Archive for the ‘Saab’ Category
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Saab is to gain a new name and introduce new products, a business plan for the brand from parent firm Spyker now reveals.
Based on a business plan drawn up by Saab over the past ten months, proud parents, Spyker, who specialise in producing supercars, have given it full support.
Saab is set to be renamed Saab Spyker Automobiles NV (“Saab Spyker”) and will have a three to four model line-up range including a 9-3, 9-4x and a 9-5. Additionally plans for a fourth smaller car called the 9-1 are under investigation.
Its product portfolio will be renewed completely, beginning with the launch of a new 9-5 early this summer, the new 9-4X in early 2011 and the new ‘all Saab’ 9-3 in 2012.
Spyker aims to continue Saab’s premium sector placement, pitching it against the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen.
With a new parent at the helm, Saab’s Trollhättan plant in Sweden will begin production again, with forecasts predicting to rebuild the brand back up to recent pre-crisis levels of about 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles including the 9-4X, which will be built in Mexico.
GM sold the brand to Spyker, following a lengthy bidding process, as GM began a wind-down of Saab operations, the two companies finally came to an agreement and the sale of the Swedish brand was agreed last week.
The Saab business plan requires approximately $1 billion in peak funding for Saab in advance of the return to profitability, forecast to occur by 2012. This funding comes from a number of source, in part from GM, through $326 million worth of Redeemable Preference Shares (“RPSs”) and through the European Investment Bank which is chipping in €400 million, while Spykers’ own funding is provided by Tenaci Capital B.V.
The brand is also set to ‘re-energise’ its current dealer network will be re-energized with a new sales and distribution approach in certain markets, which will be implemented during 2010.
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Thursday, January 7th, 2010
One of the first casualties of 2010 could well be Saab, as the deadline to offload the carmaker draws near.
Parent company, General Motors (GM) is hoping that Spyker cars could yet come to the rescue of the indebted carmaker but with the threat that Saab could instead be closed hanging over us, now seems as good as anytime to remind ourselves of want we might be about to lose. With a deadline to secure a deal set for 10.00pm tonight (January 7, 2010), we could soon know the pain of the loss.
Saab’s debts run into the millions, thanks to their slightly obscure, dated and uncompetitive product range but there is no denying the enduring quality and craftsmanship of its cars. No wonder, Chinese carmaker Beijing Automotive (BAIC) was quick to close in on a sale of powertrain technology and tooling used in Saab production in order that it could too produce cars that aspire to the quality of original.
One of Saab’s most popular cars, the 9-3 saloon, is the feature of the first Car Star of the year as part of our celebration of all things Saab. The 9-3 model range along with the 9-5 made Saab’s best selling vehicles. The 9-3 comes as a convertible or saloon and is also available as a SportsWagon estate model and an estate/ sports crossover model called the 9-3X.
The convertible is sublime fun without compromising on everyday practicality. It suffers from a bit of scuttle shake but nothing outrageous. There is plenty of space too, rear passengers aren’t expected to snap their legs off to accommodate the boot space for the drop-top.
While none of the Saab 9-3 range has quite managed to compete with their Audi and BMW equivalents, there is no denying that the 9-3 makes for an attractive alternative, especially if your workplace car park looks like clone-city.
The saloon is my personal favourite, ideal for the sales executive or family man, the saloon, comparable to the BMW 3-Series or Audi A3, is as charming and stylish as its rivals. Criticise its lack of up-to-date technology by all means, but appreciate that there is something effortlessly cool about its slightly retro ensemble.
Besides the one good thing about a lack of gadgets, is that the car will be cheaper to repair and maintain. After all, who needs air-con when you have windows?
Available in four trim levels, the Saab 9-3 saloon comes with a choice petrol, diesel or BioPower (bioethanol E85) engine variants, ranging from 1.8 petrol engine to a 2.6 V6 turbo.
Handling and ride lack the agility of some of its German counterparts, but the turbo models offer a punchy response. The interior too, may not live up to the upmarket exterior but the seats are comfortable and the driving position is perfect, with all passengers feeling like they have been considerably accommodated for. Cruising on the motorway is were the 9-3 feels most at home, while negotiating B-roads it can feel a little less than graceful. If long-distance travel is a regular requirement, then it won’t let you down.
Because the range has historically not been very competitively priced, my advice is that you buy the lower end of the model range or go for the very top but avoid the mid ranges and be aware of expensive extras.
Currently priced from £20,490 for the entry level 1.9 TiD, this model will squeeze a pleasing 53.3 miles to gallon and should get even more on the motorway.
If Saab does go, there could be some real killer deals out there, in which case, go nuts. GM has already hinted that they will honour warranties so there is no need to worry that buying a fire sale Saab will leave you in trouble later. Buying part too, shouldn’t prove a problem, as the Saab 9-3 is based on the Vauxhall Vectra so many bits will be compatible. Failing that, BAIC will be no doubt producing Saab-based parts in future as part of their vehicle range.
