Saab Automobile’s Global Marketing Strategy Restructuring

Posted on 05. Feb, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

As indicated across the globe, Saab Automobile’s marketing changes are happening at a rapid pace because the global marketing strategy is being restructured. We’re seeing this at all levels from the websites which will be fully updated to reflect a globally consistent brand presence. In addition to the online changes, we’re having management changes as well as Saab Automobile continues its progression towards independence.

According to Automotive News, who I “rarely trust” have indicated these management changes will continue with Saab Automobile AB’s Managing Director, Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson who will be taking on additional responsibility of marketing and sales as of March 1st, 2009. It’s interesting to hear this because, GM Premium Brands in North America’s Steve Shannon, did this last fall, but added Cadillac & Hummer to his responsibilities as did his colleague.

Here’s a quote from this report where Automotive News spoke with Brent Dewar, GM Europe’s head of sales, marketing and aftersales.

Jan-Ake Jonsson, currently managing director of Saab, will add responsibility for Saab’s marketing and sales in Europe.

Evidently, Jonsson also chimed in as well stating that this will help them focus the Saab brand.

Saab’s Jonsson stated that the new structure would give the Swedish brand greater responsiveness to the markets. “We will not be working through many different layers and we can better focus our brand,” he said.

The news sounds positive, but I did e-mail Brent Dewar as well as Knut Simonsson, Executive Director Global Brand & Sales Operations, to ensure that this news is accurate.

It looks like a lot of changes are already in the mix as we speak, even though a new business plan is being hammered out between now and February 17th for Saab Automobile’s next era of independence.

Tags: Brent Dewar, Cadillac, Director, Jan-Ã, head of sales , marketing and aftersales, Hummer, Jan Åke Jonsson, Knut Simonsson, managing director, online changes, Steve Shannon