Comments on: Cancel that – Saab 9-X Air appearance in LA is cancelled changed

By: Mailr

Mailr — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:25:13 +0000

According to AMS, it was the Buick Invicta (name change from LaCrosse, that shares the Epsilon II platform with the Insignia and the new 9-5) that was supposed to be presented at L.A. Considering the delay of the new 9-5 development it makes very much sense that the Invicta is delayed as well. And Bob Lutz won’t have that presentation to do at L.A. anymore.

By: The Fop

The Fop — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:33:11 +0000

“Why does it cost so much to have Bob Lutz come in and say a few words?”

A press conference would need Bob, his security team, a host of PR staff to handle questions afterwards and do interviews, catering, audio visual equipment (plus the staff to run it), etc. etc. If you look at what these things involve (youtube must have a few) I doubt there would be change out of $100k. I’d say that not doing it just because they always do is a sign that they really do understand the situation they are in. If they are to invest in product (say Saab product…) then the less money they waste on these dog and pony shows the better! All the press there would know about the car anyway, so no great loss.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:48:44 +0000

Saturn was a one-car brand for what, nine years? Three models, but one car. How long was VW the Bug (with the odd 311 or KGia tossed in on occasion). I agree that dealers need to take the marketing initiative.
N

By: SaabLance

SaabLance — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:39:42 +0000

Sorry to be a wet blanket….BUT WHO THE F… CARES IF THE9-X AIR IS GOING TO BE SHOWN!!!! Why? So we can take a picture of it,blow it up ,frame it and put it on our bedroom wall next to all the other masturbatory delights from Saab’s Design team that we will likely never see.Do I sound bitter? You G D right I am.GM in an IDL broadcast told us on Monday to not expect to see the new 9-5 until at least first quarter of 2010 and the 9-4 is pushed back a full year until third quarter of ’10.Our big debut this model year will be the 9-5 Griffin.Whoopee! The model we sell one a month of dressed up with a rear deck spoiler,different wheels and matte chrome headlight surrounds and grille. Wow…be still my heart! We are for all intentions a one model car company……to the best of my knowledge a first in automobile retail history,with the possible exception of the Ford Model-T.You can get the 9-3 in other colors,however,which gives us a leg-up on the “T”.

By: eggsngrits

eggsngrits — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:59:49 +0000

I agree with others about the hiding from reporters.

Since it’s in LA, I personally think that they may be hiding from Dan Neil, but that’s just me.

To more directly answer your question, Swade, I hope that what’s not said is that GM cut MANY travellers and MANY extras and those cuts include Mr. Lutz. I hope.

$2.3 billion per month is astonishing. According to the World Bank, that’s roughly the GDP of Suriname or Aruba, or roughly double the GDP of Bhutan or Belize. In annual terms, that burn rate is equal to the GDP of Latvia or Costa Rica. That’s some serious cash, folks.

By: aireeca

aireeca — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:47:29 +0000

Not having a spokesman there=no questions about GMs future from those pesky reporters.

By: Brendan

Brendan — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:26:01 +0000

GM management maybe starting to hide. The heat is really starting to build, and the media seem more interested in financial state of GM rather than the cars they are making.

By: albert

albert — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:23:41 +0000

That would be great, Swade announcing a new vehicle on the LA show!
Like the idea.

By: 900_S

900_S — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:54:53 +0000

I’m just excited I’ll get to see the 9-X Air in person!

By: GWC

GWC — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:36:40 +0000

I’m guessing Bob’s appearence is cancelled for fear of how the public/government would perceive his attention on items not immediately and directly related to “saving the company”. “B” has a compelling point as well.

One could argue however that at least the Volt is (should be) the car that shows that the giant ship that is GM is turning around, albeit slowly and gradually. Time will tell if they run out of cash before they are able to complete the turn.