This was originally posted on Marketwatch.com. I hope to see more information on this soon. "Built in Trollhattan by Trolls" - Would you buy a Saab built in Germany? I am a Saab purist but I do have an open mind to realize that sometimes things have to be done to keep the brand alive. Hats off to GM for sticking with Saab and not giving up.
European unit will produce the new generation of its Saab 9-3 model at its German plant in Ruesselsheim from 2012 on, biweekly Automobilwoche said in an advanced report to be published Monday, citing GM Europe's top labor representative Klaus Franz. Additionally, 500 new jobs will be created at the Ruesselsheim plant this year, according to the report. p>
A Saab ad I saw long ago comes to mind when reading this. The ad showed a 9-3 sitting all pretty and the tag line was something to the effect, "At one point the Germans feared the Vikings... The fear is back." I'm guessing this ad won't be in the 're-run' pile.
To me, this news is simply more proof in the pudding that GM refuses to cater to the purist. Can't really blame them though; can any car company? Maybe not but that doesn't mean you can go out and rebadge Chevys and Subarus. Okay, okay so they got rid of the 9-2x but what do we have to look forward to? A Trailblazer with a Saab badge and grille and the best part: a corvette engine in it. Woohoo! What's the point really? If one of your brands is struggling what do you do? What you shouldn't do is start pulling cars in from other brands and slapping little blue circles on the front and back. Why wouldn't you focus on a good car... Scratch that... A great car: the SAAB 900 SPG/Aero, update it and create the next iconic car. If that's what the turbo-x is supposed to be then I think its another failure. Well, "failure" might be a little bit strong but the car doesn't do justice from what I've read. What about bringing back the Sonett? A little two seater? "Hell yes" for so many reasons!
I read at one point that SAAB had the highest return buyer only after Merc. I don't believe that fact still holds true.
Anyway, Kaylan... I didn't know you had a blog. I'm so out of the loop. I was searching for louvers and your blog came up. Still working at your father's dealership? You mentioned a while back that you were planning on going up to Vancouver. Did you end up going? My folks have been looking at land near Port Angeles. In any case, when I'm in Victoria next, I'll be sure to try and make it down to finally see that 9000 of yours.
Posted by: David... From Canada Eh! | 28 June 2008 at 10:30 PM