Did you know Saab was a GM product ??

[kentuck]

When did they buy that company? Should they not be asked to get rid of those assets before they are bailed out? Just asking?

[flvegan]

1. Yup. Bought half or 60% of Saab in the early 90's

bought the rest several years later. GM has a number of assets that we don't see much of here in the States, also. If they're profitable (which I don't believe Saab is) they should hang on to them.

[kentuck]

2. I think they are doing much better overseas...

The benefits of free trade, I suppose?

[flvegan]

7. I think they're all still built in Sweden, so I'm sure they're more prolific

in Europe, and probably more in line pricewise with their competition. No idea what the expense is to add whatever safety and emissions stuff for sale in the US, in addition to shipping them across the Atlantic.

Never much cared for Saab personally, but I've got a couple friends that will own nothing else.

[TreasonousBastard]

12. I know some Saab nuts, too. They are happy, but...

Opel (a GM brand not seen here since the 60s) had been working with Saab on a lot of joint technology, which might be a better reason to keep them around.

BTW, my Saturn LS1 started out as a Saab, got reworked as an Opel, and then reworked for sale here as a Saturn. It was one of the best cars I've owned, and the development costs, including the "million mile four" engine were all borne in Europe.

[lurky]

3. They are trying to sell it, but finding a buyer is tough.

You can't just put it on Craig's List.

[Liberal_in_LA]

4. nope. didn't know

[EOTE]

5. Yes.

The inline 6 used in the Trailblazer and its clones was co-developed by Saab. There's also a 4 and 5 cylinder version of the same engine. I've liked where Saab has gone since its acquisition by GM.

[Bok_Tukalo]

6. Yes. You can tell by how they took an interesting and unique car

... and made it into just another European vehicle copying the Japanese.

[Kajsa]

9. Amen, Bob!

Same thing happened when Ford bought Volvo.

:(

[Kajsa]

8. Yep, and Ford bought Volvo

in January 1999.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_company_file/264506.stm

Volvos never looked the same since.

[Billy Burnett]

20. Aren't some models of Volvo and Mazda essentially the same car?

Resistance is futile.

:sarcasm:

[Kickin_Donkey]

22. No, absolutely not ...

although they may share some components. For example, the Volvo S40 and Mazda3, along with the Ford Focus in Europe, use the same platform -- but they are not the same car by any means. This isn't a case of badge engineering.

The infusion of Volvo and Mazda technology into Ford cars has benefited Ford greatly, especially Volvo's safety technology.

That's one reason why Ford can't easily sell off Volvo.

[Kajsa]

25. They look the same

but apparently there are differences.

I know what you mean, though.


;)

[TreasonousBastard]

10. That's a thought, but how do you...

value it even if it were a good idea to force them to dump it? If they are indeed trying to get back on their feet, dumping an asset at its lowest value isn't usually a good idea.

[bluecollarcharlie]

11. If the asset is profitable...

....why would you want them to get rid of it? Saab may or may not be profitable, i don't really know, but if it were why would you want them to get rid of it? And right now lemme ask you this: Who going to buy a car company at this point? At this particular moment in time? Toyota? Nope, they just posted a billion dollar loss. Honda? Nope. Nissan? Nada. Well, what about the Chinese? The Swedes would go to war first. BTW, the Swedes are in discussions to "bailout" Saab and Volvo in order to keep their piece of the auto industry going. As is much of the rest of the world. Only in America are we interested in tearing ours up and down and destroying it.

ONLY IN AMERICA.

[Touchdown]

13. They also own...

Opel
Vauxhaul
Isuzu -25%
Suzuki-25%
Daewoo -Korea
Wuling- China

[DainBramaged]

14. Yup (polishes fingers on shirt) only about 250 dealers Nationwide

When Ford bought Volvo, GM HAD to buy Saab. Dumb move. They have lost money ever since.

[mdmc]

15. Many foreign manufacturers are owned by the big 3

:shrug:

[Lost-in-FL]

16. yup, and I think Volvo too...

since back in the 90's.

[AndyA]

17. Saab makes good cars.

I have a friend who drove one for well over 170,000 miles with few problems. Still looked great when he sold it.

GM does own part of Saab, and I think the Swedish government kicks in money to help support Saab as well, but I could be wrong... :shrug:

[blue_onyx]

18. Well, you'll probably get your wish

Saab, along with Hummer, will probably be sold sometime this year.

[tammywammy]

19. Yes

And Saab will probably be sold anyways.

[TheCowsCameHome]

21. Yeah. Born from jets.

[DainBramaged]

23. They make cool jets

[damntexdem]

24. Well, that should make for a good Saab story.