Death of the Ugly Duckling
Yesterday, the plan for General Motors to sell its struggling Saab Division to Koenigsegg, a small Swedish car producer, ended. Despite support by GM’s biggest stockholder, the US Government, and minority interests by the Chinese, the two parties failed to reach a deal. It is likely Saab will be shut down. Death comes to an ugly duckling.
Saab once was a quirky vehicle, designed by an aircraft manufacturer. Its high roof looked like a cockpit. The wings resembled a barnyard bird that could flap its feathers, but never leave the ground. This odd Swedish bird projected personality and it attracted many professionals including professors, doctors, and even James Bond – at least in the novels.
Before Volvo became the armor care of choice, Saab’s safety reputation was legendary. A friend spun his 9-5 on an icy highway before being hit head-on at high speeds. Other than some airbag bruises, he walked away.
I purchased a 9-5 after General Motors acquired Saab. Yes, some of the Bond-like gadgetry remained. At the touch of a button a nifty cup-holder slid from a narrow vertical slot with oval cup holder horizontally unfolding. Air-conditioning vents, inside the glove box, kept beverages cold. Aside from gadgets and blue brand, my duck looked like a Buick with smooth edges, rather than wings, and wood-grained interior instead of the aircraft metal and leather of old. Unfortunately, it operated like an Oldsmobile with frequent repairs. General Motors assimilated the poor duckling. Without its uniqueness, SAAB found it difficult to compete with Audi, BMW and Volvo.
There seems to be a market for ugly or why would there be so many Mini Coopers on the road? The new Subaru Impreza WRX is a reincarnation of the Saab 900. Without a miracle the ugly duckling will soon be buried. Perhaps it died a decade ago after General Motors captured and tamed it.
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