Crammed into the tiny CIAS space was Saab’s entire current lineup: the 2011 9-5 Aero Sedan, 2011 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan, and the 9-4X Crossover making its Canadian debut. Based on the same underpinnings as Cadillac’s SRX—the last remaining tie between Saab and GM, the Mexican-built 9-4X is the only one in the lineup not manufactured in Sweden. All other vehicles are produced at the Trollhattan plant, on a single assembly line “which is fantastic on so many levels, it helps us accelerate or slow down whenever we need to” says Anderson. “We’ve also re-started sales in 51 countries and today we’re virtually free of General Motors in almost all situations.
Anderson is “thrilled” to announce that they’ve launched an importer into Canada, and getting back in touch with the dealer network after having lost touch over the last few years.
“What’s different about the new Saab”, asks Anderson?
The biggest change is “strategic partnerships. The company was really restricted under its last ownership, but now “the world is wide open”. The auto industry has changed – during the recession automakers abandoned protectionism and have learned to share technology. Anderson is enthusiastic about its new partnerships, particularly the BMW engine that will launch in the new 9-3 for 2012. Another “electrifying” partnership called e-AAM Driveline Systems has been forged with American Axle, to make electric all-wheel drive systems and hybrid and electric drivelines. This technology will be made available to other carmakers.
The 9-3E concept will be launched in Sweden with a test fleet of 70 vehicles. A fully electric, zero emissions wagon done in conjunction with Boston Power, it’s driven by a 135-kW/184-hp electric motor with a projected 200-km range.
“A lot has changed for the 9-3 and 9-5 that we have here today” said Anderson. “A lot of enhancement has gone into the 9-3.
The 9-5 just launched as a 2011, we took a time-out in Canada for 2010”. It features Scandinavian design elements, including a wraparound windshield, “cockpit designed as an aircraft and heads-up display that is unique, as it projects way out in front of the bumper”. “It comes with a cross-wheel drive system, adaptive chassis control, and for Canada, we’ll have two engine variants: the V6 2.8L turbo, or the 2.0L turbocharged engine that will run on gasoline or bio-fuel”.
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| Photo: Michael Wong |
Anderson is “thrilled” to announce that they’ve launched an importer into Canada, and getting back in touch with the dealer network after having lost touch over the last few years.
“What’s different about the new Saab”, asks Anderson?
The biggest change is “strategic partnerships. The company was really restricted under its last ownership, but now “the world is wide open”. The auto industry has changed – during the recession automakers abandoned protectionism and have learned to share technology. Anderson is enthusiastic about its new partnerships, particularly the BMW engine that will launch in the new 9-3 for 2012. Another “electrifying” partnership called e-AAM Driveline Systems has been forged with American Axle, to make electric all-wheel drive systems and hybrid and electric drivelines. This technology will be made available to other carmakers.
The 9-3E concept will be launched in Sweden with a test fleet of 70 vehicles. A fully electric, zero emissions wagon done in conjunction with Boston Power, it’s driven by a 135-kW/184-hp electric motor with a projected 200-km range.
“A lot has changed for the 9-3 and 9-5 that we have here today” said Anderson. “A lot of enhancement has gone into the 9-3.
The 9-5 just launched as a 2011, we took a time-out in Canada for 2010”. It features Scandinavian design elements, including a wraparound windshield, “cockpit designed as an aircraft and heads-up display that is unique, as it projects way out in front of the bumper”. “It comes with a cross-wheel drive system, adaptive chassis control, and for Canada, we’ll have two engine variants: the V6 2.8L turbo, or the 2.0L turbocharged engine that will run on gasoline or bio-fuel”.
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| Photo: Michael Wong |