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[BREAKING: Swedish Patient Succumbs - Deal for Saab is dead on the table, GM to wind down brand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/breaking-swedish-patient-succumbs-deal-for-saab-is-dead-on-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/breaking-swedish-patient-succumbs-deal-for-saab-is-dead-on-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/breaking-swedish-patient-succumbs-deal-for-saab-is-dead-on-th/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

After a protracted saga that has seen bidders drop in-and-out and old model tooling and assets sold off to the Chinese, the enigmatic brand known as Saab is dead. In a press release issued this morning, General Motors announced that the "intended sale of Saab Automobile AB would not be concluded." GM had been in talks with Dutch exoticmakers Spyker Cars after pursuing a number of other buyer leads (including the aborted sale with Koenigsegg), but The General says that in the course of due diligence, the resolution of certain unspecified issues became impossible in the time frame that they had set for themselves.

As such, GM will immediately begin the "wind down" of the much-loved yet perpetually unprofitable cult brand, but says it will continue to honor warranties and provide spare parts and service - presumably through other GM brand dealers - as Saab dealers go offline. Officials note that this is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation situation, so outstanding creditors should still expect to receive payment.

It is not clear what will happen to the production-ready 2010 9-5, nor the current 9-3/9-3X model and almost-ready 9-4X. Official death certificate available after the jump, historical slide show of the brand in photographs viewable below.


Gallery: Saab- A History in Pictures


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading BREAKING: Swedish Patient Succumbs - Deal for Saab is dead on the table, GM to wind down brand

BREAKING: Swedish Patient Succumbs - Deal for Saab is dead on the table, GM to wind down brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Saab 9-32010 Saab 9-3x2010 Saab 9-52010Saab9-32010Saab9-3x2010Saab9-59-39-4x9-5brand closingBrandClosingbreakingbreakingnewsGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMsaabSaab 9-3Saab 9-4xSaab 9-5Saab9-3Saab9-4xSaab9-5spykerwind-downwinddownwindownFri, 18 Dec 2009 09:36:00 EST<![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[BREAKING: Koenigsegg backs out of Saab purchase, brand future up in the air]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/breaking-koenigsegg-backs-out-of-saab-purchase-brand-future-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/breaking-koenigsegg-backs-out-of-saab-purchase-brand-future-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/breaking-koenigsegg-backs-out-of-saab-purchase-brand-future-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

After riding in on a white horse, Koenigsegg Group AB has pulled out of negotiations to buy Saab from General Motors, leaving the Swedish automaker's future very much in doubt. In a brief statement issued by GM (available after the jump), president and CEO Fritz Henderson says that the company is "very disappointed with the decision to pull out of the Saab purchase."

It is unclear what will happen to the brand now, but if Saab fans can hold on to any hope, GM says it will "take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week." It is worth noting that this is different from the brief announcement that GM issued when Roger Penske's group pulled out from buying Saturn - GM immediately announced that they would begin "winding down" the brand. There was at least one other serious bidder interested in purchasing Saab previous to Koenigsegg becoming the preferred purchaser, but it isn't immediately clear if they are still interested, or if their financial backing checked out to begin with.

We suspect that even if Saab is unable to survive as a brand, someone will step in and purchase the assets to the already tooled-up forthcoming 9-5 sedan - perhaps the Chinese - and potentially the newish 9-3/9-3X as well.


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading BREAKING: Koenigsegg backs out of Saab purchase, brand future up in the air

BREAKING: Koenigsegg backs out of Saab purchase, brand future up in the air originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-5breakingFritz HendersonFritzHendersonGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsKoenigseggSaabSaab 9-5Saab9-5Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:27:00 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[REPORT: BAIC/Koenigsegg may produce Saab 9-5 in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-baic-koenigsegg-may-produce-saab-9-5-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-baic-koenigsegg-may-produce-saab-9-5-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-baic-koenigsegg-may-produce-saab-9-5-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. (BAIC), announced as a minority partner in Koenigsegg's deal to purchase Saab from General Motors two months ago, plans to produce the Saab 9-5 on Chinese soil next year. The involvement of BAIC in the Saab transaction helps Koenigsegg close the deal and gives the Chinese company leverage to re-badge the previous-generation Saab 9-5 as its own or to simply expand the brand's existing reach within the country.

