In 1982, amidst a challenging economic climate and a downturn in the automotive industry, Saab managed to achieve remarkable success in the United States. With a combination of unique features, emphasis on performance, and a loyal customer base, Saab’s sales reached an all-time high that year. This article delves into the operations of Saab in the US during that period and explores the advertising campaign for the much-anticipated 1983 Saab 900.
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Saab’s Resilience in the US Market
The United States faced significant challenges in 1982, including a recession, stagflation, and quality concerns within the auto industry. Despite these obstacles, Saab defied expectations and experienced its best sales year up until that point. While other automakers struggled, Saab capitalized on its distinct approach to design and engineering, offering a compelling alternative to the mainstream American and European brands.
Saab’s Unique Selling Point
One of Saab’s standout features was its unconventional ignition switch placement in the center console. This innovation, highlighted in the advertising campaign, showcased Saab’s commitment to driver ergonomics and intuitive design. Additionally, Saab’s love for turbocharged engines driving the front wheels set the brand apart from its competitors. The combination of turbocharging and front-wheel drive provided impressive performance and handling characteristics that appealed to driving enthusiasts.
Taking a Jab at BMW
The 1983 Saab 900 advertising campaign took a playful jab at BMW, one of Saab’s German rivals. While BMW had gained a reputation for producing “Ultimate Driving Machines,” Saab positioned itself as a worthy alternative, emphasizing its turbocharged engines and unique driving experience. This subtle dig aimed to challenge the dominance of the luxury German automakers and attract customers seeking a different kind of driving thrill.
Scarcity and Demand
The success of Saab in 1982 led to a supply-demand imbalance, with Saab dealers reportedly having to turn away potential customers due to limited inventory. This scarcity created an air of exclusivity around the Saab brand, further piquing the interest of prospective buyers. The advertising campaign emphasized the need to act quickly to secure a new 1983 Saab 900, fostering a sense of urgency among potential customers.
Customer Testimonials
The comments of Saab admirers from that time as well as contemporary ones point to the positive experiences and loyalty of Saab owners. Many shared stories of surviving accidents thanks to the safety features of their Saab vehicles. This customer satisfaction and brand loyalty played a crucial role in Saab’s success during this period, as word-of-mouth recommendations and testimonials contributed to the growing interest in the brand.
Legacy and Challenges
Despite the accomplishments of Saab in the early 1980s, the brand eventually faced difficulties in the US market. Ownership changes, financial struggles, and a failure to adapt to changing consumer preferences led to Saab’s decline and eventual bankruptcy. However, the impact and influence of Saab’s innovative designs, focus on safety, and dedication to performance continue to resonate with automotive enthusiasts and loyal fans.
In 1982, Saab defied industry trends and achieved its best sales year in the United States, capturing the attention of car buyers with its unique features, performance-oriented driving experience, and emphasis on safety.
The advertising campaign for the 1983 Saab 900 leveraged these strengths, highlighting the brand’s innovations and positioning itself as a compelling alternative to established luxury automakers. Though Saab faced challenges in subsequent years, its legacy as a trailblazer in automotive design and engineering endures, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Saab USA’s ad agency, Ally and Gargano, were great at irreverently pointing out the uniqueness of the brand, and created a number of award….and customer….winning ad campaigns. One of my favorite, was a 1984 ad that celebrated Saab’s record US sales, while poking fun at the quirkyness of their color palette, stating : Last year, we sold every car we imported to the United States…..including X,XXX Alabaster Yellow ones!