Monthly Archives: April 2011

An embarrassment of riches for a Saab nut

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So, here I am, sitting in a hotel room in Trollhattan. That’s not a bad place to be on a beautiful Spring day in Sweden, but I’d rather be in a picture like this…..

I’m sort of living in Sweden and sort of not. I don’t have an address here and I’ll be heading back to Australia next week after five weeks away from home in Hobart. But then I’ll be back again, and that’s the way things will go for much of this year. Sweden sometimes, the US or Britain or ….. wherever…… at other times. But mostly here. And that means that after getting an address sorted, I’m going to need some wheels.

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Så Nätt project seeks to ‘add lightness’ to future cars

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Can you imagine driving a car with a cockpit like your living room, complete with swivel chairs, cabin-wide screens and electronically tinted glass to keep out the sun? How about active suspension systems that automatically adjust camber and toe according to driving conditions, along with composite inboard braking, or even wireless driving, braking and steering.

Sounds like fantasy-land? Perhaps. But it’s all being talked about right now.

In a former life, at SaabsUnited, I reported early this year on a project that Saab were participating in, one that will see a concept vehicle built and exhibited by the middle of 2013.

The following quote is from Swedish publication, Ny Teknik, a report from which was used as the basis for the SU story:

The concept car, which will be completed by summer 2013 will include solutions that make it possible to build cars 20 to 40 percent lighter than today, without making major compromises elsewhere. Last fall, Saab invited the Scandinavian suppliers to a workshop to reflect together on new solutions.

That was back in January. Today, I had the pleasure of attending the group’s second workshop, where all of the participants came together once again to share their first conceptual impressions of how the project might progress.

Let’s step back for just a moment, though, and take a look at the project in general.

The project has earned the name Så Nätt, which Saabophiles will be familiar with from the Saab Sonett sports car range. The name means “so neat”, which is one of the goals of this car. The Saab Sonett was also an exceptionally light car with a fibreglass body and lighweight two-stroke and V4 petrol engines.

There are nearly 40 participants in the project, which is acting as a kind of think-tank for future car design and collaboration. Saab is the largest of the participants and the only vehicle manufacturer. There are also around 30 different component suppliers involved, as well as 6 academic institutions and FKG, the key association for automotive suppliers here in Scandinavia. FKG represents around 350 separate suppliers here in Sweden, so a 10% representation should provide good feedback for the rest of the supplier body.

As stated in the Ny Teknik article quoted above, one of the goals of the project is to devise lightweight solutions that can bring down the weight of a car by between 20-40%. The benefits from this kind of weight loss would be significant, from emissions and fuel consumption to maneuverability, crash avoidance and handling.

That’s just one of the goals, however.

Perhaps the more important goal is to get suppliers to work together with a manufacturer to achieve this goal. The end result will be a concept car that’s sure to be an exciting vehicle to see. It’s the road map to achieving that end result that will be just as interesting, if not more interesting, to the participants in the project.

Sweden is typically made up of lower tier suppliers. Tier 1 suppliers have a much greater say in the design and composition of parts used by manufacturers. Tier 2 and 3 suppliers generally have the requirements for the components they supply spelt out for them. This project gives typically smaller suppliers a chance to have input in a product from the outset, which is a major change in the landscape they work in.

The project is divided into a number of component parts or project groups. The purpose of today’s workshop was to bring those project groups together to share what they’ve come up with in their respective areas. The project groups are:

  • Seats
  • Chassis
  • Front Structure
  • Cockpit IP
  • Floor Concept
  • Polymers and Composites
  • Roof structure

Each project was presented by a project leader and presentations generally featured three or four options as solutions for their project – a near-term solution, a mid-term solution and a futuristic solution.

As you can imagine, some of the futuristic solutions were quite imaginative.

How about floor structures that can extend at higher speeds to decrease drag? Or detachable front sections of a car that you can remove and upgrade (think 2007 to 2008 Saab 9-3 front upgrade with minimal hassle or cost)? Wheels/tyres that are capable of leaning over in corners like a motorcycle? Or even a three wheeler with a single wheel that can pivot 360 degrees!

There were discussions about the use of composites in new and exciting ways, as well as the use of textile materials, where appropriate, to solve weight problems where structural rigidity can be taken care of elsewhere. There was even one proposal with an Aero-X type canopy roof.

Many of the futuristic concepts were for vehicles featuring electric propulsion and some were even self-driving vehicles with the capability to brake automatically or divert the vehicle in the event of an impending accident.

The secondary goal of working together to achieve solutions was quite evident and the buzz around the room was palpable as people asked questions and explored the ideas presented even further. The next step is to extend this approach, complete the project and use the lessons learned to develop new business opportunities from the ideas that arise.

