sometimes called a vehicle architecture, is a set of components using a given set of general dimensions that are common to a number of different automobiles. Some of those dimensions, like wheelbase, can be changed to accommodate different vehicle types. Most of this is under the skin stuff, but it generally defines whether a vehicle is FWD, AWD or RWD, and allows for certain types of suspensions.

Sometimes the differences can be extreme: the Nissan FM platform is used for the 350Z and the Infiniti FX SUV. The Ford 500 (now badged as a Taurus) shares a Volvo platform. The Chrylser Crossfire uses a Mercedes platform as does the Chrysler 300. More obvious ones are the VW Golf which shares the same platform as the Audi TT, VW New Beetle, and the Jetta.

Because a platform is expensive to develop, it makes a lot more sense from a manufacturing point of view, to share platforms across multiple vehicles. It makes all of the makes and models involved less expensive to produce, and simplifies a number of core manufacturing processes. Is some uniqueness lost in this? Yep--no doubt about that!

For GM and Saab, I suspect they (a) can't justify a unique platform for Saab due to the low production volumes when compared to their other car lines and (b) don't really care that a unique platform matters to some Saab enthusiasts because there aren't enough of --in GM's estimation-- them to matter. We have to remember that as hard-core Saab enthusiasts we are really a minority of Saab owners!

Such is the result of a monolithic company taking over a small, quirky, innovative one. I don't think it means Saabs have to lose their unique look and feel, but it does mean that GM has to pay attention to things that make Saabs Saabs. I don't think GM is doing a very good job of that at the moment, but time will tell.

Of course that means we'll never see something like a C900 again, although something like a 9000 seems possible. This is just like there'll never be another VW Beetle like the old air-cooled ones or a Citroen 2CV, even though they had vast and loyal followings for decades. Time moves on. Things change.

• It's "Design a New Saab" time..., Noel, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:00:53
  • Re: It's "Design a New Saab" time..., ursaw, Sun, 28 Oct 2007 20:40:27
    • Re: It's "Design a New Saab" time..., ursaw, Sun, 28 Oct 2007 21:22:05
  • 9-5 Hatch?, B. Millar, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:35:27
    • I'd buy one, Finch, Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:39:24
      • Another rant about AWD..., dmz789abc, Sun, 28 Oct 2007 09:21:08
        • I need it., Finch, Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:29:38
    • Re: 9-5 Hatch?, ursaw, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:44:12
  • have simple features that other cars have, qer, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:06:33
  • How's about ITS OWN PLATFORM ..., Chaz, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:27:07
    • Why is that so important? Correct me if I'm wrong, but, Noel, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:36:29
      • I believe you are wrong..., Chaz, Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:15:48
        • I believe you are wrong also, Jeff Bartlett, Thu, 25 Oct 2007 08:01:54
        • OK, but as I understand it, a platform,, Noel, Thu, 25 Oct 2007 05:51:53 <-- Viewing This Message
          • No Big Deal, Randy Thatcher , Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:43:13
            • Thank you, Randy. I was hoping someone, Noel, Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:05:37
        • Amen, brother....., jh, Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:39:55
  • Keep some & some new features..., AlS, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:05:57
    • Re: Keep some & some new features..., ursaw, Sun, 28 Oct 2007 20:45:52
  • My Saab......, cfishgo, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:40:50
  • My 9000 is perfect - would hardly change a thing, Rod , Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:49:39
    • Interesting you should say that..., Noel, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:12:00
      • Hatchbacks rule, AdamB , Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:14:15
      • Headroom, Rod , Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:47:49
        • I'd also add... Move the key to between the seats. n/m, UpstateNY Bill, Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:59:15
  • Re: It's "Design a New Saab" time..., 79-99, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 06:38:49
  • Look to the past, keep it simple., JMJ in NC, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 05:24:44
  • Some aircraft features would be nice..., dmz789abc, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:10:23
  • Make it safe, sporting, useful, and Swedish, BrianG, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:51:34
  • Our thoughts, Railhead & EMOB, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:26:30
  • It's already been done..., Street, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:29:54
    • Re: It's already been done..., swede-murphy , Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:00:40
    • Yes!!!...nm, Mike Lynch , Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:50:56
  • Integrated Hatch>>, bever77, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:07:28
    • 4 door hatches are death..., Mike Lynch , Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:50:37
      • Depends on the market..., Eric Law, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 05:14:47
      • Re: 4 door hatches are death..., ursaw, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:04:46
        • Re: 4 door hatches are death..., ursaw, Sun, 28 Oct 2007 21:08:22
        • Agreed... mazda 6 hatch & wagon, cfishgo, Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:01:32
          • Really pretty cars..., Finch, Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:13:26
      • Right on- see Volvo C30 n/m, Dennis_MA, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:15:07
        • Re: Right on- see Volvo C30 n/m, Justin VanAbrahams , Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:32:28

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