Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000 17:46:57 -0800 From: "SmyrnaChuck" <chuckmillironsnopsamnacable.net> Subject: Saab SUV from GM?
Well, gang, the news in the paper is that GM has offically filed papers on the intent of purchasing the remaining 50% of Saab from Investor AB. This will probably be a done deal by the end of January. I know some folks have already said that GM already owned 100% of Saab (or that they acted like they did), this is the official word. Now, the GM take-over is a good thing from the stand point that at least the brand will continue. And with Ford buying Volvo then GM was determined to obtain 100% of Saab. The question is: will GM dilute Saab engineers and employees to the point of being just another Buick, Chevy or Opel? Will the 'specialness' of Saabs just fade away? One clue to this being a fact is that reports are that GM wants an SUV from Saab. How unoriginal can you get? A sports coupe was also mentioned and I know that there have already been reports of a 2002 Sonett IV. But an SUV? Didn't Saab head them off at the pass with the 9-5 Wagon (estate)? Has the BMW X-5 been a big hit? I was shocked to see an SUV (or SAV as BMW calls it) from BMW...maybe it has been a success. I just think a Saab SUV would be the definition of an oxymoron. I also wonder if this spells the end of 'Scania' on the Saab badges... Would be interested in your comments......