Wagoner: 'Saab is not for sale'

[Quickening]

Originally Posted by guitarlix

I can't believe some of you people still think like this. This is ABSOLUTE RUBBISH. Total garbage.

Lexus and Acura don't give a flying f about Volvo or Audi. Their target is straight at the top - MB and BMW. Acura is not there yet but I can assure, it isn't thinking about taking on Saab, but rather BMW.

The markets segments are very clearly defined - there's luxury and there's economy and various size/product classes within these broad separations.

What you're trying to do is to somehow fit all of GM's umpteen brands somewhere in the market. But these niches don't exist.

Lexus isn't a niche. Audi isn't either. Acura isn't a strong enough brand to command a price premium like Lexus, MB or BMW but that is its target. Not to be a SAAB competitor. To think in this manner is to think like Wagoner and his cronies - 1 year planning with no thought of the future.

There can only 2 or utmost 3 brands at GM. Saturn is useless. And thinking that rebadging it Opel is going to solve anything is pure dream. (Opel would do better than current Saturn though). Just because you're offering product worldwide, doesn't mean you have to offer it everywhere. That's not consolidation. Consolidation would be aligning Chevy, Opel and Holden for instance. Not a different brand for every one of your global brands.

Chevy and Cadillac stay. Then you pick between Pontiac and Buick. The rest are useless over the long run. (they'll shrink and GM will ultimately be forced to close them.)

I'm saying, if GM insists on keeping them. Than they should align with those brands on the type of car they offer/ideology/etc. Try to tap into those brands market.

I really could care less if GMC, Pontiac, Saturn, Buick disappeared. And if GM doesn't want Saab, sell it to someone else.

[OkemosOracle]

That's funny, unless Mr. Wagoner said substantially more than what was quoted at the beginning of this discussion, Saab was never mentioned by name in his interview.

Indeed, he would have to be something of a fool to announce that what is perceived as a European property is exempt from liquidation at the very time he is asking Washington for a share of a $50 billion taxpayer bailout!!

[Beau]

I love saab, they are the best looking of GM sedans well, at least the 9-3 is, and I love the all turbo motors.

BUT, their motors SUCK! I don't understand it... All high compression low psi junk why bother!?

[Gm786]

Originally Posted by Quickening

Hopefully we can believe him. Saab could easily ride the way of high MPG, eco friendly movement. If GM would just give it the proper products. And cut the American marketing team, and rely on the European one.

Saab has so much technology when it comes to BioDiesel, BioPower, Turbo'd, Hybird cars. They even have their own organic clothing line...

I would say that it's a solid decision on Rick Wagoner's part! All GM needs to do is inject Saab with some R&D and get their engineer and design team to design sport luxury cars that have "True Aircraft Inspired Design". It's about time Rick speaks up!

[windvale]

Message to Rick Wagoner: Grow up !

[GG_TECH]

That is good news, I like that semi-querkey vehicle. I use to own a Saab and it was one of the funnest vehicles I have ever owned to drive. It was fairly reliable but one item I miss is when I get to start the engine by way of the key switch in the center console.

The Saab brand is considered to be a pretty innovative for GM. The Swedish designers do have a edgy, progessive and solid designs that make their vehicles unique.

[steve333]

Originally Posted by civilzues

Thats really good. Saab/Saturn dealerships would be awesome to see!

Really? I think they both should go.

[benroethig]

If someone wants to buy the Brand and do something with it, I'd gladly take their money. Under GM, its gotten to a point where you have to be reminded SAAB still exists.

[TimR]

Originally Posted by benroethig

If someone wants to buy the Brand and do something with it, I'd gladly take their money. Under GM, its gotten to a point where you have to be reminded SAAB still exists.

Not only that, but with the state GM is in how can they really say no if somebody makes a decent offer??

[FierySolstice]

Saab should be sold! Who is their intended customer? Luxury buyers? That's the Cadillac customer. Near luxury buyers? That's the Buick customer. Sport sedan customers? Thats the Pontiac/Saturn customer. This brand doesn't really fit in with their current brand lineup and should be eliminated.

[jokuvaan]

Saab's independence has been weakened up to point where it cannot be sold anymore as its tied to GM. Selling price would be way too low considering real brand value and lost synergy/engineering.

[paul8488]

Bah, GM has enough cash for what, another couple hours of business? Saab is NOT a core brand, and has long been an unloved GM orphan. I'd say that if anyone wants to buy it, let them... GM needs as much cash and little distraction as possible.

[gmishistory]

gm should not be owning a foreign brand, they need to sell all other brands overseas as part of any bail out package. GM should sell Holden, GM China, GM Europa and all its brands. Only this that should not be sold is GM North America, then GM should shut down Pontiac, Caddy and Saturn

[FierySolstice]

Originally Posted by gmishistory

gm should not be owning a foreign brand, they need to sell all other brands overseas as part of any bail out package. GM should sell Holden, GM China, GM Europa and all its brands. Only this that should not be sold is GM North America, then GM should shut down Pontiac, Caddy and Saturn

Are you on crack? Shut down Cadillac?!?! Your point makes no sense!

[TriShield]

Why not?

Obviously GM doesn't have the skill or resources to "fix the brand". It's worthless and sells next to nothing in the US.

It's another example of GM wasting precious money on something outside of it's core business.