Rossi who took over for Lennart Lonnegren in 1990 and continued this role as Public Relations Director up until the a few years after the move to Norcross Georgia in 1994, has a long history with Saab dating back to 1978 as young engineer.

In fact, one of his many humble accomplishments took place before this position. In the early eighties, he worked alongside former Saab-Scania of America President, Bob Sinclair to submit the engineering drawings for what became one of the most iconic products in Saab’s historical portfolio, the Saab Convertible.

As a proud member of the 60-consecutive months of sales led by Bob Sinclair and former national sales director, Sten Helling, Rossi saw not only the convertible but the launch of the Saab 9000 in which he participated in the press event at Talladega Speedway for the “Long Run” in 1986.

Throughout his time with Saab in the United States, he saw many aspects of the business inside and out from engineering to public relations.

Today, he continues to hold the torch as one of the original members of the team that worked in Orange, Connecticut. In fact, he has organized two Saab Reunions in the North East over the past five years for other former employees to gather and reminisce.

I highly suggest you read this piece by Steven Rossi beginning with his opening excerpt below.

SAAB is a relatively young and proudly offbeat automaker, and from the start it has appealed to those who appreciate the unconventional. For aficionados, “Find your own road” was more than a slogan.

More

TTELA covers Saab Automobile’s lawyer, Kristina Geers, Wife of Manager of Communications, Eric Geers.

Here is the piece beginning with some facts from TTELA, loosely translated by google translate:

Kristina Geers

Age: 39.

Family: Married to Eric (Information Manager at Saab). Two children.

Lives: Gothenburg, but to build houses in Ljungskile where Christina has grown up.

Occupation: General Counsel at Saab. Joined the company after university 1997th Became general counsel 2004th

Interests: Golf.
Kristina Geer on …

… what has been the toughest in this process?

-Tough is the priority, to know where to run now. Sometimes it felt like chaos, depending on the pressure on the organization. Meanwhile, (CEO) Jan Ã…ke (Jonsson) calm rub off on us.

… to negotiate with the Chinese?

-I see no problem, you should just be aware that it is different, that there is a difference in cultures.

… why it was Saab?

- I was interested in business law and wanted to enter a business. Saab attracted an international environment. Here I have worked in both the U.S. and Switzerland before moving back to Sweden again 2004th

… to be the sole woman in the management team?

- I am treated with respect and have never been in contact with the problem. Since it was not damaged, with more women because I believe in a balance, both in terms of gender, age and so on.

… what she does for its own network?

- I’m having in-house lawyers association and Hilda, a network for female lawyers here in Gothenburg. Then, the problem is that you should have time also.

—-

Kristina Geer comes with quick steps and receive the reception. She apologizes although she missed time with more than a minute.

The rapid steps feels like a symbol of a rare busy year. Turning the computer work at night again, once the kids were asleep, has been more the rule than the exception. Weekend Jobs likewise. And holidays, it was cold inside.

- I hope to get my vacation soon, “says Saab’s General Counsel with a smile, when we settle down in her office in Pixbo.

November 8 last year, crashed it off, when the first signs were that GM would get rid of Saab. At the beginning of this year rolled to three major challenges started – cutting Saab from GM, to find a new owner and to get through a reorganization.

- Each of them is a huge process, las top of the regular work, “says Kristina Geer.

And much has first country in the General Counsel’s own table.

- It’ll so, law will be in anywhere. Legal, financial and so-Jan Ã…ke (Jonsson, Saab’s Managing Director) – as it has been the key in this.

Saab has taken the help of the law firm Roschier, so during the year, Kristina Geer had 20-25 lawyers, against the normal three, in the ward.

- Late’ve Koenigsegg had its lawyers, Beijing Automotive his GM and its. So there is hardly any law firm in Sweden who is not involved in this transaction.

Although the Swede has generally been given new legal knowledge. Who knew the concept of reorganization before February 20?

- It was something completely new, nobody knew what it was. I myself had to go out and buy a book, I will not even remember that I studied it, recognize Geers.

Six months later, Saab climbed out of the unique reconstruction. Never before Sweden had experienced such a big reorganization. That Saab also defied the statistics and took himself out of it out alive, made it no less remarkable.

But it was a complicated life with the legal rules that must be followed.

- You are, for example, had to pay suppliers directly. How could we solve it? Cash? Checks? There were new issues that we initially were not prepared for, “says Geers.

And then came the new entrants, as the administrator Guy Lofalk, as Kristina Geer’s been working with.

