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My early observation of Saab under Spyker remains cautiously optimistic -- cars available, advertising under way with a better theme than "Born from Jets," and a nice website. My long-time Saab dealer is optimistic, and I am experiencing no problems with service on my 06 9-3 Aero. However, I've had only one routine service under the new organization, so no real test.
The new 9-3s at the dealer appear to be well assembled, and I think the model line-up makes sense -- except for the absence of the V6. The 9-5 is due in the showroom, and I intend to take a look.
The keys to success are cost and volume, and volume will be based on attractiveness of the offerings, and buyer confidence. The latter is critical, and without it, I don't know how Spyker will ever get the necessary sales volume, despite the claimed ability to be profitable on modest numbers a la Porsche.
I hope propective Saab buyers will like what they see, and be willing to lay down their money on the premise that Spyker and Saab are a success story. There's a risk, though, that Audi, BMW, even Mercedes may be more attractive at similar pricing, especially as you look at $50k for an AWD 9-5 Aero.
Incidentally, the new 9-5 was recently driven in a road test by a British paper by the automotive editor. I can't remember whether it was the Times or the Telegraph, but the editor is a fairly competent car guy, and about the best you could say is that the 9-5 fell just short of "damned by faint praise."
I won't be ready to replace my car for a while yet, and I still don't see much out there that I like as well or better than Saab. In the meantime, I'm campaigning for Spyker success, and watching closely. Right now, I'd say "so far, so good."
It's early days yet, as my British friends say, but does anyone have a better idea of how the new organization is doing?
SEN
posted by 72.34....
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