IDA is looking for PAUL

The stock of SAAB cars and some numbers of our beloved spare parts division are not only cause for joy. SAAB driving is becoming more and more of a hobby, as the cars are getting older and no new cars are in sight.

Ursaab at the Saab Museum. Picture: JFK

"If you help yourself the world will be much easier," said Hakon, a retired German teacher to us, happily climbed into my SAAB and drove us three blocks to our parking garage, after we had completely fumbled in Gothenburg despite Navi.

What it's about at this point is that the SAAB community sticks together in not-so-easy times. That actually succeeds in a good mood and robust. Nevertheless, in my opinion, it is time to do something about the shrinking stock. Too many SAABs are sold off as consumer cars and are lost forever.

A small but fine car manufacturer from the United Kingdom is pursuing an exciting approach to such problems. It is the brand BRISTOL. BRISTOL also had to stop production years ago (meanwhile a restart is in progress). There they went to put over used vehicles in the factory in Neuwagenzustand and then handed back to customer hands. There were even targeted improvements made to the vehicles such as chassis optimizations, the upgrading of the interior or the installation of current radios with hands-free system, etc.

There is no longer a SAAB factory ... and Catherina urgently needs a major overhaul ...

But the SAAB community has the SAAB Museum with workshops, the old factory in Norrköping and the former dealerships with excellent workshops. In particular, for the museum in this way could significantly improve its tense overall situation.

A shining example of this is the old Land Rover factory in Solihull. In it, used Defenders are being turned into nearly brand new "refurbished" vehicles nowadays. From the brilliant quality of the restorations of the SAAB Museum you can best get an impression on site. Once journalists moved the SAAB 99 turbo prototype a bit too ambitious. Unfortunately, the car did not survive this exit. But the museum has produced a grandiose reinterpretation.

The historic racing car from Mats Fägerhag can also be used as an example for the outstanding work on site. Surely even former SAAB employees would like to get involved in such a project. Perhaps then could the Swedish "arbetsformedlingen" still contribute funds for long-term unemployed. For example, a museum workshop could be created and finally SAAB cars could be "produced" again in Trollhättan.

There are many rich Americans, Japanese and Europeans ...

Also includes the theme of old and classic cars for our beloved spare parts division considerable potential. From a Swedish perspective, the requests from Germany are somewhat strange, as the stock of old SAAB in Sweden goes back and the cars in Västra Götaland rust quickly in the salty air. But the major premium manufacturers from Germany have greatly expanded their activities in this area in recent years. This indicates that manufacturers' offers in this area are profitable.

The SAAB 900 Convertible is one of the modern classics par excellence. The solvent driver, and not only the pleased about brand new fender and maintenance parts in OEM quality. Orio has already taken a first step in the right direction by sponsoring historic rallies.

The SAAB blog and its community with its repair and improvement culture also represent a kind of sustainable alternative to the classic car industry. For a new car, around 1 tonne of steel is still needed. In the case of repair, the use of resources is clearer, smaller, more sustainable and thus more environmentally conscious.

When it comes to sustainability, fuel also plays an important role. So you can, for example, with Triboron his two-stroke wean the smoke. The potential of this topic is demonstrated by the almost smoke-free ride of the Stena ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel. Especially for old and new timers, a similar effect can also be applied to the automotive sector.

Even in the brand itself slumbers considerable income potential for Orio and the museum. Orio has already started with a brand shop. The museum runs a small shop with a web site. Somewhat neglected is the classic SAAB Sport + Rally logo. Merchandise in this area pleases every SAAB racer.

There is still a lot of fire in the glow of this little legendary car manufacturer from the far north. Together we can still achieve a lot. Some SAAB workshops have been "refurbishing" for a long time. Jörg Gaworski from SAAB Service Gaworski comments: "These cars are absolutely worth preserving!"

A critical, thoughtful article on Saab and the current state of JFK brand. How does the community think about it? Are sustainability and the conservation of resources a topic for us?

