SAAB Aero Academy Closing their Doors

[RedVee8]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Just watch... they'll get rid of European delivery too... Stupid

think the article mentioned Euro Delivery was getting chopped as well.
A pity, how does that hurt?

[FierySolstice]

Originally Posted by MrJamesMc

Why don't they just shut the whole brand down?

Sell the Saab 94X as a Saturn.

Mk, got that figured out.
I don't like Saab if you didn't notice already.

Cadillac FTW!

I agree! But I believe the 9-4X is the same size as the Vue, correct?

[SUPERBADD75]

it still blows me away that VW was able to get Audi to the point where they are today when they were nearly dead, but GM's been completely inept at getting Saab out there. GM is the biggest (or second??) auto company in the world and can't even get a couple hundred thousand Saabs on American roads every year? just more proof of the either obscene incompetance, or poor direction of the product people at GM. Bob Lutz has so far succeeded at bringing over 2 models from Australia (1 failure, 1 yet to be seen), a decidedly boring LaCrosse sedan, a couple of niche roadsters, and the disappointing G6 to market. Maximum Bob's successful achievements are the Malibu and what, the Vue? i mean, i don't want to completely down play him at all, but for someone who was supposed to get GM relevant quickly, and make a complete turn around i'm just not completely convinced. GM put too much emphasis on the trucks, and Saab is just another example of what's been ignored in the process.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by RedVee8

think the article mentioned Euro Delivery was getting chopped as well.
A pity, how does that hurt?

UGH....
How does European Delivery hurt Saab or GM!!????

THe beauty of Euro Delivery is that customers of the car have the novelty of spending time in Europe driving their European car!! I know quite a number of people who do it.... Saabs included.

Apparently GM can't provide a welcoming experience at a European dealership.

GM has a case of perpetual stupidity. And I'm sick of it.

[jbernie]

The Aero Acadmay was free to any person who purchased or leased an "Aero" model and took up the offer within one year of purchase but was a $1500 per person course for anyone else or after 1 year of ownership.

So not exactly cheap and with the economy going down hill a bit $1500 for a few days driving a track isn't exactly going to appeal to a large portion of the population right now.

Tired of all the kill Saab talk on here. Given how so many of you are complaining about how GM has so many vehicles with crap fuel economy you are now talking about a brand that is almost all cars. What a bunch of intelligent people.

[emh]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

THe beauty of Euro Delivery is that customers of the car have the novelty of spending time in Europe driving their European car!! I know quite a number of people who do it.... Saabs included.

Euro delivery is nice for vehicles that are harder to find or usually sell at or over MSRP. Given that nothing in Saab's portfolio fits either of those criteria, why would anyone do European delivery for a Saab? After all, is driving your own car for a week or two in Europe worth a 5 month wait from order to delivery and foregoing the ridiculous incentives available on Saabs?

Of course, that's from the buyer's perspective. Euro delivery should be a great opportunity for the manufacturer to build brand loyalty if the program is properly executed, and backed by desirable vehicles. GM, unfortuantely, doesn't seem to know how to build brand loyalty for anything not built on a truck frame.

[AbsoluteSaab]

One of the reasons why the European delivery was available was because Saab owned an outlet in Sweden for customers to collect their cars.

Since Saab Ana in Trollhättan no longer belongs to Saab and whilst contracts are being finalised for GM contract hire vehicles, the European delivery program was put on hold. It could well be that a new contract will be formulated to incorporate the EDP but for time being the selling of Saab Ana is the reason why the program does not exist right now.

[jbernie]

Originally Posted by emh

Euro delivery is nice for vehicles that are harder to find or usually sell at or over MSRP. Given that nothing in Saab's portfolio fits either of those criteria, why would anyone do European delivery for a Saab? After all, is driving your own car for a week or two in Europe worth a 5 month wait from order to delivery and foregoing the ridiculous incentives available on Saabs?

That being said, if you are taking advantage of the discounts on various Saabs and you aren't stretched financially or by vehicle availability at your house hold then the Euro delivery is a good reason for a fun European vVacation. Just don't try to repeat the adventures of the Griswalds

[emh]

Originally Posted by jbernie

That being said, if you are taking advantage of the discounts on various Saabs and you aren't stretched financially or by vehicle availability at your house hold then the Euro delivery is a good reason for a fun European vVacation. Just don't try to repeat the adventures of the Griswalds

My point about the wait isn't about vehicle availability in the household, but (near) instant gratification. You gotta admit -- it's nice to be able to drive the new car soon after you make your purchase decision.

The thing with discounts is that you are better off taking the incentives and planning your own European vacation. That way you have more flexibility in where you go and how you want to travel -- including renting a Saab if that's what you really want.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by emh

Euro delivery is nice for vehicles that are harder to find or usually sell at or over MSRP. Given that nothing in Saab's portfolio fits either of those criteria, why would anyone do European delivery for a Saab? After all, is driving your own car for a week or two in Europe worth a 5 month wait from order to delivery and foregoing the ridiculous incentives available on Saabs?