There is hope too, that as China becomes a heavy-weight player in the car industry, carmakers like BAIC will begin to seriously retail models in Europe, models which will mould themselves to European tastes and requirements. Who knows, in a few years, you may be driving a reinvented 9-3 as the Chinese keep the spirit of Saab alive long after the Griffin has gone.
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Friday, August 28th, 2009
Saab will unveil an all new 9-5 at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show
The new sleek, sophisticated looking 9-5 saloon will bring a fresh, alternative choice to the premium saloon segment when it goes on sale in 2010.
The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design, and its dramatic wrap around window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold and expressive design language.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up is the broadest ever offered by Saab, carrying forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy focusing on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.
“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan-Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.”
“Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from’, sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 saloon. “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have visual themes found in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”
The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic: the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. In this interplay of proportions, the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model.
Viewed from any angle, the all-new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the centre of the grille characterises the assertive, self-confident design language.
The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars that buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Bumpers that are subtly flared to blend into the wheels convey latent energy. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.
The new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box saloon silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.
Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define the architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear, with class-leading rear legroom. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5’s premium character.
The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, but its execution is pioneering. The deep centre console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (HUD) in the windscreen, are illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.
Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line Harman Kardon 5.1 channel surround sound audio system and an 8-inch colour touch screen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10GB for MP3 music files. A large centre console provides storage and connections for several portable devices through USB and 3.5mm AUX ports alongside a 12V power outlet.
Rear passengers can even access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the centre console accommodates audio controls and folding viewing screens are installed in the backs of the front seats. Wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing.
An array of chassis technology is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5’s size. Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered at launch with the 2.0-litre turbo and 2.8V6 turbo engines with further applications due in the future. Available throughout the range are: adaptive chassis control, with driver settings selected through Saab DriveSense; Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive headlights and adaptive cruise control. Three different suspension layouts are fitted according to engine power and all are available with a sport chassis setting.
Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops its rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four-cylinder diesel comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-litre turbo engine with CO2 emissions of just 139g/km and the 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine develops 220bhp. A top-of-the-line 2.8 V6 turbo, generating 300hp and 400Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.
Shortly after launch, a 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 180hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-litre BioPower E85 engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.
Car leasing prices on the Saab 9-5
New and nearly new prices on the Saab 9-5
Road tests reports on the Saab 9-5
Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium saloon segment, the all-new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It will be built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered.
Combining head-turning good looks with cutting-edge driving technology, it’s the start of a new era for Saab.
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
In a groundbreaking move, GMAC UK- the financial arm of car supergroup GM- announced the launch of free involuntary unemployment cover on all its new and used car finance packages, covering repayments of up to £1000 per month. The GMAC offer is the first of its kind in the UK and is based on clear and simple eligibility criteria.
“Our aim is to give consumers confidence that now is a great time to visit your Vauxhall, Saab or Chevrolet retailer and purchase a new or used car,” says Dennis Foley, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing, GMAC UK.
“This market-leading offer means customers can take advantage of the great finance deals available in the showroom such as 0 per cent terms, ‘You Pay, We Pay’ and low rate or finance deposit contribution, with the added confidence that their investment is additionally protected in case of involuntary unemployment.”
From its conception, GMAC was keen to create clear, generous guidelines for eligibility. Customers simply need to be aged between 18 and 65, and living/working in the UK at commencement of the finance contract. They also need to be in full-time employment or self-employed (working over 16 hours per week) and not be aware of any impending unemployment.
Free IU cover is available on all GMAC finance contracts taken out from April 3rd until 30th June 2009, providing customers with 24 months of free cover in the event of unexpected involuntary unemployment, covering repayments of up to £1,000 per month, for a maximum of 12 consecutive payments.
Whether customers take advantage of a ‘You Pay, We Pay’ (0 per cent finance with 5 per cent cashback) on a new Vauxhall or Chevrolet or an H.P. agreement on a new Saab with no VAT, eligible customers will have peace of mind, knowing they are additionally protected.
To find the best deals across GM’s range, visit SaveMoneyOnCars.co.uk
To find the best car leasing deals on cars within the GM range, visit ContractHireAndLeasing.com.
Posted in Chevrolet, Saab, Vauxhall | No Comments »
Thursday, April 2nd, 2009
Do not miss your chance to visit the second UK AWARE exhibition at London’s Olympia on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April.
Over 30 car companies have been invited to the Green Machine Expo which is part of the bigger exhibition, including the Tesla Roadster, NICE Car Company, and Saab London Dealerships.
TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk is offering visitors to the website the opportunity to obtain tickets for the highly anticpated event for FREE. Yes you read correctly – gratis.
Simply make a note of the code UA09RGD and visit the following website UK AWARE website
If you are in and around London on that weekend then don’t miss your chance to visit what promises to be an excellent show.
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Monday, December 8th, 2008
Saab has cut prices across its range including the ever popular 9-5 and 9-3 models by the equivalent of the 15 per cent VAT. Offer ends 31 December, so click here to view Saab deals.
Posted in Latest news, Saab | No Comments »
