Comments on: Saab History Suggests A Saab Enthusiast Convoy To Detroit

By: John Boyce

John Boyce — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:29:53 +0000

On Tuesday, January 5, I will be a a meeting in Fort Worth, TX. As a Detroit native (Cass Tech 1969) and a multiple Saab owner (our present car is a 2009 9-5 Griffin Edition Sport Combi), I would love to be at the event, but that is not possible. I hope it has the desired impact, and thank those who are working hard to make it happen.

John R. Boyce
Bismarck, ND

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:13:16 +0000

Folks,

I want to try to make it myself, and I am trying to gather support to get a flight.

Anyone know if I could stay with them so that the cost of a hotel is not added?

With 75% of my advertisers unable to renew until the Saab situation is resolved (totally understable), I cannot cover basically any costs myself.

Please let me know as I feel I should be there with all of you.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:43:04 +0000

Heres the link to the facebook event.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=236877884259&index=1

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:31:50 +0000

Folks,

We now have everything set up, the time, the place, everything.

The SAVE SAAB signs were quoted at $334 for 50 signs in plastic core at 24″ x 18″ by a local place in Detroit about 20 minutes from downtown.

I have yet to reach our contact at AOL Autos, so I wonder if I could get the order started today (they recommended it), but I’d need some donations to get it started.

Let me know and thanks!

By: Jim Laman

Jim Laman — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:04:47 +0000

Jeff,

Facebook is a great idea, thanks!!

I have an email list that I am keeping everyone updated with. Send me a note at lamanjim at juno dot com and I can add anyone to it.

The date IS Jan 5th, meet in the Ren Cen Food court at Mcdonald’s at Noon. From there at 1 PM we will move outside (with Save Saab signs as soon as they arrive) to talk to the media.

By: Jim Laman

Jim Laman — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:55:36 +0000

JEff- Facebook is a great idea! Thanks! I have an email dist list that I am keeping everyone updated with the latest details through, so please contact me at lamanjim at juno dot com if you wish to be added.

FYI- Jan 5th, in the Food Court in the RenCen at NOON. Details still developing! Attendees- bring a camera!

jim

By: Jim Laman

Jim Laman — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:52:29 +0000

Jeff- Facebook is a great idea! I am doing an email dist list for those attending with the latest updates. contact me at lamanjim at juno dot com for the latest.

FYI- Jan 5th, Ren Cen Food Court at NOON.

By: Jim Laman

Jim Laman — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:47:13 +0000

My last post did not appear, so will try again.

The 5th has been determined to be the best date, so we will meet at noon at the food court inside the RenCen. See their website for details. Contact me to be added to my email list for ongoing updates at lamanjim at juno.com. Details are still developing, thanks for your patience!

jim

By: Jim Laman

Jim Laman — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:44:37 +0000

Jeff- The 5th has been determined to be the best date, at noon in the food court of the RenCen. Contact me at lamanjim@juno.com for ongoing updates.

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:43:42 +0000

Were in. Coming from Ann Arbor area. All we need to know it it a Tuesday or Thursday, but other than that were in.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:27:01 +0000

hey so im planning on making a facebook event for this so that we can attempt to get a bunch of younger saab enthusiasts to show up too. Ill put the date as the fifth but if someone could suggest locations ASAP that would be really helpful for anyone planning on driving long distances.

By: regnisfon

regnisfon — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:24:41 +0000

I was hoping for Thursday, myself, as I know I could make it.. oh well. I work a split shift on Tuesday, so trying to get off could be a bit difficult.. but I’ll give it a shot!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:10:46 +0000

Folks,

I thought the date would be easiest part about it, so here’s what we know. I’ve checked everywhere I could so far and have found that the meeting is before the 7th, actually but have not been given the actual date.

Here’s what I think makes logical sense, so please let me know if you agree.

Why don’t we have the rally for Tuesday since that’s the 5th and historically, the first Tuesday of the month when the meeting takes place anyway.

That morning, someone will need to pick up the 50 signs up at the sign store (already pre-paid) in the morning before all of you gather for lunch somewhere at noon.

Then, after lunch, everyone will drive in a convoy to where you will be taking your photo and gathering the Saabs, talking to the press, etc.

The remaining questions now are:

1) Where does everyone want to gather for lunch

2) Where is the best possible spot to park your Saabs near the Renn Center?

Let’s get these questions answered by the locals with regional knowledge here.

By: keith85spg

keith85spg — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:51:15 +0000

We’ve got to pick a date on this, unless I missed something it’s not been decided. Is it the 5th or the 7th? I need to clear my schedule as I’m sure others do to.

