Autoblog

Saab to build three all-new models with its two new Chinese partners

Zach Bowman — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Saab

Saab finally has some good news to share with the world. The Swedish automaker has announced that it has inked formal, legally binding deals with both Pang Da and Youngman. The only thing standing in the way of both agreements right now is approval by a host of regulatory bodies and government agencies. Moreover, Saab has also formed a conditional partnership with Youngman Passenger Car that will culminate in a new joint venture to produce three new models. The operation will be 50 percent owned by Saab with Youngman Passenger Car holding the keys to the remaining half.

Until now, the three new models weren't in Saab's product plan. The company says that the joint venture will help develop the 9-1, 9-6X and 9-7, though details are scarce at the moment. Comments made by Pang Qingnian, CEO of Youngman, point to the 9-6 and 9-7 as being geared toward the U.S. and Chinese markets while the 9-1 will be adapted more toward global tastes. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Continue reading Saab to build three all-new models with its two new Chinese partners

Saab to build three all-new models with its two new Chinese partners originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Saab 9-2 plans proceeding, design influenced by brand's '50s teardrop models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Saab, Design/Style

You wouldn't know it by looking at Saab's current automobiles, but once upon a time the Swedish marque was known for crafting almost impossibly rounded bodywork. Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars, which just completed its acquisition of the Saab brand, plans to reintroduce such teardrop-shaped emotion back into the automaker's line with a new vehicle codenamed 92, or in more modern parlance, 9-2.

Don't expect to see the small, premium 9-2 before 2013 or so, when it would theoretically go up against machines like the Mini and Audi A1. According to Autocar, Saab would likely borrow a suitable set of underpinnings from GM's Opel division, as is the case with the new 2011 Saab 9-5.

If Saab is able to get this new entry-level model into production as planned, its inclusion would no doubt go a long way towards reaching Muller's stated goal of hitting 100,000 total sales per year for the newly acquired automaker. That's not too big a stretch considering that the brand sold 93,220 cars as recently as 2008. We wish him, along with the rest of those with a stake in Saab, lots of luck.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Saab 9-2 plans proceeding, design influenced by brand's '50s teardrop models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Spyker would preserve Saab product plans, could sell own supercars in select dealers

Chris Paukert — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Concept Cars, GM, Saab, Spyker

2006 Saab Aero-X Concept - click above for high-res gallery

In a far-reaching interview with AOL Autos this morning, Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller revealed some interesting tidbits about his company's plan for Saab if they can successfully negotiate for its purchase from parent company General Motors.

In a product plan that sounds distinctly like those previously floated by Saab executives in Sweden, the Dutch supercar builder would have Saab rebuild its brand around the 9-3, new-for-2010 9-5, and the 9-4X crossover. An entry-level 9-1 model would not be a consideration, although Muller admits he'd still love to build a production version of 2006's celebrated Aero X concept (shown above). If Saab were to go that route, Spyker's experience in building low-volume supercars would clearly be an asset in bringing it to market.

In news that will surely be welcomed by Saab dealers and customers, Muller says Spyker has decided it would not pursue plans to winnow Saab's U.S. dealer network from 218 showrooms to 137. In fact, the Dutch businessman suggests that it would be reasonable to expect Spyker to sell its own cars within Saab showrooms in the future (they are presently distributed through Bentley and Lamborghini outlets). Down the road, Spyker's supercars could benefit from Saab's all-wheel drive expertise, among other things.

Naturally, all of this future product discussion will be moot if Spyker and its investors can't get GM to hand over the keys to the perennially embattled brand. A newly extended deadline for sales negotiations to be completed was set by GM on Wednesday, and we should know not long after January 7 what fate awaits the brand.

Gallery: Saab Aero-X concept

[Source: AOL Autos]

Report: Spyker would preserve Saab product plans, could sell own supercars in select dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: GM could rebadge the Saab 9-1 as a Saturn, Pontiac?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Buick, GM, Pontiac, Saab

We've learned a multitude of things working the automotive beat on the 'Net. Among them: the German press is great for rumors and GM will badge engineer damn near anything. A piece from Auto Motor und Sport lives up to both expectations, with a story saying that the impending arrival of the Saab 9-1 hatch in Geneva will spawn a Saturn derivative and possibly a Pontiac version. According to AMuS, The Saab is likely to be powered by a hybrid system soon after it's launched and the Saturn version could feature a removable roof between the A- and B-pillar. Other blatant speculation includes the possibility of a (God help us) Buick version. We're going to stop laughing and get back to work.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Rumormill: GM could rebadge the Saab 9-1 as a Saturn, Pontiac? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab shows off second 9-1 teaser ahead of Geneva

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Saab

Last week's release of a teaser showing the front end of the Saab 9-1 concept has been followed by the shot above procured by our friends at TrollhattanSaab. The cloaked profile pic answers one of the main questions we had, namely how Saab's designers decided to shape the rear hatch. It looks more upright than we would've assumed, which is a plus for both rear-seat headroom and cargo capacity.

The subtle rear wing looks like it integrates nicely into the roofline and, when compared to the 9x concept from way back in 2001, it looks like Saab is taking all the right cues from the Aero X.

Check the gallery below to compare the 9-1 to the 9x concept.

Gallery: Saab 9X Concept

[Source: TrollhattanSaab]

Saab shows off second 9-1 teaser ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Saab releases 9-1X teaser shot

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:13:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Saab

We've got to give GM props on this one, since, unlike other automakers, it's blacked-out teaser isn't nearly as susceptible to Photoshop trickery. Regardless, Saab put up the image above on its media site announcing what we already knew: the Saab 9-1X concept is coming to Geneva and it's going to take all the right cues from its bigger brothers. Although the head-on shot gives us some clues about the concept's wide stance and aggressive snout, what we really want to know is how the designers have shaped the rear hatch. While it's assumed that a sloping rear roofline will terminate into a bulbous back end, we've heard rumors that a large overhang will be fitted at the top of the roof to give a sort of reverse-ducktail. The Geneva Motor Show is fast approaching and we're looking forward to seeing how Saab plans to do battle with the Audi A3 and Volvo C30.

