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Saab of Westport has shut its door along the Post Road, relocating and merging with owner Pat Ryan's Greenwich-based Cadillac-Saab of Greenwich. "We are sad to leave Westport," Ryan said, describing the decision to close up shop and merge dealerships came as a necessity in tighter times. "This merger will enable us to increase operating efficiencies and maintain our service levels to our customers. It reflects the continuing business model of having fewer dealerships in a geographic marketplace, aiming to pass on to consumers savings realized by creating these economies of scale."
Cadillac-Saab of Greenwich, near the Greenwich Train Station on Railroad Avenue, has been in business ten years.
Saab, which was recently sold by General Motors, is now owned by Spyker NV, a manufacturer of high-end sportscars. Ryan conceded Saab has lost some of its traditional luxury luster in recent years, but he hopes the new owners--and introduction of a new Saab 9-5 later this year--will re-energize the brand. "The level of passion and support shown to Saab over recent months has been remarkable and this does bode well for the future," he said.
As for the Saab property in Westport, Ryan has put the Post Road showroom and lot on the market for lease with Cushman and Wakefield, in the hopes of attracting another car dealer.
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