Due to neglect on the part of GM Europe, only three new models have been launched since the world's largest automaker purchased Saab in 1990. While impressive cars within their highly competitive categories, the new Saab's don't stand out enough in what has become a very image conscious upper crust of society, and their product range is extremely small and not targeted at top consumer demand vehicles, namely small cars and SUVs.
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| While the current batch of Saab cars are impressive, their subdued styling doesn't make them stand out in a crowd. (Photo: General Motors) |
The 9-2 will take care of the former, while possibly a 9-7, based on the current Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy/Buick Rainier/Isuzu Ascender (did I miss any) platform. Many market analysts see this truck based SUV to be exactly what Saab doesn't need, diametrically opposed to all things that have made the Swedish brand popular since its inception.
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| Although many analysts question the decision, there may be a Saab 9-7 coming soon based on the Chevy Trailblazer platform. (Photo: General Motors) |
GM needs to ask itself, who in North America would buy a Saab Trailblazer? Saab's brand image is nowhere near as well known as Chevrolet, GMC or Buick's, and consumers can currently buy what will be more or less the same vehicle from these brands already. On the other side of the coin traditional Saab customers will be put off by the vehicle's less than premium interior quality and truck-like driving dynamics, not to mention the fact that the key will slot into the steering column instead of the lower console as in all Saab products to date.