Autoblog Saab http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Saab http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[3 former Saab execs charged with tax evasion]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/3-former-saab-execs-charged-with-tax-evasion/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/3-former-saab-execs-charged-with-tax-evasion/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/3-former-saab-execs-charged-with-tax-evasion/#comments Filed under: , ,

Former Saab General Counsel Kristian Geers and CEO Victor Muller

The Associated Press reports three former Saab executives have been arrested on charges of accounting fraud. Swedish prosecutor Olof Sahlgren has refused to identify the individuals, but says they're suspected of attempting to evade taxes by falsifying Saab accounts between 2010 and 2011 during the Spyker years. Other reports indicate the parties involved include former General Counsel to Saab Kristina Geers (seen to the left of former CEO Victor Muller, above), a 15-year-veteran of the company - her husband, Eric, was the company's communications director for 9 years as well.

Saab filed for bankruptcy in 2011, and was purchased shortly thereafter by National Electric Vehicle Sweden. If convicted, the trio could face up to four years in prison for their crimes under Swedish law.

3 former Saab execs charged with tax evasion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> saabsaab executivestax evasiontaxes Mon, 20 May 2013 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576653/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576653/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/3-former-saab-execs-charged-with-tax-evasion/20576653/article-detail.xml 20576653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/saab-general-counsel-kristina-geers-and-ceo-victor-muller_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/saab-general-counsel-kristina-geers-and-ceo-victor-muller.jpg <![CDATA[Nicolas Cage flogs Saab-based Senova from Beijing Auto [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

BAIC Nicholas Cage

BAIC has officially pulled the covers off of its new Senova D Series sedan for China. The four-door is based on the old Saab 9-5 and boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Local buyers can get their hands on the machine for around $22,745 at current conversion rates. Other engine options include a turbocharged 1.8-liter four cylinder as well as turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, and a wide range of safety equipment comes standard on every trim except the very base model. Those goodies include a tire pressure monitoring system, active head restraints, blind spot detection, driver fatigue detection and parking sensors.

The Senova nameplate serves every model based on former Saab architectures, including the Epsilon, GM2900 and GM2400 platforms as well as engine and transmission tech. In order to promote its new products, BAIC has hired Hollywood staple Nicolas Cage to serve as the company's brand ambassador. Cage stars in the Senova-heavy Town of Car Legends action-packed video short (directed by Olivier Megaton of Transporter 3 and Taken 2 fame) which you can view by scrolling below.

Continue reading Nicolas Cage flogs Saab-based Senova from Beijing Auto [w/video]

Nicolas Cage flogs Saab-based Senova from Beijing Auto [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baicchinanic cagenicolas cageolivier megatonsaabsaab 9-5senovasenova d-seriesshenbaovideo Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566463/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/20566463/article-detail.xml 20566463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/baic-nicholas-cage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/baic-nicholas-cage-628.jpg <![CDATA[Super sleeper Saab 900 does 174 mph in the standing mile]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/super-sleeper-saab-900-does-174-mph-in-the-standing-mile/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/super-sleeper-saab-900-does-174-mph-in-the-standing-mile/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/super-sleeper-saab-900-does-174-mph-in-the-standing-mile/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Sleeper Saab 900 takes on Texas Mile - video screencap

Somewhere behind Hennessey setting a new top speed record at this year's Texas Mile with its camouflage Ford GT, a stock-looking 1996 Saab 900T pulled up to the line to see what it could do. The dealer showroom wheels wouldn't offer any indication that the 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood was getting help from a Garrett turbocharger, a tuned ECU and E85 gas to put out 465 horsepower at the front wheels.

Knowing that, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that at the other end of the mile the sky blue Swedish wonder was doing 174 miles per hour. The four-cylinder class at the Texas Mile has plenty such rockets, too, this Swede coming just behind a Dodge Neon that did 175.8 mph. You can watch the Saab do its thing in the video below.

