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Saad but true.

I expect Saab to be folded in to Opel - left as only a division of designers basically.

If the Saab version of the CSVs hits the showrooms, its over. That is, if you didn't think a pushrod V8 and a 4-speed transmission in the 9-7X was the end.

Saab is GM's current attempt to take the exotic appeal of an Import nameplate and sell rebadged Trailblazers and Opels....basically targeting an import-intending audience one level above Saturn, but offering them restyled, rebadged GM product.

It could succeed to some degree, but I doubt it will ever be a resounding success. The auto critics at Edmunds, etc. that influence 50% of car buyers today who do online research, won't let GM get away with hastily rebadged and restyled product, unless there is some sort of uniqueness - an unwavering sense of brand identity.

Unfortunately, GM's Beancounters saw to it that, for example, the 9-7X was reskinned, but has the same powertrain as a much cheaper Chevy or Isuzu Ascender. As long as GM continues this cheap charade, Saab has no chance of long-term success.

 

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Originally posted by MelvinJ@Jun 8 2004, 09:56 AM
When you dismiss GM's platform sharing with Saab, the alternative is to keep throwing a lot of cash at this money pit simply so that they can keep their own identity, or let it go belly up.

Platform sharing is good. It's the future.

Wholesale powertrain sharing along with that, AKA "rebadging" is not.

The 9-7X would have been met with more praise by the critics if it had followed the formula of the 9-3. Turbo 4-cyl, great transmission choices, and enough uniqueness to keep it Saab even while sharing the Epsilon platform.

Unlike some others here, I like the 9-2X Saabaru. It has the character of a Saab - turbo 4-banger and all, and even an old Saab like hatch.

I fear more cars like the Saablazer, and less like the Saabaru in the future. Once that shift occurs - where engines and transmissions no longer hold brand character, it is over for Saab. No need to prolong the agony if that is the direction GM is headed.

 

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You guys make some good points - why DID General Motors take over Saab? Were they just imitating Ford?

Daewoo makes much more sense - a cheap source of product that sells for rock bottom prices, gives them a foothold in the Korean market, and is revitalizing Suzuki and giving GM Canada something to sell to compact-concious buyers other than aged Cavaliers.

GM seems to have little interest in Saab production, and is making not enough effort to keep brand character intact....seems to me that they only want the nameplate.