Last week we asked whether or not Google could run one of the Big Three. Actually, it wasn't us, it was Jeff Jarvis. He wrote a book all about the greatness of Google, so he conveniently threw in a chapter about the Big Three to make sure the book landed on relevant magazine covers and websites. It worked.
Now, Autocar is reporting that Saab is looking to become "the Apple of car brands." An ambitious step for a company that stands a good chance of being cast off the GM ship at any moment. According to Knut Simonsson, Saab's director of Global Brand and Sales, "We don't want to be another Audi."
Mr. Simonsson went on to say that Saab's comeback will be helped along by an all-new 9-5 that will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September and go on sale later in 2009. He also mentioned that Saab could be profitable even if it only sold 150,000 a year.
jederino says:
04:46 PM, 02/ 3/09
So SAABs will pretty expressions of design that break seriously fast?
greenpony says:
05:59 PM, 02/ 3/09
Break seriously fast? You're kidding, right? Apple makes some of the best electronics and computers out there. They're just so darned expensive.
I think maybe Saab is looking to be quirky, elite, and pricey. At least they've got the quirky thing down already, and a small market share makes them "elite". Now all they need to do is raise their prices!
saabhistory says:
06:59 PM, 02/ 3/09
Saab & Apple as indicated here:
http://www.saabhistory.com/2009/02/02/saab-automobile-the-apple-of-the-automotive-business/
and a Saab Sighting in front of the Apple Store in Boston, Massachusetts here:
http://www.saabhistory.com/2009/02/03/saab-sighting-of-the-week-saab-apple-boston-ma/
kurtamaxxxguy says:
09:26 AM, 02/ 4/09
What is Saab? 9-3's with bad reliability ratings? Truck like SUV's sourced from GM? The 9-5? The black turbo 9-3?
At this moment, the only "Apple" quality Saab seems to have is they're very expensive compared to the competition. If Saab can start selling unique products with excellent support (something Apple does do), they would be more comparable to Apple.
Also, what does Saab mean by saying "We don't want to be another Audi." Audi's apparently missing only two pieces of Apple's forumula; better than average service, and wide dealer support.
desmolicious says:
02:41 PM, 02/ 4/09
SAAB wishes it could be another Audi...