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, Fri, 1 Dec 2006 20:56:17
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Greetings fellow SAABers! Thanx in advance for taking time to read this lengthy post. My caveat in writing it is that, as a serious fan of SAAB cars I was driven to share the following with other likeminded folks. I'm not a "business person" or serious investor (never had much $$ to play with), but I do pay attention to what's going on and feel you should too in this case. I hope you agree and find this was time well spent. Let me know, OK?
I'll begin with the assumption that everyone here has some knowledge about GM's current plight and is aware that Kirk Kerkorian (former largest individual GM shareholder) has dumped all of his GM stock (the last block to Bank of America this week). With the questionable status of American car manufacturers today (Ford purges 38,000 workers, Jaguar Division in trouble; GM thumbs its nose at Nissan/Renault; etc.), I can't help but wonder what might become of niche brands like SAAB, both in and outside of the GM (dysfunctional) family. Granted, GM's monolyth muscle has allowed the "Born From Jets" campaign to really flourish (more ads than ever). And, despite the feelings of some "traditionalists," the General has made some valuable strides in the brand and product line. But, with what's currently taking place, are we looking at the possibility of SAAB becoming the next Oldsmobile?
I love this brand and the products it spawned. From the beginning, with its rich history, right through to the cars we know today and hope to see tomorrow, SAAB and its devotees are bound together. Call me crazy, but I'd like to see a campaign begun to "Save Our SAABs" (S-O-S), through which might be found a way to break the SAAB brand away from GM. I have to think that all of those SAABers (like us) who believe in the brand and love their cars would rally to help keep it viable (think "independent movie" project). By the same token, there's gotta be someone with with significant $$$$$ who could see the real benefit of breaking SAAB off from GM and allowing it to continue as the fine product line it has been from the beginning. Know someone who missed out on buying an NFL franchise?
I mused in the Chat Group about having Scott set up a PayPal account to allow us to "max out our credit cards" for this campaign (back to the indie movie thing). Now, in a more sober moment, I pledge that I'll cough up some $$ to help lay the groundwork. Granted, it won't be a big chunk but it will allow me to invest in something I truly believe in and want to see continue. Hell, the only way to help the brand NOW is to buy GM stock...and that's certainly NOT the path any investment counselor I've heard would advise.
There's always been talk about the more than 1,000 members of our little enclave, and the thousands more visitors, who are devotees to this car line, and create the volume of traffic on this website that Scott shares with us. Why can't we harness those things and start a grassroots movement to save this brand BEFORE it gets to the point where it's time to seriously talk about the demise of a great car company, or, tragically, to "pronounce it" in EMS jargon (Olds was always a favorite of mine too)?
If you look at this idea along the lines of a PBS pledge drive, attending an annual fundraiser in your community or supporting a candidate for office, doesn't it make perfect sense to give some of your time, talents, treasure for this worthwhile cause? If the just 1,000 of us who are "members" SAABNET were to give $500 each, that's half a million bucks! Then there are the rest of you reading this post...and others. A campaign like THAT would get some real attention...worldwide! Even better, anybody got a "deep pockets" friend out there that they can approach?
So, there you have it. The wild-eyed rantings of some guy from Delaware who, like you, cares very much about this brand and the cars it has given us. I'm not "off my meds" or otherwise impaired in judgement (any more than normal), nor do I have any blessed idea what the true level of $$$$$ (other than MEGALOTS) is that I'm musing over. I could even be completely wrong about this whole situation...but I don't think so.
I sincerely believe that loyalty counts for something and that this car company deserves our loyalty, maybe NOW more than ever. So, how about it gang? Set up that PayPal account, Scott. I'll start it off with $500.
"Save Our SAABs!"
, Fri, 1 Dec 2006 20:56:17
, Sun, 3 Dec 2006 09:44:59, Sat, 2 Dec 2006 14:51:21
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