In September, Saab CEO Jan-Ake Jonsson told reporters he wanted to double the number of Chinese Saab dealers from 15 to 30, and that he had an interest in local Chinese production. "Beijing Auto is an opportunity for us to establish ourselves in the Chinese market with their experience," the CEO said. Under current plans, Saab imports all cars to China, where they're sold under the Shanghai General Motors network. Sales have been slow, but promoting the brand under the watchful eye of BAIC may help the brand gain traction in China's huge automotive market.

[Source: Gasgoo]

REPORT: BAIC/Koenigsegg may produce Saab 9-5 in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-5BAICBAIC SaabBaicSaabBeijing Automotive Industry Holding CoBeijingAutomotiveIndustryHoldingCoBejing AutoBejingAutoChinaInventoryJan-akeJonssonKoenigseggManufacturingPartnershipPrevious generationPreviousGenerationProductionSaabShanghai GM networkShanghaiGmNetworkSat, 07 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Saab 9-5 gets its SportCombi on]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/rendered-speculation-saab-9-5-gets-its-sportcombi-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/rendered-speculation-saab-9-5-gets-its-sportcombi-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/rendered-speculation-saab-9-5-gets-its-sportcombi-on/#commentsFiled under: ,

Opinions have been mixed over the overall shape of the new Saab 9-5. The detailing, as we found at the pivotal sedan's debut at the recently concluded Frankfurt show, takes the Swedish automaker's aerospace-inspired design to a new level of sophistication, but some believe that the silhouette cut by the sedan's form left something lacking. That could all be fixed, however, if the estate wagon comes out looking as slick as this rendering imagines.

Slated for debut in about a year from now, the 9-5 SportCombi, as Trollhattan calls its wagons, is scheduled to be the first new launch for Saab after leaving GM for Koenigsegg's management. Following the market debut of the sedan, the 9-5 wagon will precede the replacement for the smaller 9-3 and the anticipated new 9-4X crossover to give the Swedes a solid lineup to take on the likes of Audi and company. Engines are expected to include turbo fours displacing 1.6 liters and producing 178 horsepower, two liters with 217 hp and 2.8 liters with 296 hp; to be joined by a 158 hp two-liter turbodiesel and a reported turbocharged hybrid option. Saab's trick proprietary XWD traction system should be available across nearly the entire range.

With all that, plus Swedish practicality and what looks to be a slick wraparound rear windscreen, the next wagon from Scandinavia's quirky stepchild could be a real departure from the usual Saab story.

[Source: CAR Magazine]

Rendered Speculation: Saab 9-5 gets its SportCombi on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-59-5 estate9-5 sport combi9-5 wagon9-5Estate9-5SportCombi9-5Wagonsaabsaab 9-5saab 9-5 estatesaab 9-5 sport combisaab 9-5 wagonsaab 95Saab9-5Saab9-5EstateSaab9-5SportCombiSaab9-5WagonSaab95Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-2010-saab-9-5-is-proof-theres-still-some-flight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-2010-saab-9-5-is-proof-theres-still-some-flight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-2010-saab-9-5-is-proof-theres-still-some-flight/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

To be honest, there have been points at which it felt like this new Saab 9-5 would never see the light of day. To say that the outgoing model had grown long in the tooth would be a colossal understatement, and in the hyper-competitive market that is the globe's entry-level premium segment, the 9-5 had become something of a placeholder, playing second fiddle to the automaker's newer, more dynamic 9-3. So with its own cheaper sibling playing the role of upstager and parent General Motors in the throes of bankruptcy, we didn't exactly have faith that Saab would ever launch this new sedan. But after an arduous development process and a new owner in the form of supercar maker Koenigsegg, the future looks - if not bright - at least markedly less dim.

If we sound like we're damning the 2010 9-5 with faint praise, we're not - after sitting in the car today at the Frankfurt Motor Show and talking extensively with members of Saab's team, we're actually rather optimistic that the perennially underweight automaker may yet emerge from its funk and put some rouge back in the 'ol Griffin. But until we drive it, we're going to reserve judgment before we break out the akvavit and reindeer steaks - we've been here before.

One thing's for sure - this new, larger 9-5 looks incredibly crisp in the metal. With clean flanks, a distinctive, cantilevered roofline paired with wraparound-look glass and handsome head- and tail lamp detailing, this is an attractive, cohesive design sans adornment - no gaping ducts, fender vents, or protruding aero addenda are in evidence anywhere. Very much in the Scandinavian mold, the 9-5 pulls design elements from the showstopping Saab Aero-X concept coupe and puts them in a real-world package. Similarly, like Scandinavian furniture, the design won't be to everyone's tastes.

