Saab Automobile’s New Design Director, Jason Castriota Interviewed By New York Times

Posted on 23. Jun, 2010 by Ryan in 2010-2019, Designers

castriota Saab Automobile’s New Design Director, Jason Castriota Interviewed By New York Times

Photo Credit: New York Times

Saab’s new Design Director, Jason Castriota has been recently interviewed by the New York Times.

Here’s a small part of that interview below:

Jason Castriota, formerly designer for Ferrari, Pininfarina and Stile Bertone, has been tapped by Saab to lead design, through Mr. Castriota’s design firm.

Jason Castriota Designs has been hired to handle design for Saab Automobile, the Swedish automaker that was bought in February by Spyker NV, a Dutch car company.

Saab’s news release referred to Mr. Castriota, 36, as design director, adding that he would take “the lead role in design at Saab,” but he will not work exclusively for Saab, Mr. Castriota said in an interview on Monday.

Mr. Castriota is widely regarded as a star in the car design world. He was at Pininfarina from 2001 to 2008. While he was at Pininfarina, he worked on designs for Ferrari and also for Maserati (which is owned by Ferrari) including the Maserati Birdcage concept. More recently, he worked at Stile Bertone, where he designed the Mantide, an exotic car based on the Corvette ZR1.

Mr. Castriota, who was born in the United States, set up his own firm, Jason Castriota Design, in December and has offices in New York and Turin, Italy, where he also keeps a residence.

Bertone Mantide Mr. Castriota designed the Mantide supercar during his brief stint at Stile Bertone, the Italian design firm.

In the interview, Mr. Castriota said that the Saab relationship began with a meeting he had with Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s chief executive, and Victor Muller, the chief executive of Spyker and chairman of Saab, at the Geneva Auto Show in March. They discussed Mr. Castriota’s designs for a sportier, upscale version of the company’s bread and butter 9-3 sedan.

At first Mr. Muller and Mr. Jonsson wanted to hire him as Saab’s in-house design director, Mr. Castriota said. Instead, it was agreed that Mr. Castriota’s firm would remain independent, but direct design for Saab.

How does Mr. Castriota see Saab?

“Quirky and distinctive are important words,” he said. “It should be a true premium car alternative to the Germans. With the 900 series, with turbocharging and sporty performance, it was a smart buy. You saw doctors and lawyers everywhere driving Saab.”

These days, he noted, Audi has taken that position in the market that Saab occupied in the 1980s and part of the 1990s.

Mr. Castriota’s 9-3 may be on the road by 2012. He also may work on a small car, the 9-2.

Mr. Castriota pointed to the success of the Mini Cooper as a model for the success that the 9-2 might achieve. “There’s some behind-the-scenes talk going on for platform sharing with other companies,” he said, adding that he will have a voice in Saab’s marketing.

Click here for more of the interview on the NY Times.

Tags: Bertone, Jan Åke Jonsson, Jason Castriota, Jason Castriota Design, Mini Cooper, Saab Automobile, Spyker, Stile Bertone, the New York Times, Victor Muller

47 Responses to “Saab Automobile’s New Design Director, Jason Castriota Interviewed By New York Times”

G

24. Jun, 2010

Too bad SAAB will never return to its blue-collar roots. From the 80s onward they became yuppie-mobiles.

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Peter Gilbert

06. Jul, 2010

To the contrary, even the so called working class buy fully loaded cars. Just look at Hyundai and many drivers buy pick-up trucks which cost more than a Saab.

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Ted Y

06. Jul, 2010

Peter,
I suppose you’re correct, but I too wish they had kept at least one real blue-collar car in their lineup. I hate the “professor” talk nowadays. It used to be “engineers” that drove Saabs. Here’s hoping for an affordable 9-2.

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Emanuel

28. Jul, 2010

Hello Ryan! How are you? I haven’t seen any new posts and miss your updates! Some of us were just wondering if you are ok or are just enjoying a nice break. We’d love to hear from you and want you to know that we appreciate what you do at Saab History! Ok, take care!

