Polls Archives - Swadeology

Poll results – leaked Saab image

The poll’s been up for around 12 hours now and as I thought it might be, it was the busiest poll we’ve held on the site.

I’m pleased to pass on a 93% HOT rating, which I think is also a fair reflection of how good this basic image looks. But remember, it’s just a basic image.

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Comments sections are notorious for being a receptacle for complaints. More often than not, it’s the people who don’t like something who are active in saying so, whilst the people who do like something are content to just move on (which is why, IMHO, quality surveys from all the leading players are so flawed, even if we still want to succeed in them).

We invited your feedback and some of you certainly chose to provide it, which is fine. It was great to read your thoughts, both positive and negative. As always, it reminded me of the film clip to one of my favourite songs – Short Skirt, Long Jacket – where you’ve got multiple opinions on the same thing. It’s always interesting to see what people think. I’m not the only one who’ll see the feedback, by the way, so please don’t think it’s just for my entertainment.

A few things I’d like to pass on, from what is now years of experience with multiple new Saab vehicles:

A car in an image can look great, but seeing it in person is much better. Seeing at a motor show is good. Seeing it on the road is the best of all. I remember seeing a sketch of the PhoeniX concept for the first time in LA last year. I gave it a very lukewarm reception. I saw the car for real in Geneva five months later and it really shone in person. Then I saw it on the street in New York a month later again, and it blew me away.
More importantly, this is just a basic image from some time ago. It’s not definitive and certainly nothing to base your final conclusions on.

And now, for your musical interlude…. the art of gathering public opinion 🙂

Saabosphere – links we liked this week

Top Gear Magazine in the Netherlands is very interested in current stories surrounding Saab. They’re keen to support the company in an hour of need and in a gesture of goodwill, are offering free subscriptions to the Dutch Top Gear magazine to anyone who picks up a new Saab in Holland.

Nice work, gents. A small token that’s much appreciated.

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This week’s must-read, from my personal point of view:

A report in the local Trollhattan newspaper, TTELA, (in Swedish) takes a look at events and reports about Saab in the last few days. I thought it represented things pretty well and I personally can’t wait to welcome Anders Carlsson back to the fold when things work out. His reasoned and honest approach was a welcome one to read.

There’s also a good quote in there about parts, for those who are interested.

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If you’re after some more images from the 2011 Saab Owners Convention, Bob M’s album is available here.

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I’ve been enjoying bits and pieces from the Saabfans weblog recently, which gathers some entertaining videos and tidbits from around the web.

The Sonett dyno video from SOC was fun.

As was this image of a car I wish I’d kept from my childhood. Is it just me, or did everyone have one of these? I used to adore this little model car before I ever knew what a Saab was.

Note: Photo originally taken by Tommi at Saabisti.fi.

And seeing this matchbox car is seen around quite a bit, let’s add an impromptu poll:

[poll id=”9″]

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Good reading for those who think Saab ought to be more like Apple (personally, I agree to some degree, but with the overriding belief that we have to redefine what makes Saab, Saab).

So if you really want to be like Apple, drop the fluff- filled vision statements and magical wishes. Pretend your company’s existence is at stake, coldly evaluate the environment, and make choices. Stop thinking of strategy as meaningless verbiage or financial goals and treat it as a serious design challenge.

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The Saab 9-4x was on show in southern Sweden a few weeks ago and if you want an enthusiast’s eye view on how it looks, check out this Saab 9-4x gallery.

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And our final story for today is the Saab-based custom car that’s currently for sale right here in Trollhattan.

The UNO-001 was the only example made from a sports car project back in the 1980s. The goal was to develop and produce a Swedish sports car but the project never got off the ground and UNO-001 passed through a few owners before current owner, Jörgen Scherdin, bought it in 2009 (for just 30,000SEK).

The UNO-001 used a tubeframe body with custom sheetmetal and a Saab engine mounted mid-vehicle for best balance. The car has now been restored and is being offered for sale for the cost of the restoration, around 155,000SEK.

Poll wrap – what should we call the Saab 9-3 replacement

Yesterday we ran a poll both here on Inside Saab and on our Saab Cars Facebook page. The poll asked your thoughts about the naming of the future replacement for the Saab 9-3, after a possible name change was hinted at in the US press.

