Motor Trend: Saab USA President On Future Of Saab

Posted on 28. Jun, 2008 by Ryan in 2000-2009, Company

Steve Shannon, Saab Automobile USA’s president has recently discussed the future of Saab and Motor Trend was all over it with their coverage.

There were some interesting notables in this coverage, but one interesting mention came from when Steve Shannon said that Saab USA could return to Pikes Peak or another Talladega Speedway run.

If Saab were do to this, would it be around the same time that they introduce their BioPower models to the North American market in late 2009? Fuel is quite expensive these days so I am curious to find out if these “ideas”, if given the green light could involve a heavily subsidized E-85 fuel so that such ventures would be more economically possible for Saab Automobile USA. This is of course if they even plan on incorporating such activities as part of their launch program when they introduce BioPower to North America.

I indicate that Saab Automobile USA missed their 20th anniversary of Talladega two years ago as they had the Talladega Challenge in 1996 and the Talladega Long Run in 1986. Saab Automobile have also not participated in Pikes Peak with legendary Saab rally driver, Per Eklund since 2002.

I leave you with the quote from Steve Shannon on the Pikes Peak and Talladega mention that I think we’d really like much more detailed information on:

A bit of motorsport for the Saab enthusiast. Motorsport has always been infused in Saab’s DNA since its inception after WWII, but you most likely won’t see its triumphant return to the rally arena anytime soon. As much as Saab officials (and we) would like the automaker to compete, it’s currently an endeavor deemed too expensive for the relatively small automaker to undertake. If anything, “Shannon mentioned that the extent of Saab’s motorsport involvement could possibly include another Pikes Peak race or Talladega Speedway run“, not World Rally Championship.

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