There was a chat session on earlier today with Anthony Lo – head of GM Advanced Design and all round good guy. The transcript was sent in to me by Scott B (thanks a bunch!) and here it is…..
Note the comments about the new 9-5. There were some questions the other day about architecture, which are answered below.
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A.Lo.Moderator: Hello everyone, I’m Dave Roman, Director of GM Europe Technology & Design Communications, and I will be your moderator for this webchat session. Anthony has arrived and he is logging into the chat right now. We’ll get started in a moment.
A.Lo.Moderator: I would like to introduce Anthony Lo, Director of GM Europe Advanced Design. I see that some of you have met Anthony before. For those of you who have not, Anthony has been with GM for 8 years and responsible for many vehicles including the Saab 9-3 SportCombi, Saab Aero X concept and most recently the Saab 9-X BioHybrid. Go ahead with any questions for Anthony.
SaabHistory.com: What are your thoughts on the Saab 9-X BioHybrid?
Anthony.Lo: Good morning! The 9-X BioHybrid is our vision on what a compact size Saab would look líke.
SaabHistory.com: On model nomenclature: Why was the Saab 9-X reusing the 9-X again, instead of 9-1x?
Anthony.Lo: As it remains as a concept, we would like to reuse the 9-X nomenclature.
SaabHistory.com: On Technology: What will be making production (ie. Solar Panels, etc.) and do the solar panels on this car actually work this time or is it just theoretical?
Anthony.Lo: The hybrid system is announced for production on future GM vehicles. On the solar panel, we are working on several studies on how to improve battery performance and solar is one of them. The panel itself does not work on the concept.
ViggenConvertible: The new 9-3 reborn looks like a Saab again, if only from the front half of the car. If it had a hidden 9000 style Hatch on it, I would buy it. I couldn’t help but confuse it with the side of a a Chevy Malibu I saw the other day. When will Saab cars look like Saab cars again?
Anthony.Lo: Saab brand is all about progressive design. We must look at what is best for the brand from a design perspective
Anthony.Lo: The rear end of Saab cars always generates a lot of discussions. We always consider appropriate themes and design cues but do not fix on any particular solutions.
SaabHistory.com: On ViggenConvertible’s question: Will we see a true forward hinged hatch again? I heard the rumor was that there was supposed to be one in 2002 alongside the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, but budgets cut that out of the equation. Please speak to this.
Anthony.Lo: The forward hinged hatch was never in the plan in this generation Saab 9-3
bizhaoqi: Can you provide any information regarding the progress and timeline of the new 9-5?
Anthony.Lo: We are working on it but we have no specific information to share with you
bizhaoqi: Can you tell us what platform the new 9-5 and next 9-3 will be built upon?
Anthony.Lo: The 9-5 will be based on our Global Mid Size architecture and it is currently being developed in Europe
ViggenConvertible: It appears there is much emphasis on Front Fascia to create that brand. When will the rest of the car have a focus again? (I apologize if this sounds like a rough question)
Anthony.Lo: The 9-4X Biopower concept is a clear sign that we are focused on delivering a complete product. You will be surprised when you see the new 9-5
SaabHistory.com: On Exterior Design: Why did the 9-X BioHybrid not include a C-pillar like the 9-3x concept car?
A.Lo.Moderator: We are getting a lot of questions and Anthony is responding as quickly as possible, so please hang in there with us. Thanks.
Anthony.Lo: The C-pillar, like the rear end, are controversial. We would like the window graphic to fit the theme and the solution we have on the 9-X is the best fit for the upright rearend.
Guest_53a8: Any chance of a TDI making its way to the US?
Anthony.Lo: We continue to look at diesel for the US market but no decision has been made so far
ViggenConvertible: Anthony, what is your relation to the Saab brand. What Saab cars have you owned and loved?
Anthony.Lo: I have driven various Saabs since I joined the company in 2000. I am passionately involved in all the past and future Saab projects.
SaabHistory.com: Why doesn’t the rear tail gate open up? Why wasn’t it a sloping hatch like the Aero-X?
Anthony.Lo: There was a mechanical problem in the tailgate and it will be fixed soon. We want to create a concept that is beautiful to look at without compromising on interior space and flexibility. The ‘Shooting Brake’ style rear end is the best solution.
SaabHistory.com: On Interior Design: The interior looks unfinished, any reason for this?
Anthony.Lo: The interior is finished. We are continuing to work on some of the functionality issues.
SaabHistory.com: ViggenConvertile: Good question on the front vs. the rest of the vehicle.