Continue reading Super sleeper Saab 900 does 174 mph in the standing mile

Super sleeper Saab 900 does 174 mph in the standing mile originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1996 saab 900t2013 texas milesaabsaab 900saab 900 turbostanding miletexas milevideo Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539921/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539921/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/14/super-sleeper-saab-900-does-174-mph-in-the-standing-mile/20539921/article-detail.xml 20539921 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/texas-mile-saab-900_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/texas-mile-saab-900.jpg <![CDATA[Vampire Weekend singer responds to burning Saab controversy [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/vampire-weekend-singer-responds-to-burning-saab-controversy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/vampire-weekend-singer-responds-to-burning-saab-controversy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/vampire-weekend-singer-responds-to-burning-saab-controversy/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Vampire Weekend burns classic Saab 900 Turbo Convertible for

Last week, we tipped you off about Vampire Weekend and their new music video for the song Diane Young, a short film that consists entirely of setting fire to two perfectly nice-looking Saab 900 automobiles. The indie rock band's video - viewable by scrolling down - predictably triggered the internet ire of classic car enthusiasts - Saabophiles in particular - and word of the unrest eventually got back to the band itself.

According to music site Spinner (nb: owned by Autoblog parent AOL), the group was "stunned" at the backlash - enough that lead singer Ezra Koenig felt compelled to respond himself. According to Koenig, the band was under the impression that their record company was "looking to purchase the cheapest, oldest cars possible; they weren't trying to buy a beautiful perfect condition car." By way of apology, Koenig even goes so far as to note that bandmate Rostam Batmanglij is a keen fan of Saab.

Other reports have claimed that the cars may have been purchased under false pretenses, sold by owners who "wanted to see them go to a nice new home," but Koenig takes issue with that characterization, countering that he understood that the cars had substantial electrical problems.

Interestingly, more vitriol appears to have been spilled over the fiery deaths of these two Saabs than was drummed up by Jay Z and Kanye West in their music video for Otis, which saw the superstar rappers take a blowtorch to an exponentially costlier Maybach. Either way, Koenig and Co. appear to have at least some regret that they elected to base their video on the song's opening line, "You torched a Saab like a pile of leaves."

Continue reading Vampire Weekend singer responds to burning Saab controversy [w/video]

Vampire Weekend singer responds to burning Saab controversy [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> diane youngezra koenigmodern vampires of the citymusic videosaabsaab 900vampire weekendvideo Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522321/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522321/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/vampire-weekend-singer-responds-to-burning-saab-controversy/20522321/article-detail.xml 20522321 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vampire-weekend-saab-900-convertible-torched_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vampire-weekend-saab-900-convertible-torched.jpg <![CDATA[Saab's never-was 9-3 gets a few better looks]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/saabs-never-was-9-3-gets-a-few-better-looks/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/saabs-never-was-9-3-gets-a-few-better-looks/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/saabs-never-was-9-3-gets-a-few-better-looks/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The recent glimpses we've been getting of the never-was Saab 9-3 Phoenix must be like rubbing salt on the wounds of all the Saab fans out there. If that's the case, diehard Saab enthusiasts might want to look away from this. SaabWorld has uncovered a handful of shots of what was to be the next-generation 9-3 hatchback, and boy does it look sharp.

Revealing a clearer look at what we previously saw in grainy images or as a full-scale model, these new pictures show what Jason Castriota had in mind for the new car. The front end is obviously inspired by Saab's Phoenix Concept, while the rear of the car pays homage to the Saab 900 hatchback.

We like the overall look. Let us know what you think in the Comments.

Saab's never-was 9-3 gets a few better looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> saabsaab 9-3saab 9-3 phoenix Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20514539/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20514539/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/23/saabs-never-was-9-3-gets-a-few-better-looks/20514539/article-detail.xml 20514539 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/saab-93-phoenix-1363959998_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/saab-93-phoenix-1363959998.jpg <![CDATA[Vampire Weekend burns for Saab]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/vampire-weekend-burns-for-saab/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/vampire-weekend-burns-for-saab/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/vampire-weekend-burns-for-saab/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Vampire Weekend torches Saab 900 Convertible for music video - screencap

Or is it the other way around?

Could Vampire Weekend be trying to tell me something? A just-launched music video for the indie rock band's new single Diane Young features what looks like a pretty mint black Saab 900 Turbo Convertible being torched in slow-motion. In fact, with the exception of a brief, flickering cameo by a 900 three-door of a similar vintage, that's all that there is to the nearly three-minute long video. It's both sad and oddly beautiful.

