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Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1999 13:12:41 GMT
From: nutmeggernopsameja.com
Subject: Re: SAAB goes GM


In article <7qdq4c$309jnopsams2.newsguy.com>, Roger Williams <rogerwnopsaml1.tiac.net> wrote: > >> > >> I get a headache thinking about the effect GM has on GM, and on the > >> American car industry, and what they *could* have done to Saab. > > > heh, yeah I can see that. > > I think the dissolution of Buick is a prime example of what was wrong > with GM. Too many GM brands competing with each other, too many cars that > looked the same, too little emphasis on quality and safety, and much too > little emphasis on creativity. Yeah, I can definately agree with all that. > > >> However, their influence seems to be mostly benign. They've let > > Saab be > >> Saab for the most part, lowered prices to a degree, increased > > advertising, > >> and basically put some of the GM "deep pockets" behind Saab. The 9-3 > > and > >> 9-5 are all Saab in terms of the way they drive. > > > Let Saab be Saab for the most part? What exactly do you mean? > > For years, the American automotive press has been howling about the > center console ignition. I know and it just makes me laugh!! I like that, as long as you don't go spilling your drink down it, like I've heard of people doing. >In the reviews section of cars.com, you can see > the same tired griping about the fact that Saab's don't have the ignition > on the steering column (they seemed to love everything else about the 9-3 > and 9-5, though). GM has known about this, and yet, Saab has kept the > center console ignition. Well there are reasons why they do it that way. > > It's just one example, but the point is, they've let Saab continue to > be Saab for the most part. Alright....maybe "for the most part" > > > They may have increased advertising, but in my opinion it sucks!! > > Saab vs. neighbors. Saab vs. steroids. > > Saab vs. ... Mothra? I'm not following you? Their marketing techniques need a complete overhaul and I'll just bet any money there aren't any women involved in it, and it would be to their benefit to have a female POV. > > >> Oh yeah - and under GM, Saab sales have gone *up*. That's not too > > bad, > >> either. > > > No, but it hasn't gone up as much as Volvo has either. > > Volvo found their marketing niche: families who want safe wagons. Around here I see alot of DINKS (Double Income No Kids) with them. They also seem to be a favorite of Professors. When > they decided to add a little spice under the hood, sales went up even > higher. That's the market the 9-5 wagon is after (OK, soccer moms - ask > yourself: would you rather get the S70 wagon or the 9-5 wagon?). I like the new Volvos coming out, they look nice and I want to drive one. > > But, Saab reported sales 45% higher over the last year, so something's > going right. Let's face it - I love Saabs, and I don't like GM, but > without GM Saab would likely have died. Oh.....I don't know. Maybe they got to that point, but I still get the feeling it wasn't their only option and it could've been handled differently with the right people involved, but what do I know? Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Share what you know. Learn what you don't.

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