Inside, there's gobs more space than in the outgoing car both front and rear, and the design has been tastefully updated in a driver-centric way that honors the marque's quirkiness (Night Panel button, eggcrate grid air vents, etc.) without becoming a caricature of Saabs past. Reinforcing the aeronautically-minded "Born From Jets" theme that had become something of a punchline with distractions like the 9-7x SUV, Saab has adopted new features like an optional heads-up display and a novel altimeter-like digital speedometer readout in case you aren't interested making use of the clear analogue gauges.

Click on the jump for more impressions and the official press release.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Saab2010Saab9 59-595Epsilon IIEpsilonIifrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowSaabSaab 9 5Saab 9-3Saab 9-5Saab9-3Saab9-5Saab95turboturbochargeturbochargedturbochargingTue, 15 Sep 2009 19:58:00 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[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[Saab 9-5 semi-revealed under form fitting cover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/saab-9-5-semi-revealed-under-form-fitting-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/saab-9-5-semi-revealed-under-form-fitting-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/saab-9-5-semi-revealed-under-form-fitting-cover/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Saab seems to be eking out as much exposure as possible from its upcoming 9-5 sedan and wagon. The Swedish automaker has reportedly flown a number of European journalists to the Saab museum in its home town of Trollhattan, where what appears to be production-ready versions of the new 9-5 in wagon form were covered up with nothing but thin, somewhat translucent covers.

Due to the nature of such form-fitting attire, we can clearly see the outline of the brand's familiar front fascia, albeit slightly modified with a more deep-set look than current models. There is also just a hint of headlight trim brightwork, which looks rather subdued when compared to the current 9-5. The rest of the car is much harder to interpret, though we do spot rakish-looking C-pillars that lend further credence to the sedan's expected coupe-like shape.

In addition to the 9-5, Saab also kept a 9-4x prototype under wraps in its Showroom of the Future. There's not much to glean there, from what we can see the planned CUV shares its basic shape with the Cadillac SRX but at least gets an infusion of Saab-specific DNA in the front fascia. Click here to see the rest of the spy shots from Saabs United.

[Source: Saabs United via Jalopnik]

Saab 9-5 semi-revealed under form fitting cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-5saabsaab 9-4xsaab 9-5saab 9-5 spysaab 9-5 spy shotssaab 9-5 wagonsaab museumsaab showroom of the futureSaab9-4xSaab9-5Saab9-5SpySaab9-5SpyShotsSaab9-5WagonSaabMuseumSaabShowroomOfTheFutureThu, 11 Jun 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GM to make new Buick in Germany?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/gm-to-make-new-buick-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/gm-to-make-new-buick-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/gm-to-make-new-buick-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Chinese-spec Buick Regal

GM might make a swap in its European production plans, shifting Buick assembly to Opel and Saab assembly to Sweden. Names of the models in question haven't been mentioned, but the Opel Insignia, Chinese-spec Buick Regal and coming Saab 9-5 are all built on GM's Epsilon II platform.

The original plan was to produce the Saab 9-5 in Sweden, and Saab has been studying the Trollhatten factory's viability for the task. Factory representatives at the Russelsheim plant have also been lobbying for more cars to produce, thinking the operation underutilized, and they would certainly be building more Buicks than Saabs. And if other rumors are correct, it would keep siblings that GM plans to bring closer together - Opel and Buick - under the same roof.

The swap, which would mean not building any new Saabs in Germany, would also send 9-3 production to Sweden. Sending 9-5 production there as well could also be seen as another step in extricating Saab from GM's web to assist in efforts to find a buyer for the brand.

Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal


[Source: Reuters]

GM to make new Buick in Germany? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 buick lacrosse2010BuickLacrosse9-5buickbuick lacrosseBuickLacrosseeuroeuropegmlacrossemanufacturingopelplantsproductionrusselsheimsaabsaab 9-5Saab9-5Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition is an excuse to issue a press release]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/detroit-2009-saab-9-5-griffin-edition-is-an-excuse-to-issue-a-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/detroit-2009-saab-9-5-griffin-edition-is-an-excuse-to-issue-a-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/detroit-2009-saab-9-5-griffin-edition-is-an-excuse-to-issue-a-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition

We really feel for the folks at Saab, and not just because we love the 9-5 SportCombi and that we pined for a Turbo 900 with the Aero package for what seemed like all of the '80s. Yet look ahead 20 years - specifically to the 2009 Detroit Auto Show - and all we have to get excited about is the Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition. Frankly, the press release is more exciting.

