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Date: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 08:52:42 GMT
From: Marc Escuro <mgescuronopsam.com>
Subject: Re: Saab SUV


On 9/6/01 6:53 PM, in article NMVl7.7409$4z.32458nopsamnewsranger.com, "Nutmegger" <Menopsamcretroadagain.com> wrote: >> Yup... They're late to market. But I'd be open to looking at the SAAB >> 9-7 as a second car. > A two Saab family huh? My dad's looking in an SUV. He wants to do some distance driving and wants something larger than a car... But not a van or wagon. He's been looking at that awful Acura MDX. He likes the Escalade a lot, but it's too large for his needs. The X5 is not worth the money you're going to shell out. The M-Class looks like a van (to him). That leaves him with Land Rover and Lexus. If I can only stall him another 6-8 months, Cadillac will announce the LAV.... And I can steer him that way. LAV will be the basis for the SAAB "9-7". I would be very happy with another SAAB. My dad still laughs at the ignition switch though. >> I've had no problems driving cars as small as a 1991 Corolla to a Dodge >> Ram King Cab. Had no problems with Explorer or Blazers or Suburbans either. >> I've even driven a 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham straight through San >> Francisco's Chinatown with no problems!! >> One just needs to 1) know the car and 2) know its capabilities. Many >> people just drive drive drive drive and one day they back into a pole. > Yes, and they do not know how to use their side mirrors! You got it. >> Ummm... "influenced by public opinion." If the public doesn't like your >> car.... The public isn't going to buy your car... And your company goes out >> of business. > There is a point Marc, where a company should stand it's ground - especially > where safety is concerned. Consumers just need to be better educated about > why > they are doing something a certain way instead of being spoon fed stupid > advertising info, I often feel like it is an insult to my intelligence. I donžt' quite follow you here. >> Why can't a "big car company" keep the car's "status" all the while >> taking advantage of economies of scale?? >> Ford's doing a fine job with Jaguar. > It hasn't seemed to work so far in my opinion, something gets lost and/or > compromised. Possibly. Sorry. My family has a 1994 Jaguar XJ6. It is fraught with the STUPIDEST problems. The build quality is AWFUL!!! However.... 1995 was the first Jaguar with Ford Influence... And it was a HUGE improvement!!! My friend's parent's 1995 Jaguar is considerably more refined, and it's gotten better since then. Personally, I think Jaguar should never have developed the X-Type... It's looks the Volvo S40, with Jaguar headlamps. But do you think if Jaguar built cars of 1994's quality, they would still be around with the onslaught of Lexus and Infiniti and the resurgence of BMW and Mercedes? Not on your life. Can you tell the Lincoln LS and the S-Type are sisters? Nope. Totally different handling characteristics, etc. >> Just remember.... Cadillac, SAAB, and Saturn are independent car makers >> under the GM umbrella. They have totally separate design infrastructures. > Yes, but when it comes to numbers of the business it is all a wash. Maybe. >> They don't need to use the "GM parts bin." It's a wonderful opportunity for >> the 3 to spread their wings without being constrained by the mother company. > I hope to see that, but my hopes are not high. Again, look at Harley Davidson > & > AMF. Cadillac and Saturn fought tooth and nail to remain independent entities within GM as GM began its consolidation. Saturn's been stuck in neutral for a while, but they're introducing the VUE and have an interesting convertible concept car out. And they've got some "GM-first" technologies coming. Like GM"s continuously variable tranny. Yes. I know the A6 has the first mass marketed one out. But I'm sure more people will buy the $20K Saturn SUV instead of the $40K+ Audi. Cadillac's got the "Art & Science" design theme coming. CTS was launched. A super-CTS is on the way. LAV is just about ready. Escalade was launched. STS is being launched with an IMPRESSIVE 425 HP!!! XLR is set blow the XK8 and SC430 out of the market. SAAB was just brought fully into the fold. "9-7" is en route. SAAB's new design center was just completed. A possible SAAB-coupe (a la Audi TT) may be on the way. What's happening an Buick, Chevy, et al? Nothing much. So.... I think the 3 are really spreading their wings and being allowed to do so. >> You wouldn't get a car like the Cadillac Cien otherwise... Corvette >> killer?? Try Lamborghini Diablo killer. > I saw two Lamborghinis around here last week! Never saw them on the road > before, just at car shows. Don't see Many of those around. If you're lucky, you'll see 1 or 2 Lambo's in San Francisco. Someone's got the Lambo SUV/truck too!! I've seen that on the roads here. There are more Ferrari's and Astons in SF than Lambos. :-) -- Marc Escuro mgescuronopsam.com http://home.att.net/~bryesquire "...when all hope is gone, you know sad songs say so much..."

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