The poll results are in and as of right now, the winner by a sizeable margin in the six-horse race was to retain the current 9-? naming convention.

The results from Facebook were quite similar, with nearly 50% voting for the 9-? naming convention. Second place at FB was using the 900 name, with around 280 votes.

There is a similar poll still underway at Saabs United if people are interested in contributing.

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It was great to hear some varying opinions and other reasonings in comments to the poll. Personally speaking, I think the poll produced the right outcome. The 9-? naming convention respects the company’s heritage whilst allowing for different size vehicles, as well.

There is (rightly) some confusion over the ‘x’ attachment, however I think that perhaps we need to start pushing the idea that it’s a type of vehicle (crossover type variant) rather than a designation for the vehicle having XWD. Clearly, some ‘x’ vehicles dont actually have XWD.

Of course, how to designate trim levels with a model range is the next question that some answered in comments. The historical use of Linear, Arc, Vector and Aero is mentioned, some people like it and some people don’t. Some markets understand it and some markets don’t, which is why I think it’s used in some places and not in others (where ‘Premium’ is used between ‘Aero’ and …. nothing).

Overall, though, I think the naming convention is good. It’s unique to Saab, it makes it pretty clear as to what playground a model is sitting in, and it doesn’t confuse people with a mishmash of letters that mean nothing to those who are unfamiliar.

Thanks to all for participating in the poll and for sharing your opinions. I’m sure there were a few curious eyes in the marketing team looking over this one 🙂

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What should we call the Saab 9-3 replacement?

Saab Cars North America chief Tim Colbeck was speaking to the Motor Press Guild in the US earlier this week, when he mentioned that the replacement for the current Saab 9-3 might be released under a new name.

The big question: what should that name be?

To the polls ….. with a few generic and a few specific options available for your vote. You can elaborate on your vote in comments.

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[poll id=”8″]

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Saabs have traditionally had numeric names, starting with two-digits (92-99) then moving to three and four digits (900, 9000) before going to the current format, badged as “to the power of” but written as 9-3, 9-5, etc.

Very few Saabs have been deliberately and solely marketed with an alpha name – the Saab Sonett comes to mind – but a few others have been come to be known by alpha names. They were often variations on an existing model, like the Viggen, the Turbo-X, the Saab Sport and the Monte Carlo.

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Poll: If you could change one thing about today’s Saabs, what would it be?

A few weeks ago we gave you a magic wand and asked what Saab from the past you’d recreate today, brand new from the factory, if you had the chance. The Saab 900 was the overwhelming winner.

Today we’re asking you what particular area of today’s Saab vehicles would you improve if you could break out the magic wand once again. You can only choose one area, so pick carefully.

Yes, we could theoretically have an interior lined with the fur of bear cubs who are certified 100% happy to give their skins for Saab motorists, but then someone would have to pay for the bear psychologist, the certification program, the bear farm and the costs of fighting the various court challenges that would arise from such a program. That’s a rather extreme example, but the purpose is to illustrate that anything’s possible, at the right price.

At Saab, we take all the steps we reasonably can to produce a total vehicle package that will satisfy all of our customers needs and expectations, one that will fulfill the requirements of our brand pillars at the expected price range.

We always look for ways to improve, though. This is an opportunity for you to indicate which would be the first priority for you. The poll is open.

[poll id=”7″]

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Poll – Do you name your Saab?

I’ve done this before and I’ll probably do it again….

The first car I can remember is my grandfather’s brown mid-60’s Holden. It’s a little strange that that’s the first car I can remember because I would have travelled to my grandparents’ home – the only place I would have seen it – in my own parents’ car and yet I have no recollection whatsoever as to what they would have been driving at that time. I do remember Pa’s Holden, though.

The second car that I can remember clearest from my childhood is a Morris 1100 that was owned by my sister. She would have bought the 1100 when I was around 6 years old. It was white, had red vinyl seats and I used to ride in it everywhere because I never let my sister go anywhere without me (which must have been miserable for the guy who is now my brother-in-law 🙂 ). She called the car Bugalugs.

Despite this, I don’t come from a family of car-namers and I’ve never given one of my own cars a name, either. The only inanimate object that I’ve ever named is a bass guitar, which I called Veronica because of the big “V” at the top of the headstock. As far as I know, Bugalugs is the only car owned by our particular branch of the Wade family that’s ever had a name and I’m sure it was just a teenage phase and the novelty of a first car that made my sister do it.