- In this process, it has always come in new players. And I must say that the collaboration has worked fantastically.

Another chapter in the heavy process has been to separate the Saab from GM. Some bands have been cut directly, while in other areas requires further collaboration in a period. And then the service is established.

- We have 30-40 contracts must be written between Saab and GM. Sure, we realized that there was a complexity, but it’s just taking it step by step.

In the middle of all this, Kristina Geers also realize that she had experience there are few corporate lawyers luxury. That she is free to share.

- I have received requests to hold seminars, because this is definitely a hot potato in the legal world. I myself know that it would have been nice to have time stop and reflect, “she says.

On the other hand thinks she does not use the experiences of Saab affair as a springboard to new jobs.

- I like where I sit. And when we are separated from GM, I get a more independent role and therefore an opportunity to build their own international network. It will be very exciting.

The history of Saab business has taken many routes over the years, and I thought it would now be the best time to briefly discuss where it started and hopefully where it’s heading.

In 1956, SAAB Motors, Inc. was established by Ralph Millet headquartered in New York City with a port in Hingham, Massachusetts.

In 1961, SAAB Motors, Inc. merged and relocated their headquarters and port to one facility in New Haven, Connecticut. This facility would be used for a period of 10 years, the duration of the lease.

In 1971, the newly merged company, Saab-Scania of America, Inc., began operations in Orange, Connecticut creating a rather large campus spanning two areas North and South of Interstate 95. These facilities included 60 Marsh Hill Road, 35 Executive Boulevardin 1988, 15 Executive Boulevard, a SCANIA truck facility North of the interstate, a large parts facility nearby in Meriden in 1987, and a training facility in Wallingford in 1998.

In 1992, following the GM 50% merger, newly established Saab Cars USA, Inc. began operations in Norcross, Georgia while their parts depot was also relocated to Allentown, Pennsylvania.

In late 2004, a newly former Saab Automobile USA brand team moved to the Renaissance Center at GM headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. In the fall of 2008, this brand team became consolidated into what is known as GM Premium Brands.

I am hopeful that Saab will carry on in a new capacity stateside as ‘Saab Automobile North America’ with a head office situated back in New England, North of Boston on the seacoast.

Photo Credit: Saab History, February, 2007

I have recently heard that on April 20th, 2009, Jan-Willem Vester formerly of Saab Automobile USA Communications, is no longer working in this capacity.This also means that there is no longer any official voice for Saab Automobile USA, just the GM Premium brands channel.

It was just almost exactly one month ago since his departure that I managed to have an exclusive interview with him about his long career and continual interest in the Saab Automobile. It seemed like just yesterday that I met him for the first time during the picnic alongside Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson at the 2005 Saab Festival in Trollhattan, Sweden.

His responsibilities were numerous from communications to having inroads with the Saab USA Heritage Center, Video Archives and Heritage Collection, and more. I sometimes wondered how he managed to do it all so well, with a smile and humor.

In all of my communications with him, he has been incredibly professional and always followed up and certainly brought his passion for Saab to the table. It has been an honor to work with someone who is clearly a Saab enthusiast and a dedicated ambassador of the brand.

Jan-Willem, as you know started his career with Saab Automobile USA in August of 2004, when the brand team began their operations at the Renaissance Center within GM Headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. In the September of 2008, Saab Automobile USA was no more, having been merged into what is known as “GM Premium brands”.

In the meantime, I wish Jan-Willem and his family well. If he’s reading this, I hope to hear from him soon and hope he attends the 2009 Saab Owners Convention with all of the other former Saab USA employees attending, now topping out over 100 strong!

All of us in the Saab community wish you nothing but the very best and thank you very much for your hard work all of these years.

Photo Credits: Saab Cars USA & Lisa Aloisio

I have recently had a great dialogue with Lisa Aloisio, formerly Lisa Uhl of Saab Cars USA where she worked as PR coordinator in charge of managing the annual Saab Owners Conventions from 1996 until 2001.

This interview involved me providing a summary of her work fully edited and reviewed by Lisa, and ultimately submitted back to me at Saab History for us to enjoy here below.

A thank you to Lisa for her input and her time working with Saab Cars USA all of these years, we sincerely appreciate it!

3/5/2009

Phone Interview with Lisa Aloisio

Lisa Aloisio worked as PR Coordinator for SCUSA from the March of 1997 until early 2000 and worked in Norcross, Georgia. She was hired by then Director of Corporate Communications, Elke Martin. Most of Lisa’s tenure was under the Joel Manby Era, but she also had short but memorable experiences with presidents Jim Crumlish and Dan Chasins.