The grille is spruced up with matte chrome. Besides the fact that it looks like plastic, doesn't a matte finish defeat the purpose of chrome? Inside, as always with Saab, the two-tone seats are terrific places to plop one's rear, and the things covered in leather have the look and feel you want in your quirky luxury sedan. Elsewhere... well, it's the same thing Saab owners have been looking at for years, but with some of the plastic in different places. It isn't bad. It's "Why?"

It comes with almost everything; the only options being metallic paint, ventilated seats and navigation. But when this is everything, and everything in sedan form costs $42,775, who's looking for this? Oh Saab, wherefore art thou? You can read the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition is an excuse to issue a press release

Detroit 2009: Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition is an excuse to issue a press release originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-59-5 griffin edition9-5GriffinEditiondetroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShownaiasnaias 2009Naias2009saabsaab 9-5saab 9-5 griffin editionSaab9-5Saab9-5GriffinEditionsedanspecial editionSpecialEditionWed, 14 Jan 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[GM sees no buyers for Saab]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/gm-sees-no-buyers-for-saab/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/gm-sees-no-buyers-for-saab/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/gm-sees-no-buyers-for-saab/#commentsFiled under: ,

General Motors' precarious cash position and a dire automotive market means that some blood-letting will occur to some of GM's brands. The General has mentioned that Saab and HUMMER are up for strategic review, which Maximum Bob Lutz told Automotive News was "code for we realize they're not working and something needs to be done." Many are expecting GM to sell Saab, but unfortunately you need a seller and a buyer to strike an accord. And sources are telling AN that the General doesn't have the latter.

Tight credit markets could be part of the problem, and any would-be buyers that have ample cash on hand are likely to be hesitant to part with it. That's especially true when considering the fact that Saab's sales declined at nearly twice the US industry decline in 2008, with only 21,000 units sold. The Swedish government may make it a little easier to keep Saab after it offered up $3.1 billion in loans to aid its industry (including Volvo). GM likely needs as much short-term cash as possible right about now, but the fact remains that the Swedish brand hasn't brought much success in the past 20 years, and the near-term prospects don't look very good, either.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM sees no buyers for Saab originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On the market since 1997, Saab's 9-5 is getting more than a little long in the tooth. The Swedish automaker is about to launch the Griffin Edition of its aging sedan, but that's a stop-gap at best; if Saab is serious about its future, it's going to need an all-new 9-5. Or more accurately, if General Motors is serious about Saab's future, it will need a new 9-5 - or at least the perception of a forthcoming 9-5 among investors (Wagoner and company have hinted at that they may sell off or shut down their quirky Scandinavian subsidiary).

The latest rumors, however, indicate that the new 9-5 has departed the terminal on time and is running on schedule. According to the folks at Trollhatten Saab, this report comes courtesy of an admittedly anonymous dealer who has apparently been exclusively peddling Saab's Swedish wares in America for more than two decades. The sketch above, released this past summer, promises a closer tie-in with Saab's increasingly dubious aerospace links. Could it be enough to thrust some juice into the automaker's afterburners? Thanks to Swade for the tip!

[Source: Trollhattan Saab]

REPORT: Against all odds, next Saab 9-5 on schedule originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Saab owner attending the 2008 Saab Owner's Convention posted a recap of the events at Trollhattan Saab (which we thought was defunct, but if not, we're glad it's back). One of the most noteworthy events was something on which he barely commented: a sketch of the new 9-5. Saab has been threatening for a while to start incorporating Aero X cues into its vehicles, and this could be it.

The text around the car says it will have "aircraft heritage," "fuselage bodysides," a "wraparound winshield," and a "grille inspired by a J21." We find the J21 bit and the fuselage sides a stretch, but it's still a good looking place to start. The sketch also hints that the tech in the new 9-5 is already being used in the Turbo X.

While other Saabs are supposed to be downsizing, the 9-5 will actually grow since it's based on the Epsilon II platform along with the Opel Insignia and next-gen versions of the Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu. The car's engine will be shrinking, though, down to a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit. And could this be the Saab that Wagoner said will be built in North America?

