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, Sat, 11 Nov 2000 12:11:12
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Interesting article. I really do hope Dallas becomes more Saab friendly. One thing I have noticed is that Saabs are as rare as Audis, jags, and VWs in Texas. When I first moved to Dallas in 1995 I couldn't believe how few VWs, Audis, and Saabs there were in the metroplex. All I saw was Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, Suburbans, and of course pick-up trucks of every variety.
It is interesting to note that in the last few years, ever since the introduction of the Beetle, VWs have been popping up all over Dallas. I think Saab needs more national recognition before it will be accepted in Dallas. I do feel that additional product lines will help drive Saab sales and notoriety. I don't think an SUV, as the article suggests, will help drive sales. I think a Saab SUV will be like the BMW SUV - a bad idea. I would just like to see AWD offered in the current models.
On hypothesis behind why Saabs, VWs, and Audis just don't sell in Texas is because Texas roadways (at least in Houston and Dallas) don't demand superior handling. Having grown up in New England my family always bought VWs and Audis because for the same money you got a car as nice as the Japanese offerings, but the VWs and Audis were faster, handled better, and were safer. This was a key decision factor when the roads you drive resemble the roads in Europe. In Dallas it doesn't matter that your car can take a blinding curve at 60 mph. A counter to this argument is that BMWs do sell well in Dallas. BMWs are known for their superior handling and are as well represented in New England as they are in Dallas. The Dallas BMW phenomena is purely due to the universal snob factor of a BMW -- a key element of the Dallas culture. So...I do believe that if Saab can effectively build the snob factor around it's cars they will sell in Dallas. I agree that Sewell is a good start, but I think Saab should come out with an even higher-end car than the 9-5 -- something to compete with the BMW 740. I really hope they don't offer a lower-end car in the future...if that happens they should just remove the Saab badge a place the Chevy tag on it.
On the flip-side, I have to admit that I enjoy having a unique car. One of the reasons I got rid of my 96 BMW 328 for my Viggen was because I did not want to be associated with the stereotypical Dallas BMW owner. Now when I wander the large parking lots I never have trouble finding my car:)
JM
00 Viggen (In Dallas)
, Sat, 11 Nov 2000 12:11:12, Mon, 13 Nov 2000 18:17:47, Sun, 12 Nov 2000 22:43:12
, Sat, 11 Nov 2000 23:14:03
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