I was hired as a newbie to PR and I had the great fortune of working alongside some of the “great ones”. Elke Martin, of course, was the torque that drove our entire department. If you look up “work ethic” in the dictionary, I’m sure Elke’s picture is there. Cool things happened whenever Elke was involved. And she showed me how much I could accomplish with good ideas and hard work! I inherited the PR Coordinator position from the beloved Marie Prezioso one of the original SCUSA employees from Connecticut. I loved working with and learned a great deal from Dan Prescott, the prolific and insightful writer behind all the wonderful Saab product information and news publications. Colin Price, and later Kevin Smith, were both wise and forgiving managers, letting me take on new responsibilities and learn from my most famous blunders. (the portachere at the resort in DelMar, CA will never be the same) I also worked with Steve Janisse and Eric Geers, who were simultaneously smart and fun to be around. (a lethal combo!) Also, had a brief stint with Barbie Whittemore, one of Saab’s first webmasters.

During her time with Saab Cars USA, she was responsible for spending a significant amount of time every year on probably one of the most exciting jobs on the planet, managing the annual Saab Owners Conventions!

She enjoyed coordinating with the clubs on each engagement beginning with the Kirkwood, California convention in ’96, the 50th Anniversary Celebration in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire in ’97, the Hilton Head convention in ’98 to her final event, the “Peak Nine Experience” in Keystone, Colorado in ’99.

Each year, she worked alongside 6-8 enthusiast club planners in making each event successful. She saw an opportunity to build a stronger connection to the clubs because she recalls when she came on board, “the previous conventions did not have a consistent stream of involvement from Saab Cars USA, and I was given the opportunity from SCUSA management to try to change that.”

Change is exactly what happened, in the best possible way. The Saab Owners Conventions from the 1996 until 1999 were some of the best and most notable conventions in the history of Saab Owners Conventions in the United States. Of course, Lisa is adamant she deserves little of the credit and that her colleagues within the clubs spent numerous hours volunteering their time and talents as well. (Shout out to Cathleen, Dan, Ian, Larry, Jerry, Tom, Bruce, etc.)

While it was a fun role, it was also challenging says Aloisio, “There were people who felt putting scarce marketing dollars toward hosting events for the loyal Saab enthusiast crowd was a bit like preaching to the choir.” But she says Joel Manby, coming from a successful stint at Saturn, saw the value of building a bridge between Saab’s heritage-rich enthusiasts and its new customers. “While I was at Saab, I had the great privilege to observe several Saab executives make a great effort to leverage Saab’s incredible past as a springboard to attract new buyers to the brand.”

Although admittedly not an advertising expert nor involved in advertising decision-making at SCUSA, she observed the development of both the “Find Your Own Road” advertising campaign and the ‘Saab Vs. campaign. “I appreciated the tremendous creativity and intelligence of both those campaigns, but at the time I recall thinking neither would hit the gut or the heart of the Saab die-hards who were the life-blood of the brand. I remember seeing a story board from the Martin Agency’s pitch for the Saab account – it was the photo of a Viggen fighter jet in flight carrying a bumper sticker that read “My other Saab is a car – and I said now that’s more like it!”

Now, with a few more years of marketing experience at various companies under her belt, she still feels for advertising to work, it can’t be all cerebral, it has to solicit an emotional reaction especially when it comes to automotive purchases.

Throughout her time with Saab Cars USA, she noticed Saab marketers struggled, particularly in the United States market, where the brand seemed to be trying to be “everything to everyone”. “There was an identity crisis that stemming from an attempt to highlight Saab’s many innovations while trying to distinguish the brand’s uniqueness from the quirkiness associated with past product.” She believes that Saab finally hit the nail on the head in 2005, many years after her departure, when the “Born From Jets” campaign was initiated by Jay Spenchian, Saab USA president at the time.

In early 2001, just after Joel Manby left as President, and Dan Chasins took over, Lisa was approached by GM R Works, a new agency relationship General Motors started specifically to handle regional promotional events. A colleague of hers, who has now since passed, Ron Updyke of GM, made a recommendation about her work at Saab and she chose to take the initiative and interview with them. Her boss, Kevin Smith was heading up Corp Comm at SCUSA at that point, and Kevin encouraged her to give the new opportunity a shot.