Emanuel

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Nico

28. Jul, 2010

I second Emanuel’s post. Ryan, I hope you had a chance to attend the 2010 SOC. Lot’s of things have happened since your last posting over a month ago.

I hope you are doing okay and you are following Saab news nevertheless.

Nico

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Osama Dajani

31. Jul, 2010

The site hasn’t been updated since the end of June-10, What’s the latest updates/news ??

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Nico

01. Aug, 2010

I am pulling this into comments from the about link at the top bar.

In Ryan’s own words:

SAAB HISTORY CHANGES PERSPECTIVE

6.23.2010

Today, Saab History will change perspective by taking a break for the foreseeable future.

The creation and daily maintenance of Saab History has been quite an undertaking, one that started in 2005. I must admit it is very difficult to take a break from something that has both defined the past years and has involved such an inordinate amount of time, effort and resources. As I look back on my time with Saab History, I can reflect upon the good memories of the experiences and relationships that I have made along the way.

Saab History was quite a ride over the years, and as I take this break, I want to thank all of you who have supported my efforts and who have valued the content presented here. I appreciate your support.

I hope the future of Saab remains bright.

Sincerely,

Ryan Emge

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Joost

01. Aug, 2010

Ryan, I’m sorry to hear about Saab History taking a break. Off course this is well deserved, I can image it takes a lot of someone to always update a site to the latest news and always have your opinion ready.

I just wanted to let you now that I’ve always enjoyed Saab History. It’s the best archive about Saab on the web and maybe a lot of people underestimate this. Saab History has it’s own place and it’s own right of existence in the Saab community, besides Saabsunited, which has grown to to be the major news source and forum about Saab. As an archive and history source however, Saab History is unbeatable.

Of course I don’t know anything about your reasons to take a break. But if this has anything to do with the ongoing competition with Saabsunited, maybe it’s an idea to focus on the things Saab History is really great at.

I wish you all the best and I really hope we hear from you again in the near future.

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James Dale

02. Aug, 2010

Ryan, hope all is well. I have noticed Saab History has not been updated in a long time. I was worried, but then I began to understand after I attended the Saab Owners convention last week in Aurora Ohio. I listened to Victor Muller and Jan Ake Jonsson praise the efforts of some Aussie and his Save Saab Campaign. There was absolutely no mention of you, nor your massive efforts in rallying North America let alone, the world, through The Saab History Web Site. I WAS ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED! Saab must get their information straight and give credit where it is due! Your web site is a testimony to your dedication and beliefs to preserve this Iconic brand. I think we should all start the SAVE RYAN Campaign and get the truth to the executives at SAAB. I cannot begin to imagine how you feel.

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Ted Y

02. Aug, 2010

I want to second what Joost said above. I also want to add that Saab has dropped the ball by not recognizing and honoring your great efforts. You deserve official recognition.

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Peter Gilbert

03. Aug, 2010

Ryan, sorry to hear that you are taking a break and I hope to add my comments in the future as I have in the past.

Peter Gilbert

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peter

05. Aug, 2010

I understand why Ryan feels snubbed. This from today :

http://newsroom.saab.com/news/news/saabceocreatessaabsunitedaward.5.6a0ed975128ec1d13f17ffe1478.html

Maybe there is now an even greater need to keep Saab History updated ?

Peter

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Tom

08. Aug, 2010

I am so thrilled at the direction taken by SAAB and fully support the product line-up. Can’t wait to see the new 9-3.

Here is an article I wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle on my SAAB a few years ago:

http://articles.sfgate.com/2006-04-22/autos/17291391_1_san-diego-county-car-guy-highway

Reply to this comment
LM Cunningham

11. Aug, 2010

Ryan,
Thank you so much for bringing the Saab community together. You were a great leader through the winter as we worked to SAVE Saab. I hope the company appreciates your hard work. I truly appreciate it.
Leslie

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Golfhunter

16. Aug, 2010

We hope to read more from you soon here Ryan .
Best ,

Jeff

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Steve

18. Aug, 2010

Hi Ryan,

We miss seeing your updates on Saab History and hope you resume one day soon.

