Film Credit: Saab History

On December 15th, Saab Automobile announced their partnership with a Swedish coalition for the advancement of zero-emission vehicles.

One of the businesses that was announced in this partnership, was award winning Boston-Power of Westborough, Massachusetts, provider of next-generation lithium-ion battery technology.

Once Saab’s future became secured with a new buyer, Saab History took the initiative to contact Boston-Power in order to learn more about their partnership with Saab Automobile as part of this coalition. Having the opportunity to meet with Founder and CEO of Boston-Power, Dr. Christina Lampe-Önnerud for an interview and a tour of the facilities, it became quite clear that Saab’s future in electric vehicles was moving fast. Boston-Power’s excitement, energy, experience and knowledge is evident, and their unique position will certainly support a long term partnership with Saab, for both Plug-In Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicles (PHEV/BEV).

This partnership received funding from a $12 Million Dollar Swedish Energy Agency grant and as indicated in the film, will produce up to 100 zero-emission fully electric Saab vehicles based off of the existing 9-3 platform by the end of this year.

The lithium-ion battery system used in the Saabs is based on Boston-Power’s Swing 4400 battery cells. This battery system has the necessary extended calendar life, high energy density and is 20-50% more efficient in overall volume compared to traditional systems today.

As Sweden continues to make progress towards sustainability and climate change by being off of fossil fuels by 2020, this partnership between Boston-Power & Saab Automobile aims to accelerate this movement. Dr. Lampe-Önnerud, a Swedish entrepreneur in Saab’s largest market in the United States, drives this message home with Boston-Power’s battery technology.

“We at Boston-Power are very excited about the opportunity to be part of a coalition of companies helping Saab bring its first zero emission vehicle to market. Saab’s reputation for engineering leadership makes it the perfect partner for Boston-Power and the coalition. Its commitment to technological innovation perfectly complements our passion for delivering market-leading portable power solutions for the automotive market.”

I am very excited about this partnership and would like to celebrate the first of the test fleet vehicles produced by test driving one and sharing that experience here with you on Saab History.

A special thanks to those at both Boston-Power as well as CHEN PR, for the opportunity to bring awareness of this game changing technology partnership with Saab Automobile.

Boston-Power, Inc.
2200 West Park Drive
Westborough, MA 01581-3961, USA

www.boston-power.com

Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s managing director has been praised by the western Swedish Commerce and Industry for his hard work to save Saab. Jonsson will be awarded on May 3rd at the Swedish Exhibition in Göteborg according to TTELA.

“During the past year, discussions about Saab Automobile’s future was hot and public. Throughout the process, Jan Åke Jonsson stood up for the company in a vigorous, sustained and professional manner. Jan Åke’s hard work and ability to handle the many different stakeholders — existing owners, potential buyers and representatives from the media – has reinforced the image of him as a highly respected leader inside the factory gates in Stallbacka and as a role model for others in the western Swedish business community. ”

Jan Åke Jonsson will be awarded the award for Industry and Trade Chamber date of 3 May at the Swedish Exhibition Center in Göteborg. In connection with the dividend Jonsson, Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller will speak about a theme of change for the company, the future and leadership.

Photo Credit: Saab History

Former Saab Designer, Anthony Lo, who I interviewed this past September in Frankfurt and previously in Detroit a year earlier, has left GM to take a new position with Renault according to Car Design News

Lo, led what people refer to as the “concept car era” for Saab under GM’s ownership, beginning with the 9-X in 2001, 9-3x, 9-3 Sport Hatch, Aero-X, 9-4x BioPower, 9-X BioHybrid and ending with the 9-X Air in 2008.

He brought a lot of design skills to the table with Saab and it was a pleasure to have him on board.

Photo Credit: Michi

This week’s Saab Sighting of the week depicts a Saab 900 Turbo with the SPG kit painted in yellow, taken near what looks to be a boat house of some sort with the Boston skyline in the background.

I am surprised that in all of my travels, this is the first time seeing this unique Saab in the greater Boston area. I hope to get more details from the owner of this Saab.

Film Credit: Saab History

Cold Brook Saab of Skowhegan, Maine, an exclusive Saab dealership for over 46 years, continues to enjoy a strong customer following and has managed many continuous cross marketing opportunities over the years. The first one I covered this past November with Shipyard Brewery, the other one I am covering here with Sunday River, a leading ski resort in New England, located in Newry, Maine.

I first began learning about Sunday River’s use of Saab vehicles upon my first visit to the resort as a guest, back in January of 2007. It was during that visit where I noticed a beautiful black Saab 9-5 wagon complete with the Sunday River logo on it.

It was not until my recent connection with Cold Brook Saab where I learned from the owner of the dealer, Joey Joseph, that this partnership began 12 years ago with the resort. “We started establishing our cross marketing campaign with a sponsorship at Sugarloaf Ski Resort in 1995 and have since forged alliances with Sunday River Ski and Golf Resort and Shipyard Brewery in Portland.”

