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is already in place. Also, she is pushing for the SUV, which is going to be a huge seller (not to start the debate again). GM's plan for our marketing is much more aggressive than Sweden will allow. Debra doesn't have the need to be a marketing genius, because we already have a great ad agency in Lowe. Their hands have been tied, and not by Detroit. Granted, things are better now than they were with the Martin agency, but can be much better. Debra isn't our problem, she's here to fix what ails us. Also remember, Debra heads Saab USA not Saab AB. Saab USA is basically a glorified distribution center for Saab AB. Peter Augusston is still the man; Debra is more or less the lliason between Detroit, Trollhatten, and the Dealer Network for the US market ONLY.
As far as product developement goes, we'll have a great convertible in the next 10 months, and shortly thereafter, a crossover with big horsepower, a wagon, and hopefully a completed SUV. Also, the 9-5 is close to receiving a factory Hirsch version rated at 310 hp and an AWD 300hp 9-3 Aero is close to culmination.
Our biggest hurdle is reliability; we cannot compromise our sustained vehicle reliability. We have worked so hard to eliminate the stigma that we have in regards to reliability. If we were to step off into the deep end and build a high horsepower car that proves unreliable, then we'll never overcome it. It will take another ten years before we're trusted again. We are at a huge disadvantage at the moment; we don't have the luxury of competing in the horsepower battle. We can't take the chance of building something that Consumer Reports will thrash. Although, I do think that the V-6 has been around long enough to prove reliable enough to strap on a Mitsu turbo and create a 350 hp monster.
Unfortunately, dealer to manufacturer relationships are much more important than you think, because without the dealer the manufacturer cannot sell cars (look at Ford, their Auto Collection flopped). Not having the fluff and worthless hype that we've seen in past years is nice. The dealer expresses what needs to happen in order to sell cars, and we get an answer. Whether we like the answer or not,at least we get one. This is how it is supposed to work. This is a nice change to getting the same "we'll check it out and get back with you (never to be heard from again)" cliche.
Don't praise the competitors yet; the reliability tests have not come through. We'll see how nice these cars are a year or two from now. Manufacturers have rushed products to the markets for years, and have continuously paid for their haste. I would, however, not worry about our product. We're close and we will compete in the hp war shortly. One must remember, though, that the actual percentage of high horsepower models produced and sold are minute compared to the toned down, every-day versions. We'll keep stepping along. Our product is strong; it's our sales and marketing that is lagging. Once, both the sales team and distribution processes are streamlined, things will become easy; which brings us back to numbers. No emotions, just numbers.
Cheers,
Brian.
posted by 65.106.25...
, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 23:46:04, Thu, 28 Nov 2002 14:38:04
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