38 Comments
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Gabriele Weissmann-Voigt
Gabriele Weissmann-Voigt
6 years earlier

I love my thief 9-3 Turbo. Optional equipment. He has 300.000 km / h behind him. Now I am not really competent as a woman in questions spare parts, Repartur, service. Is there anybody among you who will help me with words and deeds?
can? For me is not a competent person to the side, which I can ask for problems.
Gabriele

Gabriele Weissmann-Voigt
Gabriele Weissmann-Voigt
6 years earlier

Of course, I meant Saab 9-3

Saabansbraten
Saabansbraten
6 years earlier

Hi Gabriele,
where are you at home with your 9-3 turbo so we know where you need support?

The fish kopp
The fish kopp
6 years earlier

After reading the article, after a long pause for thought and a trip on vacation with our 9.3 Coupé from 2001, on which we again saw good-looking Saabs driving south-east on trucks, I think the idea of ​​the retreaded Saabs is a good one. So good that I am basically ready to participate financially and ideally in such a company. A company is always a risk, including this one. However, the chances are considerable, especially if we start in good time - ie soon - to acquire vehicles of our brand that are threatened with export and at least to discontinue them in order to save them later.

fami
fami
6 years earlier
Reply to  The fish kopp

… .. ideally and financially… to participate….
This is an exciting statement and lets my thoughts continue. So why not some sort of crowd funding from us SAAB-crazies for us SAAB-crazies? With committed workshops on the side and Orio and / or the Bilmuseum in the back?
That would have something. The synergy effect should be considerable.
When will it start?

Ken-Daniel S.
Ken-Daniel S.
6 years earlier

I think the value increases will still come, not as with some other brands, but still. On some models you can already see that, but a Saab salesman usually needs patience, which can sometimes be an advantage for us fans if we are still looking for something.
We consciously drive Saab, hopefully our vehicles will continue to get as good as they can, if there is a chance they might put them on change flags and change their brand for everyday life. So we can spare our Saabs, look that they will then (hopefully) increase in value.
The people who happen to drive Saab, they do not care what happens to the Saabs, they are badly waited at some point just repelled. Unfortunately, you can already see that and sometimes they are also very nice rare Saabs. (9-3I, 9000 really bad and also 9-5NG) So the number of good Saabs is further minimizing and our fans who are in the hands of us will be the few well-preserved ones. There will surely be a market for that. Even though it may only be among us fans

Griffin
Griffin
6 years earlier

A really interesting thought. Whether Trollhättan can help here, I do not know. But maybe you can find a national solution. A group of saabiger enterprises, which agree on certain standards and well-prepared, but not Totrestaurierte cars under a common label market. Whether there is a sufficiently large market, I dare to doubt, however. My current efforts to sell a good but far from perfect 900 I are sobering. The offer is small, but it is the demand.

GP362
GP362
6 years earlier
Reply to  Griffin

That is exactly the point, at the moment the SAAB market is quite dead. If one observes the relevant sides and also the blog own, the offers remain there largely motionless. This is not all nuclear waste and the prices are not always.
Maybe our regular customers are satisfied and the rest of the world is not interested, so the offer is still too big - I don't know ???
At the moment, just good care / preservation is announced, because the bigger problem will be parts. This begins thanks to the scrapping in Sweden now at 9000!
Unfortunately, like a cell phone, a car has become a disposable item, an incredible waste of energy and raw materials. But since you can now lease a well-equipped Passat for 250 €, nobody needs to come around the corner with restorations if the objects are short of youngtimers. Hardly anyone will want to pay for that. At this stage, our more modern SAABs are not “yet”.

Tom
admin
6 years earlier
Reply to  GP362

The market has been very quiet for months. Collectors have already covered the last few years. Some would like to buy if they would upgrade to their current Saab. So better, less kilometers, younger, better equipment. But the offer is meager and the prices are not right.
For 2008er models courses are required as for 4-year, without condition and mileage would fit. They stop then, because nobody is willing to pay for it. In addition, you get new cars on extreme terms, at Volvo -27%, at Ford -35% discount to the list price. In addition, the diesel uncertainty that makes used cars at a certain age almost unsalable.

