Saab Cars: Born From Jets
by: Matthew C. Keegan
The latest marketing campaign from Saab cars traces the automaker?s origins back to the days to when the company was formed from a Swedish aircraft maker. One ad mentions that 16 aircraft engineers designed the first cars, which were based heavily on aerodynamic aircraft design. Apparently, the ?born from jets? slogan is meant to convey to the public that the same quality that goes into building jets goes into building their cars. What isn?t mentioned is that the company that built its first automobiles in 1949 is now part of General Motors, the largest automaker in the world. The Saab jet division is separate, still owned by the Swedes. Are the ads misleading? Perhaps, or maybe Saab is attempting to distance itself from General Motors and to stand on its own four wheels. Let?s take a look at Saab then and at Saab now.
After observing several ads about Saab, I decided to conduct a little research into the company. What I learned is a fascinating account of how a small, Nordic nation turned out not just one, but two high quality car lines. The other company is, of course, Volvo. This is simply amazing in that even today the country numbers just over nine million citizens; truly Swedish engineering is as advanced as any country on the face of the earth.
Saab, itself, got started in 1937 just before the outbreak of the Second World War when reconnaissance aircraft were built for the Swedish Air Force. After the war, the aircraft maker kept pace with the emerging military jet industry and developed sophisticated aircraft including fighter jets which also became part of the NATO fleet. On the air carrier side of the house, high performing Saab regional jets found a market in the US and throughout the world.
In 1949, the first Saab 92 rolled off of the assembly line, beginning a lengthy history of producing high quality and uniquely engineered cars. Indeed, the original Saabs incorporated an aerodynamic design to lessen wind drag, resulting in higher fuel economy for drivers. This concept was then carried over to all subsequent Saab cars; to this day not too many vehicles on the road can match the 92?s or modern day Saab cars? low coefficient of drag.
Beyond making economical cars, Saab ? much like Volvo ? began to produce cars that were truly safe and innovative. Technological advances brought about self repairing bumpers; side impact door beams; self cleaning headlamps; turbo charged engines; cabin air filters; and other design features that were later copied and picked up by auto manufacturers the world over.
With the growing and expanding global economy, Saab during the 1980s began to find itself hard pressed to keep up with the changing demands of a new world market In order to successfully compete long term, new models would have to be developed and new markets explored. Ultimately, the decision was made in 1990 to spin off the automobile unit from the parent company and into a separate entity that was quickly bought out by investors including General Motors who secured 50% of the business.
Today, Saab has expanded its line up to include its first ever SUV and all car models have received regular and well needed updates. Critics worry about GM?s growing influence ? indeed, the 9-7X SUV borrows heavily off of GM technology ? and if the company can truly maintain some semblance of independence. Some fear that the division will go the way of Saturn and become fully incorporated into the GM fold, while others wonder if the division can provide enough of a distinction to strong European brands including Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes to attract new customers.
For what it is worth, Saab?s born from jets heritage may be the strong reminder needed to keep the line distinct and viable. Let?s hope that the motto is more than just a marketing ploy.
About The Author
Matthew C. Keegan Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Auto Parts Canada: [http://www.autopartsonlinecanada.com], a wholesaler of fine Saab parts and Saab accessories: [http://www.autopartsonlinecanada.com/make/saab.html] for your truck, van, SUV, or passenger car.
|
The Blue Book Of Used Cars
The Blue Book Of Used Cars
by: Gregory Ashton
If you are planning to sell your used car to a vehicle dealer, you should be aware of the basic process in determining the worth of your car. This would ensure you would not be scammed and taken for granted by car dealer experts.
* What is the Blue Book value?
The Blue Book value is a basic term used in the car-buying business. It means the worth or cost of a vehicle. This vital book determines the price of what dealers are willing to pay for a used car.
* Where could you find the Blue Book value?
There are several resources responsible for determining the value of your car. The two most popular is the Kelley Blue Book and the N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides.
The Kelley Blue Book, which invented the term Blue Book, is a principal source for determining the loan value on used cars. It has been providing information for 75 years.
The N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides, which was established...
The Blue Book Of Used Cars
Used cars > The Blue Book Of Used Cars
The Death Of The Muscle Car ? My First Case
The Death Of The Muscle Car ? My First Case
by: Warren Newson
How could muscle cars, the most powerful affordable cars the world had seen, lose their oomph so quickly? What caused them to disappear? I?m not a private eye, not remotely like one, but this was one case I had to solve.
It happened back in the 70?s, but the evidence was still there. It was the case of the disappearing horsepower and this is what happened.
In the era of the muscle car power was everything. It didn?t matter what it was, sports car, family car, pickup; it had the biggest V-8 possible stuffed under the hood. Cubic inches were king and advertised power was astronomical. These cars could kick sand in the windscreens of anything else on the road.
But then horsepower seemed to disappear overnight!
Take my favourite muscle car, the Ford Mustang. The macho models had V-8s, though meeker models came with an inline six. The biggest six had 200 cubic inches and...
The Death Of The Muscle Car ? My First Case
Used cars > The Death Of The Muscle Car ? My First Case
Spice Up Your Living Space With Flowers
Spice Up Your Living Space With Flowers
by: Wesley Berry
Do-it-yourself home improvement is all the rage these days. Just flip on the television and you're sure to run across a program to teach you everything from how to paint a room to how to replace your shower stall. But, let's face it, even if you make those home improvements yourself, they can be quite costly. I've got a great solution that's far less expensive than a complete home makeover?flowers!
Used cars > Spice Up Your Living Space With Flowers
8 Cheap Activities To Do With Your Kids
8 Cheap Activities To Do With Your Kids
by: Jennifer Shircel
These inexpensive ideas are sure to get your kids creative juices flowing! The kids will love them because it gives them something productive to do and mom will love them because they?re easy and cheap!
1.) Fly a kite at a local park. Kites can usually be found at any local dollar store. We found a cute Tigger kite at our local Dollar Tree.
2.) Blow bubbles. Now how cheap are bubbles,...
cheap airfare
Used cars > 8 Cheap Activities To Do With Your Kids
Used cars ringtones Saab Cars: Born From Jets
Stay At Home Mom's Need To Work, Too
Stay At Home Mom's Need To Work, Too
by: Gena Biem
It is just about every mother's dream to be able to stay home and care for their children. Unfortunately, this dream is becoming harder and harder to obtain. Within every minute of every day the price of our necessities is rising. It's not just the fuel that we use in our cars and to heat our homes, but every other utility, household product, and now more than ever, the food that we eat.
Because of this,...
Used cars dsl
Used cars > Stay At Home Mom's Need To Work, Too