Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2005 13:02:26 -0500 From: "Tex" <texnospamm101.org> Subject: Re: the wraparound windshield to return!
"Johannes H Andersen" <johsnospamsssssssssssizefitter.com> wrote in message news:42419522.BFB264F6nospamsssssssssssizefitter.com... > > "In a sense, building the next 9-3 in Germany is just a continuation > of GM's policy of globally interchangeable plants" Agreed, but let's face it, Saab has a history of relying on others for parts and to some extent plants. That's nothing really new. > "Saab CEO Peter Augustsson was a staunch defender of the "Swedish-ness" > of Saab, so it was hardly surprising when GM announced he would leave > the company" I think it'd be akin to shooting themselves in the foot if GM threw away Saab's "Swedish" DNA...that's, to a large extent, its greatest appeal. > "Front-drive is no longer a core value for Saab" This can certainly be debated. I admit, I go back and forth on this. Clinging to a technological achievement of decades ago is no way to run a car company today. Plus, it takes a lot more than just FWD to make a car stick to wet/icy/snowy pavement (perhaps the primary impetus for FWD)...namely good gripping tires/rims (as my recent posts concur...my FWD 9-3 Aero with its factory supplied tires/rims are awful in snow). Further, FWD has its weaknesses....it lends itself to torque steer w/today's high output engines, and it will never be a performer vs RWD and AWD vehicles in its class. I'd say a true core value of Saab, while linked to FWD, has more to do with sure-footed, performance driving than with FWD itself as a single piece of technology. That said, the obvious next choice is an AWD model. This would keep Saab squarely in line wth that core value. Unfortunately, the only current AWD Saab model isn't even a Saab. Further, Saab would now look like a mere imitator/wannabe (of AWD Audis and Volvos) rather than an innovator. Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating dropping FWD. FWD has proven to be a worthy piece of automotive technology, but not one that is exclusive to Saabs anymore. - tex
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