Comments on: Saab US sales data – July 2008

By: Sensonic

Sensonic — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 04:12:33 +0000

About 9-5: I guess that almost everyone’s really waiting for that new model. Here in Finland GM has tried to boost 9-5 sales by lowering the prices of 9-5 models. Maybe they want to sell as many “old school” 9-5s as they can.

Volvo has created their “classic” model which they’re putting out just before the new model is launched. They’ll offer the car with maximum accessories with the same (or almost the same) price they’ve sold the regular models. Saab should do the same. That should increase the sales, well at least I think so.

While I was discussing with my favourite Saab salesman and getting a good offer of YM. 2009 9-3 Sport Combi, another customer called to the salesman and started to talk about 9-5 he had ordered before 2009 price lists were introduced. After the salesman was done with the phone call, I asked him: are there really anybody who wants to buy YM. 2009 9-5 since the new model is gonna hit the street next year? The salesman answered to me: yes, there are. Especially this guy. I guess they just want to buy the last year model of that “classic” 9-5.

After that discussion I truly hope that there would be more of these kind of people who really want that “classic” YM. 2009 Saab 9-5. Otherwise Saab’s gonna all on its nose with the sales of YM. 2009 9-5 if everybody’s waiting for that new model.

By: Kroum

Kroum — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:32:13 +0000

What Zippy said – $29,950 is a cash purchase offer, effectively they’re throwing $6K on the hood if you buy the car cash. With no leasing through GMAC, I wonder what August will look like.

As for Ovlov’s sales’ 50% drop, I’ll assume most of the lost sales came from the XC90.

By: zippy

zippy — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:00:34 +0000

Saab Canada is knocking off $6000 for cash purchases only so I doubt its gonna make much difference to those of us in the real world who dont have $29950 + tax hanging around under the mattress.

By: Ronald

Ronald — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:31:24 +0000

Its funny that Saab’s Sales are almost at par with Volvo’s. Volvo was down 50.4% (!)…compared to Saab’s 37%..

By: Ed

Ed — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:36:21 +0000

I’m interested in getting a 9-3. Hopefully these dismal numbers will encourage the dealers to deal. There is a dealer near me in Atlanta which I drive by often. The place looks like it’s overflowing with inventory. Now that the housing ATM (aka HELOC) is closed, nobody has money for cars anymore and this will not change for a long time to come.

By: Bernard

Bernard — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:28:32 +0000

CJ,

Saab.ca doesn’t mention any special offers or price cuts in Ontario. Where in Canada are they selling new 9-3′s for 29.9?

By: cj

cj — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 02:33:41 +0000

Canadian sales are up vs PY, but still down vs prior year. Likely due to a $6K price cut on the 9-3 now starting at 29.9.

Sales up to 268 units vs 200 PY (34%), total 986 vs 1,423(-30%).

By: joemama

joemama — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:55:57 +0000

Tedj – it makes perfect sense Mini sales are up, no? I’m surprised Volvo C30 sales aren’t higher….

By: Tedjs

Tedjs — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:24:58 +0000

The Hummer dealer near Beachwood, OH recently acquired several other ‘points’ (not Saab) to supplement the dying Hummer brand. Gasoline is down a bit, but even if it got closer to $3.00 a gallon again, I don’t think that people will be jumping back into their SUV’s anytime soon.

I still find it interesting that Mini sales are up so much. Something to watch.

By: Bernard

Bernard — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:53:25 +0000

Saab is outselling Hummer in the US! That’s unreal.