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Why not? Don’t forget that Sweden is close to the european markets, and the Russian and the Eastern European markets. The eastern markets are ‘new’ markets, and especially the Russian market is h u g e, and it is now growing pretty fast.

Besides; I think SAAB will lose some of it’s important value or identity if they’re not Made In Sweden. Designed In Sweden and Made In China (or USA for that sake) isn’t what will help SAAB. It’s not that important though where the money comes from (but I guess we’ve been through that discussion )

I think the sale of Saab is unlikely. The reason is money. Frankly, what would Saab be worth on the market? No Asian car maker has any interest at all in a small plant located in Trollhättan of all places. The sales volume of Saab would hardly show a dent in the overall figures for them. The only way would be to start all over again by putting the Saab logo on some Chinese cars headed for Europe. But by doing that, the sales figures in Europe would fall to zero and it would all be wasted money. And Saabs presence in the rest of the world is so small that it doesn’t make sense to do it anywhere else. For GM, Saab has cost a load of money. But after all the down-sizing and cost cutting, they are now on the brink of break-even. The value of just holding on to the brand for future use is much higher than what a sale would generate. Saab work force only count for less than 10% of GM Europe and less than 2% of GM globally. It’s nothing, and the only thing it would generate is unwanted attention from the media and badwill.

I guess the favorable exchange rate is one of the main reasons for building it in Mexico. The plant is already there. It will build the 9-4X’s sibbling next year. Shared parts are already ordered. How much would it really cost then to also build the 9-4X?

Also, do not forget the big picture. I know that there is an economic crises. But people are still buying cars. In Western Europe alone, 1,2 million cars were sold in September. That’s 9% less than a year ago, but till over 1,2 million cars. Why should not Saab with a modern lineup be able to account for only 1% of that? Also, 2006 and 2007 were record years. Sales figures so far are in line with 2005 and higher than those of 2003. For companies that bring smart products to the market, there are still ample opportunities.

I am a dedicated SAAB enthusiast, but I realize that this is really bad times for our beloved Swedish brand. I have one hope though: SAAB is one of the worlds smallest car producers, and because of that they might be somewhat easy to sell. The SAAB brand has after all still a high value in the automotive world, and that is not thanks to the American owner GM.

As mentioned above GM doesn’t care about SAAB anymore, let’s face it, and now they have no more dollars left to support SAAB. But still GM is focused to launch the Camaro and SAAB’s 9-4X sistership from Cadillac, both politically incorrect cars for Americans only (Europeans won’t have them)……. GM doesn’t have a clue about how to do things correctly both politically and globally.

GM is totally out of focus like the rest of the US car makers, especially seen with european eyes. What have GM done to strengthen SAAB? The ‘making’ of SAAB 9-2X and 9-7X is a real joke and a clear symbol about how serious GM’s strategy has been about the swedish car maker. Not to mention the Cadillac BuLlShit……. GM has been insulting SAAB since they for some strange reasons bought SAAB nearly ten years ago. It’s not enough with just coming up with some fancy concept cars from time to time.

Let’s pray that SAAB will survive this storm, and if they do they will survive anything in the future. But as mentioned, I am afraid that this is the end of one of the greatest carmakers on earth.

I asked my wife previously about what car to choose next time if SAAB disappears. She wasn’t surprised about the question because here in Scandinavia rumours now are hot about the death of both SAAB and Volvo. When we bought our 2005 9-5 Vector Sportwagon brand new I have to admit I did that because I feared it would be the last chance to get one of the latest ‘original’ SAABs. We both really love our SAAB, the fifth in row. Actually, our family is flooded with SAABs and everyone loves them!

I think I’m gonna keep that extremely nice 9-5 for the rest of my life, as a memory of one of the worlds greatest carmakers. And, I am actually as we speak also in negotiations about a SAAB 900 Aero from around 1990. I must have that as well in the garage before SAAB disappear…….

Have a nice weekend all!

Rgds
-Olav-
Always choosing the longest way home when driving my SAAB.