Autoblog

More people interested in buying a Saab after bankruptcy

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Crossover, Saab, Luxury

We never heard about buyers of other ex-General Motors brands - Pontiac, Saturn and Hummer - taking to their keyboards to research new rides when the lowered boom crushed them all. Even though they would have been warrantied and supported by a still-living GM.

Leave it to Saab, then, to spin that right 'round like a record: according to electronic-research tracker Dataium, 10 percent more people have inquired about Saabs since the brand declared bankruptcy. Even better for the dealers sitting on 221 days worth of inventory: there were three times as many new shoppers in the 96 hours after the announcement, and for the next two weeks as least 50 percent of them were first-timers. All this for a tiny brand selling two cars without warranty and parts support (yet).

Who knows how much of that will turn into actual sales, but that's probably more than could have been expected in the silver-lining department.

More people interested in buying a Saab after bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab cars headed to crusher, Trollhättan museum selling off 120 cars

Dan Roth — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Saab

The future hopes of Saab seem to have been crushed under the weight of insolvency, and that's going to translate into reality as about 100 Saab cars lingering on the production lines are cubed up into scrap metal croutons. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that the vehicular carnage will ensue over the next 48 hours as the death rattle from Trollhättan gets ever louder.

Why squish a bunch of orphan cars? Autocar reports that the move is part of the receivership process. Headed for the gallows are cars finished before the money completely dried up, including some 9-4X crossovers and pre-production 9-5 Estates.

While the Saab museum is currently closed and facing an unclear future, Autocar reports a single 9-5 Estate is being kept around for later exhibition. That report would appear to conflict somewhat with word that Saab's 120-car museum collection is being liquidated. According to BringATrailer, bids are due to bankruptcy attorneys by this Friday, January 20, so if you're interested, get going. Brand fan site SaabsUnited has details, too, including how you might be able to have someone scrutinize your would-be purchase in-person.

Even in the land of the midnight sun, and despite the hopes of so many of the brand's fans, it looks like the last flicker of twilight coming from Saab has been nearly extinguished.

Saab cars headed to crusher, Trollhättan museum selling off 120 cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Saab 9-4X earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

Chris Shunk — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Saab

2011 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Cadillac SRX and the Saab 9-4X may look quite a bit different, but the two vehicles are based upon the same hardware and are built in the same plant in Mexico. Since the SRX has already been given a "Top Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, does that mean that the Saab should also get the thumbs up? Yep.

The IIHS has just named the 9-4X a "Top Pick" because the luxurious crossover received top scores in front, rear and side-impact crashes while including standard stability control. Like the SRX, the 9-4X also scored a top score of "Good" in the roof crush test. To receive the top score, the 9-4X's roof had to hold at least four times its overall weight. In this case, the IIHS lumped the 9-4X with the SRX and gave it the exact same weight ratio of 4.14.

If you're scoring at home, you've probably noticed that more and more crossovers are acing the IIHS tests. Since the Insurance Institute tests are among the most stringent ever devised, we're thinking this is a very good thing for car buyers. Whether Saab will be around long enough for more car shoppers to buy the 9-4X is another matter altogether.

2012 Saab 9-4X earns IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Saab 9-4X rolls off the assembly line

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Saab, Luxury

GM's Raymond J Chess and Saab CEO Jan Åke Jonsson w/Saab 9-4X No. 1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been little over a year since Saab unveiled the 9-4X at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and now the first production example has left the assembly line.

Envisioned when Saab was still under the General Motors umbrella, the 9-4X is based on the same Theta platform as the Cadillac SRX. As such, it's being built not in Trollhättan, Sweden, like other Saabs, but in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

This first example - an Aero model in Ice Pearl metallic with the 2.8-liter turbo V6 and XWD - carries the chassis number 00001, and will be displayed at Saab's museum in Sweden - after it makes the media rounds, of course. While you're waiting for the 9-4X to hit U.S. dealers in May, check out our galleries below along with the official production announcement after the jump.

Gallery: Saab 9-4X chassis #00001

Gallery: 2012 Saab 9-4X

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading First Saab 9-4X rolls off the assembly line

First Saab 9-4X rolls off the assembly line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab readies move into China and Russia, downplays 9-4X diesel

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, China, Crossover, Saab, Russia, Diesel, Luxury

2012 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab CEO Jan-Åke Jonsson has provided the wayward Swedish brand with some direction, and the marching orders point out two very large markets for the sales team to focus on: Russia and China. According to a report in Automotive News, Saab will begin distribution in the Chinese market beginning sometime during the 2011 calendar year. Until the launch of the redesigned 9-3, Saab will shoot for a few thousand sales per year. Once the distribution network is in place and the model lineup is refreshed, Saab will look at the possibility of local manufacturing facilities.