She indicates that while it was hard to leave, she didn’t see Saab Cars USA in the spring of 2001 as a place that would be able to give her the immediate professional growth she was looking for. “The integration with GM was taking hold and no one knew exactly what was going to happen. Everyone remained optimistic but I felt it was best for me personally to take the new position with GM R Works.” Unfortunately, her former peers had to wrap up shop at SCUSA’s Norcross location in 2002 a year after her departure, as the company planned on transitioning everyone up to Detroit, Michigan when Debra Kelly-Ennis arrived. Only a handful of people made the move, while an even smaller group took up residence on behalf of Saab at GM’s Southeast Regional office in Alpharetta, GA.

There were many highlights during her career with Saab Cars USA, Inc. including reunions with clubbers after year-long planning efforts came to fruition at the Saab Owners Conventions. She felt that she was very fortunate to have these one of a kind experiences including using the legendary Saab 900 “Sensonic” car as her daily driver, courtesy of her former husband, James Uhl, who owned and showcased the car during that time.

Another little known historical point associated with Lisa and Saab. Lisa was the first person to deploy an airbag in a new Saab 9-5 in a real life crash on US soil. In early 1999, she crashed a brand new pre-production 9-5 press car with less than 100 miles on the odometer. She got several calls from Trollhattan engineers asking about the car’s safety performance. “I told them, the car sacrificed itself flawlessly, and my son and I walked away without a scratch!”

Her legacy at Saab Cars, USA was continued by Tiffany Cook, whom she still maintains a good relationship with today.

John Libbos who has been head of product development for the Saab 9-3 and 9-5, has apparently left Saab Automobile USA according to the recent Jan/Feb issue of Nines Magazine.

Libbos, who I first met a number of years ago, has fought the good fight where he was the last original employee literally since his tenure began back at Saab-Scania in Orange, Connecticut in the 1980′s, Saab USA at Norcross, Georgia in the 1990′s, with a 2-year stint at Saab Automobile AB in Sweden doing aftersales for the 9-5 (1996-1998), and finally at Saab Automobile USA at Detroit, Michigan in the 2000s.

Libbos has presented at the last few Saab Owners Conventions, both 2007 as well as 2008 and I have reluctantly found out about his departure through reading an article today. This is the first I have heard of his departure which must have taken place sometime between August and December, 2008.

The last time I had any real close one on one with John, was at the departure terminal at the Detroit International Airport returning to my former home in Washington, D.C. to attend the Saab 9-3 XWD Drive event, following the 2007 SOC. At the airport terminal waiting area, John showed up and sat down next to me, pulled out an old print ad from the 1960′s of a Saab 96, and then we began talking about it then proceeded to talk about Saab’s past, present and future. In talking with him as we both waited for our flight, I told him that I was soo impressed by his tenure over the years and wondered what would happen if left. Our dialog continued the following day after he and Jan-Willem Vester of Saab Automobile USA (Communications) arrived with me in the same plane at D.C.’s National Airport. I wished it had been a SAAB 340, but it was not. That evening the Saab 9-3 XWD event began at the House of Sweden, where I got to talk with Libbos again, overlooking the Potomac river. This time, he told me about how he had the opportunity to live in Sweden for a few years and his Swedish proved it! He said that he had a nice career with Saab and also that he never ever really thought about being the last employee of Saab USA that worked in Orange, CT “by default”.

At this time, I am not sure why he left and under what circumstances, but I won’t speculate. John, if you are reading this, thank you for all of your time and committment to the Saab brand here in the United States. I enjoyed meeting you and although I wished that I got to see what may have been your final presentation at this year’s Saab Convention, I wish you well in your future endeavors and hope that you can stay in touch with us!

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

Joel Manby, took over as President of Saab Cars USA from June 1996 where he worked at the Norcross, Georgia headquarters.

Over his time with Saab, he saw a lot including the global launch of the Saab 9-5 which included the North American launch at the 1997 Saab Owners Convention 50th Jubillee in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.

His tenure with Saab Cars USA came to an end in April of 2000 when General Motors then took over a majority stake (100%) of Saab Automobile AB.

While there are potential buyers as recently stated, Saab Automobile still apparently needs some investors as well to help them roll out their new product launches, etc.

Here is an exerpt below:

December 3, 2008 – 11:54 am ET

General Motors is talking to potential investors who could take partial ownership in Saab.

Jan-Ake Jonsson, managing director of the Swedish brand, said GM and Saab are talking to several investors about putting money into the Swedish company. He did not say who Saab is talking to, but sources at Saab owner GM say other automakers and large engineering houses are among the interested parties.

