Saab’s future
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Words from the new owner.
An all new 9-3 hatch in 2012 has to be the best news for Saab lovers.
………
“Saab will be a stand-alone niche manufacturer with three to four model lines: 9-3 (sedan, hatchback, sports estate, X and convertible) and 9-5 (sedan, sports estate and X) and the 9-4X for both the US and European markets. In addition, Saab will investigate the potential of adding a fourth smaller car line (“9-1”) in due course provided that the positive development of the smaller car segment continues. However, this model is currently not envisaged in the Business Plan so if the outcome of the investigation is positive, additional financing to develop this model could be required.
Saab’s product portfolio will be renewed completely, beginning with the launch of the new 9-5 early this summer, the new 9-4X in early 2011 and the new ‘all Saab’ 9-3 in 2012.
Saab will continue to be repositioned against other brands such as Audi (A4/A6) and BMW (3/5 series) as a premium brand, leveraging its strong and unique brand heritage.
Saab’s Technical Development Center in Trollhättan has full capability in developing complete vehicles and will continue to do so. In areas such as safety, environment, driving characteristics, practicality, turbo technologies and several other innovations, the Saab brand is among the best in the industry.
With Trollhättan as one of the most efficient mid-size car plants in Europe, production and sales volumes are aimed to be rebuilt to recent pre-crisis levels of about 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles including the 9-4X built in Mexico.
The current dealer network will be re-energized with a new sales and distribution approach in certain markets, which will be implemented during 2010.
The economies of scale of the on-going collaboration with GM after Closing the acquisition (February 2010) will continue to be leveraged in sourcing via ancillary agreements, with independent sourcing gradually increasing to reduce GM dependency and obtain improved access to other suppliers and the co-development of unique innovations.”
This is good news !
Especially, the 9-3 Hatchback due in 2012 which will bring SAAB BACK to its roots !
Also, the 9-1 sounds like a potential competitor for the Mini….
Built in Mexico? Good night, and good luck.
I give 'em two years at best.
GM is lucky they got atleast something for it… i agree that they'll be dead in 2 years. Atleast its mostly on someone else's dime.
I really like these designs. And I plan to buy more than one of them!
I like the fact that Saab is not trying to be the biggest brand in the world. We've seen what happens to companies that think they can make cars for everyone (GM, Toyota).
All they need is one million Saab fans who buy a new car every 8-10 years on average, which should be easy enough.
As long as they keep making interesting cars, who cares if 99% of drivers don't like them? There's enough people out there who don't want to drive Camrys to make Saab a success.
SWEET. Bring 'em on! Smart to focus on being a small niche brand. The auto industry lost all personality when every company started running to the middle to be a car to please everyone and to be mass-produced. Not to mention, it is nice to have styling options other than the crease n' swag styling of BMW or the melting butter styling of Lexus that so many other brands try to imitate.
With the blacked-out A & B pillars, they have a uniquely "Pheaton" look. (Think Dusenburg & 1920's Imperials –not the VW.)
I like it
I will buy one. Or more.
Glad to see that all the millions GM spent developing this line isn't all going to waste.
THANKS GM!