Now that China is rolling forward, Saab can start to finalize decisions with regards to the Russian market. No deal has been announced, but one is expected to be made the end of the year. Saab's chairman, Victor Muller, specifically stated at the 2010 LA Auto Show that the both China and Russia are getting a taste of the recently unshackled Swedish brand.

One of the newest expressions of the automaker's freedom is the 2012 Saab 9-4X. Saab offers diesel engines outside of the North American market, and we were curious if this new crossover would also get an oil burner. Per Jonnson, it seems this is highly unlikely:

"If you then look at the life cycle of the vehicle, typically five or six years, before we actually have a diesel engine, we have to find one, we have to test it, we have to install it, validate it, and you are two years into the life cycle... and then you have a very short payoff period."

Understandable, but a bummer nonetheless.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Saab readies move into China and Russia, downplays 9-4X diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preorder Saab 9-4X, get a free iPad?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Saab, Luxury

2012 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab is giving the 500 people the chance to pre-order a Saab 9-4X with an Apple iPad thrown in once they take delivery of Trollhättan's latest. At the 9-4X pre-order site, you can register to have an area dealer get in touch with you. You'll be contacted in mid-January to set up an appointment and place your order for an iPad, which will cost you $500, plus tax. On top of that $500, you'll put a deposit down on the 9-4X as well - an amount to be determined by the dealer.

So where's the love, you ask? If you take delivery of the vehicle, Saab will discount the price of your vehicle deposit and the $500 price of that 16GB wifi iPad (which costs $499 at the Apple store). If you change your mind and don't take delivery, the dealer will refund the vehicle deposit and you get to keep the iPad... that you paid for. Either way, you lose nothing and you gain an iPad. If you don't want the iPad you can pre-order anyway if you're one of the first 500.

Got it? Good. The program runs from January 15 to February 28, 2011, so you have some time to work out the math and your iPad need. Or more precisely, you have until 500 other people get in line before you. Hat tip to Ben!

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Saab]

Preorder Saab 9-4X, get a free iPad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2012 Saab 9-4X makes its digital debut ahead of LA Show

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:17:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Saab

2012 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Much like the 2010 9-5 sedan, the fate of Saab's 9-4X crossover hung in limbo during General Motors' sale of the Scandinavian automaker. Now that Saab is safely under the umbrella of Spyker Cars, the new 9-5 is trickling out on the road and we've just received the full host of images and data detailing the production-spec 9-4X, set to be publicly revealed at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show.

While the 9-4X's styling is clearly the evolution of Saab's Aero X concept, the Cadillac SRX provides much of the crossover's groundwork - this vehicle was wholly developed during the GM era, after all. This means that both the Caddy's 3.0-liter V6 (265 horsepower) and turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 (300 horsepower) are on hand in the 9-4X, mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. The base engine can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the turbo engine is solely offered with Saab's torque-vectoring XWD all-wheel-drive system. Saab has also fitted its DriveSense adaptive chassis system to Aero models, which offers three different drive setups: Comfort, Sport and Eco.

The 9-4X's cabin is similar to what you'll find in the 9-5, with a cockpit-like, driver-focused center stack and a push-button ignition on the center console. If the Saab's cabin is anything like what GM has crafted for the SRX, things should be pretty luxurious, albeit with a sprinkling of quirky Scandinavian touches.

Look for the 9-4X to hit North American dealerships in May of next year with prices being announced closer to launch. For now, follow check out the images below and hit the jump for the full details in Saab's press release.

Gallery: 2012 Saab 9-4X

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Saab 9-4X makes its digital debut ahead of LA Show

Officially Official: 2012 Saab 9-4X makes its digital debut ahead of LA Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X leaks out ahead of production debut

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossover, Saab

Saab 9-4X spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that the fate of Saab is in the hands of Spyker Cars, future product plans seem to be moving right along. The new 9-5 is out on the road and the 9-4X crossover is scheduled to make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November.

Our friends at Saabs United managed to snag some shots of a pre-production 9-4X, giving us a glimpse of the automaker's new CUV before we see it in person later this year. The 9-4X was initially conceived under Saab's General Motors ownership, meaning its underpinnings are shared with the Cadillac SRX crossover. Word on the street is that the production taillamps will look slightly different than the ones on this early model, but that aside, don't expect things to change much between now and November.