By: Tim Pratt

Tim Pratt — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:45:25 +0000

Hi Ryan,
Thanks for organizing this – put me down for the trip! – I will be coming from Ada Michigan.
Regarding hotels – there is of course one right in the Renaissance Center – The Marriott – it is expensive though- 169-$209 per night
Tim

By: Ted Y

Ted Y — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:57:44 +0000

My hearts with all you guys and gals going to the Ren Cen. However, I’m having an iritis attack, and a trip would have a negative effect on my eyes, and I can’t leave my wife home alone for farm chores.
If there’s any way other way I can help from the Chardon, Ohio area, let me know.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:14:26 +0000

Tyler,

Hello. Thank you. I just saved it. I will contact the printers tomorrow (Saturday) to see if they are open, otherwise Monday morning first thing ASAP. AOL Autos will be paying for the cost of the printing of the “SAVE SAAB” signs. I’m thinking 25-50 will do? We don’t need a sign for each individual.

So, sign here’s a recap of everything

1) Time 1pm

2) Location, where is the best place to meetup during lunch at 12noon before for lunch somewhere for everyone in the vicinity before the meetup takes place? It’s up to you folks with regional knowledge on the ground.

3) Date, I am hearing Tuesday, January 5th and Thursday, January 7th. Which date is the darned GM Board meeting?

4) Signs, we’ve decided on the sign and next is to get them printed. Someone will need to pick up the signs that morning of the meet and bring them to where all of you are meeting for lunch before you go downtown for the gathering.

Anything else we’re forgetting here?

By: Tyler

Tyler — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:36:54 +0000

Ryan, I like your idea, but I think we need to make the most of the space on the sign. Here’s my suggestion, in 18×24″ format. If you need a larger image I can send it to you

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4234073409_94348afaea_o.jpg

BTW, I will most likely not be able to make it on the 7th, but if it turns out to be the 17th, I’m there.

By: Kieran

Kieran — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:01:36 +0000

I’m not sure if I can make it yet, but I’m trying my best to get there. Put me in as a probable.

Kieran Roberts
2005 9-3

By: Jim Laman

Jim Laman — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:39:22 +0000

Thanks to Christian for suggesting some hotel ideas in the area:

Thought you may suggest with a post at Saab History and/or Saabs United for those considering coming to Detroit and looking for (safe) motels and accommodations an easy-access option would be 14 mile/Troy exit off 75 north of Detroit. Cluster of motels are immediately west and east off exit. Has simple in/out access, a corporate area, reasonable prices.

Check hotels dot com or similar sites for deals for that night. Website will not allow me to post links, or I would pass them along.

By: Jim Laman

Jim Laman — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:36:30 +0000

Thanks to Christian for passing along hotel information. Here it is:

These links & map might be useful:

http://hotel-guides.us/michigan/troy-mi-hotels.html

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=troy+mi+motels&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

By: Jim Laman

Jim Laman — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:32:25 +0000

Everyone- I am going to set up a quick dist list for those who are interested in going to the RenCen on (?) Jan 7. I need more detail on where/when, but will pass along what I get. If anyone can pinpoint that parking lot (or maybe just “on the river in front of the RenCen” is enough?) and get me a time, I will pass it along to those interested.

So if you ARE interested in attending, and have not sent a note already, please do so. I will TRY to keep everyone informed but posting the info here will help too. I also need a point person onsite that day, so if anyone can be sure to be there, or a couple of you, that would be appreciated (and also take lots of pics!!)

Thanks!

Jim

By: Ilsa

Ilsa — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:27:02 +0000

I like Save Our Saabs, but Save Saab works.
Good thinking on the permits! CP thanks for the map. How about honking in morse code – SOS? Too dramatic?

By: Saabman900

Saabman900 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:01:06 +0000

I’m in for sure. However, I am from just south of Boston in Hingham, MA. If anyone from that area is planning on going too you’re more than welcome to join up on this road trip. Please keep me posted.

By: MitchbSC

MitchbSC — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:11:13 +0000

In response to S Fales (Sue), the Troy MI area is generally OK for hotels. I used to have family in the Pontiac/Clarkston area. I also did a couple consulting gigs at a retailer that was formerly headquartered in Troy. The Marriott and Hilton/Hampton Inn properties were fine around Troy. Other “OK” areas include Livonia/Northville, Auburn Hills, some of Southfield, and some of Dearborn.

I say “some of” because I made the mistake once of booking a hotel in Dearborn that bordered the Detroit city limits. I didn’t stay but 5 minutes after I saw the razor ribbon. This close to the date, Marriotts in Troy and Auburn Hills are looking like rates in the low $100s.

You did say 1-2 hours away. The commute from these areas to downtown Detroit is the better part of an hour with traffic. I don’t have much experience with staying out as far as Lansing or Ann Arbor.