It's all going to change, but not so fast. What's up, Saabs are rare. I could sell my 2001er Aero a few times every year. To rising prices. Because he is rare, and because he is very good visually and technically. But that is and remains unsellable

TTAero
TTAero
6 years earlier

I can concur about the situation in Scandinavia. The offer I get when looking at other cars (yes I need a new car soon) is so low that I'm not willing to let the car go. I'll just put it in a barn and let it go red. So the prices are way too low, and that's a risk in keeping it in a working order. That will cost a lot more than the insurance wants to cover it.
In 10-15 year my car might be a collector car and the price might go up and the willingness to invest in the cars might go up.
I've finally got 2 years of struggling my NG9-5 into an error free car again. It feels great and I want to take the car for a 3000 km spin in a few weeks.
200 km away for specific works), the day will come to an end.
And the times fly by the car most probably just want to go away. But, I can still call myself a saab owner!

erik900
erik900
6 years earlier

Hello again,

if I were given the choice of buying a 93-1 in a virtually new car condition with possible technology upgrades, I would prefer it to any Golf, Astra, or other comparable vehicle in the price segment. I don't know to what extent this could realistically be implemented. But such a path will not be feasible without appropriate cooperation. Activating such a “production” may also have a positive impact on the value development of these vehicles. It would be a typical SAAB way. Once again born out of necessity, an innovative development. So I dream a little further too.

Greetings from Erik and a nice holiday

Jan
Jan
6 years earlier

A good report at the right time!

I have often wondered what the future looks like, because we all want to drive SAAB, and wear is not excluded. The idea of ​​working old / scrap Saabs and putting it back on the market in the leasing model is a very good approach and no other brand would be as good as SAAB. First and foremost, it combines the longevity with the cars from the far north. Coupled with the timeless design lines, you would travel in the future chic and modern through the country.

Wouldn't it be a good alternative for the museum to open up a second pillar? I imagine it is difficult to live permanently from museum operations, with a “refurbished” workshop you could continue to drive (almost) brand-new Saabs. Sustainable for us drivers, sustainable for the region, sustainable for the brand. In the end, the only question that arises for me is: Hadn't NEVS promised to carry on the legacy of SAAB and to keep it in honor? As it seems at the moment, the plant will no longer experience any capacity utilization in the long term, as it did in the glorious Saab times, couldn't you commit to the brand later? Quasi as a service, in which segment NEVS is most likely to assign itself? All in all, an exciting topic that invites you to dream a little.

Jost Engels
Jost Engels
6 years earlier

Is it even worth investing a five-digit amount in a five-year-old car and having the misfortune of being shot down by another motorist? The insurance confirms the total loss and transfers 500 €. Has happened to me before.

Ken-Daniel S.
Ken-Daniel S.
6 years earlier
Reply to  Jost Engels

I would be very afraid of something like that.

thylmuc
6 years earlier

There are especially at Mercedes restorers who also install new engine technology. That may be interesting sometime. Unfortunately, the Saab H engine is no longer in the enjoyment of direct injection, but could BAIC also help us there?

Improvements to the aerodynamics I would also welcome, although there are probably too many models.

Tom
admin
6 years earlier
Reply to  thylmuc

I would not bet on BAIC. Not at the moment. The contacts to the importer are a bit tough.

fami
fami
6 years earlier

I think the idea of ​​the refurbished SAABs is basically great. But the fact is that for a vehicle built from scratch (engine, transmission, chassis, paintwork, etc.) five-digit amounts are lost in no time. Maybe still conceivable with a 900/1, but also with a 900/2? In other words, who would put a five-figure sum on the counter for a vehicle like “Paul” at the end of the day? Honestly, I don't. About 2 years ago I burned up almost 900 grand for a 1/20 and that's how it is now. I would not allow my 9-5 station wagon, which is just cracking the 400.000 km and cannot get the next MOT without attention. The car currently has a market value in the lower three-digit range and you should actually drive it until the next MOT and then bye, because the next sticker will cost more than a comparatively better vehicle on the free market. And what will i do? Let it get fit again in the medium term, because it's a great, loyal car. But all in moderation and not for a five-figure amount.