Because the 9-4X is closely related to the SRX, we fully expect the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 to be under the hood. Don't rule out the possibility of the 9-5's 2.0-liter turbo four being offered, as well. Both engines will more than likely be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and as the "x" in the name suggests, all-wheel drive will be on hand.

Until we get the official word in Los Angeles later this year, scroll through our gallery of spy shots below, and head over to Saabs United for all things Griffin.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X

[Source: Saabs United]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X leaks out ahead of production debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Saab, Luxury

Saab 9-4X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been expecting this announcement to come sooner or later, though we didn't exactly count on it coming from the LA Auto Show's own Twitter page. But there it is anyway, straight from the horse's mouth: "Saab has confirmed that the 9-4X Crossover will make its world debut at the LA Auto Show this Nov."

We're also expecting some sort of official word that the new crossover 'ute, which will share its Theta Premium underpinnings with the Cadillac SRX, should hit the market sometime in the spring of 2011... perhaps around April.

While we're on the subject of expectations, we'd also imagine that Saab will offer its premium crossover with the same powerplants as the recently released 9-5, which means we could see a 2.0-liter turbocharged four and a 2.8-liter turbocharged six, both likely mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. We'll apparently find out for sure soon enough.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

[Source: LA Auto Show's Twitter]

2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X caught nearly uncloaked

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Saab

Saab 9-4x concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Judging by the latest spy pics, it looks like the Saab 9-4x is fully baked and ready to hit the streets. Saab has stripped the camo off the integration prototypes for the new 9-4x crossover and it doesn't appear to have changed much since the original concept debuted at the Detroit Auto Show two years ago.

AutoExpress reports that production has begun at the same Ramos Arizpe, Mexico plant that produces the Cadillac SRX, although our sources indicate that production is still a few months off and considering the time frame, it's safe to assume that the production 9-4X will debut at the Paris Motor Show this September.

Like the concept, the production 9-4x will likely be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, with an optional 2.8-liter turbo V6 from the Turbo-X and the in the Cadillac SRX. AE is also reporting that the Saab will offer a 2.9-liter turbodiesel developed with VM Motori which might be the V6 that was once planned for the European market Cadillac CTS.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X Concept live reveal

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X caught nearly uncloaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Saab, Rumormill, Diesel

When Saab first showed the 9-X Biohybrid concept at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, it was expected to evolve into a production model based on General Motors' compact Delta architecture which forms the foundation of the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze. Now that Saab is owned by Spyker Cars, CEO Victor Muller is reportedly looking for a new platform partner in Munich.

According to Swedish daily Dagens Industri, Saab is negotiating with BMW about getting access to the Mini architecture for a new 9-2 model to slot in underneath the 9-3. Before the teardrop-shaped runabout can become a reality, Saab needs to successfully launch both the 9-5 sedan and the 9-4x crossover.

There is no word yet on whether Muller is said to be in exclusive talks with BMW, or if Muller and Co. are in discussions with other automakers about supplying platforms and parts for the planned supermini. For its part, news agency Reuters quotes a unnamed BMW spokesman as saying "We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology... there are no contracts with Saab at the moment."

The 9-4x, which shares its platform with the Cadillac SRX, is expected to finally launch early next year. But for the model to be successful in Europe, it will need to have a diesel engine option, and Dagens Industri is also reporting that BMW could also provide engines options, although that could be more problematic. The 9-4x has a transverse mounted powertrain, but all of BMW's engines are longitudinally arrayed, which would require significant re-engineering. A tip of the hat to William!

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Saab expects to be profitable in 2011, only needs 80-85k in volume

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Saab

2011 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just five months ago, Saab was on the verge of liquidation, never to be seen or heard from again. But now that Spyker has purchased the Swedish automaker from General Motors and the company's finances appear to be approaching normalcy, there is suddenly a bit of confidence emanating from Trollhatten. Saab CEO Jan Ake Jonsson spoke with Aussie site Drive and discussed what it will take for the company to break even and eventually turn a profit.

Jonsson claims that Saab could see black ink in the balance sheets by the second half of 2011, provided the company averages 80,000 to 85,000 global annual sales. That's a real possibility considering the struggling marquee managed 98,000 sales in 2008, though 2009 was a lost year considering the fact that GM shuttered Saab production for months on end. Many car buyers also shied away from Saab given the uncertainty surrounding the brand's future. Jonsson says Saab will be "quite profitable" at 125,000 units.

