RE: Saab Aero X Could Survive Buyout
Monday 4th January 2010
Spyker 'would love to build' this...Would-be Saab saviour Spyker has revealed its plan to rebuild the brand around the new 9-5, the 9-4X crossover model and a refreshed 9-3 - with the Aero X waiting in the wings as a possible halo production model, if resources allow.
But this will have to come first...But first Spyker must seal a deal with GM over Saab's future, with the latest (extended) deadline set by GM at January 7th.
Saab Aero X Could Survive Buyout
Spyker boss 'would love to build' Saab's supercar
Spyker 'would love to build' this...
Spyker's boss, the Dutch businessman Victor Muller, explained how he intends to keep the Swedish brand alive in an interview with AOL in the US.
First out of the blocks will be the new 9-5 model, which could arrive in dealer showrooms in the next few months. This will be followed late this year or in 2011 by the 9-4X crossover, already previewed in concept form, and which shares its underpinnings with the Cadillac SRX.
As for the Aero X supercar concept, Muller told AOL: "I love that car, and it deserves to be built. It's got true 'Saabishness' in it. It's one of the best designs of the past five years."
But this will have to come first...
Although Spyker was described by GM as its preferred bidder in the last round of unsuccessful talks, there have been reports that new interest has been stirred in the Swedish company including a possible bid from a US investment group called Merbanco.
Discussion
bobberz said:
Now I really hope GM and Spyker seal the deal! I love the Aero-X, but I wonder how they'd market a SAAB supercar? Would people pay $100,000+ for a SAAB?
Would they need to, dont put it out as an R8 rival, produce a TT rival, there aint many proper TT rivals out there and its a way for Saab to regain some of its lost credibility.Good news that 9-5 still features too, and AeroX is stunning.
I agree with the idea of having the Aero X as a TT rival. In fact, the shape suggests more of a Volvo C70/Alfa Romeo Brera/VW Scirocco rival. Dare I venture the name... Sonnet V..?
This all looks very promising, however, I fear that there is still a sense of dependence on GM for these new models, and I'm not sure how many people will buy a Cadillac-based Saab SUV these days, especially in Europe. A 'productionised' version of the Aero X would certainly sell more and re-fire interest in Saab, as would favourable reviews comparing it to the 99 Turbo Combi-Coupe of the '70s.
And as I've said before, no matter how good the GM-based 'new' 9-3 and 9-5 are, they need far more distinction to find their feet again. Targeting Subaru's market, rather than Audis, would, I feel, produce better results. In order for this to happen, Saab needs to enter the IRC. Nowhere near as expensive as the WRC, but with an increasingly high profile these days and with real motorsport credibility.
This all looks very promising, however, I fear that there is still a sense of dependence on GM for these new models, and I'm not sure how many people will buy a Cadillac-based Saab SUV these days, especially in Europe. A 'productionised' version of the Aero X would certainly sell more and re-fire interest in Saab, as would favourable reviews comparing it to the 99 Turbo Combi-Coupe of the '70s.
And as I've said before, no matter how good the GM-based 'new' 9-3 and 9-5 are, they need far more distinction to find their feet again. Targeting Subaru's market, rather than Audis, would, I feel, produce better results. In order for this to happen, Saab needs to enter the IRC. Nowhere near as expensive as the WRC, but with an increasingly high profile these days and with real motorsport credibility.
Twincam16 said:
I agree with the idea of having the Aero X as a TT rival. In fact, the shape suggests more of a Volvo C70/Alfa Romeo Brera/VW Scirocco rival. Dare I venture the name... Sonnet V..?
This all looks very promising, however, I fear that there is still a sense of dependence on GM for these new models, and I'm not sure how many people will buy a Cadillac-based Saab SUV these days, especially in Europe. A 'productionised' version of the Aero X would certainly sell more and re-fire interest in Saab, as would favourable reviews comparing it to the 99 Turbo Combi-Coupe of the '70s.
And as I've said before, no matter how good the GM-based 'new' 9-3 and 9-5 are, they need far more distinction to find their feet again. Targeting Subaru's market, rather than Audis, would, I feel, produce better results. In order for this to happen, Saab needs to enter the IRC. Nowhere near as expensive as the WRC, but with an increasingly high profile these days and with real motorsport credibility.
The whole point of the 9-4X is for the American market and not the European market. This all looks very promising, however, I fear that there is still a sense of dependence on GM for these new models, and I'm not sure how many people will buy a Cadillac-based Saab SUV these days, especially in Europe. A 'productionised' version of the Aero X would certainly sell more and re-fire interest in Saab, as would favourable reviews comparing it to the 99 Turbo Combi-Coupe of the '70s.
And as I've said before, no matter how good the GM-based 'new' 9-3 and 9-5 are, they need far more distinction to find their feet again. Targeting Subaru's market, rather than Audis, would, I feel, produce better results. In order for this to happen, Saab needs to enter the IRC. Nowhere near as expensive as the WRC, but with an increasingly high profile these days and with real motorsport credibility.
Any new owner will have to rely on GM for a while until they can develop new models. Any buyer will still retain ties to GM but it wont be the complete dependence on GM or the parts bin that we see now. The new 9-5 already has a a lot of orders and even James May said he would get one if Saab remains open.
The Aero X wouldn't be quiet feasible as a TT rival due to the doors as seen here http://www.metacafe.com/watch/887859/saab_aero_x_t... wich I rather hope will make production.
Edited by tgx4776 on Monday 4th January 16:52
Not going to happen. Anyone who believes that this buyout will take place is living in a land of make believe. As I have mentioned on several other threads Spyker need to find $900 million to complete the buyout of Saab and if they can find a bank/banks to lend them that can I have their phone number because I have a hill of magic beans for sale.
Sorry I don't want to see Saab go but this is getting ridiculous.
Have a look at this from another thread;
http://redirectingat.com/?id=1044X509854&url=h...
Sorry I don't want to see Saab go but this is getting ridiculous.
Have a look at this from another thread;
http://redirectingat.com/?id=1044X509854&url=h...
Edited by The Hypno-Toad on Monday 4th January 18:55
Kazlet said:
I like the look of the super car but I just cant get past the badge.
Eh???As a fan of things that are "I just cant get past the Badge." ie Skoda, Delorean, SAAB, Lotus, Nissan and Honda etc, I find comment like yours Sir (as you must be a Sir or a Lord?) well, how can I put it, somewhat irritating!!!
SAAB was a fine car manufacturer before the Yanks got there dopey hands on it and created a Vietnam out of them!
I have personally seen this concept, and it is a finely detailed piece of design.
I notice you have not any entrants to your garage on your profile, does that suggest something?
GAFF1974 said:
Got my fingers (and everything else crossed) that this deals succeed. SAAB does not deserve to die!
I agree, however i fear all the noise from Spyker is just that - ask yourself this - how much would it have cost them to get this many pages or column inches of press coverage globally......
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