“We are looking for investors to get some external funding into some activities, such as accelerating product development,” Jonsson told Automotive News Europe today.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

Daniel B. Chasins began working with Saab Automobile in 1992, when he joined Saab Cars USA as director of marketing for three years.

Since then he worked in the capacity of vehicle line director for the Saab 9-5 and 9000 model line while working at Saab in Trollhättan, Sweden for another four.

In October of 1998, Dan Chasins was named the vice president of product programs and customer satisfaction while working in Norcross, Georgia. In that capacity, he worked in product planning, strategy, development and research, company wide dealer and customer focused activities and saw the global launch of the Saab 9-5.

In April of 2000, Dan was given the opportunity to operate as President of Saab Cars USA. Over this time he saw the launch of the 9-X & 9-3X concept cars.

Dan Chasins was replaced by Debra Kelly-Ennis in September of 2002.

Photo Credit: Saab Cars USA, Inc.

In February of 1994, Jim Crumlish took over the position as President and CEO of Saab Cars USA, Inc. and worked in the Norcross-Georgia headquarters.

Jim worked prior to this new position, for four years at Saab Automobile AB in Trollhättan, Sweden.

In his new position he was responsible for strengthening both North South America where he saw the introductions of the new generation Saab 900 Convertible as well as the world debut of the 3-door 900 coupe at both the North American International Auto Show as well as the Los Angeles Auto Show.

One vehicle that continues his legacy, was a 1991 Saab 900 Convertible in Cirrus White, made specifically for Jim Crumlish at the Saab factory in Sweden that now resides at Sports Car Service in Wilmington, Delaware.

Jim ended his tenior as President of Saab Cars USA, Inc. and was succeeded by Joel Manby

Photo Credit: Saab Cars USA, Inc.

Sten Helling accepted a position as interim President & CEO of Saab Cars USA in September of 1991 and worked in the corner office of 35 Executive Boulevard in Orange, Connecticut.

In 1980, he joined Saab-Scania of America as the National Manager of Sales and Marketing. Under his leadership at this time, he saw the Saab car division grow from 14,5000 units to 47,000 within a six-year period, the historic “60 consecutive months of growth”. In 1987, he was appointed executive vice president, sales and marketing.

Born in Gothenburg, he lived in Madison, Connecticut throughout his time with Saab. As part of the a new plan, Bill Kelly succeeded him, a month later in October of 1991.

Photo Credit: Saab-Scania Of America, Inc.

Jonas C:Son Kjellberg became acting President of Saab USA, Inc. in 1972 replacing J. J. (Jerry) Upham

During his tenior, he worked in the corner office of the newly constructed 60 Marsh Hill Road in Orange, Connecticut facility alongside longtime PR personality, Lennart Lonnegren.

With Saab-Scania of America, he saw numerous model changes and launches including the pivotal Saab 99 Turbo for the 1978 model year.

Kjellberg worked in this capacity until Sten Wennlo asked Bob Sinclair to come back to work at Saab-Scania of America, as acting President in May of 1979.

Where is Saab Automobile’s Future – Cast Your Vote

General Motor’s Support of The Saab Brand

General Motors Ownership Of Saab Automobile

While the Saab USA name may be used here and there, I expect that to be used less and less internally and only be used as a simple external indicator of the brand in the limited advertising and marketing exercises within the United States.

Furthermore, there is no more president for the Saab brand as well, as the previous president, Steve Shannon while continuing to act as a general manager for Saab, is now also managing director of the premium brands, Cadillac, Hummer & Saab. Mr. Shannon’s time now not 100% devoted to leading Saab Automobile’s operations in the United States, so how can this be beneficial to Saab?

This all means that Saab is officially not receiving any urgent priority in the United States in comparison to other brands, and with a new “premium brands” channel, we should expect this trend to continue.

All of this news may call for a final tagline “Saab, the best kept secret”

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

Saab Automobile USA President, Steve Shannon has left his position as General Manager after only 1 year 6 months of tenure, however he will be continuing in a similiar capacity while taking on additional responsibilities.

Update:

According to Saab Automobile USA Communications recently, Steve Shannon will, in addition to managing of the Saab Automobile USA brand, will now also be responsible for managing the “premium brands” which consist of Cadillac as well as Hummer.

With the tenure of less than his predecessor solely in a Saab-only capacity, Jay Spenchian at 2 years, I wonder what this means now that he’ll be working with other brands in addition to Saab.

