Saab Oz sales - October 2008

November 7th, 2008 · 7 Comments

OK, we’re officially at crisis stage right now.

I don’t know how to approach this delicately. In past years when there was a prolific downturn in sales I would have got up on my high horse and demanded all sorts of heads roll and tasks undertaken. Right now, I just feel a whole bunch of sad on behalf of some good people that I’ve met in person, am pleased to know (if only just a little), who work on behalf of Saab here in Australia.

I’d better get to the numbers, I guess. In October last year, Saab sold 77 vehicles, which was a shock. In September 2008 (last month), Saab Australia sold just 40 vehicles, which I figured was about as low as it could go.

This month, there were only 26 Saabs sold in Australia. Percentages don’t mean a lot at this stage.

——

As I said, there’s no ranting here. There’s nothing much to say.

Saab Oz are facing numerous problems and I don’t think they’re getting too much help with them.

For starters, there’s the fact that what was formerly just Saab Australia has had Hummer lobbed on its plate and I don’t think they’ve received a boost in financial or human resources that matches the extra load. You can add Cadillac to that shortly, as well.

Second, there’s the Volkswagen Eos.

The 9-3 Convertible makes up a good proportion of Saab’s sales here in Australia and the Eos is eating its lunch. It’s cheaper, it’s a four-seater and it’s a trendy hard top (I’m still a soft-top guy myself, but the hardtop is the one making waves).

If Saab want to thnk of a product they need to prioritise, there’s a good candidate.

Best wishes to Saab Oz for a better November.

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Tags: Saab sales data

7 responses so far ↓

1 Keir // Nov 7, 2008 at 7:01 pm

Ouch. I dread to think what the sales were like over here in NZ. We’re an appendage of Saab Oz so I bet it isn’t pretty. There’s a Turbo X sitting on one of the popular auction sites here, if anyone wants to pay that kind of money for it…

We had a new (sole) dealer appointed this year for the South Island. I wonder if they’re having fun yet Ironically the previous dealer is a Volkswagen dealer
2 kdsaab // Nov 7, 2008 at 7:48 pm

oh dear, out of those 26 sales our dealership did 5 of them.

That probably makes us the number 1 Saab dealer in Australia.

WOOT!

Not.
3 PT // Nov 7, 2008 at 8:49 pm

Grim times indeed Swade. Not helped by several other companies now offering 0% finance.Well there’s always the old saying:

In the darkest hour, the great avenger is being born.

Heres hoping things pick up for Saab and all the dedicated folks who are working to make a difference. Great time to buy a new Saab in Australia everyone, tell your friends.
4 alaero // Nov 7, 2008 at 9:50 pm

I feel for the Saab Australia staff.

I know that they are working the soles off down there..

3 car brands on the amount of staff they have is AMAZING!!

Heads up kids..

a.
5 Markac // Nov 7, 2008 at 11:18 pm

If the Oz dollar stays where it is, sales of Cadillacs and Hummers in Australia will make Saab sales look truly fantastic. It’s a pity that what was once Saab Australia will have to carry all that dead wood as well.
6 Tompa // Nov 8, 2008 at 12:11 am

Please Mr Obama.. Do something drastic. Unfortunatly the rest of the world depend on the US and if your economy is good the rest of the world (atleast the west) thrives and buy alot of stuff.. Amongst that stuff new Saabs, Holdens etc etc.
7 Mike C. // Nov 8, 2008 at 1:08 am

Just dropped off my Saab this morning for service. HUMMERS ALL OVER THE PLACE. MY CAR LOOKED OUT OF PLACE.

The dealer sold 10 Saabs for the MONTH… WOW.
Swade, I don’t think the Eos comes close the Saab. Does it? I have never been in one.