My brief note to Steve Shannon, new GM of Saab USA

This originally appeared in the comments of Swade's site.

Mr. Shannon:

Again congratulations. Saabs are great cars and it appears that the new generation of vehicles will be a great step in the right direction.

We, the faithful, ask only the same in return -- your faithfulness to the fundamental elements that make Saab what it was and what it can be. We ask that you guard our brand against dilution for short-term gain and against expedient mediocrity.

Finally, we ask that you advocate stronger dealer participation in all aspects of the marketing process. I believe that too many of our dealers consider Saab as one of their 'other' brands. I hope that we can gain effort and mindshare with your leadership.

Here's to the new 9-5 hitting the market ahread of schedule,

Mike