Saab is on the hunt for a new advertising agency to take the creative lead on its estimated $114 million global advertising account. According to the U.K. advertising industry rag Campaign, the pitch “could be delayed following problems with production at the carmaker and reports of issues with paying suppliers.”
For more than 15 years, the Saab account had been handled by Lowe’s Swedish office Lowe Brindfors. US and UK advertising was handled by the old GM standby McCann. It is quite common that an account is put under review after such a long time, especially when new owners come in. However, the cause of the pitch was different this time. Lowe Brindfors took a hike.
“Lowe Brindfors cancelled all of its ongoing work for Saab in March because of unpaid bills, according to reports in the Swedish press,” writes Campaign. Unpaid bills can kill an agency, especially if it buys the media. Which probably wasn’t the case in this case.
Brindfors was what’s called the “lead agency” in the trade: The lead agency develops the look and feel of the advertising design, along with a pilot campaign. Other agencies then more or less reluctantly adapt it to local tastes and needs. Once all countries and agencies take their share in a global account, it quickly goes poof. As far as global accounts go, $114 million don’t go far. As a comparison, the worldwide Chrysler account is around $3 billion. And as things stand, if Saab would come across $114 million, there probably would be more urgent uses than advertising.
And because of that, we donate airtime on TTAC for free, as our contribution to the cause.
I fail to see the meaning or metaphor in Rube Goldberg’s glass of water.
I am going to nominate Bertel as “SAAB Man of the Year” award. Swade? You reading. He is doing more to keep this brand alive than any other blogger right now…
I’ll take it. Give the award to the Pangda guys. I’ll go to Tianjin to pick it up. Given the current circumstances, we don’t want to incur unnecessary expenses.
PS: But aren’t you supposed to “police the thread” on Autoblog?
Nah..Not necessary.
“Once again, accusations of bias serve only to conceal an intellectual bankruptcy, a disdain for open, honest discussion and a bunker mentality that does neither Saab, nor the public any favors” Quote Mr Ed
Nice to se that you actually read Saabs United. Hope the remarks about you didn’t hurt you too much.
Today we are just listening to “Back In Black”.
And then we wait just like you have to.
And please do repeat all the stuff about money not coming, because you know the industry and Chinese government.
Especially the part with the 30Mill EUR that could not get out of China overnight
Ah,OK, you didn’t mean that and the rest will never com, sorry
By the way: the 9-4x production was never stopped or delayed, and deliveries are on schedule
Why police threads when we have Kazhaks that break bones?
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/saab-to-restart-production-after-six-week-suspension/
See, Autoblog got the message. They are back in line.
I’m sure your Canadian overlords will soon see the value of discipline…..
Is this a threat or a clumsy joke?
SAAB
Nevermind(TM)
Did I win the pitch?
Nope
You didn’t mean it.