Jonsson tells Drive that dealers are getting vehicles again, and new product is on the way. The 2011 Saab 9-5 is scheduled to arrive in July, followed by the 9-4X sometime in 2011. A sportier 9-3 with aircraft-inspired styling will reportedly arrive sometime in 2012. Saab also feels that it has room to go in emerging markets like China and India, and company executives are pondering a smaller Saab to help further boost sales.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Source: Drive]

Report: Saab expects to be profitable in 2011, only needs 80-85k in volume originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How'd we miss that? No V6 for 2010 Saab 9-3 range

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., GM, Saab

'

Trollhättan fans aren't quibbling in light of the gallows rescue Saab recently received from Spyker Cars, so perhaps everyone got distracted letting out a collective sigh of relief instead of checking the lineup's option sheets carefully. Whatever the reason, it turns out that Saab is back to relying on four-cylinder engines for all its 9-3 and 9-3X powertrain needs.

Never a stranger to odd powerplants or engines from disparate manufacturers, Saab's long tenure as a ward of General Motors led to the appearance of Ecotec four-cylinders along with a version of GM's "high feature" V6. The LP9 turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 was a delightful mill in the last Turbo X we tried, but there's plenty right with the four cylinder engines that remain standing.

At this point, we're just champing at the bit to try out the new 2010 9-5, a model slated to come to market soon with the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 Aero first, followed by a 2.0-liter turbo four model shortly thereafter as a 2011 model.

How'd we miss that? No V6 for 2010 Saab 9-3 range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab planning XWD-equipped 9-5X wagon?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Europe, Saab, Luxury

As you may have guessed by now, we're very excited over the prospect of a ~~reinViggenated~~ reinvigorated Saab. Our thinking is, now that Trollhattan is free of General Motors, it will get back to the business of making niche three- and five-door hatches coveted by post-grad Ivy League types with mega-potent turbos blowing into longitudinal, slanty I-4s spinning the front wheels. Even if our entire Saabian wish list isn't fulfilled, a fully independent Saab can only result in better focused cars. For instance, the 9-7X SUV will stay dead and buried.

Of course, even if the 9-7X was something of an abomination, that doesn't mean that there aren't Saabophiles out there that seek the all-weatherness of all-wheel drive combined with a lot of cargo hauling capability. While we suggest those people first seek out a Volvo C303, Saab's thinking different. Badly translated reports are fluttering that not only is Saab building a 9-5X (Saab chose to brand their AWD vehicles with XWD, or "Cross-Wheel Drive" - a fancy way of saying Haldex version 4.0) that will presumably be a performance variant, but they're also apparently set to build a XWD-equipped 9-5X SportCombi (station wagon) that will do battle with up-armored station wagons like the Audi Allroad and Volvo XC70.

The 9-5X SportCombi will be separate from the apparently still forthcoming Saab 9-4X, an actual SUV-looking CUV built on the same platform as the Cadillac SRX. It looks as if the 9-4X will be the only new Saab product not built in Sweden. One more little tidbit: As Saab wrestles itself back to its former glory, they might just be dropping the hyphenated names. Meaning that the next 9-3 might actually be billed as the Saab 93, and that this whole time we've been talking about the new 95X. Time will tell.

[Source: Autoweek.nl]

Saab planning XWD-equipped 9-5X wagon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Saab 9-5 sales will start in U.S. in the second quarter

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab, Spyker, Luxury

Coming to a Saab Spyker dealer near you by Spring - Click above for high-res image gallery

We had an interesting chat with a Saab mechanic in Hollywood yesterday. Naturally, he was overcome with great joy over the fact that Spyker saved Saab. What made the conversation interesting was his asking us if there will be a 2010 Saab 9-5? Dunno. Er, didn't know. But that was then. Today we feel pretty confident that there will not be a 2010 Saab 9-5. kind of exactly how there's no 1983 Corvette, minus the haggard sales saga.

However, according to a report by Edmunds Auto Observer, there will in fact be a 2011 Saab 9-5. Spyker is set to ramp up production of the new car in April and begin selling Saabs to us American types at some point during the second quarter. Did we say Saabs? We meant to say Saab Spykers, as the new cars may be called. Regardless, anything introduced to the market during May or June of a given year will be labeled as next year's model. Hence, the 2011 Saab Spyker 9-5.

