Saab Officials Confident that 2011 will be a Turning Point in the Company’s History

Saab sold just 31,696 cars globally in 2010, after having cut its sales target from 45,000 to 30,000-35,000 vehicles, due to the restructuring of the brand’s supplier base. However, with fourth quarter (2010) sales up 129% compared to 2009, Chairman Victor Mullen believes that Saab “is firmly establishing itself as an independent car manufacturer”.

Last year was especially difficult for the Swedish automaker, as the low inventory decimated sales figures.

“One of the largest challenges in 2010 was to restock our dealers around the world to normal levels again, especially in a market like the United States, where you need dealer stock in order to be able to sell cars”, Muller said in a statement on Wednesday. “For instance, when we acquired the company, there were a mere 500 cars left on the ground in the United States. Normal inventory levels in this market should be at 6,000-7,000 units”.

Optimum inventory levels are still a long way from reality, but, during the past 12 months, Saab did pick up some momentum, which, coupled with the launch of new models, should help the maker achieve the projected sales volume of 80,000 units for 2011.

Saab will invest US $1 billion into its recovery plan, with the focus being on new models. The 9-4X crossover, set to debut in May, is of them. Next up is the ageing 9-3 due for replacement in 2012. Furthermore, Saab wants to revive the 92 model of the ‘50s, in the form of a modern compact car, which, if priced correctly, should add much needed volume to sales.

The Trollhättan-based manufacturer will continue to expand its dealer network as well, targeting markets like China and Russia and it expects to be profitable in 2012, with sales projected to reach 120,000 units.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews [sub. req]

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Saab Targets Chinese and Russian Markets, Unlikely to Develop a Diesel 9-4X

Saab has revealed plans to begin distribution to China and Russia. Deals for both countries will be signed before the end of the year, while Saab is also pondering the assembly of cars in the Far East. In other news, the Swedish maker also said that it's unlikely that we'll see a diesel-powered 9-4X any time soon.

In regards to China, Saab CEO Jan Ake Jonsson, told reporters on the sidelines of the Los Angeles Auto Show: "Until we launch the new 9-3 at the end of 2012, it will be just a couple of thousand units (annually), all based on imports. As we lead up to this, we have to make a decision if and when we are going to introduce local manufacturing in China."

If Saab decides to assemble cars in China, production would concern the next generation 9-3, as the 9-5 sedan and 9-4X would be imported to the country.

Until then, Saab wants to define the dealer network first, which will have 10 to 15 showrooms, spread out in five or six cities. Mr. Jonsson didn't reveal any further information about the company's plans in Russia.

Speaking about the 9-4X, the Saab CEO said that there are no current plans for the introduction of a diesel engine to the range, due to the short payoff period it would have.

"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. So I think it is unlikely" Jonsson said.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews

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Saab Confirms BMW Talks on Engine Supply, 2012 9-3 May be the First Model to Benefit from the Deal

The next generation of Saab models may very well be powered by BMW engines if negotiations between the two automakers are successful. Following widespread media speculations on the matter, Spyker N.V., the parent company of the Swedish carmaker confirmed talks with BMW. Here's the official statement:

"Spyker Cars N.V. ("the Group"), a holding company that owns subsidiaries which produce and sell premium automobiles under the Saab and Spyker brands, has noted recent press speculation about the possible supply relationship with BMW. The Group confirms that talks are ongoing and will give further details once a final agreement has been reached."

A report from Bloomberg citing an unnamed person with direct knowledge of the matter said the first Saab to benefit from the proposed deal would be the next 9-3 model, due for release in 2012. According to the source, Saab will make use of a new 222-horsepower that BMW is developing and has not yet been introduced in any of the Bavarian automaker's cars. The same engine would find its way under the hood of the new 9-5.

The person said the two automakers are also in talks about Saab buying diesel engines from BMW as well as the possible use of the MINI Countryman's platform for the future 9-2 premium sub-compact.

A final announcement on the deal could be made as early as the end of this week. We will continue to follow this matter and will provide updates on any new developments.

Source: Spyker / Bloomberg

SAAB 91 Concept Dreamed up by the Brand's Enthusiasts

What you see pictured here is a conceptual study for a B-segment SAAB hatchback model named 91 that was created by young Italian designer Fabio Ferrante with the help of an online community called "Saab 91 Petition and Support Group" - or at least that's what we understand.

The Saab enthusiast group, which can be found on Facebook, sprung up before the tie-up between Saab and Spyker N.V. with the goal of developing through an open collaboration similar to the Open Source movement a small hatchback model that could potentially save the company.

That may sound like wishful thinking, but the group is taking the project seriously. In an interview with Virtualcar, Ferrante said the group hopes that the final outcome can inspire the styling and overall character of the small hatch SAAB has reportedly been looking into lately (read more about that in our report here).

The SAAB 91 concept targets the likes of the MINI and the more recent Audi A1, measuring -according to Ferrante - 3,870 mm long, 1,420mm tall and 1,700 mm wide.

"The overall look deliberately avoids any rétro element, adopting the current design language of the brand, inspired by concept cars such as the BioHybrid and Aero X," says Ferrente.

Notable styling features -of the admittedly well executed from a technical standpoint- concept include the classic wraparound windscreen, the pronounced wheel arches and the drooping, teardrop rear window that brings to mind the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

For the time being, the group has finished the car's exterior styling and will now concentrate on the interior design. Share your thoughts about the SAAB 91 in the comments section below.

Link: Facebook Saab 91 , Source: Fabio Ferrante

SAAB Reportedly in Talks with BMW on the Development of the 9-2, and Diesel Engines for 9-4X

SAAB Automobile boss Victor Muller is reportedly in discussions with BMW about sharing hardware and technology for a new small car inspired by the teardrop-shaped 92 model of the 1950s, Swedish daily Dagens Industri reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources.

The report comes only days after Muller revealed that his company is actively interested in finding a partner for the development of the modern-day day 92, or in Saab's current lingo, the 9-2.

According to the newspaper, a possible deal with the Bavarian company could see the future 92 sharing a platform, engines and gearboxes with BMW's MINI models, a move that could prove beneficial for the German automaker also.

The Swedish daily added that Saab also expressed interest in the use of a BMW diesel engine for the its new 9-4X compact crossover that will hit showrooms in 2011.

Reuters reported that Spyker / Saab declined to comment on the matter while BMW said that it would not issue a statement on the specific report.

"We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology," a BMW spokesman said. "There are no contracts with Saab at the moment."

On Saab's behalf, Eric Geers said: "We are concentrating on the 9-5 and the 9-4X. A smaller Saab below the 9-3 is not in our business plan though it would be on our wish list."

Via: Dagens Industry & Reuters

Photo Gallery of Original Saab 92