Nevertheless, I’ve known other car-namers. A friend of mine owns a Saab 95 wagon in yellow that used to be known as “Sally Sunday” by its previous owner. And I’ve lost count of the number of people I’ve heard calling their Saab by the name “Saabrina”.

A simple poll, then…..

Do you name your car? Or not? And because it’s so common, do you name your car Saabrina?

Other names and explanations can be posted to comments if you wish. I’m sure there are some entertaining stories out there about names given (and if the story’s a little too personal – nudge, nudge, wink, wink – please remember this is a family site and keep it to yourself. Thanks).

[poll id=”6″]

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Results will be published next weekend, along with a few of the comments if they’re deemed entertaining 🙂

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Poll: Lime Yellow – hot or not?

I saw something strange on the roads around Trollhattan on Saturday.

I was on my way to Vanersborg and coming towards me on the other side of the road was a new-look (i.e. post-2008) Saab 9-3 Convertible in Lime Yellow.

Lime Yellow was one of the prominent launch colors for the new generation 9-3 convertible (based on the 9-3 Sport Sedan) when it was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2003.

Here it is (in pre-2008 body styling)….. click to enlarge.

The curious thing about the car that I saw was that Lime Yellow was discontinued prior to the new, 2008 Saab 9-3 front end. The owner of this car had either put a new front-end on his pre-2008 car, or he’s taken a 2008-or-later car and had it repainted in Lime Yellow. Either way, it shows a rather extraordinary commitment to what is seen by some as being a divisive color.

Personally, I’m a big Lime Yellow fan. I think it looks great on the convertible and stands out in a world of silver/black/grey cars. But I know that others feel differently.

How differently? Let’s find out.

Would you do the same as this owner had done and go to so much trouble to have the newer face on your convertible with the Lime Yellow color? I guess it all comes down to whether you think Lime Yellow is hot or not…….

[poll id=”5″]

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This week, I’ll look to continue our series on the Saab Convertible, which was sidelined a bit due to corporate news responsibilities regarding production and our deal with Pang Da. There are still plenty of convertible stories to tell.

And if I see this Lime Yellow 2008 model on the road again, I’ll try and get a photo.

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Poll wrap – How long have you been a Saab owner?

I didn’t want to let this week end without noting the fantastic response received to the poll posted earlier in the week – How long have you been a Saab owner?

We had over 1,200 votes in the poll and what was remarkable to me was that almost 10% of respondents had owned Saabs for over 30 years. The #1 and #2 results were 6-10 years and 0-3 years, indicating the impact of the 9-5 and 9-3 Sport Sedan over that period. There are things that we should be thankful towards GM for.

I’d also like to acknowledge the wonderful comments and stories left in response to the poll. Many of you had great tales to tell and wonderful collections over the years. I already featured Xavier’s story of leaving and coming back to Saab on the site, but here’s a few more from the poll results:

Kurt Krauss, whose 19-Saab journey since 1980 has come full circle with the recent purchase of a 1980 Saab 900.
Kef107 who took Euro delivery of a Saab 99 in 1972 and has had around 10 since, with another Euro delivery thrown in. Currently driving a Merc, but we’ll get him back 😉
Tim Winker’s first car being a 2-stroke 1960 Saab 93F bought for $250
Evan H, who avoided losing his girlfriend in 1960 when she said she wouldn’t go out with him if he bought a Volkswagen. He bought a Saab and they’ve been married for 51 years!
Andreas P, who has only been driving 18 months and has already bought two Saabs (it’s addictive, isn’t it?)

I also had a few emails come in about the subject, like the one from B. Steiner here in Sweden. A fantastic story that goes right back to the roots of the company:

The story begins 1947 when I happened to get sight of a test-car of the very first SAAB 92 which was parked in a street in my neighbourhood. I found the shape of the car to be so very different from other cars on the market. I became so fond of what I saw so I said to myself that such a car must be mine as soon as I was allowed to drive and could afford to buy one. I was only 14 years old at the time.