It’s interesting to note when the first partnership was established at Sunday River’s sister ski resort Sugarloaf, Saab Cars USA had a national involvement with it as well. At that time, it was more than just opportunities for showcasing Saab products as it included discounted lift tickets, priority parking, a ski race, luncheon, raffle, an opportunity to drive a new Saab for the week in addition to lodging discounts all for Saab owners!

The current fleet that Sunday River uses includes Saab 9-5 Sedans and 9-5 SportCombis as well as 9-7xs. These vehicles initially began as transportation vehicles for upper management serving as premium transportation for executives, much like what has been done at Shipyard Brewery who have many top executives driving Saabs from Cold Brook Saab also. Today, Saabs are not only owned by employees, but also serve functions such as public safety much like Aspen & Vail as well as VIP and guest transportation at this leading family oriented resort. With all of the Saabs driving around by Sunday River, it should be no surprise to learn that many of the guests of the resort also follow the same interest in Saabs as hinted to in the film.

After having this great experience at Sunday River to learn about this Saab partnership, it is clear that Cold Brook Saab and Sunday River both want this partnership to continue. With a newly created Saab organization in the United States, known as Saab Cars North America, along with some long awaited incredible product offerings that will clearly serve the best interests of this partnership and their customer’s demographic such as the Saab 9-3x, all new Saab 9-5 and 9-4x all equipped with Cross Wheel Drive, the future looks promising.

A special thanks to those at both at Sunday River ski resort as well as Cold Brook Saab for the opportunity to bring awareness of this ongoing Saab partnership.

Sunday River Ski Resort
15 South Ridge Road
Newry, Maine 04261
www.sundayriver.com

Cold Brook Saab
337 Madison Ave
Skowhegan, ME 04976
www.coldbrooksaab.com

Saab Cars North America Announces Pricing on 2010 Model Year 9-3 Vehicles

* Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices reduced on all 2010 model year 9-3 variants
* 2010 model year vehicles to begin arriving in showrooms in April

DETROIT – Saab Cars North America today announced that manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing will be reduced for all 2010 model year 9-3 vehicles. These are the first 2010 model year Saab vehicles produced for the U.S. market and closely follow the recent acquisition of Saab Automobile AB by Spyker Cars NV

An exciting line-up of model year 2010 vehicles will arrive during the next few weeks to dealer showrooms across the United States. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for every 2010 model year 9-3 variant has been reduced anywhere from 4 to 12 percent compared to model year 2009.

“This pricing action allows Saab to be in-line with the market and maintains accessibility of Saab’s rich Swedish heritage, innovation and responsible performance for our many loyal owners, enthusiasts and potential new customers,” said Mike Colleran, President and COO, Saab Cars North America.

Topping the list for 2010 is an all-new 9-3X premium cross-over model. Powered by Saab’s 2.0 liter turbocharged engine and available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, the 9-3X offers sporty performance without the typical penalty of high fuel consumption. Add in the standard cross-wheel drive (XWD) with electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) and raised chassis, the 9-3X delivers an all-road driving experience you can take with you no matter where your road leads. The 9-3X starts at $37,800 MSRP.

The 9-3 Sport Sedan is available in two trim levels, 2.0T and Aero, and both can be specified with either front wheel drive or with Saab’s Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD) system. Sport Sedan starting prices range from $29,725 MSRP for the 2.0T to $38,940 MSRP for the Aero model. Both cars offer a host of standard equipment with the Aero adding sport-focused features such as 17” alloy wheels, more aggressive front fascia, interior trim with two-tone leather seats, thicker sport steering wheel, a sport tuned chassis, and dual bright exhaust tailpipes. OnStar with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is available on 2.0T models and comes standard on the Aero. A Bose six-CD audio system and XM Satellite Radio are also standard Aero content. Memory driver seat and rear park assist are available on Aero models in the optional Premium Package.
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Photo Credit: Saab History (Left to Right) Bob Sinclair, Jay Spenchian, Jan-Willem Vester & Steve Shannon. – 2007 Saab Owners Convention, Troy Michigan

The former Presidents of Saab Automobile in the United States while under previous GM ownership, Jay Spenchian (2005-2007) as well as Steve Shannon (2007-2009), were both dismissed from their duties as executives at GM this week, according to Ad Age.

Jay Spenchian began with Saab Automobile USA on March 31st, 2005 and was involved in the “Born From Jets” advertising campaign and saw the 50th anniversary of Saab in the United States in 2006.

Steve Shannon, who was interviewed at the New York Auto Show last year, led the company beginning on April 16th 2007, during a challenging time as the company itself was converted into a premium brand group, then dissolved as GM began to express its interest in shedding it’s former Saab brand.

Legendary Saab rally driver, Erik “On The Roof” Carlsson or “Mr. Saab” to others, turns 81 years old today. Erik “På taket” Carlsson, or in Swedish meaning “on the roof”, was born March 5, 1929 in Trollhättan, Sweden.