Coincidentally, I have a similar-looking turbocharged black Saab convertible sitting in my garage, and I've been reluctantly pondering its sale this very week. Admittedly, mine is a later model (2001 9-3 Viggen), but tri-spokes and more tapered rump aside, it looks eerily identical. And while mine isn't mired in flames (I love it too much to torch it), through no fault of its own, it's been sitting motionless far too regularly. Thankfully, I see a better future for it than the droptop seen above.

So, what's the deal? Did VW lead vocalist Ezra Koenig have a Saab love affair that went bad, leading to this conflagration of music video? Is he unhappy about the fate of the perennially troubled Swedish automaker? Or did he and the band just figure that the video below was an attention-grabbing/artsy and inexpensive way to put promote their forthcoming album, Modern Vampires of the City? The world might never know...

Continue reading Vampire Weekend burns for Saab

Vampire Weekend burns for Saab originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> diane youngezra koenigmodern vampires of the citymusic videosaabsaab 900saab 900 convertiblevampire weekendvideo Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20513371/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20513371/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/vampire-weekend-burns-for-saab/20513371/article-detail.xml 20513371 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vampire-weekend-saab-900-convertible-torched_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vampire-weekend-saab-900-convertible-torched.jpg <![CDATA[The Saab 9-3 that never was finally shows up]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/the-saab-9-3-that-never-was-finally-shows-up/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/the-saab-9-3-that-never-was-finally-shows-up/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/the-saab-9-3-that-never-was-finally-shows-up/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Saab 9-3 Phoenix platform design study - front three-quarter view

Looking back on the life and [slow and painful] death of Saab, it's impossible to not stop and think of what might have been with the quirky Swedish automaker. As it turns out, SaabsUnited has decided to shed some light on what the company's future might have looked like, including some images and information that include full-scale mockups of the 9-3 Phoenix, which you see above.

In its waning years, Saab's lead designer Jason Castriota was working feverishly to deliver new products that built on the heritage of the brand while doing so at a lower cost and in a shorter time period than previous models. In the end, though, it sounds like the earliest that we could have seen any of these plans come to fruition was 2014. In addition to hatchback and convertible 9-3 variants, Castriota also created the Sonnett - a sporty-looking 2+2 that never made it past the design study phase.

Regardless of whether you're a diehard fan of the brand or if you were just pulling for the underdog, you'll want to head on over to SaabsUnited to check out a little more of what the future could have held for Saab.

The Saab 9-3 that never was finally shows up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 saab 9-39-3jason castriotaphoenixsaabsaab 9-3 phoenixsaab concept carsaab sonettsonett Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473314/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/the-saab-9-3-that-never-was-finally-shows-up/20473314/article-detail.xml 20473314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/saab-9-3-phoenix_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/saab-9-3-phoenix.jpg <![CDATA[Grainy leaked images show stillborn Castriota-designed Saab 9-3]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/grainy-leaked-images-show-stillborn-castriota-designed-saab-9-3/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/grainy-leaked-images-show-stillborn-castriota-designed-saab-9-3/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/grainy-leaked-images-show-stillborn-castriota-designed-saab-9-3/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Grainy image of next-gen Saab 9-3 hatchback design attributed to Jason Castriota - rear three-quarter view

The Saab faithful are going to be playing the "what if" game for years to come. It's one of the burdens of being a fan of a dead brand. A fresh batch of grainy 9-3 Phoenix images have made their way online, alleged shots of a design proposal penned by none other than Jason Castriota. The five-door looks to feature an honest liftback, though SaabsUnited.com says this particular vehicle was drawn up as part of a business plan in early 2011. As such, Castriota apparently told the site the final product was to look much more athletic than what we see here. While the low-resolution images make it difficult to tell much about the design, we certainly appreciate the familiar roofline, full band taillamps and the contrasting rear spoiler reminiscent of the old Saab 99 and 900 ducktails.

Unfortunately, we know all too well why this creation never saw the light of day. Would-be savior Victor Muller couldn't quite pull Saab out of its nosedive, and the company fell into bankruptcy before the 9-3 Phoenix could get off the ground. There's talk of the Phoenix platform and Saab brand having new life in other markets as EVs and even as gas cars, but the model seen here will likely never see production - let alone North American showrooms.

You can take a closer look at SverigesRadio.se - just make sure to have your translator ready if you don't speak Swedish.

