SportCombi is a much needed addition and as you can see from the comparison, the makes a compelling case for itself. The challenge for Saab Australia will be to make sure enough people get to know about it.

Make sure there’s enough press cars in the garage, Parveen – and feel free to put a copy of these stats front-and-centre on the steering wheel.

I’m back in Hobart now, and after going flat out on video clips and catching up with various Saab people in Sydney I slept flat out for about 11 hours last night. As I normally sleep about 6 hours a night, it was unusual to say the least.

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I’ve got to say “Hats off” to Saab Australia for putting together what I think is one of the more aesthetically pleasing stands at the motor show. There’s a lot of stands there that were just one primary color (quite often that one color being red) and a bunch of cars. Saab’s stand had a hell of a lot of texture to it, with a honeycombed wallpaper on the walls featuring various bits of Saab imagery.

There were also feature pieces of Swedish glassware on display. The cars were all black except for the Aero-X and the girls were tastefully outfitted, unlike some of the others which were good for a laugh but must have been a bit embarassed by some of the things their employers asked them to wear (and do – there was a topless chick at the Peugeot unveiling).

I know I’m biased, but it really was a pleasing aspect of the show to see that Saab Australia were representing the brand so well. Congratulations to everyone that was involved.

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The Aero-X itself made a huge impression. As I mentioned in the Motor Show video, the unveiling of the Hummer at the Holden stand was met with a stone wall of silence from the entire media throng at the show, which was considerable in size. Saab were the second manufacturer on the program, so it was straight after the Hummer – and there was a reasonable amount of applause.

Considering that the media at these events cover cars for a living and there’s little that’s new to them by the time the cars get to Australia, this was a good thing. Even the Lexus guy had to ask for a round of applause after their theatrics were over and done.

After the unveiling there was a lot of interest in the car through most of the morning. I had scenarios in my mind of the roof failing to open, though this particular vulnerability is now covered with the car being plugged in rather than relying on batteries.

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The media in Australia can still be a bit unfair when it comes to our favorite Swede.

The Sydney Morning Herald had a feature on the Motor Show in Friday’s edition. It had a full page pic of the Aero-X’s turbine wheels on the front cover – but the Saab badge had been photoshopped out and made silver.

I’d be interested to know if Saab Oz contacted them to vent some fury.

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In speaking with Dirk, the engineer who travels with the car to various shows (what a tough job!), he thinks very highly of the car. He’s not a Saab employee, so to speak. He’s a GM Europe employee and the Aero-X is the seventh concept car he’s worked on. He mentioned to me that many concepts are built to look OK but in terms of build quality they’re actually quite bad. The Aero-X, in his estimation, is the best of the cars he’s worked on in terms of being a well built concept.

I can vouch for the way it’s put together myself too. With the roof lowered, the only sounds Richard and I could hear inside he car were our own voices. Go check out the video again and see what I mean. That canopy is well fitted and well sealed – a credit to the guys that worked on it.

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About the video – I realise it’s pretty small here on the site and even on Google Video it’s not the best way to view it. Therefore I will be producing another video and making it available on DVD. It’ll be quite similar to the one I put on site here, with a few bits edited out and a few other bits added.

The cost will be quite minimal, just a few dollars per unit plus the actual cost of postage to wherever you are. For those of you interested in the Aero-X it really is good to see it on a proper screen, where you can appreciate the level of detail a little more.

I’ll also add on a photo-montage of the excellent shots Richard took at the show, one example of which is at the top of this post. Here’s another:

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Whilst I was up in Sydney I also had the chance to drive a new 9-5 Aero thanks to Brendan B, the chairman of the Saab Car Club of Australia and Saab City.

It was a Nocturne Blue model, which actually looks alright with the Dame Edna treatment. It’s as fast as a bullet and still pretty smooth, but the shortcomings are there and were given their greatest evidence on the signage painted on the windscreen – a price reduction from $92,000 down to $77,000. Whilst you could argue that this was a demonstrator model – we were allowed to drive it, after all – it only had about 105 kms on the clock.

I think delears all over the world are praying for a new 9-5 sooner rather than later and I think Saab heads in all countries are silently praying for the same thing, though they could never tell you that in public.

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As was mentioned in another video clip here at Trollhattan Saab, the 9-3 SportCombi range here in Australia will be complimented with a Vector model being included in the lineup. This is possibly the best real news to come out of the motor show and it’ll be released to the mainstream press next week, after all the rest of the motor show buzz has died down.

You can view the Vector now on the Saab Australia website, but the following enlargeable images should give you a quick run down.

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My final engagement in Sydney was a chance to catch up with some local members of the Saab Car Club of Australia, some of whom are regulars here at TS.

Simon A has an absolutely mint condition Saab 99 Turbo, which I was fortunate enough to get a ride in from his place to the restaurant. I really was a sight to behold and went every bit as good as it looks. Simon’s family have been long-term Saab owners with 22 Saabs over the years, including six in the driveway right now.

Paul H has had his car pictured on this site several times, a 9-5 Linear wagon. Paul’s one of those rare breed of customers that actually purchased a 9-5, brand new as a private buyer. Saab would do well to have a chat with him and discover his reasons for choosing the Saab (which he shopped against a BMW 5 series and various others) as well as listening to his service experiences since purchasing. I think I could almost start a whole new blog on the ideal service experience (and whether or not Saab owners regularly see it).

Andrew D also has a long family history with Saabs and next time I’m up in Sydney I’d love to be able to make time to see it as it includes a very rare Super Swede – a limited edition 9000 that I can’t find any info on just at the moment. I have read about it before though as there was one for sale here in Australia in the last 12 months. Think Carlsson trim on the outside but with some real extra beef under the bonnet.

Brendan B, the chairman of the NSW branch of the car club, was generous enough to drive me around on Friday for the run in the 9-5 Aero and then hang around while I immersed myself in video editing. I though we were going to be running around in his black 99T, however this developed some last minute mechanical hiccups. Instead, I got to ride shotgun in his very impressive 1974 99 EMS, which looked particularly good in the Saab City showroom. Photos yet to come.

Richo was there too. He has a Viggen – a blue 3-door similar to mine but with some suspension tweaks and an air filter that audibly sucks. His car is actually the October SOTW calendar car.

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I have to finish by thanking Richo for all his help during this trip.

He shot some incredible photos, which I’ll be processing and putting up here soon. He sourced the hi-def DV camera and shot a lot of the video, too. And finally, he opened up his office and the Mac resources therein, which I spent about 15+ hours using to view and edit video over the last couple of days.

It’s fair to say that his generosity has been major factor in me being able to get any of the interesting motor show content up on site in the last few days. Richo, thanks for the use of your equipment (I bet I’m not the first to have uttered that particular phrase) as well as the hospitality, the rides around Sydney and most importantly, the laughs.

It was an absolute pleasure.