The other big question I have here is, why can’t there be someone leading Saab Automobile USA that spends 100% of their time on Saab? I’ve been running this resource full-time for the past year and a half now, so with all of the work I have and all the work that needs to be done, I would believe that there is much more work in the capacity of a general manager at Saab USA.

Bill Kelly became acting President of Saab Cars USA, Inc. in Oct of 1991 replacing Sten Helling.

During his tenior, he worked in the corner office at the 35 Executive Boulevard building within Orange, Connecticut campus and was personally responsible for moving Saab-Scania of America, Inc. to Norcross, Georgia in 1992.

Here is his first excerpt from the original press release to the public, dated September 30th, 1991.

William S. Kelly Named President and Chief Executive Officer, Saab Cars, USA, Inc.

In conjunction with this announcement, William S. Kelly, 43, has been named president and chief executive officer, Saab Cars USA, Inc, succeeding Sten Helling who has chosen to remain in Connecticut, and will leave Saab after 11 years of dedicated service with the company.

Mr. Kelly previously served as vice president, sales and marketing, for the Swedish automobile manufacturer’s U.S. subsidiary. Prior to that, Kelly was Saab’s national sales manager in the United States and held various Saab field positions. He first joined Saab in 1980, and has a broad background in dealer relations.

Jan-Ake Jonsson, 40, will assume the position of vice president, sales and marketing, Saab Cars USA, Inc., and will report directly to Mr. Kelly. Before this appointment he was manager, North America Coordination, Saab Automobile AB, and served as the principal liaison between Saab’s U.S. sales and marketing activity and the Swedish parent company.

###

The individual responsible for the engineering of the turbocharger from the SCANIA division of Saab-Scania to the Saab Car Division then, was none other than Saab engine guru Per Gillbrand. Gillbrand, often described as the father of the Saab turbo, has a very simple explanation for his commitment to turbocharging.

“All engines have an oil pump, a fuel pump and a water pump”, he said. “So why not an air pump, which is all a turbo really is? I think it’s odd that all engines don’t have one!”

As you may know, Per Gillbrand will not be at the 2008 SOC, but Sten Wennlo will. In lieu of Gillbrand’s presence, I have provided you a video produced in 1978 shown below, when the first production model Saab 99 Turbo was produced, we hear Per Gillbrand describe exactly how a Saab Turbocharger works.

I think you will find this video very educational and informative as we approach this year’s 30th anniversary of the Saab Turbo.

Having personally attended a seminar by Per Gillbrand at the 2007 Saab Festival in Sweden last summer, I can attest he really knows his turbine powered engines!

This may be a realistic possibility but at what cost to the company, the consumer and the brand itself? I would be very interested in hearing more details from JAJ directly at some point.

In the mean time, here are few quotes as referenced in The Age:

Saab Automobile’s loss for 2007 was 2.2 billion kronor ($A394 million) compared to a loss of 2.9 billion kronor ($A519 million) in 2006, the daily reported, citing the group’s annual report filed in Sweden.

“I am satisfied that we managed to improve the result despite a drop in sales,” Jonsson added, citing higher margins and cost-cuts.

Jonsson said Saab kept its aim to report a profit in 2009 or 2010, citing benefits from new models due to be launched.

Source: The Age

There were some interesting notables in this coverage, but one interesting mention came from when Steve Shannon said that Saab USA could return to Pikes Peak or another Talladega Speedway run.

If Saab were do to this, would it be around the same time that they introduce their BioPower models to the North American market in late 2009? Fuel is quite expensive these days so I am curious to find out if these “ideas”, if given the green light could involve a heavily subsidized E-85 fuel so that such ventures would be more economically possible for Saab Automobile USA. This is of course if they even plan on incorporating such activities as part of their launch program when they introduce BioPower to North America.

I indicate that Saab Automobile USA missed their 20th anniversary of Talladega two years ago as they had the Talladega Challenge in 1996 and the Talladega Long Run in 1986. Saab Automobile have also not participated in Pikes Peak with legendary Saab rally driver, Per Eklund since 2002.

I leave you with the quote from Steve Shannon on the Pikes Peak and Talladega mention that I think we’d really like much more detailed information on:

A bit of motorsport for the Saab enthusiast. Motorsport has always been infused in Saab’s DNA since its inception after WWII, but you most likely won’t see its triumphant return to the rally arena anytime soon. As much as Saab officials (and we) would like the automaker to compete, it’s currently an endeavor deemed too expensive for the relatively small automaker to undertake. If anything, “Shannon mentioned that the extent of Saab’s motorsport involvement could possibly include another Pikes Peak race or Talladega Speedway run“, not World Rally Championship.

