The Outcomes Of Saab Dealerships In Saab’s Transition Towards Independence From General Motors

Posted on 26. Jan, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009, Dealerships

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

There have been a number of Saab dealerships that have been asking questions about this transition period towards independence for Saab Automobile as of late.

In particular, the dealerships here in the United States have an interesting situation perhaps not too far unlike those in Sweden and elsewhere. As you know that in Sweden, basically most Saab dealerships are partnered with Opel, totalling 128. In the United States, however there are as of my most recent calculations 34.47% (79) that are exclusive, leaving the rest as a non-exclusive 65% (149) totalling 229 dealerships.

So this situation as it stands in the United States is an interesting one. What is the plan during this process of independence for Saab Automobile for existing Saab dealerships? I would say right off the bat, that all 79 exclusive Saab dealerships would be in the best possible position, so what happens to the other 149 dealerships that are either coupled with other brands and/or are part of that GM “premium” channel (Saab/hummer/cadillac) dealership configuration? One dealership in the United States planned to build one of these premium brand facilities this spring and has totally held off until there is some solid plan as to what is happening with not only hummer and Saab, but the dealership channel as well. What if you were a prospective business looking to start an exclusive Saab dealership today, hypothetically, where would you go, who would you talk to? There needs to be a source to answer these questions regardless of what is taking place with General Motors today.

In addition, there has been lot of money spent all over the country on new dealership facility designs resulting in exclusive, exclusive variable and satellite dealerships, so will these continue once Saab Automobile becomes fully independent?

I hear that from these dealerships, in lieu of getting any straight answers from General Motors (no surprise), many have hoped to pose these questions at the recent National Automobile Dealership Association conference that goes from January 24th to the 27th. I suggest that if Saab dealerships don’t get any straight answers there, nor from their General Motors rep (who aren’t getting any info from the top), they contact their representative within their Saab dealership council.

I would look at the Saab dealership council in any country as the transition team and colleagues that are working as hard as they can to seek out the best outcomes for their fellow dealership constituents.

Tags: General Motors, National Automobile Dealership Association, representative, satellite dealerships, Sweden, United States