John: Just because they said it at one time, does not mean it's necesscarily so today. Like Jim W said above, the real reason for the key in the tunnel was to make it easy to include a transmission lock. Keys were in the dashboard for many years before they went into the steering column. The reason they migrated to the column was to allow an integrated steering wheel lock as mandated by US DOT regs in 1965.
All of this wrangling went on prior to the widespread use of air bags in front. Iv doubt that anyone, Saab or otherwise, could now pull up statistics that show how the center console key placement alone impacted safety in vehicles built since airbags have been in use. Also, Like Jim said, take a close look at where keys in the column are. That ain't going to kill or injure anyone.
Back to my original point, the metal key itself is what is no longer needed, and is being replaced by many manufacturers. In most modern cars that we buy here(USA), when is the last time you used a key to unlock a door? Even $16,000 econo boxes have keyless entry now. I'll stand by my point that even Saab would not defend the center console key location for any other reason than to avoid offending die hards who just do not accept change.

posted by 24.128.25...

• Dumb CNNfn likes Sportswagon - not key/name, John A., Wed, 17 Apr 2002 11:48:28
  • let's hope GM starts naming, maybe Wyoming and Utah n/m, ed'98, Wed, 17 Apr 2002 18:24:58
  • This is that Jim Mateja review from monday recycled, Bevan, Wed, 17 Apr 2002 17:39:29
    • Re: This is that Jim Mateja review from monday recycled, Ron H, Wed, 17 Apr 2002 23:27:58
      • This is that comment about recycled reviews recycled, Bevan, Thu, 18 Apr 2002 13:25:17
  • key and nomenclature, Lou, Wed, 17 Apr 2002 16:20:13
    • You are absolutely right, keeton, Thu, 18 Apr 2002 00:16:16
    • I'm with you, Lou., JimW, Wed, 17 Apr 2002 17:58:13
      • Re: I'm with you, Lou., Douglas, Thu, 18 Apr 2002 14:08:09
    • key, John A., Wed, 17 Apr 2002 16:38:28
      • Re: key, Lou, Wed, 17 Apr 2002 19:40:12 <-- Viewing This Message
        • suggestion: Put the key positin to a poll, John A., Thu, 18 Apr 2002 15:42:35
  • the same people that crap on our key placement, John A., Wed, 17 Apr 2002 15:03:01
  • Re: Dumb CNNfn likes Sportswagon - not key/name, Manumad, Wed, 17 Apr 2002 12:22:22
  • Funny thing they do not even mention belts... n/m, Eli5, Wed, 17 Apr 2002 12:14:50
  • Re: Dumb CNNfn likes Sportswagon - not key/name, Ron H, Wed, 17 Apr 2002 12:06:01

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