Saab Cars Archives - Swadeology

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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Welcome to Inside Saab

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Inside Saab – a new initiative from Saab Automobile to bring the company closer to its enthusiast community.

My name is Steven Wade. Those who know me – and many who don’t – call me Swade. I’ll be your host on a journey into the heart of this wonderful carmaker. Some of you may be familiar with my previous work at a site called Saabs United, where a community gathered to support Saab as they were sold by General Motors to become an independent company back in 2009/10.

Saabs United continues in good hands, but Saab has decided to take a big leap of its own into the social media space, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited along for the ride. To work for one’s favourite company, in such an exciting industry and at such a unique time in history is an enthusiast’s dream. I’ve been on board with Saab for just two weeks and I’m already bursting at the seams over the things I’ll be able to share with you here. I’m even more excited about the things I can’t share, but we’ll get to those eventually.

Saab is blessed with a passionate and engaged enthusiast community. Rather than just have you read press releases, we want to bring you Saab’s story from the inside, and from an enthusiast’s point of view.

How do we design and build our cars?
Who are some of the people involved?
What goes on behind the scenes?
What happens at Saab events around the world?
How can you connect more with Saab?

We don’t want you to just read more about Saab. We want you to experience more, too. We’ll give you plenty of information about official Saab events around the world and how you can participate.

A conversation needs two or more people. We invite you to connect with us here at Inside Saab via the comments section of the site. You can also connect by being a fan of Saab Cars on Facebook, or following Saab’s official twitter feed. We’ll add more outlets for connection as time goes on.

Saab has a rich history, filled with superb, iconic vehicles and stories of innovation, determination and triumph over adversity. These are still challenging times for Saab, but they are also exciting times as we build on our independence and bring you an all-new range of Saab vehicles and technology.

You’ll be able to read about it all, right here on Inside Saab.