SaabHistory.com: On other future models: Will Saab fully utilize its own concepts in the the future for their own products, rather than use them for other models in the GM lineup?
Anthony.Lo: I am not sure if I understand your question correctly. Saab concepts are developed for Saab brand only.
bizhaoqi: I understand hatchbacks were not well accepted in the U.S. for some time, but recent cars such as the Mazda 6 have successfully provided both sedan and hatchback versions of the same model with minimal differences in appearance despite the great functionality of the hatch. Is Saab planning any future sedan-like hatchbacks for the U.S. market (e.g. next-gen 9-3)?
Anthony.Lo: It is a good question. It would be a good solution to follow the Mazda strategy but it has to make financial sense
SaabHistory.com: Will there be any more design elements that will be applied to future Saab products from both the Saab 9-3X as well as the Saab 9-3 Sport Hatch Concepts since the 9-X was used for the 9-X BioHybrid?
SaabHistory.com: Good question ViggenConvertible
Anthony.Lo: I have answered that question earlier.
SaabHistory.com: Good morning and thanks again for the NYIAS
Guest_53a8: Will XWD be incorporated into the next generation of Saabs? Do you see it as a pervasive theme across the model line?
Anthony.Lo: I am not in a position to answer technology applications in future products. I will be happy to answer any design questions
SaabHistory.com: On working with Saab / GM Design: Please discuss the differences and nature of the GM Design Center in Germany in comparison to the Saab Design center formerly in Sweden.
SaabHistory.com: bizhaoqi, you mean a fastback combi hatchback not a tail gate like the 9-3 Sportcombi, correct?
Anthony.Lo: Our Design Center in Sweden is creating the long term vision and define what are the important elements that we should incorporate in future Saab products. They are also involved on concept car development. All products are finally executed in Germany
99 9-3 HOT: I see we have one Talladega owner on…is Saab planning to set another world endurance record like the ones set in the 80′s and 90′s? And if so, will there be a special edition?
Anthony.Lo: Our colleagues in Saab Marketing will be in a better position to answer your question
SaabHistory.com: Do you speak with longtime friend and former designer, Michael Mauer?
Anthony.Lo: I meet him from time to time in car shows
bizhaoqi: Will the interior of the 9-4X Biopower concept be making its way to production in future Saab models?
Anthony.Lo: Directionally, the interior of the 9-4X is very close to what we have considered for production.
SaabHistory.com: Anthony, to get clarification on your statement, are you stating that Saab does not have the budget to include a fastback like combi hatch at this time? Is that also why it was not included in the 9-3 SS lineup in 2003?
Anthony.Lo: I am not familiar with the decision made at the time.
bizhaoqi: Can you speak to some of the design decisions you have had to make during the development of the new 9-5?
bizhaoqi: SaabHistory: Correct–one that slopes almost the same as a sedan (and thus is not necessarily identified by the driving public as a hatchback) but with all the same hatch functionality
Anthony.Lo: I am not in a position to comment on the new 9-5
ViggenConvertible: How much freedom does GM give you to design a car? Do they place limits on particular parts of the car (like the rear half) to the platform, and allow you to design other parts?
Anthony.Lo: GM’s global architectures are designed with a lot of bandwidths for design freedom. The bandwidths are developed in conjunction with our regional design centers in the Advanced phase.
bizhaoqi: Can you give us an idea of what portion of new Saab design is coming from long-time Saab designers versus new/young designers fresh to the brand?
Anthony.Lo: All our designers have strong connections to the Saab brand and are very familiar with the history. I think we have a good balance of designers in the team to develop truly distinctive Saab products.
SaabHistory.com: Anthony Lo, I was under the impression that there was a Saab “Brand” in Sweden which isn’t an actual facility, and that the only design center is the GM Design Center in Europe.
Anthony.Lo: Saab Brand Design is located in the Pixbo studio in Sweden. It is a fully equipped digital studio.
A.Lo.Moderator: We are on top of our end time for this webchat, so please hold any additional questions. There are several questions in the queue that Anthony will continue to answer, so stick around a little longer. Thanks.
SaabHistory.com: Will the rear c-pillar be cleaned up before production on the 9-4x? It looks about 80% complete there.
Anthony.Lo: The 9-4X is a concept and directionally close to what we plan to include in the future line up
bizhaoqi: I believe Saab has recently said that it would like to be represented in “every major segment” of the auto industry. Surely this does not mean light trucks (which at least in the U.S. is obviously a major segment)? Are there any other segments in which Saab isn’t currently represented but is considering entering?