The options presented were all quite exciting and I’m looking forward to attending another workshop in the future to see how things progress.

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Share your view of Saab in New York and win!

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REMINDER – Those of you attending the New York Auto Show this weekend…… don’t forget to get your photo in so that you can WIN!

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A couple of notes about the New York Auto Show, which continues until its close on Sunday evening…..

What is your view of Saab?

If you’re attending the New York Auto Show, then make sure you track down one of the attendants at the Saab stand and get your hands on the Sony Ericsson Xperia in their pocket.

Saab and Sony Ericsson are running another photo competition at the New York Auto Show and there are some fantastic prizes available every day and a grand prize at the show’s conclusion. To enter, simply use the Xperia’s camera to take a photo at the Saab stand showing “your view of Saab”. You will be asked for an email address for the entry, but this email will only be used for the purposes of the competition (i.e. to notify you if you win a prize).

Daily winners receive a MW600 wireless HiFi headset that can pair with your phone, PC or provide music on the run with it’s built in radio.

The grand prize winner at the end of the show will win the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, the first phone to couple a Playstation control for gaming and a full-feature Android phone together in one slick device.

The photo contest has had a great reception so far and you can read full details about the competition, as well as seeing all the entries so far, over at Saab’s Facebook page. Here’s a sample of what you’ll see:

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Make sure you pick up a program at the show, even if only as a Saab souvenir.

Why? Well, take a look at the front cover (at right).

That’s the Saab PhoeniX concept dominating the program, which is a fantastic coup for Saab. It continues a long line of Saab concept car success, following on from the Saab Aero-X and Saab 9-X BioHybrid and 9-X Convertible concepts, all of which won accolades at their respective auto shows.

Years from now it’ll be the PhoeniX concept that kids remember first when they thumb through their copy of the program once again.

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Extract from Spyker Cars NV interim first quarter results statement

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Spyker Cars NV had a press release today outlining the company’s first quarter interim financial results. You can access the full report here.

For the audience of Inside Saab, it would be appropriate to take an extract from that release, looking at recent events and the future outlook for the company.

Of particular note:

  • Focus on securing the medium and long-term financial structure of the business.
  • Approval from NDO for Vladimir Antonov to take an ownership stake in the business.
  • Discussions with potential strategic partners in China.
  • Proposed name change to Swedish Automobile NV.
  • Reassessment of sales and financial targets in the coming year.

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NEAR TERM MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

Management will continue to focus on its strategy in making Saab Automobile a profitable, independent niche premium car manufacturer, while reducing risks in the execution of the plan. Upon successful completion of securing short-term funding to restart production, Management will continue to focus on strengthening its financial position and stabilizing its operations through securing additional mid- and long-term financing. Management is in talks with several parties to secure access to this funding. A major step forward in this respect was made on 28 April 2011 when the NDO approved Mr Vladimir Antonov as a shareholder of Spyker (see hereafter under Recent Events) Further key management priorities remain:

  • Continue product development activities in order to refresh and expand the entire product portfolio
  • Continue to build up an independent Saab distribution organization
  • Continue to build up capabilities as an independent company
  • Manage cash and control costs and capital expenditure tightly
  • Continue to focus on initiatives to further reduce the break-even point

In summary: all measures to continue to restore confidence with our valued customers, dealers, suppliers, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to support increasing sales and improved margins from a rejuvenated product portfolio.

In addition to driving the ongoing business operations, Management will continue to focus on execution of its long term business plan. Saab Automobile will continue to enhance its unique and strong brand, relying on its heritage of innovation, aircraft inspiration and Scandinavian values. In line with the objective to shorten product lifecycles and broadening of its portfolio, in 2011 alone four new models will be launched into markets around the globe, among which the 9-5 SportCombi and the new Saab 9-4X (Saab’s first ever cross-over).

RECENT EVENTS

On 5 April, production of Saab vehicles at the Trollhättan factory was again interrupted due to materials shortages caused by outstanding payment (terms) issues with a number of suppliers. On 6 April, Saab Automobile decided to halt production until further notice pending confirmation of additional funding for operations. Although this is a set back in the production and sales, Management is confident that with secured funding the effect of lower production can be recovered during the course of the second and third quarter.

On 28 April 2011 the Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov was admitted by the NDO to become a shareholder of Spyker.

In addition, Saab Automobile continues to work on longer-term solutions to further strengthen its financial position and improve its capital structure including but not limited to discussions with potential strategic Chinese partners.

Spyker Cars NV proposes to change its name into Swedish Automobile NV at the next Annual General Shareholders meeting 19 May 2011.