The Auto Observer is also confirming that the Saab (Spyker) 9-4 will also go on sale at some unspecified future date. The 9-4 and 9-4X are based on General Motors' Theta Premium architecture - the same platform used by the Cadillac SRX. Since so much parts sharing will be going on (the 9-5 will come with at least three General Motors engines), GM will continue supplying parts to Saab Spyker for many moons, and as such have a vested interest in the new company doing well. Not too well of course, as Saab will now be free to compete head-to-head with GM brands Buick and/or Cadillac.

One last thing, and this is a plea from our Saab mechanic friend more then anything else: here's hoping Saab Spyker has the good sense to remount Saab motors longitudinally and backwards, rather than sideways, especially when a new 9-3 shows up, as that set up really is a trait of the Griffin.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Source: Auto Observer]

Report: Saab 9-5 sales will start in U.S. in the second quarter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab 9-5 and 9-4X in low-volume production?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Saab

Saab 9-4X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The question of whether General Motors will go ahead and sell Saab to Spyker seems no closer to getting a real-life answer today after newly self-appointed GM CEO Ed Whitacre held a press conference without naming a new owner for the troubled Swedish automaker. Perhaps then, reports of Saab's production numbers offer a renewed glimmer of hope for Saabophiles the world over?

According to Automotive News and its DealerTrack report for the week of January 23rd, in addition to a small number of 2010 9-5 sedans, Saab produced 49 new 9-4X crossovers last week, bringing the total number of completed units to 147. Wait a second, when did GM ever officially announce the start of 9-4X CUVs?

Answer: It didn't. As such, we're guessing that these are preproduction models and pilots destined for crash testing and whatnot (according to GM Inside News, that status has been confirmed), but it still may portend interesting things to come from the Saab brand moving forward.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X Concept live reveal

[Source: Automotive News via GM Inside News]

Saab 9-5 and 9-4X in low-volume production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved?

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill, Luxury

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

Less than a day after General Motors officially announced Saab's euthanization, it looks like the storied Swedish brand might still have the faintest whisper of a pulse. Motor Trend is reporting that there are rumors swirling that the Swedish government will hold emergency meetings this weekend to try to save Saab. At least some government officials apparently feel that Saab is too important to fail... now where have we heard that before? With such a small population, the closure of Saab could have a major impact on the nation's economy, much like the failure of GM (and Chrysler, to a lesser extent) was viewed as potentially catastrophic in the States.

Some 3,400 employees will be jobless when GM completes its planned "orderly wind down" starting in January. That estimate doesn't include workers from the 1,100 Saab dealers that will also be shuttered around the globe.

Despite the failed selloff, things look like they're picking up at The General. The automaker announced yesterday that they had paid back the first $1 billion TARP money they borrowed from us the U.S. government. BAIC, Koenigsegg, Spyker and others had attempted to jump into the Saab fire-sale, but all have come out burned. Well, BAIC at least scored tooling for the old 9-3 and current 9-5. With a new-for 2010 9-5 having taken the stage at auto shows around the globe in recent months and the 9-4X in the wings, we'd love to see all of the Saab faithful get an early Christmas gift. We're definitely not holding our breath, but we'll keep you posted through the weekend should anything materialize.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X Concept live reveal

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Chris Paukert — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saab, Earnings/Financials

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.

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REPORT: Despite selling off old bits to BAIC, Saab brand still in search of buyer

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST

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

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.

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REPORT: Saab in "expansionist mood," plots own 9-3 replacement, new compact

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Saab, Koenigsegg

Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The talk has begun: last week the outlines of Koenigsegg's intent for Saab was publicized, now the sports car company is flapping their jibs to back it up. The 9-5 and 9-4X that GM developed will be arriving shortly, and behind those is the 9-5 SportCombi. The gem for Saab fans is the mention of a redesigned 9-3, and perhaps a 9-1 and 9-2.

That 9-3 might even make a return to the days of quirky, since it is "more unlikely than likely" that it will be built on a GM platform. In short, Koenigsegg wants to do a clean-sheet design, and that could mean restoring the aura of the Saab 900 to the brand's smallest car. That, a huge leap in feel and quality, and the ability to sustain a paucity of sales for a few years just might put a Swedish crown back on the old gal. However, we realize that is asking a lot...

But going beyond that, Koenigsegg's plan is that the 9-3 wouldn't remain the brand's smallest car for long. A 9-1 or 9-2 that takes inspiration from the 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept is being considered, which would finally give Saab an entrant in a segment where buyers have proved they are willing to pay a premium for well-done small cars. The test of Koenigsegg's ambition begins now.

Gallery: Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Saab in "expansionist mood," plots own 9-3 replacement, new compact originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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