Anthony.Lo: We continue to look at all potential new segments that Saab are not present today.
bizhaoqi: Thank you very much for your time–I for one am very excited about Saab’s current and future direction
SaabHistory.com: Do you factor in specific GM parts that are part of platforms when designing Saab vehicles, whether those are concpets or production?
99 9-3 HOT: Thanks again for your time Mr. Lo. I love the brand and look forward to the direction it goes in the future. While giving a nod to Saab’s heritage, you and the team have come up with some very cool designs over the past year.
Anthony.Lo: Of course we do.
SaabHistory.com: Is there at Saab design center in Pixbo used as a design center in concerp with the GM Design Center in Russelheim, Germany?
Anthony.Lo: The Saab Design Center in Pixbo is part of GM Europe Advanced Design that I am responsible for. They are participating in all Saab concept developments.
SaabHistory.com: Thanks for your time today, and I appreciate you answering these questions. I plan on sharing them on my website, Saabhistory.com just like I did before.
Anthony.Lo: I have got to run! Thank you all for participating in the chat! I need to go back to design some more great Saabs!
A.Lo.Moderator: Thanks again, everyone. If interested, this webchat transcript will also be posted to our GMNext.com website within the next day or so.
When does the informational part of this text begin….this guy should be in politics with those answers.
wow!! was that really him on the other end of the line or GM pr?
a.
That’s corporate GM for ya. I didn’t expect much more. GM doesn’t allow it’s staff to break wind without checking with legal and PR first. Anthony’s a great guy and quite a bit more chatty in person but the chatroom format combined with the narrow scope of what he can say doesn’t allow for huge expositions, I’m afraid.
then I guess this shows how being on the Saab/GM payroll kinda stifles what one can say, doesn’t it, Swade?
Couldn’t agree more, SaabLance!
I’m sure Anthony is a great guy, but he obviously isn’t at liberty to answer many questions!
Doublespeak-galore, Batman ! Not sure about you guys, but I don’t think I gleaned any useful bits of info out of that dialogue.
With all due respect for Anthony, I think he was trained by Donald Rumsfeld in terms of communications !
Doublespeak? That’s because you’ve forgotten your decoder ring again, Robin! EnG
SaabLance you are spot on. There aren’t even too many lines to read between!
Wow. I just finished with the GWU chat, and it was asked if Saab should talk to Saab owners, e.g., a web site. I think everyone agrees, Saab should, but it has to be without the Lutz gun at the back of the head.
at least he said the new 9-5 will be surprising- hopefully in a good way.
You know the Aztek was surprising too *shudders*
I think this interview does a great job of highlighting everything that is wrong with GM and it’s corporate culture. You don’t do or say anything unless the management says so, which would be one thing if the management was actually, you know, competent. But they aren’t.
So let me try and translate the corporate-speak and legalese here;
Anthony.Lo: “The forward hinged hatch was never in the plan in this generation Saab 9-3″
Translation: “We have always been at war with Eastasia”
Anthony.Lo: “We are working on it but we have no specific information to share with you”
Translation: “While we like to tell the dealers that they’ll have it in 2009 in a feeble effort to keep them from closing shop, that’ll happen when hell freezes over and the devil gives free sleighrides”
Anthony.Lo: “The 9-4X Biopower concept is a clear sign that we are focused on delivering a complete product. You will be surprised when you see the new 9-5″
Translation: “Even Wagoner thought in retrospect that the 9-7x was probably a stupid, stupid idea. With luck the new 9-5 might even be able to compete with the Passat!”
Anthony.Lo: “We continue to look at diesel for the US market but no decision has been made so far”
Translation: “You have a better chance of seeing a Hummer hybrid than a US-market diesel Saab.”
Anthony.Lo: “I have driven various Saabs since I joined the company in 2000. I am passionately involved in all the past and future Saab projects.”
Translation: “I only design Saab’s because they pay me to and I hope this job will be a good springboard for following in Mauer’s footsteps and going to work for the Germans.”
Anthony.Lo: “It is a good question. It would be a good solution to follow the Mazda strategy but it has to make financial sense”
Translation: “I really like this idea and it would make perfect sense for the brand, but it will never make it past the beancounters in Detroit.”
Anthony.Lo: “Our Design Center in Sweden is creating the long term vision and define what are the important elements that we should incorporate in future Saab products. They are also involved on concept car development. All products are finally executed in Germany”
Translation: “The brand center exists only to net us some tax breaks in Sweden, make no mistake, they really ARE just badge-engineered Opels now”
Anthony.Lo: “I meet him from time to time in car shows”
Translation: “Disgusted with the GM corporate culture, Mike hasn’t looked back since. I can’t take more than 5 minutes of him gloating smugly about the artistic freedoms that the Porsche family gives him”
Anthony.Lo: “Directionally, the interior of the 9-4X is very close to what we have considered for production.”
