Spyker Searching for a Partner to Build Modern-Day SAAB 92

Saab's automobile range may be expanded in the near future with a new small car inspired by the Swedish firm's teardrop-shaped 92 model of the 1950s if the company's CEO Victor Muller gets his way.

In a telephone interview with Bloomberg, Muller revealed that his company is in talks with automakers to share technology and a platform for the modern-day 92 or in Saab's current lingo, the 9-2.

While Muller declined to say with whom he's been negotiating, the owner of Spyker Cars NV said that the new 9-2 would keep the teardrop-shape of the original model that was in production between 1949 and 1956.

"Discussions are already ongoing," said Muller. "That will be on my plate for the next 100 days."

If Saab's boss manages to close a deal with an automaker, we'll probably have to wait another two to three years to see the final production version of the Swedish firm's retro-answer to BMW's MINI and Fiat's 500.

Via: Bloomberg

Photo Gallery of Original Saab 92

Saab's U.S. Boss Talks About the Future and How the Brand will Tackle the Perception that the Brand is Dead

Automotive News recently had a chance to sit down with the COO of Saab North America, Mike Colleran, and discuss the future of Saab. perception

One of the first questions posed was the extent of damage to Saab's brand image during the past year and a half and how the Swedish automaker plans to improve its image in the near future.

"It is difficult to understand the complete depth of that damage. Certainly the brand did suffer" said Colleran. "I think there are a number of consumers who have the perception that Saab is gone."

Saab's North American boss believes that the company's image will be significantly improved with the launch of new products such as the all-new 9-5 in July as well as through the use of social media marketing (e.g. Facebook and Twitter) and traditional advertising venues like TV, news print and radio.

Colleran also went into a few of the details regarding the future of the Spyker-owned brand, including its remaining connection to GM and plans for modernizing the lineup.

Regarding the connection to its previous owner, Colleran said Saab will "rent back" certain services like IT/database management and dealer-support networking, because "you just can't reinvent those overnight."

Also, Saab's upcoming 9-4X will be built by GM in Mexico. None of this results in any control by GM, though.

After the 9-4X bows next April, a new 9-3 should arrive in 2012. Colleran in no uncertain terms says that by then, the new 9-5 will be the old news in Saab's lineup.

In the interview, the 9-5 also had its official target set: Audi's A6. Other competitors will be the 5-Series and S80.

Considering the old 9-5 and 9-3 had an bit of an overlap, Saab was quick to address this. The new 9-3 and 9-5 will be more distinct in price and size, allowing for a wider consumer base. With the 9-5 being set against the Germans and Volvo's S80, the 9-3 is going to be locked onto the 3-Series and S60.

Future success wasn't to be jinxed, though; no official sales goals were released, although Colleran did mention that Saab can build up to 15,000 units this year.

Attractive product, aggressive marketing, and a competitive drive. Fans will be happy to have a Saab brand worth following.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autonews [Sub. Req.]

New 2010 Saab 9-5 Configurator Goes Online

Saab has opened up the doors to customizing its new 9-5 with a configurator, albeit a bit of a teaser version. With only colors and wheels available to choose from at the moment, there's only so much fun to be had.

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

China-Made Saab 9-5 by BAW: First Photos and Video

Earlier today, we showed you a bevy of pictures of the Beijing Automotive Works' (BAW) Saab 9-3-based C60 mid-size sedan. Now we have the first photos of the Chinese firm's reworked Saab 9-5, the C71 saloon, as well as a video showing both cars as they were being transferred to BAW's Beijing Motor Show stand.

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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