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BMW pet names are continent or country specific. In Sweden, which is more on topic it is Bumsen, which as I have been told in Germany is actually translated into "bumping" which I guess in slang terms means humping so that's kind of funny.
As to Saab, it is a difficult situation to keep the uniqueness in today's cookie cutter world. Under the circumstances I think Saab has done pretty good maintaining it's uniqueness, with exception of the 9-2 and 9-7. I have only owned 3 Saabs, a '99 vert, an '01 vert and an '04 vert, so I am a relative newcomer to the marque but also under 40 so, with exception of my next door neighbor's (in high school) 1986 900 coupe my previous exposure was limited but at that time it did leave an impression on me. I will say that the '99 and '01 Saabs were much more quirky than my '04, also more unique and some details were better thought out, but hands down the '04 is a better ownership experience and in many ways a much better car, despite the "cheapness" feeling of some of the interior parts. Not nearly as many problems and the handling is much better in the '04 so that trend is at least in the right direction.
By necessity the Saab philosophy has changed more to GM (OK they own it so they can do what they want). In 2001 I got a coffee table book from Saab with the '01 purchase. The book touted Saabs phylosophy to build (in comparison) fewer really good cars than to build lots of just OK cars. If Saab/GM really wants to take on their competition in the high end market they will certainly have to produce competing product but it has to be marketed correctly. If I bought a BMW car, I could have it washed for free every Saturday at the local dealer, loaner cars are expected, not withheld. The merchandising (accessories, clothes) of similar class cars is also better. High end customers like to be excited about their purchases, even in my short 7 years of ownership Saab has started to slip at catering to this compared to 1999 and is behind their European competitors.
If I were running Saab, and assuming I was the decision maker serious about maintaining the marque I would:
Bring out a sporty 2 seat Sonnet like roadster, not just closely resembling a Saturn Sky (which I like but I don't just want Saab's version of the same platform). This will give much needed showroom traffic and brand exposure.
Bring back a 2 or 3 door 4/5 seat car to compete with the 3 series coupe - for those that want the cabrio or roadster but can't justify it for lack of practicality
Roll out another Viggen series or other type of special performance group vehicle. Take BMW 3 series head on, beat them at their own game.
Develop a better, European styled SUV type platform, not just warmed over GM with a Saab grill. Saab needs a real cross over vehicle, not this 9-7 thing. Generate much needed numbers in this supposedly high profit segment.
And last but not least, develop a Saab motorcycle line to lure BMW riders away from the evil empire (there was a rumor a long time ago - seriously - and some home grown efforts can be seen on VSAAB)
posted by 72.186.13...
, Sun, 5 Nov 2006 10:51:47, Wed, 8 Nov 2006 18:20:19
, Sun, 5 Nov 2006 09:06:38
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