Grainy leaked images show stillborn Castriota-designed Saab 9-3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jason castriotaphoenixsaabsaab 9-3saab 9-3 phoenix Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448079/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/04/grainy-leaked-images-show-stillborn-castriota-designed-saab-9-3/20448079/article-detail.xml 20448079 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/02-saab-9-3-phoenix-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/02-saab-9-3-phoenix-628.jpg <![CDATA[Saab 9-3 production to start in China in 2013 [UPDATE]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/saab-9-3-production-to-start-in-china-in-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/saab-9-3-production-to-start-in-china-in-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/saab-9-3-production-to-start-in-china-in-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Saab 9-3 ePower factory

We knew that National Electric Vehicle Sweden planned to restart production of the last-gen Saab 9-3 at some point in the future, we just didn't know exactly when, or exactly where. As it turns out, the answers to those questions are soon, and China.

Though NEVS had initially said it will build vehicles in Sweden before shipping them to China, the latest report from Autocar suggests that the cars will instead be built right in Quingdao starting later in 2013. That's right, this calendar year. Also on the docket is a followup electric version of the 9-3, which is slated to come to market in 2014 in an effort to satiate China's wish that there be half a million EVs silently filling its streets within the next two years.

NEVS wants to be part of the EV solution, but it's not going to be easy. Naturally, if these cars are to be built in China, a factory has to be located or built, tooling needs to be in place, workers need to be hired and trained and a lengthy trail of paperwork has to be signed off by the government before even the well-known gasoline-powered 9-3 can be a reality, let along the unknown quantity that is the 9-3 ePower.

In other words... Må kraften vara med dig, NEVS.

*UPDATE: We were contacted by the brains behind saabsunited.com, who claims production will indeed be in Trollhättan, Sweden, as previously reported. Cars will be exported to China until maximum capacity is reached, at which point, possibly by 2015, production in China will begin in earnest. This version of the story makes much more sense...

Saab 9-3 production to start in China in 2013 [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 9-39-3 ePowerchinanational electric vehicle swedennevsquingdaosaab Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20431425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20431425/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/saab-9-3-production-to-start-in-china-in-2013/20431425/article-detail.xml 20431425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/saab-9-3-epower-factory_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/saab-9-3-epower-factory.jpg <![CDATA[NEVS to build new Saab models in China's Qingdao]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/nevs-to-build-new-saab-models-in-chinas-qingdao/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/nevs-to-build-new-saab-models-in-chinas-qingdao/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/nevs-to-build-new-saab-models-in-chinas-qingdao/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Saab Emblem

National Electric Vehicle Sweden has officially signed a deal with Qingdao Qingbo Investment Company that will see the NEVS build EVs in Qingdao, China. The move is the first step on the road toward eventually selling vehicles in China. Reuters reports that the Chinese company has agreed to invest $307.33 million, after which point Qingdao Qingbo will receive 22 percent of the NEVS shares. Currently, there's no word on exactly when the funds and shares will change hands, but the Swedish automaker has previously said it fully intends to launch its first EV by early 2014.

NEVS has also made waves about potentially building a version of the old Saab 9-3 with a traditional internal combustion driveline. Currently, the manufacturer says it plans to ship the vehicles it builds in Sweden to the Qingdao port and distribute them to the rest of China from there. Later down the line, a manufacturing facility in Qingdao will supply the country with Chinese-built Saab models.

NEVS to build new Saab models in China's Qingdao originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> national electic vehicle swedennevsqingdaoqingdao qingboqingdao qingbo investment companysaab Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20423829/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20423829/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/nevs-to-build-new-saab-models-in-chinas-qingdao/20423829/article-detail.xml 20423829 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/saab-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/saab-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Deal brokered to get Saab warranty service honored at GM dealers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/24/deal-brokered-to-get-saab-warranty-service-honored-at-gm-dealers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/24/deal-brokered-to-get-saab-warranty-service-honored-at-gm-dealers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/24/deal-brokered-to-get-saab-warranty-service-honored-at-gm-dealers/#comments Filed under: ,



When Pontiac, Hummer and Saturn were killed off, at least current owners never had to question where they would have to take their vehicle in case it needed to be serviced. The same couldn't be said for Saab owners... until now. General Motors and Saab Automobile Parts North America (the remaining entity of the bankrupted automaker) have signed an agreement that provides 179 service centers to current Saab owners to receive factory-trained technicians and official Saab replacement parts.

