Date: Sat, 01 Sep 2007 09:40:08 GMT From: E. Newnes <enewns45nospamo.com> Subject: Re: What killed this group?
On Fri, 31 Aug 2007 18:44:12 +0100, "DervMan" <thedervmannospaml.com> wrote: >"E. Newnes" <enewns45nospamo.com> wrote in message >news:epafd3tbrdb1i5rh1d23ggjh65cskp0ikenospamcom... >> On Fri, 31 Aug 2007 06:21:14 +0100, "DervMan" <thedervmannospaml.com> >> wrote: >> >> >>>On the other hand, there are many people being introduced to Saab >>>*because* >>>of the GM influence. >> >> But they are not being introduced to real Saabs, only to the ghost of >> the "brand". Long time GM customers are used to a diet of multi hued >> shit and would only expect more of the same, so they will >> inadvertently aid and abet the loss of Saab DNA. > >Says who? What makes a real Saab a real Saab? Why is a current Saab a >lesser Saab than a 1980 Saab? In two words - badge engineering. >Drive any modern <insert brand> and it's very different from something in >the 1970s. Modern stuff with a Saab badge is a modern interpretation of >what you may consider to be a proper Saab. Well, maybe if you are talking American autos, then a 70's car will feel a lot different from a newer car - heck the Americans still had rear leaf spring rear suspensions, inadequate brakes and shitful handling. Yet a Saab 99 from the 70's in good mechanical condition will drive with a 'modern' feel - funny about that. Modern stuff with a Saab badge is NOT a modern interpretation of what may be considered to be a proper Saab. How can a Subaru with a Saab badge be considered to embody the Saab values? What sense is there in having a Cadillac SUV with a Saab badge? Here is a very perceptive article which clearly shows the problem facing the marque http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_3005/article.html I would guess that at some time in the not so distant future GM will sell off the brand - probably to an Indian or Chinese auto maker. This is what is happening now with Jaguar (Ford are rumoured to have an Indian buyer for Jag).