Comments on: Saab and Volvo merger: engineers want it

By: David Blumberg

David Blumberg — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:33:16 +0000

Another post by me… I agree with what some people have suggested: to create a company above Saab & Volvo that owns both, with joint R&D. Saab & Volvo are different enough to each appeal to a different market segment and thus overcome the “overlapping” problem. They have different images and different followings. It would work I think.

The Swedish government should act now before either marque is bought by the Chinese…
And, actually, the more I read about this crisis, the more I see how Saab needs to be 100% GM (General Motors/Genetically Modified… hmm interesting?) free. Saab was never & never will be a GM product.

And I also think the Swedes should take out their old axes & helmets and seize Saab & Volvo. Sure it would cause lots of problems, but just imagine how much fun it would be!

By: Tiago do Vale

Tiago do Vale — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:53:14 +0000

Is there any chance of having Volvo AB in the mix? They have production facilities in North America.

(And Scania in South America, but I guess MAN and VW kind of limit the possibility of Scania’s partnership in this hypothetical project.)

By: SaabKen

SaabKen — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:45:07 +0000

Adam said: “Swedish National Automobile, AB. Or, SNAAB.”

LMAO ! That made my day, Adam

By: Gerald

Gerald — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:22:35 +0000

It has always made sense, and now it’s almost vital. The people with the most to lose if Saab and/or Volvo go under are the Swedes, so they need to contact GM and Ford and buy up both companies. GM should be glad to have Saab off their hands, Ford will put up more of a fight but they don’t have all that much leverage at the moment.

Merge the two companies, lightly nationalize them so the Swedish people benefit from the marriage, and let them figure out how to integrate. Let’s not forget, both marques do well in Europe so they have value even if Saab has to give up on the US for new car sales. Perhaps only for a few years.

By: Greg Abbott

Greg Abbott — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:55:43 +0000

Bill H. – the legal obstacles to your modest proposal are insurmountable. Certainly Sweden could seize anything inside the country’s borders, but GM owns the name, brand, and all intellectual property of Saab. Intellectual property laws being what they are, and international treaty rights being what they are, no cars could be sold outside of Sweden badged as “Saab.” Nor could those cars be designed to look like Saabs, nor could their construction or components use any design elements owned by GM via Saab.

GM would have to sell the rights back to Sweden for any of that to be possible, and the expropriation you describe would increase the cost of buying the rights to Saab exponentially.

The way to accomplish what you describe is simply to have the Swedish government buy Saab outright from GM. Cheaper, faster, and legal.

On the merger idea, as long as Saab retains its separate identity and character I’m all for it. Certainly the model lines can be streamlined. Let Volvo sell the SUVs. Let Saab sell the convertibles and hatchbacks.

By: gpg

gpg — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:20:44 +0000

Our first Saab was a 1987 9000 turbo, that was purchased after trading in our 1986 Mercedes that stopped on the highway after being serviced by the dealer. Since then we have had a total of 8 Saabs and presently have a 1999 Viggen, 2001 Viggen and 2008 9-5 SC in the family. We have looked at Volvo’s but always went back to Saab.

GM as every one now knows was a giant with a very small brain and their present condition truly is unbelievable. They really have not understood what they had in Saab and what direction they were to go with them. For an example, GM paid Fiat $2 Bil to get out of a non-functioning contract, Cadillac’s built in Sweden. Hummer, etc.

It would be great if Saab and Volvo could co-exist under one company with one R & D Dept. Each company has their loyal following and by using their combined size could compete within the world’s automotive market. Saab’s output should probably have 4 individual segments (9-x Biopower, 9-3,
9-4x and 9-5); with both FW Drive and XWD in each segment.

We can only dream and if you have ever flown by yourself above the clouds, then that is the feeling that I would have if this were to actually happen.

By: José Galvão

José Galvão — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:10:36 +0000

IF they join to share some platforms, parts, logistics and some knoledje and still be tottally independent, that´s a good idea….
Like united in an name ( Swedish Car Company – SCC ) and still have thier own names and logos

That way i think it´s ok…. nothing else will be good to both companies ( in my opinion )

By: MikeT

MikeT — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:39:15 +0000

Engines not a problem! Volvo still has an engine plant (Skovde) and SAAB has its variable compression engine concept (killed by GM). Just put the two together. Anyway, Volvo is supposed to be killing its V8 and I6 and moving to small capacity turbos for the next generation.

By: Tiago do Vale

Tiago do Vale — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:26:48 +0000

Andy:

The VAG group operates exactly with that overlap, and their strategy works!

It may seem that Seat, VW and Skoda (and even some Audis) have many many redundant vehicles, but in fact that apparent redundancy provides huuuugeeee economies of scale, and, surprisingly, even if in the same segments, each brand has it’s market, it’s own target market.

Saabs and Volvos can be in the same segment and be so different cars…

I think Saab would be the one with the most to win, in such a partership.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:07:04 +0000

Great fantasy Bill H. Is there enough Viking DNA left for a political “smack upside the head to the brand-killing morons in the US”. Please?

Engineers back in charge – the real solution.

Arctic nations unite!