These warranty service providers will have all the tools, training and parts to maintain and repair Saab vehicles, and they will also have access to a technical assistance center for the technicians. Next year, SPNA will also set up a customer assistance center, which will likely be most useful in helping current owners find repair shows, as well as a program called Saab Secure to give added service support to owners of late model (2010 and 2011 model year) Saab vehicles. Finally, to make sure customers have a sufficient parts supply to keep their cars on the road, SPNA operates out of a 153,000 square foot warehouse in Michigan that has the ability to ship more than 3,000 parts orders per day.

GM's official press release on the agreement is posted after the jump.

Continue reading Deal brokered to get Saab warranty service honored at GM dealers

Deal brokered to get Saab warranty service honored at GM dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> general motorsgmsaabsaab automobile parts absaab automobile parts north americasaab dealerssaab servicesaab warrantysaab warranty service proivders Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20409833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20409833/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/24/deal-brokered-to-get-saab-warranty-service-honored-at-gm-dealers/20409833/article-detail.xml 20409833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/13-2011-saab-9-4x-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/13-2011-saab-9-4x-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Rare 9-5 SportCombi, 9-4X models being sold off in Saab asset auction]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/rare-9-5-sportcombi-9-4x-models-being-sold-off-in-saab-asset-au/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/rare-9-5-sportcombi-9-4x-models-being-sold-off-in-saab-asset-au/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/rare-9-5-sportcombi-9-4x-models-being-sold-off-in-saab-asset-au/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Saab lovers take notice. Swedish auction house KVD has some ultra rare Saab products on the block, and we're not talking about a 1950s Saab 92. Up for auction are a bunch of low-mileage Saab models being sold off as part of the bankrupted automaker's assets. Included in the lot of cars are models like the 2012 9-5 SportCombi (above), the 2012 9-4X (shown below) and even a 9-5 sedan driven by Victor Muller himself.

Discovered by PistonHeads, this Saab auction has numerous 9-5 SportCombi and 9-4X models, which should prove to be very rare cars. Only a small number of 9-4Xs were ever sold, and Saab closed up shop before the 9-5 SportCombi could even go on sale here. In addition to the rarity, many of the cars have fewer than 10 miles on their odometers and seemingly low reserve prices; a 9-4X 3.0 XWD Premium with just six miles has a current bid of 180,000 Swedish Krona (just over $27,000 USD) that has already met the reserve price. Some of the cars still have the protective factory shipping tape covering up the interior and exterior.

Other than the rare SportCombis and 9-4Xs being auctioned off, there's also a sharp 2012 9-3 Cabriolet with 11 miles on the clock and a V8-powered 2006 Saab 9-7X with just 3,003 miles.

Rare 9-5 SportCombi, 9-4X models being sold off in Saab asset auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 9-3 cabriolet9-4x9-5 sedan9-5 sportcombi9-7xauctionssaabsaab bank Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391967/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391967/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/rare-9-5-sportcombi-9-4x-models-being-sold-off-in-saab-asset-au/20391967/article-detail.xml 20391967 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2012-saab-9-5-sportcombi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2012-saab-9-5-sportcombi.jpg <![CDATA[Saab owner may speed up relaunch with gas-powered 9-3]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/saab-owner-may-speed-up-relaunch-with-gas-powered-2013-9-3/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/saab-owner-may-speed-up-relaunch-with-gas-powered-2013-9-3/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/saab-owner-may-speed-up-relaunch-with-gas-powered-2013-9-3/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Saab 9-3

National Electric Vehicle Sweden, the new owner of Saab, has good news for you if you happened to miss out on picking up a 9-3 before the company plummeted through bankruptcy. Automotive News Europe reports NEVS may offer a gasoline-powered 9-3 in 2013. That move would effectively step up the brand's re-launch plan by a full year. Originally, the company planned to introduce an electric vehicle in 2014, but NEVS is currently investigating ways to start production next summer using "a 9-3 with a traditional powertrain" in order to generate more cash for the electrification effort.

NEVS purchased Saab earlier this year with the intent of resurrecting the brand with a fully electric product portfolio. The new EVs would theoretically ride on the Saab Phoenix platform and be manufactured at the automaker's plant in Trollhattan, Sweden. The report of a resurrected gasoline model came courtesy of Mikael Oestlund, a company spokesperson familiar with the company's workings.