Tommy Sundin, Lead Project Engineer at Saab Automobile AB, Sweden has recently provided Saab History us some photos of him at the Saab Sweden Technical Center in Trollhättan, Sweden where he works as well as his 25-year history while working with Saab.

For those who do not know about Tommy Sundin, he was present at the recent Turbo-X test drive event in Boston, Massachusetts this past May.

A thank you to Tommy Sundin, it is always good to hear from experienced veterans employed at Saab Automobile AB Sweden today, especially after the recent news about the Trollhättan factory that have received the go-ahead for the production of the next generation Saab 9-3.

I leave you with his 25-year history while working with Saab Automobile Sweden.

Sept 1983-Jan 1984 Welding operator body shop

Jan 1984- sept 1984 Protoype build Saab 9000

Oct 1984- Oct 1984 1 operator floor assembly body shop Saab 9000, Instructor
robot programming.

Now 1984-Aug 1985 Saab internal Trainee program

Sept 1986- Dec 1993 Designer Underbody (BIW)

Jan 1993- Mars 1994 ISP ITDC Rüsselsheim, Germany. Body Design

Apr 1994- Feb 1998 Group leader Design Sealing system& Doors

Mars 1998-Aug 2000 ISP ITDC Rüsselsheim Germany. Epsilon 1 Homeroom

Sept 2000- July 2003 9-3 ass Staff eng. Saab 9-3

Aug 2003- Sept 2003 PEM MY 2004 Saab 9-3

Oct 2003- Mars 2006 9-3 ass staff eng Saab 9-3 and Tech. responsible for 9-3
Convertible
April 2006-July 2008-05-27 PEM Saab Turbo-X and XWD

Ironically, this same article mentions GM spending 2.5 billion to not have to acquire Fiat back in 2005. Fiat as many of you know, were in line and prepared to be the original owners of the Saab car division back in 1989 until GM came in with a larger bid to buy Saab. This acquisition by GM was to originally be Volvo, but they defaulted to Saab because Ford bought Volvo first.

In all of GM’s 18 years of partial (1989-1999) and now full (2000-Present) ownership, what do you think things would have been like if Fiat was the owner all of this time? Interesting for discussion sake, don’t you think?

For those of you not fully informed about this original Saab-Scania / GM Joint Venture that took place back then, please watch the video below that features former Saab-Scania of America President, Bob Sinclair introducing and concluding the Saab-Scania / GM joint venture in addition to the actual press conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

Enjoy the video and a full transcript of the conference below:

Press Conference

Stockholm, Sweden
December 15, 1989

Sten Gustafsson – Chairman Saab-Scania AB:

I am of course extremely happy to announce that General Motors and Saab-Scania have signed two agreements signifying that we are launching joint ventures in the passenger cars and engineering businesses. I am also happy to announce that Hughes Aircraft a company within the General Motors Corporation and Saab-Scania will establish working relationships on the defence related projects. It’s a priveledge to have General Motors as a partner and I can assure all of you here by pulling our resources as Saab Automobile company and it’s business can now meet the future with great confidence. I now very pleased to introduce Mr. Jack Smith.

John F. Smith Jr. – Executive Vice President International General Motors Corp:

Ladies and Gentleman, I am extremely pleased to be here in Stockholm today to discuss with you, the future cooperation between General Motors and one of the most reknowned Swedish and European companies. Mr. Gustafsson has already told you about the main points about the future cooperation between Saab and General Motors. Before we get into your questions, let me please take just a minute to tell you a little bit about the spirit of this cooperation as we proceed. As many of you already know, General Motors has been deeply involved in the European auto industry over the last 60 years. We are a global company, but in Europe, we feel and act as Europeans. Even today, Vauxhaul in the United Kingdom has a British Image and Opel is considered as a traditional German product, developed by German engineers. I am mentioning this as a means of clearly stating that we regard the Swedish and European identity of Saab as an important asset we want to maintain and cultivate. We may be the largest company in the world but we known that in this business, it is not quantity but quality that counts. This new company will allow General Motors to more fully participate in the upper end of the car market and appeal to a broader spectrum of luxury car buyers and to make available additional capacity to assemble General Motors Europe cars. We believe that the combined resources of Saab Scania and General Motors and these new ventures, will result in products that are more than competitive in the nineties and I believe we have tremendous potential. Thank you very much for your attention. I am pleased that we are today beginning a new chapter of international cooperation which will intensify Sweden in the United States as well as our own dedication to Europe. Thank you very much.