The nickname On the roof, apparently originated by from the children’s book, “Karlsson på taket” by Astrid Lindgren. In this book,the Karlsson character lived on the roof of an apartment building. This “on the roof” name was given to Erik Carlsson because he had the infrequent habit of rolling his Saab rally car on its roof.

Erik joined SAAB as a rally driver, just after the first SAAB 92 model was produced and participated in his first rally with it, the Rikspokalen in 1955. Carlsson, married to Pat Moss on March 3rd, 1963, began a relationship that expanded well beyond the homefront. Patt Moss (1934-2008), a younger sister of legendary rally driver, Stirling Moss eventually became Erik Carlsson’s co-pilot through most of his successful rally career.

The early SAABs that Erik Carlsson drove were significantly underutilized two-stroke vehicles that required the driver to keep the high revolutions up while moving, which meant high speeds at all times. When driving these “strokers” at high speeds at all times, Erik Carlsson developed what was called “left foot” braking where you use your left foot to brake while in the same instance, your right foot to maintain the speed at all times.

While Erik Carlsson maintained 1st place in most of his rally circuits, the most notable rally he participated in was the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally where he was victorious.

The year following this victory, both Erik Carlsson and Pat Moss wrote a book called “The Art & Technique of Driving”.

The most recent book on Erik Carlsson’s career was published in 1999, titled “Mr. Saab”. The Mr Saab title was given to Erik “On the Roof” Carlsson by Saab Automobile as he ended his rally career to continue a public relations career for the Swedish car company.

Today, Erik Carlsson has been known to make appearances at various Saab Festivals and Saab Conventions all over the world including the recent Save Saab event in the United Kingdom where he continues to hold the Saab torch. With any luck, maybe you will get a chance to meet this legendary Saab rally champion to thank him for all of the recognition, attention and history he has brought to the Saab Automobile brand ever since.

Photo Credits: http://www.erc24.com/

Per Eklund appears to be grooming a young protege who will be joining Eklund Motorsport. A Finn, by the name of Toomas “Topi” Heikkinen who will be racing in this year’s Finnish rallycross according to enthusiast, Mike Jager

It’s nice to see experienced professionals realizing that for continuity sake, a younger generation needs to be transitioned in.

Finn Toomas “Topi” Heikkinen has made the move from circuit racing to Rallycross and will take part in this year’s Finnish ‘Super Rallicross’ championship in an Eklund Motorsport Saab 93 ERC.
Heikkinen (18) will contest a full season in the Finnish championship as well as driving the Saab in the Finnish round of the ERC in July. Further outings will be considered on the basis Heikkinen’s progress. Starts in the Swedish ERC round, and late season ERC events that fall after the end of the Finnish championship are under discussion.

Having raced karts since the age of eight, Heikkinen progressed to cars in a fairly conventional career path and drove in Formula Renault events in 2008 and ’09. The move to Rallycross is not unique; Finland’s most recent European champion, Jussi Pinomäki, was also an accomplished racer before switching codes.

“It is great to start taking part in a sport in which Finns have a fantastic history and several European champions. My team manager, Per Eklund, has also won the European championship, and Matti Alamäki, the living legend of Rallycross and a five-time European champion, is still driving in the Finnish championship. In company like that, you just have to grab the wheel like a man!” said Heikkinen, “Obviously there is a huge amount to learn. Just to start with, I’m not familiar with the high-powered engine and four-wheel drive of my car. During the winter I have been learning to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle in a Mitsubishi rally car on various Rallycross tracks. Rally driver Riku Tahko has been sitting beside me, and I’m starting to get the hang of it.” In kart racing Heikkinen was a contemporary of Timmy Hansen, Tom Blomqvist and Marcus Ericsson, he was a race winner during the 2009 Formula Renault NEC Cup season.
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Edmunds Inside line indicates that the next generation Saab 9-3 is more than two years into development at this time, according to Victor Muller of Spyker Cars.

In addition to this vehicle, Muller indicates that he would also like to build a premium compact vehicle known as the 92.

This is all very good news for future product development at Saab.

TROLLHÄTTAN, Sweden — Saab-Spyker chief Victor Muller says he would like the company to build a what he calls a 92, a compact, premium model drawing inspiration from the original 93, “though not a retro design,” he stresses.

The car would be positioned “somewhere north of the Mini” and would need a technical partner for Saab to be able to bring it to market. For this reason, it is not part of the business plan intended to return Saab to profitability by 2016.

However, Muller and Saab CEO Jan-Ake Jonsson say they have been surprised by the level of interest shown by other manufacturers in selling Saab hardware and technology. Jonsson is also hoping to sell Saab expertise, including its experience with turbos, transmissions and gasoline engines.

Muller also says that the next-generation 9-3 is more than two years into development, “with basic engineering done, with two years in which to add more Saab DNA,” before launch. That will have allowed Spyker to get the fully engineered new 9-5, the 9-4X, the 9-3, and a re-equipped factory “for the price of a wind tunnel.”