Sunday, August 24th marked the conclusion of the 2008 Saab Owners Convention after two full days, on both Friday & Saturday.
For those who woke up extra early that morning, which were approximately 25-30, we got to see the same Saab 9-3 Convertible “Recycle” ad again, but we also got to see the second “work in progress” television ad that featured the Saab USA 9-3 Sport Sedan XWD that we could not see the night before. In addition, to these two new television ads, we also got to see a very well done 1 minute 30 second promotional video. This promotional video, that I believe should be an ad, albeit shortened of course, excluding less critical components. I see this as another ad contender because it encompassed all of what Saab stands for, finally representing the “Saab brand pillars” as Jay Spenchian first referred to them as. If this was also the work of the folks at McCann-Erickson, being their 3rd video overall, congratulations, you are well on your way!
As the videos ran their course, the classic 2008 “Saab Round Table” took place. This year, unlike the past years namely 2006 and 2007 where they were filmed, Stephen Goldberger, formerly of Nines Magazine, MC, emphasized that there was to be no videotaping, audio recording nor photographing this candid discussion between the folks at Saab Automobile USA (Steve Shannon, Jan-Willem & John Libbos) and the participants at the 2008 Saab Owners Convention. While I understand the request, I am surprised that that they would be requesting this because if anything critical was to be said, it certainly would not be stated in public anyways such as when and where a product would be released or what the new 9-5 will look like.
In the 52 minute 2008 Saab Round Table, Steve Shannon again responded to Rick Wagoner’s comments as he did the night before, where he indicated that Saab in Europe is doing well, Saab USA has some challenges due to currency exchanges and other economics, but will be shortly in a better position to become profitable just as Saab Automobile is in Europe.
Other questions and answers involved the existing dealership network, future products as well as advertising and marketing as well as details about availability and the possibility of creating a business case for opening up specifications for vintage parts from Saab Sweden that Saab Cars Musem Curator, Peter Backstrom chimed in on.
The final chapter of the event this Sunday concluded with the parts auction by John Moss ranging from rare Saab 900 spoilers to play toys and miniature model cars, it seemed like there was something for just about everyone and no price was too low!
As I made my way outside after the parts auction, I met up with Alex of Herb Chambers Saab, a Saab History sponsor, who was showcasing a beautiful 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X, which was a great way to wrap up the 2008 Saab Owners Convention celebrating 30 years of the Saab Turbo with none other than this special limited production Saab Turbo.
At approximately noon, the weekend of activities came to an end, and all were packed in advance and departed leaving the 2008 Saab Owners Convention as a not too distant memory.