Saab Wants Needs New Ad Agency

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

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.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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 8 comments
  • Rwb Rwb on May 27, 2011

    I fail to see the meaning or metaphor in Rube Goldberg's glass of water.

  • Snabster Snabster on May 27, 2011

    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...

    • See 3 previous
    • Bertel Schmitt Bertel Schmitt on May 27, 2011

      @Bertel Schmitt Is this a threat or a clumsy joke?

  • Domestic Hearse Domestic Hearse on May 27, 2011

    SAAB Nevermind(TM) Did I win the pitch?

    • CW CW on May 27, 2011

      Nope You didn't mean it.

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