Tom
admin
6 years earlier
Reply to  fami

Times change. Before 10, the 900 was seen in a completely different light and in 10 years from today, 9-3 i and 902 will be rated differently. The whole process will accelerate the more cars are digital. Analog is then suddenly, but not unexpected, announced.

fami
fami
6 years earlier
Reply to  Tom

I wish all of us and our cars that you are right.

erik900
erik900
6 years earlier

Hi,

I think this is a good idea. Buying used Saabs cheaply, and making new ones out of them, installing technical upgrades, and all that at appropriate prices, might work if you partner with other manufacturers. It may be difficult for SAAB alone. But why not cooperate. Sales through the existing SAAB centers are assured and I am sure that if customers can come to the SAAB Show Rooms and acquire a near-mint SAAB, one or the other will have access. What a beautiful vision. And I would have no problem for me to acquire a nice 93 1 SE with technical upgrades for up to 20.000 €.

I had my 900 Sedan before 1 1 / 2 years complete preparation, check and have it repaired. After completion of the several-week campaign, I took delivery of my vehicle in the delivery area SAAB new car at my SAAB center of trust again. The car looked like new and it was an exhilaration to take this again. I could imagine that again and I would not be afraid to use this for my official used car and to exchange the current moose from the other camp for a near new car from SAAB, if the conditions would be appropriate ,

I even go so far as to get involved in the implementation.

Best regards from Erik

Franc troll
Franc troll
6 years earlier

The question is how long we can afford the waste of raw materials. At some point in the 70 years there was a project for a long-term car at Daimler. But that was buried quite fast. With the argument that customers would not want that.
The consciousness is also missing 40 years later completely. How else could one jump on the train of electric cars, without the sustainable concepts for dealing with the future hazardous waste and its introduction into a new production process would be available?

Detlef Rudolf
Detlef Rudolf
6 years earlier

Most people drive mass-produced goods (as the name suggests - mass-produced goods).

A small group of motorists cannot do anything with mass-produced goods (mass-produced goods are in most cases useless anyway and are not at all durable). Almost all SAAB drivers belong to this small group and would like to move their vehicles over long periods of time. For this reason, a procedure as with BRISTOL would also be a good thing for SAAB automobiles - if possible including a restart, similar to BRISTOL! The SAAB AB should go into itself and give the global SAAB community this joy - maybe it will work with the restart even with NEVS.

Daniel
Daniel
6 years earlier

That may work for Mercedes, but not for Saab. If only because Saab vehicles will never break into the price range of MB. Used saws are still comparatively cheap and for the masses the 901 is the company's only known car. Mecedes drivers still resaturate vehicles that Saab would have landed twice in the scrap press because it is no longer “worth it”. Seriously and hand on heart, would someone really put 2-25 euros on the table for a “refurbished” 30000-9I LPT?

thylmuc
6 years earlier
Reply to  Daniel

just. That would probably make sense to the 9000, ingenious construction, but even there you would probably first have to convey that you get upper class in the size of a middle class (city car), and Saab fans that's not such a real Saab.

SAAB Aero
SAAB Aero
6 years earlier

Great idea to save SAWS in the long term!
But as always, the price plays a role ...
With the answer “there is no more” the way is often mapped out ... 🙁
It would be nice if there were “alternatives”! 🙂

klaus
klaus
6 years earlier

Sustainability and conservation of resources is a topic for us?
For me yes.

Is now up to date for me, as my 9-5 2.3t 2002 is now being rehabilitated in the rear wheel arches.
Everything else is stainless.

It's worth it anyway, because a new engine is already in it.

thylmuc
6 years earlier

Speaking of gear that has been swapped (see above). This is a five-speed gearbox, which comes from Saab itself and was apparently used over a large area. Not all parts are available and also the number of replacement gears seems limited. So there is the end eventually reached, unless someone manages to adapt a foreign gear.

