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Saab Cars North America Speaks On Saab Dealer Closings
November 23rd, 2009, 5:41pm by Ryan - 5 Comments
According to the Chicago Tribune, Mike Colleran, COO and President of the new Saab Cars North America speaks about the 37% of the Saab dealership closures in the United States that is taking place at this time.
“It’s not like we’re really eliminating them,” said Mike Colleran, chief operating officer of Saab Cars North America. “We’re just selecting ones that make sense for the new business plan for Saab.”
Colleran said that while the decision was difficult, dealership longevity and stand-alone allegiance to the brand did not enter into the equation. In addition to sales, parts and service performance, the smaller network reflects a marketing strategy aimed at recapturing Saab’s unconventional cachet, something that dissipated during the GM years.
“It is our intent to focus more on premium positioning in the luxury segment, and to focus less on discounts and volume,” Colleran said.
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Categories: 2000-2009, Dealerships
5 Comments
“we are not really eliminating them” Ok what exactly does that mean??? Termination= Eliminaton=Closure…. If not I need to go back and take English again at school……or well maybe somebody does…. I’d have to say from what I’ve seen and heard about this…Saab will most certainly fail….abandoning your history is shear arrogance, sounds just like GM…….
“dealership longevity and stand-alone allegiance to the brand did not enter into the equation”? In my mind that equates to loyalty.
Be careful new SAAB for you will soon reap what you sow! Just bought my 4th SAAB 2 months ago. I sincerely hope it is not my last.
WOW!!! This guy must be arrogant to say these kind of things!!! I think that the draw for Saab all these years has been the dealer network. You can get high quality service done by real people who are not snobby (sorry lexus,mb,bmw) and in a comfortable setting. I’m sure that Saab will come to its senses and reappoint the “Real” Saab dealers who have historically got it done, if not then the end for Saab will be in sight.
Curt is dead on right..Saab has no loyalty to its dealers who have been loyal to them…who is next to get knocked off the loyalty list? I got it the Saab owners….. new spelling for Saab….AUDI
I found out about this news today when I dropped off my car at my local dealership in Central PA. Apparently my new dealer is almost 75 miles away. GMAC must be thrilled with news of these closures as they will only serve to depress existing residuals even further. I guess GMAC is going to need some more taxpayer money…
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