[Source: Trollhattan Saab via Motor Authority]

New Saab 9-5 sketch is less quirky, more badass originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab Turbo X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Expansive blue skies set the scene for a perfect spring day in New England as an enthusiastic team from Saab greeted us journalist types and eagerly showed off the Swedish brand's newest top-level sedan, the TurboX. After a quick Powerpoint chat with Saab USA GM Steve Shannon and a stroll under a TurboX that was hoisted on a lift, we were making use of the Big Dig highway improvements on our way to several hours of blissful thrashing. Federal dollars never sounded so good as we held the turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 in first gear, happily snarling along in the upper reaches of the tachometer and turning the underground portions of the highway into a gigantic reverberator.


Gallery: First Drive: Saab Turbo X


Photos: Zane Merva/AutoInsane

Continue reading First Drive: Saab Turbo X

First Drive: Saab Turbo X originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 May 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally predicted to be shown at the Paris Motor Show in October of this year, the 2010 Saab 9-5 won't actually debut until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March of next year.

While details of the new car are vague, we do know that it is based on GM's Epsilon II platform (unlike the new 9-3, now rumored to be downsized) and that the styling is expected to follow cues from the Saab Aero-X. Back in November 2006, we called the current Saab 9-5 an octogenarian. In today's current automotive industry, the 9-5 has reached centenarian status. The replacement can't come soon enough.

[Source: Trollhattansaab]

New Saab 9-5 set for Geneva next March originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 May 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 9-520109-59-39-5DebutGenevaIntroductionParisReleaseSaabSaab downsizeSaab sedanSaabDownsizeSaabSedanThu, 22 May 2008 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Saab 9-5 Nordic Edition added to Euro range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/saab-9-5-nordic-edition-added-to-euro-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/saab-9-5-nordic-edition-added-to-euro-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/saab-9-5-nordic-edition-added-to-euro-range/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Saab's offering up a Nordic Edition 9-5 for 2008, and no that doesn't mean an integrated sauna in the SportCombi and a complimentary copy of ABBA's Greatest Hits, alltför dålig. The package is available as an upgrade for mid-level Vector versions of the sedan and wagon, and consists of cosmetic, equipment, and comfort enhancements. Leather swathes the entire interior, which gets a better audio system, special metallic trim and an electrochromic rearview mirror. New 17-inch alloys fill out the wheel openings, and the roof rails get a nice matte finish, while the rest of the exterior gets a monochromatic treatment. Theres even two new exterior colors; Pepper Green sounds good enough to eat, while Snow Silver won out over Straw Goat Brown.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: SAAB]

Continue reading Saab 9-5 Nordic Edition added to Euro range

Saab 9-5 Nordic Edition added to Euro range originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab is trying desperately to remake itself as a premium player in a market rife with competitors offering sharp styling and competent handling. The Swedish automaker has been in a marketing and design rut, which it intends to rectify by offering a new compact model that takes aim at the MINI and other small-sized competitors like the Volvo C30.

The new compact vehicle will be accompanied by a new small crossover and a redesigned 9-5, both of which will take styling cues from the Aero-X concept that has already infused the new 9-3. A new 9-5 will be based on the Theta and Epsilon 2 platforms, and is likely to debut in 2009. The CUV is expected near the close of the decade, while the 9-7X may meet its maker by the end of 2008.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Saab expansion in the works, new compact planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click photo for 37 more hi-res images

Well, this one's a surprise. We thought that the radical eXasis concept would be all Rinspeed had on hand at the Geneva Motor Show, but instead, the Swiss tuner has teamed with Saab to create a matching 9-5 BioPower station wagon, as well. Lowered and painted a striking yellow, the car features fiberglass elements similar to those seen on the eXasis. Rhombus patterns adorn yello fiberglass inserts in place on the grille, headlight surrounds, rear licence plate area, and dashboard. The shape pops up again on the car's seats,which are padded with a "technogel." Upsized black five-spoke wheels with metallic outlines fill out the wheel wells quite nicely.

At the time of this writing, no English-language press release was yet available. Trollhattan Saab has posted a basic translation of the German one at Saab's Swedish media site. If a picture says a thousand words, however, we have a gallery equivalent to 38,000 of them linked below. We'll update this post with the English press materials as soon as they're made available, and of course, our Geneva team will being you live coverage from the show itself when it opens next week

[Source: Saab via Trollhattan Saab]

Gallery: Saab 9-5 BioPower Rinspeed

Geneva Preview: Saab 9-5 BioPower Rinspeed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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