Saab owner may speed up relaunch with gas-powered 9-3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 9-3national electric vehicle swedennevssaab Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20384654/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20384654/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/21/saab-owner-may-speed-up-relaunch-with-gas-powered-2013-9-3/20384654/article-detail.xml 20384654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/saab-9-3-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/saab-9-3-628.jpg <![CDATA[NEVS mulling electric Saab 9-3 convertible, looking for engine partners, too]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/nevs-mulling-electric-saab-9-3-convertible-looking-for-engine-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/nevs-mulling-electric-saab-9-3-convertible-looking-for-engine-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/nevs-mulling-electric-saab-9-3-convertible-looking-for-engine-p/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Do you believe in reincarnation? Like how we hope that, maybe, all of our hard work as auto writers will result in an eventual return as a swarm of beautiful butterflies. If you are a Saab fan, the equivalent could be this bit of news: The 9-3 Convertible may rise again, as an electric vehicle.

Word comes from the Dutch version of Autoweek that Chinese entity National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) has indicated that it will bring an electric version of the 9-3 Convertible to market in the next 18 months. The EV droptop would first debut in the Chinese market, but could expand, as could the lineup to other 9-3 variants, such as the sedan and SportCombi. A NEVS spokesperson has stated, "NEVS basically no doors holds." We're not sure if that's the spokesperson or the translation from the Dutch report, but you get the gist.

NEVS also indicated that conventionally powered versions of the 9-3 could be produced as well. The internal combustion engines could be the originally intended General Motors engines. Regardless of powerplant, we would be very eager to see Saab return, potentially as an EV to boot!

NEVS mulling electric Saab 9-3 convertible, looking for engine partners, too originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 9-39-3 convertiblenational electric vehicle swedennevssaabsaab 9-3 convertible Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378935/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378935/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/14/nevs-mulling-electric-saab-9-3-convertible-looking-for-engine-p/20378935/article-detail.xml 20378935 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/saab-9-3-convertible-independence-edition-0-1352838990_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/saab-9-3-convertible-independence-edition-0-1352838990.jpeg <![CDATA[Saab's Victor Muller wanted to nix Griffin, return to airplane emblem]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/saabs-victor-muller-wanted-to-nix-griffin-return-to-airplane-e/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/saabs-victor-muller-wanted-to-nix-griffin-return-to-airplane-e/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/saabs-victor-muller-wanted-to-nix-griffin-return-to-airplane-e/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Saab Emblem

According to Just-Auto.com Victor Muller wasn't a fan of the Saab Griffin logo. The executive was quoted as saying he wanted to "abolish" the Griffin logo and return to the airplane emblem. Muller made it clear that if he'd had his way, the propeller would have replaced the Griffin across the Saab lineup long ago.

National Electric Vehicle Sweden, the company that recently bought Saab, was forced to abandon the Griffin logo due to the fact that the emblem is still used by truck manufacturer Scania. The manufacturer is reportedly concerned about potential Chinese counterfeiting - NEVS is owned by Youngman, a Chinese automaker - though it's unclear how that relationship would lead to illegal copies.

Either way, NEVS has said the loss of the Griffin logo isn't that important to the company so long as it can continue to build on the Saab name. Muller, meanwhile, said he wishes NEVS luck in the company's electric-vehicle endeavor, but that he doesn't understand its new business model.

Saab's Victor Muller wanted to nix Griffin, return to airplane emblem originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> griffengriffen logonational electric vehicle swedennevssaabscaniavictor muller Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20344114/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20344114/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/saabs-victor-muller-wanted-to-nix-griffin-return-to-airplane-e/20344114/article-detail.xml 20344114 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/saab-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/saab-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM denies Spyker claims in $3B Saab lawsuit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/gm-denies-spyker-claims-in-3b-saab-lawsuit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/gm-denies-spyker-claims-in-3b-saab-lawsuit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/gm-denies-spyker-claims-in-3b-saab-lawsuit/#comments Filed under: , , ,

GMReuters reports General Motors has dismissed claims by Spyker outlined in a $3 billion lawsuit. Spyker alleged GM deliberately bankrupted Saab by preventing a deal with Chinese investor Zhejiang Youngman Lotus. GM, meanwhile, filed a response with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan saying that as the former owner of Saab, GM had the legal right to approve the deal with Youngman. But Spyker's lawsuit claimed GM's refusal to approve the deal with Youngman stemmed from the fact that the American automaker didn't want to create a competitor in China.