The time went by and 1954 became the first year when my dream to drive a SAAB 92 became a real possibility. The local SAAB dealer needed people to drive home sold cars from Trollhättan about 150 kilometers away. He asked me if I was interested and of course I was. This “sidejob”, I had earlier the same year been employed as a police officer, lasted until my desire to buy a SAAB became reality. On October 21 1957 my wife and I became proud owners of a brand new SAAB 93B. Ever since then we have been faithful to the brand and have had the great pleasure to be owners to several 96 two-stroke and V4, 99, 900, 9000, 9-5 and finally 9-3, all new. Besides them we have had a number of used cars, SAAB 92, 93 as well as 96 two-stroke and V4. We have still a 93B from 1959 which we bought 34 years ago, still going strong.

I tell you, the stories around this company never cease to amaze me.

Apologies to all those not listed. They were all great stories and there’s too many to list here, but I wanted to give people just a taste in the event they hadn’t read through the 40+ comments themselves.

We know here at Saab that we have a very loyal and engaged customer base. We also know that we have to fight for you and work hard to keep your loyalty. I can assure you that the sense of urgency has never been higher here in Trollhattan. We want to win you over, win you back and bring some of your friends along for the ride as we create a whole bunch of new memories for people to share in the future.

Thanks for participating. We’ll have another poll on site over the coming weekend.

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How long have you owned a Saab? One man's story….

I posted a poll late last week asking people how long they’d been a Saab owner. I’ll get to the results of that poll tomorrow, but first I want to thank everyone for their input in comments. There were some wonderful Saab stories there.

I’ve picked out one in particular and contacted the writer seeking his permission to post here on the front page. It’s a wonderful story that I think a few people will relate to. An early connection, a hiatus, some classic Saabs and a new one as well. It caught my eye and I thought a few of you might enjoy it too.

The writer’s name is Xavier and I thank him for sharing his story on site.

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Hello from France,

I bought my first SAAB in Denmark, at Kobenhavn in 1990. It was a new white 900 T16 (175ch) 3-door combi. A few years later I bought a white 1990 convertible T16-S (185ch) at 90,000 km. I was so proud with my 2 white Saabs. Unfortunately, my wife had a accident with the coupé because of the cat in 1997 and I had a big accident with the convertible on the peripherique of Paris on a winter sliding morning in 2003. We also had a 900 T16 sedan for some time but I did not like it very much and sold it. So after this, I had no more Saabs, nor any cars at all. I bought a Peugeot 406 V6. Although it was good car, I could not get used to it for reasons I can’t explain with my poor English (you’re doing fine, your English is a gazillion times better than my French – SW). I sold it for a Mercedes C220, which I then sold for a Mercedes R280.

At this time, I did not like the new “products” of Saab. It was GM with a Saab logo. What I like in Saab is to drive a different car and GM was just making ordinary cars that were so similar to the other cars. With a 900, people are a fan or they hate it. There is no between!

I knew that I would buy a 900 one day and I heard that Saab was about to disappear, so I woke up and I bought a 900 T16-S convertible at the end of 2009. I sold the Mercedes and bought a 900 T16-S 3-door combi at the beginning of 2010. They are both dark grey and from 1991. Last summer, we went to Italy with the convertible. It was just great. The children, who are 12 & 10 years old, love the car!

And to finish, I bought the new Saab 9-5 Aero 220ch Biopower last November. Although this car is born under GM period, we can feel the Saab spirit blowing! The windshield and other details have the 900 as a reference. I really love the line and what a pleasure to be at the wheel!

So, now I have 3 Saabs. Maybe the beginning of a collection…

Xavier

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And here are Xavier’s Saabs. Definitely a collection, if you ask me, and a very fine collection, too. Click to enlarge.

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Poll: How long have you been a Saab owner?

In this week’s poll, I’m interested to find out whether you’re new to Saab, or if you’ve owned Saabs for a long time. We know that we have a lot of passionate long-term Saab fans out there, but it would be interesting to know the spread amongst the readers here at Inside Saab.

UPDATE – There’s been some talk in comments on how to interpret the question. The intention when I wrote it was based on “when did you get your first Saab” and calculating the time from then until now. Of course, if you bought your first one in the 1970’s and had non-Saabs for 20 year between then and now, you may want to take off the non-Saab years from the total. In that case, you might want to fill out the story in comments (as some have already done.

Please click away, and if you’d like to share more about your ownership experience (e.g. the number of Saabs you’ve owned, the models, your first Saab) then the comments section is open.

[poll id=”4″]

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