Of course, that's from the buyer's perspective. Euro delivery should be a great opportunity for the manufacturer to build brand loyalty if the program is properly executed, and backed by desirable vehicles. GM, unfortuantely, doesn't seem to know how to build brand loyalty for anything not built on a truck frame.

It's not a 5 month wait. It's like a month. WHich is what you'd wait anyways in teh US, if you custom ordered your car.
The question isn't "why would you do euro delivery" but "why wouldn't you?"
Especially if your were a big Saab fan and wanted to visit Trollhattan or any other major European city and spend time driving around Europe on your own.

Obviously GM doesn't think it's important for customers to feel passionate about their cars.
Obviously GM doesn't understand the advantages and just sheer joy of driving your own car in Europe.
Obviously GM still doesn't understand the luxury customer base they want/need to attract.
Obviously GM has no clue what brand loyalty is.
It's obvious GM just doesn't know how to manage a niche brand.

Taking factory delivery should be something explored for Corvette and Cadillac as well. Say I bought an STS ( ), it would be nice to have the option of maybe taking delivery in Miami, and I could explore Miami in my own car and enjoy a nice vacation or something like that. It's a novel idea. Not important. But it certainly gives the chance for brand loyalty to foster and grow.
Better yet, Cadillac can offer "Cadillac Vacations." Partner with a luxury hotel chain like Fairmont or St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton. Buy your car, get a free or discounted vacation to a luxury area and perhaps have your car delivered to you there, so you can use it. (But no use in copying Lexus' idea....)

[emh]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

It's not a 5 month wait. It's like a month.
WHich is what you'd wait anyways in teh US, if you custom ordered your car.

Are you sure about that? Maybe you mean from order to use in Europe, while I was refering to delivery back in the US. Just the shipping after use in Europe, processing at port and local delivery alone would account for at least a month.

Admittedly, I've never explored Saab European delivery. But I did seriously consider Euro delivery for a BMW, and I was told the whole process would take 4-5 months. It was 2 months from order to use in Europe, but 4-5 months to get the car in the US at the end of it all from order date! We still ended up custom ordering the car (couldn't find the the color and options combination we wanted), and that still took ~9 weeks for delivery.

The question isn't "why would you do euro delivery" but "why wouldn't you?"
Especially if your were a big Saab fan and wanted to visit Trollhattan or any other major European city and spend time driving around Europe on your own.

As I said before, the reason not to do it is becuase it's cheaper and more convenient to arrange travel separately from the car purchase for almost any vehicle that the dealer is willing to negotiate on. Don't know specifically about Saab, but there's nothing about most Euro delivery programs you can't arrange yourself (including factory/museum visits) if you are already a customer.

Obviously GM doesn't think it's important for customers to feel passionate about their cars.
Obviously GM doesn't understand the advantages and just sheer joy of driving your own car in Europe.
Obviously GM still doesn't understand the luxury customer base they want/need to attract.
Obviously GM has no clue what brand loyalty is.
It's obvious GM just doesn't know how to manage a niche brand.

That I agree with. As I said before, if properly done, Euro delivery is a great opportunity to tie a potentially very memorable experience to the brand and build some tremendous brand loyalty.

BTW, I didn't know Lexus had a "vacation delivery" option. When did they start that?

[jbernie]

European delivery.. the part from dropping it off at the port and then getting it delivered to you was about 6 weeks if I remember right, though their website doesn't show the details anymore: http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/europeandelivery/

Did a google search and found this: http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/europ...n_delivery.pdf

Page 6 shows 6-8 weeks delivery time.

[RedVee8]

It is just something that should be done. Let them arrange their own travel if they want. Do something nice. Be Premium.

Yep, why not pick up your CTS somewhere nice.

Can you pick up your Corvette or XLR from Bowling Green?

[AbsoluteSaab]

Extra info on European delivery

Another reason EDP is on hold is that Saab USA is being integrated into GM's ordering process. European deliveries and orders were input manually.
In order to have a smooth transition from old ordering system to new, the EDP has been put on hold.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by emh

BTW, I didn't know Lexus had a "vacation delivery" option. When did they start that?

They had partnered with many high end hotels and resorts.
Once you bought your Lexus, you had the opportunity to visit one of the hotels/resorts and had the option of having your new car delivered to you there.

This was featured in an episode of the Apprentice, when they featured the new LS on the show.

Lexus knows its customers, and they know how their customers want and like to be treated. I just wish GM would learn from Lexus and see that cars like Saab and Cadillac can and do have passionate owners. And cutting these "perks" is no way for these brands to thrive and survive.

GM might be able to sell cars, but they'll never earn customers' loyalty.

Originally Posted by AbsoluteSaab

Extra info on European delivery

Another reason EDP is on hold is that Saab USA is being integrated into GM's ordering process. European deliveries and orders were input manually.
In order to have a smooth transition from old ordering system to new, the EDP has been put on hold.

That's baloney.
Any company could have made the integration and transition process seamless. You don't stop. Wait a year or two... and then start up again.

Who the hell runs GM in such a manner that allows these types of logistical foul ups?? No company I've EVER worked for would have allowed that to happen!!!

That inefficient and incompetent Operations Management!!!!!

It shows a lack of concern for the brand and the customer.
STUPID STUPID STUPID