GM has said the issue stemmed more from the fact that it would stop licensing its technology to Saab or stop building vehicles for the manufacturer in the event it was bought by Youngman. Since Saab built its own platform that didn't use any GM tech, Spyker says that argument is meritless.

The lawsuit has Spyker seeking $3 billion in compensatory damages, though that number could swell with interest, punitive damages and legal fees, as well. Victor Muller, Spyker chief executive, has said the lawsuit is being funded by an anonymous third party. That party will share in any settlement. Youngman has refused to comment on whether or not it's footing the legal bill.

GM denies Spyker claims in $3B Saab lawsuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> general motorsgmlawsuitsaabspykerspyker lawsuityoungman Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20338162/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20338162/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/02/gm-denies-spyker-claims-in-3b-saab-lawsuit/20338162/article-detail.xml 20338162 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gm-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gm-250.jpg <![CDATA[NEVS completes Saab purchase, earns right to brand name but not griffin badge]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/03/nevs-completes-saab-purchase-earns-right-to-brand-name-but-not/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/03/nevs-completes-saab-purchase-earns-right-to-brand-name-but-not/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/03/nevs-completes-saab-purchase-earns-right-to-brand-name-but-not/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Saab griffin emblem

According to the Associated Press, a Hong Kong-based concern is close to building new Saab models. After some delays, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) has completed the purchase of bankrupt Swedish automaker Saab.

NEVS says it plans to debut an electric vehicle in about 18 months. When the car comes to market, it will wear the Saab name, but not the marque's well-known griffin logo. Reuters reports that the company will produce EVs based on the Saab 9-3 platform, with intentions to sell these vehicles primarily in the Chinese market. Due to the continued use of the distinctive griffin head logo by commercial truckmaker Scania and the Saab aerospace group, NEVS was only granted access to the Saab name, not its emblem.

At the moment, it is unclear if the 9-3 architecture to which NEVS is referring is that of the now-defunct model or the new Phoenix architecture whose rights were recently purchased by Chinese automaker Youngman from previous Saab owner Spyker.

NEVS completes Saab purchase, earns right to brand name but not griffin badge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 9-3griffinnational electric vehicle swedennevssaabsaab dealsaab evspyker Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20315173/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20315173/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/03/nevs-completes-saab-purchase-earns-right-to-brand-name-but-not/20315173/article-detail.xml 20315173 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/saab-logo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/saab-logo-628.jpg <![CDATA[What brands have Saab owners defected to? Polk investigates]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/what-brands-have-saab-owners-defected-to-polk-investigates/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/what-brands-have-saab-owners-defected-to-polk-investigates/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/what-brands-have-saab-owners-defected-to-polk-investigates/#comments Filed under: ,

Polk chart on Saab owner defections

When a brand goes belly-up, it's natural for analysts to wonder where that brand's consumers will turn. General Motors has mothballed more car brands the last decade than most other automakers' have in their entire portfolios, so "Where did [insert brand here] buyers go?" has been a common question asked of The General. According to reports, it didn't do so well at retaining Oldsmobile owners (who supposedly went to Hyundai), or Hummer and Saturn buyers, but did get some return love from Pontiac owners.

A consultant with Polk has turned the loyalty lens on Saab. The Polk Disposal Loyalty Methodology tracks owners selling vehicles within six months of buying a new one. In 2010 and 2011, Polk found that when Saab died, owners went right up the middle of the mainstream to Honda. It was close, though, with just 0.2 percent separating Honda from number two Volkswagen. Audi comes in third.

After that it's back to the masses with Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford trumping import luxury brands. And if you combine all of the General Motors brands that Saab owners have migrated to, GM more than doubles Honda with a 15.2-percent share, so all the love is not lost.