Translation: If you squint really, really hard it might just vaguely resemble the concept. We’re still trying to figure out how to make the new Malibu’s radio fit”
As someone who rents cars every week, this isn’t even funny, it’s sad. It really gets old seeing the same freakin’ radio in every GM car. EnG
Anthony.Lo: “GM’s global architectures are designed with a lot of bandwidths for design freedom. The bandwidths are developed in conjunction with our regional design centers in the Advanced phase.”
Translation: “They give us wheelbases, door hardpoints, window shapes, pillar dimensions, overhangs, and bumper setups and expect us to style a unique looking car out of them.”
Anthony.Lo: “We continue to look at all potential new segments that Saab are not present today.”
Translation: “Don’t put it past Lutz, Wagoner and the rest of them, you really don’t know what they’re capable of.”
So who else wants to translate some of this garbage? I’m on a roll already but I know I’ve missed some real gems.
Alex, this may be the single funniest comment ever on TS. My hat’s off — you went high-brow and old-school from the get go and worked in the current state of things masterfully. In the immortal words of a close friend of mine: “He speaks in glittering generalities.” Anthony Lo must double as a speach writer for presidential candidates in his spare time! EnG
Design he says? How about a HO Boxer engine a-la Subie, a chassis deserving of such an engine, hatch back a-la Skoda/Mondeo (no need to change the rear end look) and a modern dash?
That would be a start to generate huge interest but that would be so un-GM wouldn’t it?
Scania, are you listening?
First thing, Anthony should probably learn to type faster or get a touch typist in to write his answers. We might have got more info from him that way.
In his defence, though, I’m not sure what else he could say in a short amount of time. Ask him what he thinks of the 9-X BioHybrid and what do you expect him to say? That he doesn’t like it?
I didn’t expect anything earth shattering from this chat session. Having dealt with GM personnel for some time now, you just know that certain questions (i.e. anything about future models) are going to played very defensively. Certain types of news can only come from certain people in GM. It’s a rigid, flawed and frustrating system.
Anthony’s a great designer and Saab are lucky to have someone like him at the helm of advanced design. He’s headed up Best-in-Show vehicles at the last two Geneva shows so I don’t think he’d have trouble getting work if he wanted to leave.
Swade, i think Anthonys talents are wasted at GM as is SAABs huge potential.
Seems a bit like public service where potential looks for a place to die.
Craig, Scania is not listening, the new landlord VAG could be.
Other than that, I am with Swade – what did you people expect from a chat session with Anthony Lo? And while everyone is still feeling bullish, what would you do in a similar situation related to your own job? I’ll bet you wouldn’t be spilling the beans all over the counter.
thumbs down. what a bunch of total corporate BS answers from anthony lo… he should understand his audience better. there’s a better way to manage these types of communications. fail.
Swade: Do not get me wrong. Mr. Lo rocks.
I think that we are having fun with the limitations that have been placed upon him, not him. At least that’s my perspective.
Understood and agreed, Eggs. The system he’s stuck in sucks to a fair extent. I just wanted to put in a few good words fo him as he’s not likely to post them himself, though it’s possible he’s reading.
In all fairness to GM and especially Anthony, I have worked for several large corporations and even some smaller ones, and most if not all have very strict policies concerning forward-looking products or statements, i.e. that only specific people are authorized to speak to them, and only in specific ways. I think the whole new internet blogging/chat world is slowly changing all that, so we have to give GM credit for trying, but many legal, PR, HR, marketing, etc. concerns remain and will need to be hammered out by organizations of all sizes.
The true way to judge Anthony’s work is by the designs his team executes, and as Swade mentioned, look to those Best-in-Show vehicles he/they have been churning out. Then hopefully look to the models hitting the production line in the near future… (fingers crossed)
My condolences to Anthony- imagine if you’d spent so much time and effort working on designs you’re proud of, and then you get online and face a barrage of “your product looks unfinished” and “why didn’t you do it this way”. And what’s worse, he has to put his explanation in layman’s terms and boil it down to a one or two sentence soundbite. I’d probably come across as a bit defensive, too.
Maybe it’s just how I read the transcript, but he seemed to be put in the fire. Man got grilled.