OUTLOOK

Management is now fully focused on securing the short and mid-term funding and restoring confidence among suppliers, customers, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders given the recent liquidity issues and production interruptions . However, 2011 and 2012 are build-up years for Saab Automobile and although volume and market share are important, Management’s key objective is to secure mid and long-term financing, renew and expand the product portfolio, enhance the distribution organization and build an independent company, while remaining within the financial boundaries set in its business plan.

The Group’s medium term goal is to establish Saab Automobile as an independent, financially viable, niche premium car manufacturer. Given the recent liquidity and production situation, previously communicated sales and financial targets will be reassessed as soon as the consequences of this situation on the Group’s operations become clearer. Management notes that Saab Automobile will be launching several new models into global markets later this year which should have a positive effect on sales volume during the second half of the year. The Group foresees a net loss for 2011.

Comment on events from Thursday, April 28

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Vladimir Antonov

Yesterday the Swedish NDO allowed Vladimir Antonov as shareholder in Spyker, which means that he can become a financier of Saab Automobile if the Swedish government, GM and the EIB also give their approval.

Saab and Spyker are working on many different fronts to secure funding in the short and medium term. Negotiations with various, potential strategic partners, including the Chinese car manufacturers will continue.

Spyker reports Q1 results

Today Spyker presents the first quarter report for 2011. Since Saab Automobile is a major part of Spyker’s results, the major focus in the report is on Saab. Spyker Cars (including Saab Automobile) reported an EBIT of (79.4) million Euro. The report underlines the fact that 2011 is another buildup year for Saab, and Saab assumes a loss for the full year as well. Note that the events of the recent weeks are not covered by the report, as it focuses on the first three months of this year. The first quarter can be summarized as challenging but also showed encouraging sales development.

The report is available here.

Press release: SWEDISH NATIONAL DEBT OFFICE ALLOWS VLADIMIR ANTONOV AS SHAREHOLDER IN SPYKER

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The following press release was issued today by Spyker Cars NV, owner of Saab Automobile.

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Zeewolde, The Netherlands, 28 April 2011 – Spyker Cars N.V. (Spyker) confirms the announcement of the Swedish National Debt Office (NDO) to allow Vladimir Antonov as a shareholder of Spyker.

Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker and Chairman of Saab Automobile said:

“This is a great day for our company and for me personally. We worked relentlessly for 11 months to achieve the desired result: restore the reputation of Vladimir Antonov, who made so many valuable contributions to Spyker since 2007 as financier and shareholder. We are convinced he will be able to make such contributions again in the near future and look forward to the decisions of the Swedish Government, General Motors and the European Investment Bank (EIB), following the recommendation of the NDO which was the result of intense scrutinising.”

Vladimir Antonov, Chairman of Conversgroup said:

“I am very happy finally getting the recommendation from the NDO to the involved parties, being a future investor in Spyker. The past months of speculations around me, as an individual investor and my businesses has been exhausting. Clearly this has been a disturbing factor for many of my businesses. Finally we have managed to obtain a clean bill of health and we need to move fast forward to secure the cash flow of Saab Automobile. I hope all involved parties now further take on their responsibility so we can close all processes fast to secure the future of Saab Automobile.”

Spyker and Saab Automobile continue to work on securing funding. Saab Automobile is still in talks with the EIB and all parties involved on a solution to complete the sale of Saab Automobile Property AB (Saab Property). It is not yet certain whether the above parties will be able to fulfil all of the conditions of the EIB and finalize the sale of Saab Property.

In addition, Spyker and Saab Automobile are negotiating equity and debt financing and/or technology licensing with various strategic partners, including various Chinese car manufacturers. No commitments have been received to date.

Saab crash testing – old school style

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I was up at the Saab Technical Center yesterday, gathering some material for a post that will appear here on Inside Saab next week, when I saw these fantastic old black and whites showing some Saab crash testing conducted back in the late 1960s.

Saab’s crast test facility here in Trollhattan is now a very high-tech affair, having been completely refurbished just a few years ago. I’m hoping to visit there in the next few days as they’ll be conducting some tests that I hope to share here on site (no promises, now, but fingers crossed).

As you can see from these photos, the crash test facilities of the 1960′s were somewhat more spartan and weather dependent.

Enjoy.

Comments on events of Wednesday, April 27

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Yesterday the discussions between Saab’s representatives and officials from the European Investment Bank, EIB, continued. Saab delivered a counterproposal to the conditions which the EIB have set for the proposed sale of Saab Automobile Property AB. The proposal is now to be considered by the EIB Management Board.

