Posted on Monday 11 February 2008
As the industry turns its gaze to the coming year, bleak outlooks predominate. Some makers are actually making headway, increasing sales in January compared to last year. Most are seeing sales slip away. Saab is one of the makers that doesn’t see loss in its future, but neither does it see increase.
Last year sales of the Swedish brand sank to just 125,000 units worldwide. Similar numbers are expected for 2008, although the corporate goal is to sell 150,000 to 200,000 units per year - but that will require better market conditions and the introduction of a new model, according to the German Auto Motor & Sport. The coming 9-5 and 9-4X - due in 2009 - are carrying the companies hopes.
The two models are expected to boost annual sales by 35,000 to 40,000 units, which would put the company near its break-even point of 180,000 vehicles. Because the new models won’t hit the road until mid-2009, however, parent company GM doesn’t expect Saab to reach such numbers until 2010.
I think Volvo would quibble with the characterization of Saab as “Sweden’s favourite brand.” Both are owned by large American companies, but I’m fairly sure Volvo outsells Saab, even in Sweden… I think having just one serious model (the 9-3) has not helped them. The 9-2 is just a re-badged Subaru (why?) and the 9-5 is extremely long-in-the-tooth. If they really want to carve out a niche for themselves as something other than a car company known for being decidedly odd, they should consider making some bloody fast cars that really are inspired by jets!
“Sweden’s favorite brand”? What about Volvo? I bet if you went to Sweden the first Swedish company that people would think of is Volvo, and I bet the same is true in Canada, America, and Europe.
Not slow enough for me. Saab should go the way of Oldsmobile.
Ya, it really is one of those brands that no one really cares much about. Honestly, come to think about it, I haven’t even seen a Saab in months.