While you make very valid points and the fuel economy numbers on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid are very impressive, I feel I must point-out that at least one of the criteria the department is looking at would be won by the Saab: CO2 emissions.

Admittedly, it’s difficult to evaluate the performance of the 9-4X before the vehicle even begins production, but we can use estimates from similar vehicles to make a case:

Looking at the official EPA website (http://www.fueleconomy.gov) you will learn that the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid w/AWD emits 7.1 tons of carbon dioxide annually, based on 15,000 miles per year driven and a driving mix of 55% city, 45% highway.

Using Saab’s estimated numbers for the 9-4X (251 g/km CO2 emission) I calculate that the Saab would only output 6.7 tons of carbon dioxide annually, and that’s when running on straight gasoline. According to Saab’s estimates E85 reduces fossil fuel CO2 emissions by up to 80%.

Further, the 9-4X running on E85 would help the United States reduce its dependence on foreign oil as suggested by the U.S. Department of Energy and further the goal of energy security by consuming less petroleum than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and even the Toyota Prius! This is due to the fact that E85 contains only 15% petroleum-based gasoline and 85% by volume is renewable whereas the Toyota consumes fuel which is 100% petroleum-based and is 0% renewable.

I hope it’s not uncouth to point this out, and if it is, I apologize in advance to Ryan, but I would like to point-out a couple of comments I made at another Saab-related site regarding the 9-4X and comparing/contrasting it to both the Volvo XC90 and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, rather than copy and paste it all here as well: http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/01/saab-9-4x-concept-overview.html#comments

Maybe now isn’t the time to have this discussion, but come 2009 the department may want to take another look at the Saab and weigh its benefits against those of competitors.

Again, thanks for your time and forthcoming info.

It is good to know the current position of the Aspen Police Department and that a relationship renewal is not out of the question, as long as it is aligned directly with your environmental objectives.

Even if Saab and the Aspen Police Department were interested in renewing their relationship, the Aspen Police Department is dedicated to the City of Aspen ’s Canary Initiative of reducing greenhouse gases and, therefore, the department would be only interested in a hybrid-type vehicle. The Saab 9-4x BioPower doesn’t seem like it would be a viable hybrid option since there is an extended production timeline (2009) and there is a lack of fuel bioethanol (E85) availability in the Roaring Fork Valley . I will, however, forward the press release regarding the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept vehicle on to the chief of police.

The smattering of polite applause (golf claps!?!?) for the vehicle was hopefully just because the audience was so stunned by it!

But seriously, thanks for the video, Ryan. And thanks to Ryan’s sponsors, such as Saab Colorado, Inc. for making this possible for the Saab community.

Perhaps the Aspen and Vail police departments can be pursuaded into switching back to Saab with the 9-4X!