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 to Cut Workforce after Poor Sales Forecast

Sweden-based Saab Automobile plans to reduce its workforce by 200 employees or about one-eighth of its current staff, according to report from Reuters citing a union official. Hakan Skott, a union representative at Saab, told the news site that the move was expected after the company's new owner, Dutch supercar maker Spyker, cut the firm's sales target from 60,000 units in February, to 45,000 a few months later and finally to just 30,000 cars at end of October.

"I'm not exactly surprised [about the layoffs]. We reduced our sales forecast just a couple of weeks ago and there is a decline in sales every year around Christmas and at the end of the year," Skott said. "I'm sure that by February-March we will see an upward trend and people will buy cars again," he added.

Saab has said in the past that it needs to sell around 80,000 cars per year to break even.

On Friday, Swedish business daily Dagens Industri quoted Spyker's CEO Victor Muller as saying, "There is absolutely no reason to worry. Our plans for the future still stand. Next year, we will build 80,000 cars".

As for the staff being laid, Muller told the newspaper that they were temporary employees. "You take them aboard when you need them and when they are not needed, they are not on board."

Source: Reuters & Dagens Industri

LA Show 2010: All-New Saab 9-4X receives its World Premiere [with Videos]

Saab chose the city of Angeles to hold the world premiere of its second all-new model after the recent 9-5 sedan and the company's first compact crossover vehicle, the 9-4X. The Swedish automaker says the new 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X crossover and new 9-5 sedan.

A crucial model to Saab's recovery after the Swedish brand changed hands, the 9-4X is one of the last vehicles to be co-developed with its former owner, General Motors. It is based on the Cadillac SRX and will be built alongside its American counterpart at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

Under the hood, North American buyers will have a choice of naturally-aspirated or turbocharged V6 engines. The entry-level powerplant is a 265HP 3.0-liter V6 with direct-injection that can be ordered with FWD or AWD, while at the top of the range sits a 300HP 2.8-liter V6 with twin-scroll turbocharging and standard AWD. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.

"We are now embarking on the biggest new product offensive in Saab's history," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. "The 9-4X is the second new car we have introduced this year and it will significantly broaden the appeal of the Saab brand by giving us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that is sporty and unmistakably a Saab."

The Saab 9-4X will hit U.S. dealerships in May 2011, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August of the same year.

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Saab Seals Engine Deal with BMW, gets 4 Cylinder Turbo Units from 2012

The BMW Group and Saab-owner Spyker Cars N.V. have come to an agreement for the use of the German automaker's petrol engines in Saab's vehicles from 2012 onwards. The long-rumored deal, which will ultimately help Saab further reduce its reliance on previous owner General Motors, currently the firm's only supplier of gasoline powerplants, was signed on Wednesday by Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and the CEO of Saab Automobile, JanÅke Jonsson, in Trollhättan in Sweden.

Under the agreement, BMW will supply Saab with 4-cylinder 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engines, which will incorporate the Bavarian automaker's fuel-saving and emissions -cutting stop-start and regenerative braking tech. Saab said the engines will be adapted to meet the firm's specific requirements.

"We look forward to integrating this technology into our next-generation vehicles in a true Saab way," said Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson.

Though the two automakers did not go into any other details, it is believed that the petrol engines will be the same as the ones used in the MINI range, with at least one of them to be assembled at the BMW Group's Hams Hall engine plant in the UK. The 1.6-liter Turbo will be used on the next 9-3 (expected in 2012), as well as on the new 9-5 sedan.

Ian Robertson, Executive Sales and Marketing Director of BMW said: "Our engines have a clear lead over the competition when it comes to fuel consumption, emissions and performance and we are delighted to support Saab with our engine expertise."

Saab's chairman Victor Muller noted that both parties are open "to explore further opportunities in the future".

The two companies did not disclose any financial or contract volume details on the engine deal.

Saab 9-4X Crossover Spied in Production Form Prior to Los Angeles debut

Here are some snapshots of the next Saab vehicle to help justify the brand's survival, the 9-4X crossover. Seen here in production guise before its LA Auto Show debut in November (unless Saab surprises us in Paris...), what we've got is a nice, safe, smart step in the right direction for the brand.

While nothing is official yet, the 9-4X engine lineup should include a ~180-hp 1.6-liter Turbo, a ~220-hp 2.0-liter Turbo, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. A 300-hp 2.8-liter V6 may also show up, and we can expect transmissions to be 6-speed manuals and automatics in a front- or all-wheel drive layout.

From the pics, the new Saab crossover looks to stay fairly true to the 9-4X BioPower concept by showing off Saab's new rear end styling; we can clearly see its full-width taillight setup and hockey stick C-pillar. Up front is more of the same, with the only concession appearing to be smaller front fog light openings.

Also, the propeller-inspired rims are a nice touch that symbolize both Saab's aviation heritage and its new ownership by Spyker. All in all, this appears to be a welcome addition to the new Saab product range.

With a Jason Castriota-penned 9-3 on its way and possible BMW power in the pipeline, Saab looks to be viciously clawing its way back up a slope that it was so carelessly pushed down by GM.

By Phil Alex

Source: Saabsunited [Photos: Djup Strupe]

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Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

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