Brand Image etc since Spyker takeover

Brand Image etc since Spyker takeover

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Discussion

Pothole

Original Poster:

34,367 posts

289 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
No idea if this has been discussed before and apologies if it's a repost but what's your opinion on the current state of Saab?

I'm up for a job with them and I'd like an enthusiast's take on the situation.

Ollyc

745 posts

176 months

Thursday 2nd September 2010
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They add a better flavour to the mix than Vauxhall. IMHO. I like spome of the other Spyker cars so I hope they bring the attention to detail to Saabs.

I personally think a job with them at this transition point in Saab/Spykers life would be interesting and eye opening. I hope they start to mve forward and not just keep knocking out 9-3's and 9-5's. This in my mind will be the test for 'Spykaab' I hope they retain the quality of old Saabs, drivability, reliability, tunability and blend it with the nutter aspect of Spyker.

Pothole

Original Poster:

34,367 posts

289 months

Thursday 2nd September 2010
quotequote all
that's sort of the route I'm following tbh...I'm through to second interview so I thought I'd chuck some stuff in about independent research on the brand image etc...

Anyone else?

Dr Phibes

775 posts

204 months

Tuesday 7th September 2010
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Pothole, make sure you really highlight the left field approach of Saab, "not following the crowd and proud to do so", also mention the loyal customer base throughout Europe. If you can drop in along the way that all the cars are now produced from the factory in Trollhattan that will go down well, "Homecoming" as it is called. Add in "even the Convertibles are being made in Sweden and no longer in Austria"

Get across Saabs commitment to safety (find out about the ELK test), the environment and the focus on producing driver focused cars. They are really proud of the new 9-5, source the review from EVO (can get it on-line) and quote that dont mention the Autocar review it went down like a cup of sick.

This month is very important for Saab being new reg and all that, its really key to re-building the brand in the U.K. Saab have spent £5mill on advertising and have really focused on careful TV spot placement, i.e avioiding Big Brother and going for Location, Location, Location etc.

There are some very interesting changes to the line-up being planned for 2011, drop in a reference to the 9-1, Victor Muller (Spyker MD) is very keen on this vehicle. Check out the Saab UK site and find the SAAB WORLD tab, it has a some interesting facts.

If I think of anything else I will add some more.



Edited by Dr Phibes on Tuesday 7th September 10:41


Edited by Dr Phibes on Tuesday 7th September 10:56

Pothole

Original Poster:

34,367 posts

289 months

Tuesday 7th September 2010
quotequote all
Thanks, Doctor, research list added to!

Dr Phibes

775 posts

204 months

Tuesday 7th September 2010
quotequote all
Pothole said:
Thanks, Doctor, research list added to!
No worries, good luck.

Might drop some more stuff on here throughout the day, I work for Saab just not directly.


markCSC

2,987 posts

222 months

Tuesday 14th September 2010
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It is a very confusing time for Saab and their customer base. Saab need to define who they are, what they represent and where they are going as I certainly don't have a clue.

They aren't posh Vauxhalls anymore but do people see that? I saw the new 95 on display in my local town and it now looks like a proper BMW five series rival. But why would you buy a Saab over a BMW? Yes safety is important and Saab have a good "safe image" but will it sell the 95? Probably not.

They need to instill some passion into the brand so people "want" a Saab for what it is, not becasue it isn't a BMW.

Saab to me seem a bit souless and I think that's a shame as they use to make some great cars that people desired (old 900 Turbo springs to mind).

Hope you got/get job and can make a difference there.

Mark

Pothole

Original Poster:

34,367 posts

289 months

Tuesday 14th September 2010
quotequote all
still waiting to hear whether I have or haven't....

ladygooddriver

184 posts

170 months

Tuesday 14th September 2010
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I find it quite laughable reading what people say about Saab as if they have a solution. Laughable because most seem to miss the point.

Saab build 100,000 cars give or take on an alright year. Saab don't need to do anything except build quirky somewhat different quality cars and price them so they are not sold in the cheap seats. If they get it right there are enough people in the three key markets who will buy as many as Saab build. Now GM are out of the picture this is what Spyker will do. If they are successful Spyker might take Saab in a new direction. Like the 9-1 for example.

JensenA

5,671 posts

237 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
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ladygooddriver said:
I find it quite laughable reading what people say about Saab as if they have a solution. Laughable because most seem to miss the point.

Saab build 100,000 cars give or take on an alright year. Saab don't need to do anything except build quirky somewhat different quality cars and price them so they are not sold in the cheap seats. If they get it right there are enough people in the three key markets who will buy as many as Saab build. Now GM are out of the picture this is what Spyker will do. If they are successful Spyker might take Saab in a new direction. Like the 9-1 for example.
Spot on smile

gawdlpus

48 posts

205 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
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Apart from this year they will struggle to get 30,000 sales ...yet the Spyker budget has now been reduced from 55000 to 45000. Where is all this money coming from to keep Saab alive for another year?

I know many Saab salesmen who are leaving as they think there is no future in the job or the company.
If you get the job keep looking for something else as Saab might not end up too long term (Rover anyone??)

ladygooddriver

184 posts

170 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
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JensenA said:
ladygooddriver said:
I find it quite laughable reading what people say about Saab as if they have a solution. Laughable because most seem to miss the point.

Saab build 100,000 cars give or take on an alright year. Saab don't need to do anything except build quirky somewhat different quality cars and price them so they are not sold in the cheap seats. If they get it right there are enough people in the three key markets who will buy as many as Saab build. Now GM are out of the picture this is what Spyker will do. If they are successful Spyker might take Saab in a new direction. Like the 9-1 for example.
Spot on smile
Why thank you indeed, Lady

JensenA

5,671 posts

237 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
ladygooddriver said:
JensenA said:
ladygooddriver said:
I find it quite laughable reading what people say about Saab as if they have a solution. Laughable because most seem to miss the point.

Saab build 100,000 cars give or take on an alright year. Saab don't need to do anything except build quirky somewhat different quality cars and price them so they are not sold in the cheap seats. If they get it right there are enough people in the three key markets who will buy as many as Saab build. Now GM are out of the picture this is what Spyker will do. If they are successful Spyker might take Saab in a new direction. Like the 9-1 for example.
Spot on smile
Why thank you indeed, Lady
you're welcome