Plans to spin a new Saab SUV off of the Cadillac XRS sport utility, based on the same architecture as the impressive CTS sport sedan, have been dashed (for reasons unknown). The car-based Cadillac SUV makes a lot more sense for Saab than the large truck-based Trailblazer platform, but unfortunately the struggling Swedish automaker doesn't have a lot of pull on the General's reigns these days. If produced, the 9-7 won't become available until 2005, with the possibility of offering it in Europe.
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| The Saab 9-2 will be available May 2004 in the U.S. and Canada, but Saab insiders state, "We will never sell this model in Europe." (Photo: General Motors) |
The Saab 9-2 is expected to be available May of 2004 in the U.S. and Canada, but not in Europe. According to a report by German magazine Automobilwoche, Saab insiders stated, "We will never sell this model in Europe." Whether that is due to politics or a lack of interest on behalf of prospective European consumers is not known.
In other Saab news an updated 9-3 sport wagon and crossover model are expected for 2005, while a new 9-5 will be launched in 2006.