Tom
admin
6 years earlier
Reply to  thylmuc

The gearbox will continue to be manufactured by BAIC in China. To revise transmissions, or repair kits should be organized if requested.

thylmuc
6 years earlier
Reply to  Tom

good to know!!!!

thylmuc
6 years earlier

Well, the manufacturers do not really care about that. Degree researched briefly. Actually, only Mercedes and Jaguar / Land Rover on a few models. And what I've been looking at at Mercedes now sounds like they're offering low-mileage vehicles without a makeover.

The idea is not bad, but it is the question of what it costs in the end.

I'm losing just any amount in an 9-5 TiD to keep it running, now at 268000 km gearbox repair for 4000 Euro, before that a few thousand for other engine parts. It laps.

How should an 9000 be well repaired when Orio scrappes the last sheet metal parts? was recently reported.

I would be glad if Orio would offer an elegant daytime running light solution for the car, for example in the form of a H7 conversion for the high beam, in which some of the LEDs would also be usable as a high beam. Or the beautiful, clear taillight units from the Biopower in the museum.

Tom
admin
6 years earlier
Reply to  thylmuc

Mercedes has been rebuilding classics for decades. The center is located in Fellbach and delivers “better than new” on request. The brand with the star impressively shows how it could work on its website.

Eric
Eric
6 years earlier
Reply to  Tom

Hello.

The preservation of our old Saab is mostly self-evident in Germany.
The British also have that certain fable.
Only would a company survive on restorations alone?
Anyway, Saab does not do anything more in the direction of automotive engineering. So you would have to start a new company.
If you look to the north or east, the Saab fan often shows a gruesome picture.
In Finland and Sweden, old Saab are processed into scrap at Stok-Car Ralleys. And in Poland the Czech Republic and Hungary Saab are popular because of their longevity, but most are not spared or specially cared for!
The modern disposable culture makes in my opinion a company foundation for restorations only by Saab unprofitable.
There has to be invested a lot of equity and hate blood, because you will not make big profits.
Especially since it should be said that the conditions of the state in Germany are quite different than in England.

Tom
admin
6 years earlier
Reply to  Eric

In Scandinavia it is really cruel what happens to old Saabs. Not always, not everywhere. But often. The 9000 is, with a few exceptions, still consumed until nothing works. Saab never had the same status in Sweden as in the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany and Switzerland. But these countries have a high Saab affinity and could be the future market for restorations. The Netherlands already has a company that manufactures old Saabs and leases them.

Ken-Daniel S.
Ken-Daniel S.
6 years earlier
Reply to  Eric

So that the Saabs are not particularly cared for in the aforementioned eastern countries would be new to me. Those who have consciously bought Saabs treat most of their vehicles with particular care and attention as best they can. I've got to know some who own four or five Saabs and sometimes one of them is used as a “construction site Saab”, but the others are particularly cared for.

Martin
Martin
6 years earlier

Yes, in any case. Of course, one can disagree as Originaleutätsfetischist in a refurbished Saab 99 Turbo, for example, what fundamental interferences in the engine, transmission and chassis. Otherwise, an interesting approach if the exterior remains the same. Ok, what does not work (in my opinion) would be a multifunction steering wheel of 9-3 in the 900 Turbo 16S

Christian
Christian
6 years earlier

Hello,
I think the article comes at the right time and should lead to a call.
I had read about the activities at Bristol and Range Rover the other day and thought they were great. Perhaps, in addition to Norrköping, there are “old” experts at Valmet in Finland who would like to have a series restoration of the 900 Cab ...
Something has to go!

dersaabler
6 years earlier

Hello, we are very close on this topic. My old 9000 Anniversary has already been refurbished and drives (without winter) every day. The son's 9-3 Aero MY 2001 is currently on the fresh treatment and then our 9-5 Aero MY 2003 comes on. And of course that also costs…. but new cars or leasing payments are not free either. And that doesn't mean that Saab feeling ...
And when you see today how long, better how short, new cars are driven, any discussion about saving resources, be it production material, marketing channels or fuel, is pure dumbing down ... As long as we can, we will stick with our old vehicles!

Berlin2345
Berlin2345
6 years earlier

I found the IDA project from Orio to be the right one. Unfortunately, nothing came then. Why in-house? I could well imagine a SAAB manufactory in Sweden.