[Source: Saab]

Geneva '08 Preview: Saab releases 9-1X teaser shot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scratch London. Saab 9-1 concept bound for Geneva

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Saab

Saab has got its work cut out for it over the next few years, as it attempts to recreate itself - once again - by offering a slew of new products that will hopefully differentiate it from the rest of the General's line. The next ~~big~~ small thing from Saab is the 9-1 concept, which aims to compete with the BMW 1-series, the Audi A3 and Volvo's C30.

Originally, the 9-1 was supposed to make its debut at the London Motor Show, but Saab designer Anthony Lo divulged to Auto Motor Und Sport that the new hatch would be unveiled this March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Details about Saab's new compact offering are still scarce, but expect styling to be heavily influenced by the Aero X concept, with power provided by either a turbocharged 1.4-liter four or a BioPower mill.

[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport via World Car Fans]

Scratch London. Saab 9-1 concept bound for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI-killa: Saab 9-1 headed for London Motor Show

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Saab, Misc. Auto Shows

Could premium small cars be the next hot segment? Things appear to be heating up with the MINI being joined by the Volvo C30 and word of another Swede stepping into the fray. Saab will unveil its Delta platform-based 9-1 at the 2008 London Motor Show and it will be available for purchase in late 2009. Nondefinitive descriptors provided by Saab assure us that the 9-1 will be dramatically styled with an iconic shape. There had been some attention paid to a high-roof small CUV idea, but Saab asserts the 9-1 will be sporty in that Saab way, though it will have the functionality younger buyers are looking for.

Rather than pile on to the CUV segment, Saab could cash in some retro love and still make a very Saaby and useful car that doesn't put on truck airs. The Saab 99 of the 1970s could provide some inspiration for the 9-1, resulting in a car that doesn't occupy a lot of space, but can swallow a refrigerator. Look to the 9-3X and 9X for hints about what the car might actually look like.

[Source: Autocar]

MINI-killa: Saab 9-1 headed for London Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab talks up its forthcoming products

Alex Nunez — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Saab

There's plenty in store for Saab in the coming years, with a substantial revision of a current model, a new crossover, and a new entry range all in the works. Saab USA's GM, Steve Shannon, chatted up the editors at Inside Line to spill some of the beans. The 9-5 is slated for a complete redesign sometime between 2009 and 2012, where the car will get updated styling and a selection of new powertrains.

That same general time period will also see the introduction of a new crossover dubbed the 9-4X and a new entry model named the 9-1, the latter of which IL believes will target the Volvo C30. The look of all the new Saabs will be penned at GM's European design center, which spawned the awesome Aero X concept (above) whose influence has already been felt in the redesigned 9-3 range. Expect more Aero X-tinged goodness in terms of styling as new Saabs make their debuts in the coming years. Head over to Inside Line for additional details and speculation.

[Source: Inside Line]

Saab talks up its forthcoming products originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revitalization in Action posts dream Saab lineup

John Neff — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, Saab

click on image to enlarge

The GM Inside News forum members who conjured up a dream Buick lineup for their project titled Revitalization in Action have come back again with a turnaround plan for Saab. GMI member ChevroletRevived collaborated with fellow forum member fbodyrules, who supplied the Photoshop skills, to dream up a new line of Saabs on which the quirky Swedish brand should, in their opinion, adopt if it hopes to save itself from being sold or axed altogether.

The lineup includes a 9-1 small luxury vehicle along the lines of the Volvo C30 and Audi A3; a refreshened 9-3 with cues from the Aero X that allow the brand's volume seller to carry on another four years before an Epsilon II-based model is ready; a 9-4X small CUV that will compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Audi's upcoming Q5; a new 9-5 based on the Epsilon II platform (shown above); another version of the Lambda platform for the 9-7X replacement called the 9-6x; and finally a true luxury brand flagship in the new 9-9x sedan.

In true Saab form, the GMI guys have placed various turbo powerplants in all the models, ranging from the 1.8t in the 9-1 to the 480-hp, turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 in the 9-9x Aero. They also aim to keep Saab on the cutting edge by having GM offer its two-mode hybrid system in various models with the brand's BioPower motor that can run on gas or ethanol. Clearly a common design theme has been executed across this entire fictitious lineup that draws heavily from the Aero X concept, as well. Their designs are fetching, their product planning is thorough, and the end result is the most mainstream and attractive Saab lineup ever dreamed up. The question now is, will it remain a dream?

Follow the Read link to peruse the supposed future of Saab and let us know if you think these guys are on the right flight path or have totally veered off course.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Revitalization in Action posts dream Saab lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab to build 9-1?

Erin Mays — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hatchback, Saab

The next Saab model won't be a Sonnet redux as rumored. Instead, Inside Line reports, buyers should expect a compact designed to compete among the growing class of small premium hatchbacks - BMW's 1-Series, Audi's A3, the MINI Cooper and Volvo's coming S30.

The smallest of the Swedes will fill the gap created by the departure of the "Saabaru" 9-2x in 2007 (pictured), and will more than likely share its platform with the Opel Astra platform and the Saturn Ion. Look for hints of the Saab Aero-X in the Trollhattan-assembled design.

[Sources: Inside Line; Saab]

Saab to build 9-1? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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