Saab 9-5 (Courtesy: Saab)
If you are interested in buying a new Saab in the USA, then be prepared for some slim pickings.
Currently there are only 500 units in stock across the whole country, potentially a few more for those folks in Alaska who can see Russia from their house. Okay, that's a bad joke, but it is no joke for Saab's remaining retailers.
Saab CEO Jan-Ake Jonsson said Tuesday that he'd like to see that number be more like 5,000 units in stock, but given the fact that Saab basically flatlined on the operating table, things could be worse. According to Acker, new Saabs should begin shipping once again to the USA in a few weeks.
Once those cars arrive here, don't expect any Toyota-sized full page ads proclaiming the rebirth of Saab. The small company simply doesn't have enough funds to pay for large media buys. Instead the company will rely on a little old thing that Al Gore invented: The Internet. (Yes, that is yet another bad joke.) Acker told the Associated Press that he has a lot of faith in Saab's loyal customers,
I think it is important to remember we have a fantastic customer base, a customer base that is so loyal, with such an enormous attachment to the brand. That is unique in the auto industry.
Just about as unique as a brand new Saab is right about now I'd say.
In addition to the 9-3 sedan, wagon and convertible, Saab will be bringing the all-new 9-5 sedan to our shores. There will also be a lifted version of the 9-3 wagon (AKA Sportcombi) that will be called the 9-3x and the much anticipated, Mexican made 9-4x crossover. Later on there will be a 9-5 wagon and then we'll have to wait and see what Saab's new masters have planned for us.
Comments
Some corrections: SAAB's managing director is Jan-Åke Jonsson. And, the caption of your photo of the new 9-5, it says 0-5.
I think your hospital analogy is a bit off. It was more along the lines of the doctor absentmindedly kicked the life support plug after trying to operate on a patient that he'd previously given the incorrect diagnosis. GM of course was the "doctor" in this case. The "patient" was alive and well the entire time.
@Paul
Thanks for those corrections. I appreciate it.
Steven,
Thanks for you comments. Either way, I hope that "patient" makes it.
See comments over on our site for a response. Good interaction.
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