What brands have Saab owners defected to? Polk investigates originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buying patternscar buyingpolkrl polksaabsaab bankruptcysaab buyer Sun, 02 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20311181/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20311181/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/02/what-brands-have-saab-owners-defected-to-polk-investigates/20311181/article-detail.xml 20311181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/saabdefections_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/saabdefections.jpg <![CDATA[Spyker and Youngman sign deal, plan to build D8 SUV and Phoenix-based range]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/spyker-and-youngman-sign-deal-plan-to-build-d8-suv-and-phoenix/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/spyker-and-youngman-sign-deal-plan-to-build-d8-suv-and-phoenix/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/spyker-and-youngman-sign-deal-plan-to-build-d8-suv-and-phoenix/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Spyker SSUV concept - studio view - front three-quarter view

It appears Spyker is strengthen its ties and carmaking ability with Chinese carmaker Youngman. This comes in the wake of the brand's latest dealings with a $3 billion lawsuit against General Motors regarding the demise of Saab.

Youngman is reportedly investing €10,000,000 ($12.5M USD) for a 29.9-percent stake in the company. The shares are being sold for €0.05 (6.3 cents) each, representing a fully diluted share. Youngman has said it will not take on more than the 29.9-percent stake.

Additionally, Youngman will invest €25,000,000 ($31M) for the development of an all-new Spyker vehicle, called the D8 P2P, named for the Peking-to-Paris rally. The vehicle had been shown as a concept by Spyker previously, but things had been quiet since then. It appears Spyker will now build the uniquely styled D8 Concept shown above. The vehicle is to launch at the end of 2014 and carry a price of $250,000 per vehicle.

It also appears a second car range will be built, based on the Phoenix platform. Though Saab may have, for all intents and purposes, gone under, Spyker has transferred the licensing rights of the Phoenix platform (the architecture that was to underpin the next 9-3) to... itself. According to Youngman's CEO Pang Qingnian, "We have felt all along that a cooperation with Spyker had to be pursued, even after we both unjustifiably lost the opportunity to restructure Saab," he continued, "with this agreement, many of our original intentions with the Saab brand will take shape."

So while we continue to see the developments of Spyker's relationship with the Chinese automaker, it will be interesting to see just what vehicles develop under this deal - both for the Spyker brand as well as for Youngman.

Spyker and Youngman sign deal, plan to build D8 SUV and Phoenix-based range originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> d8 p2ppeking to parissaabsaab phoenixspykerspyker d8spyker d8 p2pspyker d8 peking to parisyoungman Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309709/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/27/spyker-and-youngman-sign-deal-plan-to-build-d8-suv-and-phoenix/20309709/article-detail.xml 20309709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/spykerd12large-630op_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/spykerd12large-630op.jpeg <![CDATA[BMW suing Saab Automobile Parts for $3.2M]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/bmw-suing-saab-automobile-parts-for-3-2m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/bmw-suing-saab-automobile-parts-for-3-2m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/bmw-suing-saab-automobile-parts-for-3-2m/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition - front three-quarter view

Saab might be all but dead, but that's not stopping automakers that were once involved with the Swedish brand from attempting to reclaim losses. According to a Fox Business report, BMW has filed a 2.6 million Euro suit ($3.2 million USD) with a Swedish district court against Saab Automobile Parts for deliveries that went unpaid.

In 2012, Saab Automobile AB signed an agreement BMW that would see the German automaker deliver four-cylinder gas engines for its 9-3 range.

The suit also asserts that Saab ordered a large number of spare parts, and no payments were made to BMW. At the time, Saab was far from liquid, and filed for bankruptcy in December of last year.

Though Saab was left with assets that totaled $500 million, the Swedish automaker's debts amounted to $2 billion, a part of which include the unpaid BMW deliveries.

According to the report, Lennart Stahl, CEO of Saab Automobile Parts AB has said "Our lawyers will now go through the lawsuit carefully and see if anything new has been added before we decide hat to do." This only adds to the fallout from the Saab closure. Recently, Saab's owner, Spyker filed suit with General Motors for $3 billion, claiming that the U.S. automaker, through its leadership, played a large part in bankrupting the brand.

BMW suing Saab Automobile Parts for $3.2M originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 4-cylinder9-3bailoutbmwchapter 11engineinline 4saab 9-3 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20308408/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20308408/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/bmw-suing-saab-automobile-parts-for-3-2m/20308408/article-detail.xml 20308408 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/saab-93_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/saab-93.jpeg -1 2