Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 11:11:22 -0400 From: "J. Harris" <insectonopsamspring.com> Subject: Re: GM to increase SAAB lineup
> >From April 10th Wall Street Journal: GM is planning to introduce two new > >Saab models sourced from elsewhere within the GM "empire". One model will > >be a "sporty" entry-level compact based on the Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback; > >due for a 2004 release. > > Would that be the 9-1? I read something about that. Saw some spy shots > as well. Well, after the huge "success" of the C-class coupe and the > Bimmer 3 hatchback, I would have hoped they know better than to go > there... Yeah, the C-class has negatively impacted the Mercedes experience/image. S-class owners and some sales reps have griped that all those beginner merc's are taking up resources (sales efforts, mechanic bays, loaner cars... ) that S-class owners had come to expect without the hassle of scheduling an appointment. About the WRX/Saab, it (the WRX) is a blast to drive. The Subaru is rather small, spartan, and somewhat boy-racerish; so, a few Saab touches (safety features and creature comforts [heated seats, leather, sunroof {if possible, roll-cage/torisonal support problem}]) could help to created a superb car; maybe one that might be "truer" to Saab's traditional sporty, utilitarian past. > >The second model is a SAAB badged SUV based on the > >Chevrolet Trailblazer! The SUV could take two or more years to bring to > >market. > > Oh noooow, not a S.U.V. Aaaargh. I saw one of those moronic Caddy > Escalades the other day, and I nearly wept. Now the corporate GM > Marketing Bozos go on and blow the last brand with some identity to > pieces. This makes me wanna cry! Note: The article did mention that the Saab/Caddy SUV plan has been abandoned (too costly to adapt cross-platform). Yet, if you look at the sales "success" of Volvo's SUV and even that pathetic/tradition-killing Range Rover "Highlander", then you can understand the need to give the people what they want... whether they need it or not.
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