Date: 21 Apr 2001 18:21:28 GMT From: dsjkallennopsamcom (DSJKALLEN) Subject: Re: Saab's reliable or not??????
Re. future Opel influence on Saab's future offerings . . . the current 9-5 is based, loosely or not so loosely, on the Opel Vectra platform, as is the Saturn L series. Obviously, we're moving away from the original topic of the post, but as automobile manufacturing continues to become global in nature, we will continue to see the same cost sharing among parent companies. Actually the classic 900 used a few GM-based componets as well. The rack and pinion steering assy. is a Saginaw unit made for Saab -- a GM design. And, the Type A power steering pump used on my '85 900 is directly out of GM's inventory! You can find the same pump on mid-80's Chevys. Rolls-Royce used the GM turbo hydramatic automatic for years, based on its reliability and smooth operation. So, not everything the General does is bad. Saab's primary reason for the GM association was capital for operations and growth. Given stiff worldwide competition, Saab in its former small corporate size, would have had a tough time surviving in today's auto sales climate. And, Saab's new models, especially the 9-5, is becoming more mainstream in design to capture a larger sales base. A friend of mine, who has owned and operated a Saab-only dealership in western Indiana since 1959, recently told me, "it takes more than placing the ignition switch on the floor to constitute a Saab!" Regretfully, he's actually seen his sales volume decline since the demise of the classic 900 series - interesting. Given Ford's ownership and influence on Volvo and Jaguar, we will see continued sharing there as well. I am sure everyone notes the unique design similarities between the latest high-line Ford offerings and the latest Jag sedan. It's bound to happen given the neccessity of keeping manufacturing costs down. For all of the purists, we need to rush out and buy classic 900s, Volvo 140/240 and 1800ES's, as well as Jag E-Types!! Don '85 900 8-valve 130K '87 900S 16-valve 125K
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