Stuff Swedish People Like: "Swedish" Cars

Swedes just can not get enough of their Swedish cars! Well, right now, hardly anyone is buying a new car, but generally speaking, the Swedes have a special place in their hearts for the so called "Swedish" cars. The brands are Volvo and SAAB, and they were initially Swedish, but since they became "hip" in USA they were sold to Ford and GM in the late 90's.

Swedish Volvo and SAAB-owners still today most often claim to be driving "Swedish", making them feel like they are supporting Sweden. Swedes are also proud over the Swedish engineering that is inside of these cars, which is second to none globally. Especially SAAB has a tradition of exclusive technical solutions. These solutions are a bit nerdy, engineer-geeky, which often makes the cars more difficult to repair. Say for instance, if the windshield of a SAAB keeps cracking, and has to be replaced at the owners expense, say once a year. This being caused by the construction, where the car's chassi is hung up on the windshield, applying pressure, which makes it crack. The owner will gladly replace the windshield, since SAAB is so cleverly engineered, that it is bound to have a few flaws. And this person has driven SAABs since the 70's, and continues to buy new ones every now and then.

A Volvo on the other hand, is more sturdy, since it is traditional in construction, relying on the other models in the Ford company, and won't have as many engineering flaws as the SAAB. On the other hand, Volvo is one of Ford's premium brands and are often first to introduce a new platform, making them a bit of a test brand. This might lead to models with many infancy problems, but this does not stop the Swedes' love affair with Volvo. Volvos get bad gas mileages, but the Swede's somehow see their Volvos as okay for the environment, because they are not as bad as American cars!

If you drive a Volvo or SAAB in Sweden, you will blend in well, which is a major issue for Swedes. However, there are many ways to distinguish yourself in the suburbs by getting the latest "värstingmodell" (premium model). A värstingmodell is the perfect car for the average Joe Swede. since it makes him or her blend in well with the crowd, but still stand out as an Alpha-male, or -female of the flock.

If you want to get accepted by Swedes, get a värstingmodell of a Volvo or SAAB, but make sure it's "lagom" värsting. (Don't go to extremes). If you apply by this rule, you will soon be invited to play indoor hockey or to join a yoga class. Maybe you can even take turns at carpooling to hockey or yoga with your Volvos or SAABs.