Saab and Subaru have a lot more in common than just an unorthodox approach to engineering according to Augustsson. "The Saab 9-2X is the result of a collaboration between two like-minded companies. We both have a special aircraft heritage and a successful history in rallying, and our cars are known for being dynamic, safe and fun-to-drive. It makes a lot of sense to combine our strengths in creating a Saab that can be brought to market quickly."
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| Saab, with its upscale yet oddball identity, and quirky Japanese manufacturer Subaru could be a great match. (Photo: General Motors) |
In order to expand its sales Saab is going down market with the 9-2X, targeting a segment that features the Canada only Acura 1.7 EL, little more than a glorified Honda Civic. BMW is expected to enter this category with its much anticipated 1-Series in about a year's time. While Saab's European sales division hasn't yet accepted the Subaru-sourced 9-2X, hoping that it is only a precursor to a ground-up Saab design, most industry insiders think the move could bolster sales in North America without damaging the brand's upscale yet oddball identity. After all, try to find a quirkier Japanese manufacturer than Subaru.
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| Bob Lutz, GM's Vice Chairman for Product Development stated, "The Saab and Subaru brands have a special flair. It is a natural fit for them to combine their talents and expertise." (Photo: General Motors) |
On the Saab/Subaru subject Bob Lutz, GM's Vice Chairman for Product Development stated, "The Saab and Subaru brands have a special flair. It is a natural fit for them to combine their talents and expertise in bringing the first all-wheel drive performance car into the Saab family - a car with great dynamic qualities and exhilarating performance."
On the other hand, in a move that has confused many analysts General Motors are turning to their midsize (what would be full-size in Asia or Europe) Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy (and the list goes on) sport utility as the basis for the upcoming 9-7X. Not seen as one of GM's better moves, a Saab SUV based on the impressive Cadillac SRX sport utility seems like a much more natural fit. Experts are concerned that consumers loyal to the Saab nameplate, as well as those looking to move upmarket from another import brand, won't be interested in a truck-based SUV but rather a car-based model like the rival Volvo XC90.