Georg Karnsund – President Saab Scania AB

Ladies and Gentleman, Saab Scania and General Motors have signed agreements that join forces in the car business in order to increase our competitiveness for the nineties and beyond. A new jointly owned Swedish company, Saab Automobile AB, will create the conditions for developing and strengthening the Saab brand and Saab business. We have also decided to cooperate in the field of automotive electronics, an area which will create predominant growth in the development of new car generations. The business concept of this cooperation is the complimentarity of our two companies, by cooperating in areas such as product development and manufacturing, it will be possible for Saab Scania and GM to pool resources and achieve economies of scale as well as to increase volume and profits. Cooperation with GM will allow Saab Automobile AB to acquire the resources needed to challenge the growing competition in the international marketplace. Saab Automobile AB will be responsible for further developing the Saab 900 and Saab 9000 operations. It will also be responsible for successively launching during the nineties, new and broader product programs in different market segments for exclusive cars. A new third top of the line car will be developed, the engine program will be extended with high performance 6-cylinder engines for the most exclusive models. This signifies that the various Saab product lines can broaden the market coverage substantially for Saab and offer new choices for the Saab car population of 1.3 million customers as well as potential buyers. For Saab dealers, the Saab car franchise will become one of the most attractive franchises in the upper segments. It is intended that Saab should to have an exclusive and independent sales network with a potential to expand further. An expanded Saab car program will maintain and strengthen the distinctive image of Saab cars as technologically advanced and exclusive quality products. In addition to the Saab product range, the available car production capacity in Sweden and Finland will also be utilized to assemble GM cars. Production increases will thus take place at existing facilities in Sweden and Finland. Saab Automobile AB will therefore launch an extensive investment program concerning product development, production and marketing. I am very satisfied not only with our automobile cooperation, but with the fact that Hughes aircraft company of GM and Saab missiles of Saab-Scania, will start cooperation. I think that this cooperation will prove to be of great importance in the future. Let me conclude by saying life is getting tougher every day, higher costs for example of product development, demand increasing volumes and resources. Therefore, we are convinced that the best way we can defend and expand our industry in Sweden is through extensive international cooperation. Thank you ladies and Gentlemen.

Rich Miller was the brand quality manager and worked at the GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, one of the 11 GM Global Design centers. He was responsible for overseeing the technical quality of all of Saab Automobile’s products being imported for the United States market.

As soon as I heard about this news, I sent in a note asking for more information on his background and history with Saab Automobile USA all of these years and am hopeful that this note below is not the last dialog we have from him here on Saab History.

I understand that at this time, Rich Miller’s position has been replaced by an individual that has had experience with one of GM’s other brands.

I am deeply concerned by this news as of late and wonder what short and long term effects this will have on the quality of the Saab Automobile products coming into the United States moving ahead.

Christer Nilsson has worked with Saab Automobile Sweden since 1972 and has been working as as their public relations officer for the past few years.

Prior to Christer, an Örjan Åslund worked in the position as information chief.

While this news may be a few weeks old, I felt it was important to indicate because it is still unclear as to who will be taking over at this position within Saab Automobile Sweden. Furthermore, I should mention that there has not been an official Saab Automobile Sweden press release since March of this year.

Here’s hoping that this position is replaced and that the press releases can continue from within Saab Automobile Sweden.

If the position within the communications department of Saab Automobile Sweden’s corporate headquarters is not to be replaced, how will we get the news directly from Trollhättan, Sweden?

I have sent in a few e-mails to Saab Automobile Sweden ascertaining this information as to who will be (hopefully) taking over this position.

I attended this event and had the esteemed privilege to have Bob Sinclair as my co-pilot during my drive from the first point to the air strip that is featured in this video, what a memory that will last a lifetime!

Tommy Sundin, Saab Automobile’s Cross-Wheel Drive Project Director explains the fundamentals behind XWD during the Saab 9-3 Turbo-X test drive event just North of Boston, Massachusetts.

This interview, thanks to Saab Automobile & Bader TV has allowed us to see and hear some in-camera footage behind the wheel from a Turbo-X while gaining some incredible knowledge about how this halo-vehicle for cross-wheel drive is supposed responds in a performance capacity.