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* What was up with the BUNGLED 2001 model close-out? Talk about sending a confusing message to customers.
There isn't the inventory problem with '01's that we had with '00's last year. The incentives were published by the individual dealers. Depending on whether or not they felt that their inventory of '01's was excessive they could advertise '01's or '02's. The dealers were given the choice. For example, I advertised '02's, because I dont have any '01's left.
* What's happening to QC on the new 9-3's? Every one I've seen has had some major visual defect in workmanship.
Cant speak for this; haven't seen anything different. All of my 9-3's are fine.
* Why did the 2002 9-5's arrive months after the 9-3's in the US?
The 9-5 has always arrived a month after the 9-3, New body style, problems getting cars through customs (9-11?), problems with TWICE unit supply on '02 models, etc. Believe me, I'm just as frustrated as you. I could have sold, at least, five more 9-5's had I been able to obtain them.
* Why are parts shipments so slow? Is the US supply chain a real mess? We know the dealer network is already a joke.
Changed shipping policies. Every mode of shipment other than a standard stock order is now billed (no more three day orders without paying for shipping). Why? Money is tight. Not that it helps us any, right? Also, I do take offense to the dealer network comment. I haven't seen another dealer network any better (with the exception of, perhaps, Mercedes Benz); every dealer network has weak points. Saab's real gems are and will continue to be their single point (Saab only) dealerships. Whether they be small independents, or large stores that build a dedicated (Saab only) facility. I think that the first of the two is the most important, let's hope that Saab sees this as well.
* Is it my imagination, or has Saab lost all sense of brand positioning? Is this a sports premium brand like BMW or another GM kitchen sink brand? A Saab SUV? Nuts! The people behind this debacle are likely the ones who killed the 9-5 hatch in favor of the wagon. Watch 9-3 sales die even more when they kill the hatch on the 9-3 next year.
I beg to differ. Saab sales will definitely climb. I'm no market analyst, but common sense tells me that if you make a popular selling style of car (SUV, sedan, wagon, etc.) you'll make more sales.
Mark my words, watch Saab spiral into irrelevance like ... Saturn ... Cadillac ... Oldsmobile ... Buick ...
Irrelevent, but aside from Oldsmobile, each individualy sell five to six times the vehicles that we do. Huh... Irrelevent indeed.
*A sales and marketing shake-up is rumored.
Cant agree with you more. We need a more aggressive marketing strategy. Because, frankly, the one we've had stinks.
*Saab got HAMMERED in December---sales off 25%+ from the previous December, the worst for a premium brand and the worst by far within GM.
Goes back to the 9-5 supply problem, and lack of '01 9-5's available to sell. Not as bad as it looks; we sold almost every car that we could get our hands on.
This should have addressed all of your comments and questions. This year WILL be great; it has to be, because we'll have close to the best product on the market. The new 9-5 is excellent, and the 440 (NG 9-3)will be even better (for a smaller vehicle, that is). The key to future success will hang on NOT having any "first year of the body style" problems in the 440. At least, not large ones, anyhow.
Cheers,
Brian.
posted by 64.123....
, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 08:58:05, Sat, 5 Jan 2002 15:32:03, Sat, 5 Jan 2002 15:33:03
, Mon, 7 Jan 2002 22:41:50
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