Trollhattan may build niche models
Sources tell Reuters GM has made the decision to move the next generation of Saab 9-5 production to Germany, leaving the Swedish brand with no vehicles built in the homeland. The 9-3 will move production to Germany when the next generation model bows. A GM Europe spokesman said a production decision for the next 9-5 has not been made. It's hard to believe that engineers haven't decided on a platform for the sedan with only three years before a new model is due. The Swedish plant would be used to build niche models. One possible candidate would be a high-end Opel crossover that GM is thinking of building.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
iQuack 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Saab is dead.
Was a great car when it had the 3 cylinder engine and was relatively cheap and innovative. Drove well, too.
Now Saab is just a redundant near-luxury thing priced against better cars from Volvo, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, etc.
Who needs it?
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LB 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
I disagree. Saab still has a loyal following and still has cars that many love. Here is the reason why Saab still exists - someone like me. Young professional with a halfway decent income, do not like Japanese cars at all. Lexus, Infiniti and Acura out. Will not buy American. Down to BMW, MB, Audi, Volvo, Jaguar and Saab. Love BMW, but no deals to be had. Love Audi, but have had two already. Audi will probably be next again unless the new 9-5 is spectacular. MB, not a chance b/c of recent quality issues. Jaguar makes me feel to old, and I am simply not a Volvo fan. Saab still is innovative and different and fun. The interior of the 9-3 and 9-5 are still very true to the Saab tradition. Still the best looking front end in the game. Here in Chicago, there are so many 9-3's running around, it is scary.
Saab is not dead. Saab is undergoing a metamorphosis - the real question is how Saab comes out at the end of the change. Will it still be a quirky, innovative European prestige brand - or will GM kill the Saab brand with the 9-2x, the 9-7 and the planned 9-6? By 2008-2009, we shall know.
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Jonathan 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
I'm with LB. If Saab does die, it's only as a result of GM's inteptitude, not the lack of a market.
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