After Tuesday’s meeting with Vladimir Antonov the head of the National Debt Office, Bo Lundgren, made a statement saying that they discussed what the ambition is, if Antonov is approved to act as a financier of Saab. According to Bo Lundgren, the NDO should be able to come to a decision within a couple of days.

In parallel with the dialogues with the EIB and the NDO, Saab has continuous contact with government representatives and is working on many different fronts to secure short and midterm funding. Negotiations with various, potential strategic partners, including Chinese car manufacturing companies, continue.

During Wednesday the plant staff were, for one day, back at their work sites. Employees concerned will be continuously informed via their supervisors about when to go back to work.

What can we learn from a really bad pizza and an absent internet connection?

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You’re going to think I’m food obsessed, but anyway…… whilst we’re waiting for a resolution, it gives you a little time to think.

I’m not normally a person who’s given to ordering room service when staying in hotels. It’s expensive, for starters, and it’s rare that there isn’t at least one other option available.

I had a stopover in London a few weeks ago on my way to New York, and the lateness of the hour combined with the tiredness of my body caused me to relent. I was a staying at a well known hotel chain near Heathrow thanks to a good value, last-minute internet deal and I figured the money saved would be reasonably spent satisfying my growing hunger.

The menu looked reasonable, however given that they’ve got you over a barrel at these just-remote-enough airport hotels, it was also rather expensive. I ventured down to the restaurant area but there wasn’t any reasonably priced relief there, either. Somewhat chagrined, I reluctantly opted for the comfort of a late dinner in my room, ordering one of the hotel pizzas, which you can order to your own specifications from a limited number of ingredients.

To say the result was disappointing would be an understatement of significant proportions. At a cost of around 15 pounds, I was expecting a base overflowing with my chosen toppings. As it turned out, I had more fingers and toes on my extremities than I had bits of ham on my pizza. It was more like bread parmagiana (which, if you’re unfamiliar, is a tomato and cheese topping popular on Australian pub meals).

While I was waiting for my ‘pizza’, I thought it a good opportunity to log in and check my email. I work on the web and it’s my main method of connectivity. I can’t recall the price to connect, but given my exasperation at the price of my dinner, the sum they were asking for internet access was sufficient to make me think twice. I was only going to be awake for another two hours at most, so the thought of ploughing another double-digit sum into the hotel’s coffers wasn’t overly appealing.

My hotel in New York offered a similar deal, only this time you got to pay an exorbitant amount for your room (hey, Manhattan’s expensive) and then you can add an additional fee for a scratchy internet connection that doesn’t work if others in the hotel are also trying to access it.

Why is it that small hotels, like the one I’m typing from in Sweden right now, can offer fast internet access for free when the big hotel chains, who pride themselves on reputation and hospitality, feel empowered to charge like wounded bulls for the same service?

And what, I hear you ask, does any of this have to do with cars?

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Saabs at Elmia 2011

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The Bilsport Magazine Custom and Performance Motor Show was on at Elmia, in Jönköping, Sweden on the Easter weekend. This is an annual event that attracts huge crowds, with plenty of exciting metal on display for the visitors to peruse.

Brands like Saab typically have enthusiasts at their core. It’s one of the reasons this website exists. Some enthusiasts show their passion for the brand by keeping a car in absolute factory-fresh condition for years on end. Others take a different view, seeking to customise their car to their tastes – whether they be mild or extreme.

The Bilsport show at Elmia tends to cater for the custom car builder, though there are plenty of well-preserved examples of different marques in the ‘Nostalgia’ halls as well.

Saab were well represented in a number of displays, the single most notable of which was a 5-car display by aftermarket tuning company, Maptun. The company’s owner, Fredrik Bengtsson, even had his own new Saab 9-5 on display with custom carbonfibre trim parts that the company is developing.

A Saab 96 V4 historic rally racer was a particular highlight, having been restored to immaculate condition. This car is a now a regular competitor in the Midnight Sun historic rally held here in Sweden.

The Saab 900, below, was restored by a couple of young, 18 year old Swedes. These guys should be very proud of their work as the car showed brilliantly.

There were many more customised Saabs on show at Elmia, including a hybrid combining the body of a Saab 9-3 SportCombi with the running gear of a Dodge Viper!

Please feel free to check out the slideshow, below, or view the images in a larger size at Flickr: Custom Saabs at Elmia 2011.

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Note: Tuning Saabs is a tricky business. Saab have only one official tuning house who can tune your new Saab whilst still maintaining your new vehicle warranty coverage. This tuner is called Hirsch Performance and they are located in St Gallen, Switzerland. Their products are available in many markets where Saabs are sold. Check with your local dealer.