Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Despite selling off old bits to BAIC, Saab brand still in search of buyer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-despite-selling-off-old-bits-to-baic-saab-brand-still-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-despite-selling-off-old-bits-to-baic-saab-brand-still-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-despite-selling-off-old-bits-to-baic-saab-brand-still-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Saab 9-5 - click above for high-res image gallery

Here's a little bit more on the salvation/debacle of Saab. First of all, it should be pointed out that after our last report about Holland's Spyker trying to buy Saab, the freaks lovely people over at Saabs United pointed out some gaping holes in our reporting an inconsistency or two with the Reuters/our version of the facts. As such, we've gone ahead and vetted the information we're using for this post with the brain trust over at Saabs United. Hey, they really like Saabs, what can we say? And now, on to the story.

Automotive News is reporting that China's Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company (BAIC) has reached a deal with General Motors to acquire the tooling for both the Saab 9-3 and 9-5. Not so fast, says Saab's United! What they actually acquired is the tooling for the old 9-5, as well as the stuff for the pre-2006 9-3. Sort of a big difference, as obviously Saab's just getting geared up to roll out the all new 9-5 - and whomever winds up buying Saab will most likely want to offer both it and the existing 9-3 and its derivatives. Spyker's CEO Victor Muller confirms the BAIC deal is for "old equipment" and goes on to characterize the BAIC deal as, "Good news."

Then there's a bunch of no commenting. Obviously, General Motors has no comment on anything, though they do say that once a deal is reached they will say something. As far as we can tell, the pending Spyker deal is still a definite maybe. BAIC could not be reached to make a "no comment," and Saab's Eric Geer's stated, "We can't comment on anything about the sales process." Though our Saabs United source does provide us with a juicy tidbit, "[Geer's] wife is Saab's head legal counsel so he's like the canary in the coal mine. If he ever resigns suddenly..."

So there you have it - Saab's future is still totally up in the air. Though our source says that in addition to the 9-5 sedan, there's a 9-5 wagon (SportCombi) that's "pretty much ready to go" as well as the 9-4x which has, "been ready for about a year but Caddy had to get the SRX out first." Plus, a new 9-3 is being worked on. And one more thing - Saabs United is reporting that a Swedish group (not Renco) is also in talks with GM, in addition to the Spyker deal. We'll keep you posted.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5


[Source: Automotive News - subs req. | Saabs United]

REPORT: Despite selling off old bits to BAIC, Saab brand still in search of buyer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Saab 9-32010 Saab 9-3x2010 Saab 9-52010Saab9-32010Saab9-3x2010Saab9-59-39-4x9-5BAICGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMRencoSaabSaab 9-3Saab 9-4xSaab 9-5Saab 9-5 Wagonsaab saleSaab9-3Saab9-4xSaab9-5Saab9-5WagonSaabs UnitedSaabSaleSaabsUnitedSportcombiSpykerswedish automakerSwedishAutomakerMon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Saab dealers 'running out of cars']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-saab-dealers-running-out-of-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-saab-dealers-running-out-of-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-saab-dealers-running-out-of-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

With new vehicle production at a trickle, and its dealer network slashed by a third, retailers of the Saab brand are finding inventory shrinking to drought levels. Some of the remaining dealers may even run out of new vehicles before replacements arrive.

Point the blame towards the pending sale of Saab to Koenigsegg Automotive AB, and the fact that an all-new Saab 9-5 model is still sitting on the horizon. With the transaction still not complete, financial limitations have kept new vehicle production low. In addition, the Swedish assembly plant tasked to build the new 9-5 sedan is in the process of retooling. "When we close the deal and change owners we can start producing again for real as we then will have financing," Eric Geers, a Saab spokesman told Bloomberg.

Even if the deal with Koenigsegg closes as planned, the 2010 Saab 9-5 (the company's first all-new car in seven years) won't hit European showrooms until early next year. U.S. dealers will likely have to wait even longer, starving as the last of their dwindling inventory rolls away.