Anthony.Lo: “The forward hinged hatch was never in the plan in this generation Saab 9-3″
Translation: “We have always been at war with Eastasia”
Alternative Translation: “There were a few folks who really liked hatches, but we have sold far more cars since we ditched it than we ever did before”
Anthony.Lo: “We are working on it but we have no specific information to share with you”
Translation: “While we like to tell the dealers that they’ll have it in 2009 in a feeble effort to keep them from closing shop, that’ll happen when hell freezes over and the devil gives free sleighrides”
Alternative Translation: Only a complete retard would post future model plans all over the web where our competitors can read it during their lunch break. How stupid do you think I am?
Anthony.Lo: “We continue to look at diesel for the US market but no decision has been made so far”
Translation: “You have a better chance of seeing a Hummer hybrid than a US-market diesel Saab.”
Alternative Translation: If there is any money to be made we’ll do it in a heartbeat, but development will cost a fortune and as of today there is no evidence that there is a market for it at a price at which we would make money. If we want Saab to be in business in ten years time losing yet more money is not a good idea.
Anthony.Lo: “It is a good question. It would be a good solution to follow the Mazda strategy but it has to make financial sense”
Translation: “I really like this idea and it would make perfect sense for the brand, but it will never make it past the beancounters in Detroit.”
Alternative Translation: That is exactly the strategy GM already follows on the Vectra, so we already know the costs and the potential rewards. If we aren’t doing it on the volumes Saab sells, that tells you all you need to know.
Anthony.Lo: “I meet him from time to time in car shows”
Translation: “Disgusted with the GM corporate culture, Mike hasn’t looked back since. I can’t take more than 5 minutes of him gloating smugly about the artistic freedoms that the Porsche family gives him”
Alternative Translation: Poor Mike – he just gets to cut and paste the 911 nose and tail onto a bunch of cars on which it doesn’t even fit (witness Cayenne and upcoming Panamera). He must regret ever leaving.
Anthony.Lo: “Directionally, the interior of the 9-4X is very close to what we have considered for production.”
Translation: If you squint really, really hard it might just vaguely resemble the concept. We’re still trying to figure out how to make the new Malibu’s radio fit”
Alternative Translation: The interior is almost 100% production, but if I say that out loud PR will get really pissed.
Hello everyone,
I’ve read many of the comments posted in regards to my webchat earlier this week and I appreciate the passion for the Saab brand. I wish I could tell you more about the upcoming plans for future Saabs, but I hope you can understand that I would prefer to keep this information away from our competitors. I would like to do another chat in the future and I’ll do my best to get into more details. I do find it challenging to go into any depth on a question since there are so many, so maybe we can identify a specific topic for a chat. As far as some of the more personal questions, my favourite Saab is the 1980 2-door 99 Turbo in green with ‘Inca’ wheels. The upright wrap around windscreen and the rear end are so distinctive and with the wheels nearly flushed with the body, it has better stance than most cars on the road today!
Anthony Lo
Advanced Design Director, General Motors Europe
Wow.. wow yet again. Anthony Lo.. wow
You´re right Tompa. Wow!
Thanks Anthony for giving your time and sharing some details. That´s really appreciated!
As a regular reader of this blog and long time Saab enthusiast, I´m very impressed to have Design Director commenting here!
This makes me really feel (even more now) that Saab truly is a special Brand. Take pics of a first production MY08 9-3 and now Turbo-X here, on this site. There´s not so many car manufacturers sending info and details like this.
I understand that those questions during the chat were probably not the ones Anthony really likes to answer. Not so many q´s about design features and the functionality of them.
Gotta love the new ´08 9-3… mmm..
All of this is in good humor, but it is well to remember that Saab’s first priority is and must be to stay in business. For most of us, of course, there is a point at which we would abandon our beloved Saab. That point is, as the comments have implied, when a Saab becomes a Chevrolet with a different badge on it (see the 9-7). What causes me to be optimistic is the impression that GM has sworn off rebadging efforts and is serious about creating real Saabs, recognizing the economic necessity of common platforms that every company must accomodate to stay in business.
I must chuckle, however, at the suggestion that Mauer has more creative freedom at Porche. Really? Hasn’t Porche only made one car in the last 40 years? I think the interview went like this: “Mike, we want you to take over the 4-door 911 project. Here’s the 911, now put two more doors on it. Knock yourself out.”
It’s an honour for us to see you here on TS, Mr. Lo.
There are obviously good reasons why proprietary information needs to be protected at times. As you can tell, the Saab community is a “fervent” one and passion for Saabs and what Saab stands for is our middle name.
Keep up the great work you are doing at GME. We look forward to (many more) new Saab models in the next months/years.
Mr. Lo: Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing with us. You’re always welcome!