Tough Times Ahead for Saab

Just had an invitation to drive the new Saab 9-5, which unfortunately I can’t accept as I’m committed to something else on the same day. You might be wondered how Saab – bought by Dutch supercar maker Spyker earlier this year – is already launching a new car. The answer is simple; the 9-5 was all ready to go last year. Former parent firm General Motors had spent millions on the development bit, but didn’t want to wait for the return on its investment from sales. Gives you some idea of just how keen top brass in Detroit were to off-load what had become an albatross round their necks.

As a former Saab owner, I’ve some affection for the quirky brand. But not enough to cloud my judgement. I wish it luck but the task ahead is massive. Saabs are competing against the best from BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar and Lexus. That would be tough even if everything had been hunkydory at Saab. Will the company last? The team from Spyker isn’t short of money but there’s only so much it will be willing to pump in. Will Saab eventually go the same way as MG Rover? Possibly. Will anyone outside of Sweden care? Probably not. No one bar sentimental Brits gave a monkey’s when Rover went down the toilet. It’s business and there’s no room for tears.