As soon as the full configurator gets online, buyers will be able to get a better look at how they're going to justify a $50,000+ Saab. With a model that looks as funky and feels as Swedish as this, I can't wait.
By Phil Alex
Link: Saab
As with the smaller C60, the most notable differences between the C71 and its Saab stablemate concern the styling of the front and rear ends.
As a reminder, in late 2009, BAW's parent company BAIC brought the design rights for the previous generation Saab 9-5 and certain 9-3 models along with some powertrain technology and tooling equipment from GM for about $200 million.
Both the BAW C60 and C71 are pegged to go on sale in China early next year.
Via: Bitauto & Che168
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Thanks to that deal, BAIC sub-brand Beijing Auto Works (BAW) will be debuting at least one Saab-ish model this year at the Beijing Auto Show.
This one appears to be the first new (yet aged beyond its years) Chinese-version of the outgoing Saab 9-5, code-named the C71. Anyone else for automotive "lipstick on a pig"?
Hopefully, some live shots will show up to prove me wrong.
By Phil Alex
Via: Sohu
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SAAB 9-5
The first Saab to roll off the production line today was an all-new 9-5 saloon, destined to join a test fleet prior to the premium sedan's official launch later this year. The 9-5 was joined shortly after by a 9-3 Convertible.
Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson, Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller and Trollhättan Plant Director Gunnar Brunius marked the significant occasion by taking position on the production line alongside assembly workers as the first batch of cars was built.
"Today's resumption of production is a milestone in the history of our company" said Jan Åke Jonsson. "We are up and running as an independent manufacturer and I am delighted to share the experience on the line alongside our workforce. They have shown tremendous commitment to the company and we are all now focused on ramping up production to meet customer demand."
Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars added, "Everyone at Saab has worked extremely hard to reach this important point. Today production restarted with a new 9-5 first down the line – a fitting symbol that a new era has begun."
F
irst of all, Spyker confirmed that Saab will be a stand-alone niche manufacturer with three to four model lines and that the Swedish brand will continue to be positioned against other premium brand brands such as Audi and BMW.
According to the plan, Saab's product portfolio will be completely renewed over the next few years beginning with the launch of the all-new 9-5 sedan early this summer, followed by a station wagon version and an Audi A6 Allroad-rivaling 9-5X crossover variant.
In 2011, Saab will introduced the Cadillac SRX-based 9-4X Crossover that will be built in Mexico, while a year later, the company will launch the all-new 9-3 that will eventually grow to include sedan, sports estate, 'X' crossover, convertible and for the first time in many years, hatchback body styles.
Spyker added that it is also looking into the possibility of adding a fourth smaller model called the '9-1', which would compete in the premium C-Segment against the likes of the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3.
However, Spyker noted that such a car isn't currently included in the official Business Plan, so if the company decides to go ahead with the development, addition financing would be required.
With the exception of the 9-4X, all other models will be built at Saab's Trollhättan factory, with Spyker aiming to produce and sell between 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles per year.
The Swedish automaker will continue to collaborate with GM after the completion of the sale, but Spyker's plan is to gradually "reduce dependency and obtain improved access to other suppliers and the co-development of unique innovations."
Spyker business plan also makes word for Saab's current dealer network which will be re-energized with a new sales and distribution approach in certain markets, starting from this year.
The business plan that was drawn up by Saab management over the past ten months, is said to have been analyzed and supported by Spyker in assistance with the firm's advisers Booz & Co and KPMG Transaction Services, as well as several advisers to the Swedish Government and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
EIB will provide a €400 million loan -guaranteed by the Swedish government- to the newly formed company.