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Saab dealers 'running out of cars' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Saab2010 saab 9-52010Saab2010Saab9-59-5dealer networkDealerNetworkdealersinventorykoenigseggkoenigsegg saabKoenigseggSaabpendingplant closurePlantClosureProductionretoolingSaab 9-5Saab9-5saleSwedishTue, 17 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Koenigsegg reportedly rejects 81 out of 218 U.S. Saab dealers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/koenigsegg-reportedly-rejects-81-out-of-218-u-s-saab-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/koenigsegg-reportedly-rejects-81-out-of-218-u-s-saab-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/koenigsegg-reportedly-rejects-81-out-of-218-u-s-saab-dealers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Automotive News, Federal Express letters arrived at 81 of Saab's 218 dealers on Thursday stating that their franchises had not been selected to move forward and become a dealer for the post-sale entity, Saab Cars North America. The package from General Motors said that Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg, Saab's buyer, had selected only certain stores based on its business plan requiring strong, well-located dealers showing profits and high volume.

All Saab dealers signed termination agreements in June when GM entered bankruptcy. The dealers who received reject letters today will follow the terms of those agreements. Meanwhile, the remaining 137 U.S. Saab dealers will have to wait patiently until the end of November when the sale is scheduled to close (although those close to the deal say it may take longer). Current Saab dealer contracts with GM will not expire until October 2010, at which point the remaining dealers will sign new franchise agreements with Saab Cars North America.


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Koenigsegg reportedly rejects 81 out of 218 U.S. Saab dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 saab 9-3X2010 saab 9-52010 saab 952010Saab9-3x2010Saab9-52010Saab95BankruptcyDealersGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsgm saleGmSaleKoenigseggRetailersSaabSaleFri, 13 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Saab developing hybrid powertrain for upcoming 9-5 ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-saab-developing-hybrid-powertrain-for-upcoming-9-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-saab-developing-hybrid-powertrain-for-upcoming-9-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-saab-developing-hybrid-powertrain-for-upcoming-9-5/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Saab 9-5 sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've already heard about the five engine options slated for the Saab 9-5 upon its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Apparently, there's plenty more on the horizon in the coming years, including Saab's first production hybrid powertrain. According to Autocar, the hybrid system will match diesel fuel economy numbers while providing lower emissions and competitive performance.

It seems Saab will pair an electric motor with excellent torque characteristics right from idle with a highly-tuned 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 120 horsepower. That gasoline-fed powerplant should be able to manage good power at higher engine speeds, making for adequate overall acceleration across the rev range.

If there's any truth to this rumor, Saab is planning to use a relatively small battery pack that's not expected to power the car for long periods of time. Pricing information isn't yet known, but the Swedish automaker is said to want to undercut upcoming hybrids from its German competition.


Gallery: Saab 9-5 Sedan

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[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Saab developing hybrid powertrain for upcoming 9-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 saab 9-52010 saab 9-5 hybrid2010Saab9-52010Saab9-5Hybrid9-5 hybrid9-5Hybridgreensaabsaab 9-5saab 9-5 hybridsaab hybridSaab9-5Saab9-5HybridSaabHybridFri, 11 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[ Saab spills at least a few beans about its forthcoming 9-5 [w/new pics]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/saab-spills-at-least-a-few-beans-about-its-forthcoming-9-5-w-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/saab-spills-at-least-a-few-beans-about-its-forthcoming-9-5-w-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/saab-spills-at-least-a-few-beans-about-its-forthcoming-9-5-w-n/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been about a month since a batch of photos of the new 2010 Saab 9-5 showed up online thanks to a leaky German magazine. With only three weeks to go until the Frankfurt Motor Show, Saab has just dropped a press release and a fresh batch of images of its new flagship. With a profile that will be immediately recognizable to Saab fans of yore, the new 9-5 sedan moves to General Motors' new Epsilon II platform along with the Opel Insignia and Buick LaCrosse - despite the fact that Saab is in the midst of divorcing GM in favor of a relationship with Swedish supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg.

Sticking with another Saab tradition and reinforcing a growing industry-wide trend, all available engines in the 9-5 will be turbocharged, ranging from a 1.6-liter gas four banger to the 2.8-liter V-6 found in the 9-3 Turbo-X and the new Cadillac SRX crossover. The two engines available from day one will both be 2.0-liter four-cylinders - one running on gas, the other diesel. The petrol 2.0-liter will later get a flex-fuel E85 option as well. The 2.0-liter gas and BioPower engines as well as the 300 horsepower 2.8-liter V6 will also get the Haldex XWD ('Cross-Wheel Drive') all wheel drive system.

