The Saab 9-4x Development To Maintain Course & Speed

Posted on 23. Jan, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009, 9-4x

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB / Official Production Photograph

I have recently become aware that the Saab 9-4x has been rumored to be either shelved completely or will be relocated to Sweden for production, according to Autoblog and Edmunds, respectively. I have intentionally posted the production photos that were shown, both outside and inside, just so we realize that although the spy photos are great, we’ve already seen the final versions.

To put these rumors to rest, an insider has reported that the Saab 9-4x development will be maintaining course and speed for the United States market. It will still be produced at the Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico as the production prototypes we’ve seen recently, were built there! Furthermore, there should be no reason to end this product made for the U.S. market, with the benefit of the dollar exchange due to where it is built. It will be delayed however, to debut next year 2010, as a 2011 model year.

Last but not least, I want to second a mention made in defence of the Saab Automobile brand by GM Premium brand’s Saab Communications chief, Jan-Willem Vester towards Autoblog’s aforementioned statements.

Responding to whether Saab might “just slowly slide off into oblivion,” Vester says:

The word ‘oblivion’ is certainly not in Saab’s vocabulary anytime soon, especially since the Swedish government has proven be to be very supportive of the brand as one of its best known products around the world and a main source of jobs for the region.

This is encouraging to hear from JWV, because as he also knows, it’s all about the new era of independence from General Motors and both the Swedish Government and the European Investment bank have indicated secured funding for the Saab Automobile brand’s future.

Tags: bank, Communications chief, General Motors, Mexico, Official, Ramos Arizpe factory, Saab Automobile AB, spy, Sweden, United States