Your contributions to the Saab community are immeasurable and missed by many.

Best wishes,

Steve

Reply to this comment
Stewart

21. Aug, 2010

Certain change of perspective!
If you don’t come back it will remain as my dearest blog of all time. I’ve really learn a lot about Saab and motor industry thanks to you Ryan. My best wishes for you and what future brings.
Kind regards,

Stewart

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Dave

22. Aug, 2010

=( Ryan , wish you were here…………

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dino

24. Aug, 2010

Hey Ryan – Like many others I miss your blog too. Hope you come back – but if you do not good luck on your future endeavors….

Reply to this comment
Momcat

01. Sep, 2010

Hi Ryan ~
As a newcomer to the Saab community I just want you to know how much I have learned from your outstanding site. It is clear that you are passionate and dedicated and have devoted countless hours to create this blog. I am so sorry that things have taken a different direction and I truly miss your informed and well presented updates. Like the others, I truly hope that you will be back. In the mean time, I thank you for all that you have done, and I wish you well in your new endeavor.

Reply to this comment
Dave

22. Sep, 2010

Just a note to Ryan , I still come in each day to see the “History ” part of your web site, I read eat and sleep SAAB cars . I’m a mechanic on them for 35 years now , thats my profession , But I’m still an amiture as a person who does love the brand , you have still done great I belive we both do this because we care , have a long term intrest as to what can be . I’ve never done it for anything else , I want people
to be happy with their SAAB cars , be treated fair and it’s been up hill all the way. Some Franchise’s dont care about the brand other than for profit , not the people who own them
I’m about to be working on a 3rd generation of owners , that I am proud of . Wonderful people they are and the son’s , daughter’s and their children . Dealers have tryed to sue me , exploit customers , but I keep going on , most likely for the rest of my life . Point being I do understand ” Burn-out ” I trust your well and your doing what your most happy at

Be Well Ryan , We in the SAAB community do care about you , and Thank You so much for what you’ve done .
Dave W. Columbus OH

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Ted Y

22. Sep, 2010

I would like to echo Dave’s sentiments. I come here every day hoping to see new postings. But whatever you’re doing Ryan, I wish you success and happiness.

Reply to this comment
Jeremy

29. Sep, 2010

Ryan,

I would also like to echo the comments of your supporters above. I too check your site daily hoping to see that you have returned to Saab History.

I too wish you well no matter what the future brings but hope the Saab world knows what a positive influence your site has provided to Saab and owners for so many years.

Cheers

J.S.

Reply to this comment
CB

30. Sep, 2010

Love your blog here. I’ve enjoyed reading a few of your posts, and will be back for more.

Reply to this comment
Lee

11. Oct, 2010

Ryan,
Yours was the first SAAB blog that I gravitated toward after contracting a case of terminal and near-fatal Saabfluenza. You have been THE source for all things SAAB. When you come back, I’ll be back for more. In the meantime, I’ll see what your Tasmanian counterpart has to say today…

Reply to this comment
David Warren

27. Oct, 2010

Just came by to give ya a Hug Ryan =) thinking of ya , be well

Reply to this comment
Momcat

31. Oct, 2010

Hi Ryan ~
Like David above, I am stopping by to wish you well and hope you will be back soon to go forward w/ this phenomenal blog! We miss you and we need you!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply to this comment
aeronaut

31. Oct, 2010

Hey Ryan, just thought I would mention that in the Boston Globe review of the new 9-5 this week they give credit to your rally at the GM HQ helping to save Saab.

Here is the link: http://www.boston.com/cars/newsandreviews/overdrive/2010/10/2010_saab_9-5_a_great_underdog.html

Great job saving Saab.

Ps. They loved the new 9-5.

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Yabanc? dizi izle

11. Nov, 2010

Your RSS feed doesn’t work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?

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Markc

03. Jan, 2011

Happy New Year Ryan. Hopefully we’ll see you back in 2011?