Perhaps drawing on the company's admittedly shopworn 'Born From Jets' slogan, options for the new 9-5 will include a heads-up display (dubbed 'Pilot HUD'), as well as 'DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control,' three-zone HVAC, and bi-level Xenon headlamps. Interestingly, the 9-5 will get a keyless entry/start feature, but in order to honor tradition, the start button will be between the seats (where the ignition key cylinder was traditionally located). Check out the new images in the top gallery below and the press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 Leaked Again


[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Saab spills at least a few beans about its forthcoming 9-5 [w/new pics]

Saab spills at least a few beans about its forthcoming 9-5 [w/new pics] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 saab 9-52010 saab 952010Saab9-52010Saab959-5frankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowsaabsaab 9-5Saab9-5trollhattanThu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Saab shows off its 9-5 in full high-res glory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/pics-aplenty-saab-shows-off-its-9-5-in-full-high-res-glory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/pics-aplenty-saab-shows-off-its-9-5-in-full-high-res-glory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/pics-aplenty-saab-shows-off-its-9-5-in-full-high-res-glory/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It didn't take long for the floodgates of official pictures to open after the first set of leaked images gave us an early glimpse at the new 2010 Saab 9-5 inside and out. Just as before, we're cautiously optimistic that this attractive sedan (though it's appearance is certainly polarizing to many) will look as good in the flesh as it does in pictures. In this latest round of images, we get a better look at many of the new 9-5's most interesting details, including its pronounced grille and fascia, multi-hued side mirrors, full-length LED brake lighting and bottom-edge J-shaped chrome trim.

Inside, we see the expected cockpit-style dash layout, though with a more modern take on the classic Swedish design. Of course, there's a console-mounted ignition button and mellow green-tinted interior lighting, but we also note quite a few interesting textures and patterns to break up the otherwise somber-looking monotony of dark colors. Check out our gallery below and hold tight for the official details and specifications from Saab, which should be on their way in short order considering that the dam is crumbling at such an alarming rate.


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 Leaked Again


[Source: Auto Motor and Sport]

Pics Aplenty: Saab shows off its 9-5 in full high-res glory originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 saab 9-52010 saab 9-5 leak2010 saab 952010Saab9-52010Saab9-5Leak2010Saab95saabsaab 9-5saab 95Saab9-5Saab95Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Is this the new Saab 9-5?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/rendered-speculation-is-the-new-saab-9-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/rendered-speculation-is-the-new-saab-9-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/rendered-speculation-is-the-new-saab-9-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Saabs United procured some rendered versions of the coming Saab 9-5 that are purportedly from Saab itself. While computer renderings must be viewed with a few packets of salt sprinkled on the screen, if you compare the 9-5 sedan render with a spy shot of the rear end of the actual car, the similarities look promising.

The wagon rendering is simply too brutally sexy to be believed, and so -- only in order not to have our hopes dashed -- we refuse to believe it. If Saab did have the gumption to design such a car, and Koenigsegg does have the wherewithal to properly market it, then we might just have a proper Swedish car company on our hands again. The 9-5 sedan arrives at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show and goes on sale this year, with the wagon following next year.

[Source: Saabs United via Autoblog.nl]

Rendered Speculation: Is this the new Saab 9-5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 saab2010 saab 9-52010Saab2010Saab9-59-5estatefrankfurt auto showFrankfurtAutoShowrendered speculationRenderedSpeculationsaabsaab 9-5saab 9-5 wagonSaab9-5Saab9-5Wagonsaloonsedanspy shotsSpyShotswagonMon, 29 Jun 2009 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Saab 9-5 still coming despite brand's hardship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/09/spy-shots-saab-9-5-still-coming-despite-brands-hardship/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/09/spy-shots-saab-9-5-still-coming-despite-brands-hardship/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/09/spy-shots-saab-9-5-still-coming-despite-brands-hardship/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

An eagle-eyed spy shooter hiding behind the bushes somewhere in Europe managed to capture a trio of next-gen Saab 9-5 hatchbacks wearing a bit less camouflage than we've seen in the past. For the first time, we can see the new Swedish beauty's front and rear light clusters, along with what appears to be a gently sloping rear hatchback shape.

Besides getting an idea of the car's general shape, these shots seem to indicate the next 9-5 will be much larger than the car it replaces. We also hear, though you can't see it in any of these shots, that the ignition switch will be replaced by a push-button starter located in the console between the two front seats - just as Thor himself intended.

There's not much else of interest to be gleaned from these shots unless you really have a thing for LED light clusters, so the real important bit of information to take away is that Saab is indeed at work testing its next-gen range-topper model for a release sometime before the end of the year, despite the uncertainty surrounding the brand's future.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-5 still coming despite brand's hardship originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 May 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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