05 December 2011

News that Saab GB has called in the administrators seemed to shock the industry. We broke the story on the Auto Retail Network website and received over 1000 hits within a couple of hours. At least one franchised retailer we spoke to was actually talking to a customer when the news reached him.

I think it’s fair to say that most people were expecting Saab AB, the Swedish manufacturing company, to be the first to go. It announced last week that, once again, it can’t pay its workers’ wages and the Swedish unions are likely to press for court protection proceedings to recommence.

At this stage, it’s front-line dealership staff who are in the firing line. They are the link to the anxious customer and it is probably too late to try to draw a distinction between manufacturer, national sales company and retailer, especially if you are a solus Saab outlet.

Does it help that the news broke just as the Chancellor of the Exchequer was getting to his feet to make his autumn statement? As far as I can see, the only national newspaper to cover the story has been the Daily Telegraph, so many customers (especially of older cars) may be totally unaware of the situation.

Certainly the Saab GB website is still functioning and encouraging visitors to spec cars and book test drives – only if you go to the news section do you find an announcement about the administration.

We’ve asked the administrators a series of questions about existing new car orders, warranty claims and parts supply but they’ve yet to get back to us. In fact, there’s been a crashing silence since the initial announcement on Tuesday.

While we understand the need to be careful about what they say, some facts would be helpful – for the benefit of retailers, suppliers and, most of all, the customers.

Rupert Saunders

If you’re a Saab retailer affected by the current situation, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Email me at rupert@auto-retail.com

Tags: administration, business, Dealers, dealerships, future, Saab GB, silence