Reply to this comment
Nico

06. Jan, 2011

Happy New Year Ryan. As others I hope we can see you back here soon. If not to just take the face of Jason Castriota from the front page. Maybe just a nice picture of an old Saab, or the latest 9-4X.

Anyway, I wish you the best, Nico

Reply to this comment
Joshua's Law Online Course

13. Jun, 2011

He is very good at designing a car, he is really best in the industry to produce the better designs for any company. Best of luck for the rest of your career.

Reply to this comment
Ryan

19. Jun, 2011

Thank you too for your kind words everyone!

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Florida Permit Test

22. Jun, 2011

He is well known designer all over the world. He has designed many cars with best look. All the best for your future projects too.

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Joshua's Law

23. Jun, 2011

I have read few articles regarding him, as they have written like he is very good car designer, so I understood that he can do the best in the saab. As he has been designed very good cars in the past he might come up with few best ideas this time in the saab.

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Online Marketing Business

04. Jul, 2011

Thank you for a awesome article.You have given me some ideas and a different way to to write articles.

Thanks
vCommissionOnline Marketing Business

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Annicka

27. Jul, 2011

Ryan, Saab need saving again and as you arranged the convoys that saved Saab the last time could you do the same again?

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Kristen @ Car Leasing Classifieds

03. Aug, 2011

Wow, this guy design the Ferrari, Pininfarina and Stile Bertone. Maybe he became very rich. As for the SAAB, I think it is very interesting car to check. I hope this guy will continue making good designs for cars.

Reply to this comment
Dave

23. Aug, 2011

Ryan , we still haven’t forgot you kind sir . I hope your well and the family also . I’m doing O.K. and still fixin SAAB’s each day , business is good but faith is a little low on the SAAB front but we still have the faith of Bob Sinclar =) . Sigh I do miss him along with the others we have seen pass .
Just a note to say Hi =) and Thanks Be Well / Dave Columbus Ohio / Mechanic , and SAAB guy

Reply to this comment
Ryan

26. Aug, 2011

Annika & Dave,

Thank you for your kind words!

Ryan

Reply to this comment
annicka

22. Dec, 2011

Ryan,
Saabsunited has become more of a Victor Muller fan site than a Saab site. Why don’t you start up again?

Reply to this comment
Ryan

29. Dec, 2011

Thanks Annicka, like many of you, I’ve been watching Saab from the side since actively running SaabHistory.com

It’s sad to see what has happened with the brand over the past year and half, all seemed quite preventable.

Reply to this comment
- Daryl
  
  19. Mar, 2012
  
  So true.
  
  Reply to this comment
auto car check

27. May, 2012

This is such an interesting article post that you shared to us. And I like a lot those great points that you mentioned. So interesting to read. Keep it up and more power!

Reply to this comment
Ashley

04. Oct, 2012

Hi, we would like to place a guest post at your blog on any subject that you need, for example “Top 10 most powerful cars of 2012” or “The most powerful motorcycles of all times” etc. At this post we would like to place a website link, the subject of the website is salvage cars from American auto auction. If you’re interested in dealing with us, please write to xebracing@yahoo.com

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Jesse

27. Dec, 2012

Hi Ryan,

The videos don’t work anymore. Maybe it is with my computeror….? Those videos were awesome and I hope they are viewable in the future also. Great site man! Thanks!

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Michael

02. Mar, 2013

Don’t “F” up Jason Castriota, I’ve owned and only driven Saab’s since 1978. I was one of those guys back in the day who said he would never drive a Saab again once GM got involved. Well in 1997, I bought my first Saab/Gm. It was a Talladega. I still own it along with a 2006 Aero.
I love both cars but as far as I’m concerned, it”s not a Saab from the old Days. I still have my 1987 SPG and it will out perform my Talladega and Aero any day of the week.
Chances are unless you bring me back my Saab, I suspect it’s time to move on. Cadillac’s CTS series has had my attention for years.

T’ll be watching and waiting.

Michael (Ottawa Ontario)

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