It has been a swift, though not surprising, fall for a brand that never lived up to its potential. GM sold more than 130,000 Saab models in 2006. I remember talking with former GM CEO Rick Wagoner about the future of Saab. He talked of the value of the niche Saab filled in the GM portfolio.

Wagoner held onto the Saab potential even though it was clear to most in the auto industry that it was a higher cost brand that never completely fit in the GM stable.

There are still thousands of Saab owners here in the U.S. who love their car. A good friend of mine who drives an ’09 Saab calls it a great car. He also ends every comment about his car by saying, “I’d buy another one if I could, but we know that’s never happening.” No, it’s not. But someday if you’re in China you may be able to drive a Saab electric car.

Bookmark Alert: Track All the Dow Transports Here

__________________________

Click on Ticker to Track Corporate News:

- General Motors

- Ford Motor

- Toyota Motor

- Nissan

- Honda Motor

___________________________ Questions? Comments? BehindTheWheel@cnbc.com and Follow me on Twitter @LeBeauCarNews

HMC News & Analysis

 Final Glance: Autos companies - 6 hrs ago

 Midday Glance: Autos companies - 14 hrs ago

 Early Glance: Autos companies - 16 hrs ago

 Japan's Sun Is Rising Again Thanks to Abenomics - 22 hrs ago

 Final Glance: Autos companies - 20 May 2013 EDT

 More HMC News