Saab History has recently had the great opportunity to speak with Mark Kandutsch of Bar Harbor, Maine, who has recently completed a 1972 Saab 96 Electric Vehicle Project.

This project itself, was triggered by the Doctor’s interest in creating an EV project after reading an inspiring article in a do-it-yourself magazine a few years ago where Electric Vehicle’s (EV) were featured. The project looked easy enough on paper, so the brainstorming began.

Choosing The Vehicle

Mark had previously owned Saab 99’s and 900’s over the years. His previous experience, coupled with specific needs for a vehicle that was streamlined, had no power steering and was lightweight, and without knowing about other Saab 96 EV projects like Brandon’s or Christen’s 96, he chose a 1972 Saab 96 that was for sale in the local classifieds.

Restoring & Converting The Saab 96

The 1972 Saab 96 that was chosen needed a lot of body work, so Mark spent most of his time and energy restoring the body of the vehicle complete with a new paint job and fitting “lightening bolt” on the rear trunk symbolizing the electrical energy driving this vehicle. The project began in September of 2008 and was completed in March of 2009. Mark indicates that at least four to five out of the seven months were devoted towards the body work where 2 to 3 were spent on the actual EV conversion process. He believes that if he were doing another project, he’d be able to do the conversion in about half that time being 1.5 months.

Daily Operation Of The Saab 96 EV

Since the restoration was completed in March, Mark has used the vehicle as his daily driver to and from work which is 10 miles round-trip. He does not drive the vehicle in the winter as the salt roads cause serious rust and he was not interested in reversing the restoration of his beautiful Saab 96 EV. In a given week, he can go up to 40 miles on a single charge with his current battery setup. Mark admits that he feels more comfortable charging the vehicle daily or every few days just in case he needs to make the unexpected errands going either to or from work.

Charging of the Saab 96 EV

The current charging device used to power all batteries at the same time, is powered 100% by the grid. While Mark does have solar panels on his house, they are not the latest in Photovoltaic technology and therefore aren’t capable of providing the necessary electricity needed for the charge. A typical daily charge would be about 2 hours after work, and if the batteries are fully discharged it would be about 3.5 hours max.

Another Saab EV Success Story In The Making

Today, Mark has driven the vehicle approximately 5,000 miles and has never had to walk home due his use of electrical power guages that he’s currently upgrading which will soon include the ability to monitor miles per kWh.

For more details on Mark’s 1972 Saab 96 EV project, please check out more photos and details on EV Maine.

Saab History has just received the official press release from Saab Cars North America.

Saab Cars North America Announces New Headquarters

* Saab Cars North America to reside in Royal Oak, Michigan
* Company to invest $2.4 million to enhance North American Sales and Marketing Operations
* Over 2000 jobs to be retained or created over the next few years

DETROIT – Saab Cars North America today announced that its headquarters will reside in Royal Oak, Michigan, creating or retaining approximately 2000 jobs in North America. The company will invest $2.4 million to enhance its U.S. Sales and Marketing operations. Saab Automobile AB was recently purchased by the Dutch automobile company, Spyker Cars NV.

“Saab Cars North America appreciates the assistance and cooperation of the City of Royal Oak and the Governor’s office in helping make the company’s decision a reality during tough economic times,” said Mike Colleran, President and COO, Saab Cars North America. “As a direct result in acquiring local and state assistance, we look forward to renewing our U.S. presence as an independent, premium luxury automotive brand with Swedish heritage while maintaining our loyal following and potentially attracting new customers.”

“From advanced batteries to homeland security and life sciences to building materials, companies across all industry sectors are choosing Michigan for their growth plans, because our state is a great state in which to do business,” Governor Granholm said.

The State of Michigan Economic Development Council worked with the City of Royal Oak to secure the project. Governor Granholm approved a state tax credit, with local contribution by the City of Royal Oak, for a total benefit of $1.4 million over five years to encourage the company to expand in Michigan versus other competing states.

“This is tremendous news for Oakland County. While the county continues to transform into a knowledge-based economy through my Emerging Sectors, Medical Main Street and Automation Alley initiatives, the automobile industry still employs a large segment of our workforce. This affirms that we remain the global center of the auto industry. Credit is due to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, my Economic Development Department and Royal Oak,” said L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive.

Saab entered the auto business in 1949 with the first model 92. Its aerodynamic shape and advanced technology drew from the company’s roots as an aircraft maker and helped create what was to become a loyal and passionate customer base. GM acquired a 50 percent stake in Saab in 1990 and acquired the balance of Saab in 2000. As part of its strategy to focus on its four strongest brands in the U.S., GM began seeking a buyer for Saab in January 2009, a concerted effort that led to Spyker Cars NV purchasing Saab Automobile AB from General Motors on February 23, 2010.

For more information and a listing of Saab dealerships, please visit the website: www.saabusa.com.

CONTACT:
Michelle Tinson
Saab Cars North America
Phone: 248-705-0604

As we continue the topic of electrifying Saabs following the Boston-Power partnership, Saab History has recently received an update from frequenter, Brandon Hollinger of Pennsylvania. It was June of last year when we first heard about his project making headway with the conversion of his 1970 SAAB 96 to become fully electric.

Today, he’s refined the project and beautified his vehicle complete with “Electric” emblems and a new paint job, including special details such as stickers under the hood that read “high voltage”.

As this focus continues in the Saab community as seen with a number of individuals over the years, it’s also nice to see it really picking up speed. I’m sure that we’ll learn about more and more individuals taking it upon themselves to convert their Saabs to become fully electric.

Here’s Brandon’s update on this vehicle since we last covered it here on Saab History.

Thanks for your interest in the 96-volt SAAB 96 conversion! Here’s some random reflections:

The past year has been eye-opening as I test-piloted the “SAAB 96-V” over 5,000 petroleum-free miles. While the car honestly performed just as expected (outside of 2 minor human errors) the real surprise was I didn’t miss my other car at all. It seems people (I included) don’t really know how much they drive per day. The statistics are pretty consistent: 90% of US trips are less than 30 miles. With a range of about 50 miles provided by my 96-volt lead-acid battery pack I was able to do up to 3 days of commuting to and from work. With off-peak charging, I enjoyed discounted utility rates and it added only $10-15 to my monthly utility bill – another pleasant surprise. I’d use my gas-powered SAAB 900 Turbo maybe once or twice a month to do a longer journey. I’m now seriously considering taking that car off the road to save on insurance costs. I could use the saved money to rent a newer car for those few longer road trips and also avoid the costs of maintaining the 900. (easier said than done… as I do have an attachment to that car:) …and rent out the extra garage $pace as I’ve done in the pa$t! I do want to add that the numerous electric vehicles (EVs) now on their way to market will most likely offer 100 or more miles per charge or have a backup gas-powered generator for range extension: “plug-in hybrid electric vehicles” (PHEVs).

“But aren’t you just exchanging a tailpipe for a smokestack?”
This is a common question I’ve encountered at shows this past year and meeting people on the street constantly. While I think it’s best to seek sources of electricity that are cleaner than coal, my potentially coal-powered EV is still cleaner than it’s gas counterpart. One reason is efficiency. I’ve read that the internal combustion engine is around 20% efficient compared to 90% for electric motors. Therefore better use of the dirty fuel. Another interesting fact is power plants don’t ramp up and down their electricity production to match fluctuating demand. Rather they run at the same level, day and night, resulting in a huge excess of wasted electricity at night. I’ve confirmed this numerous times with my provider.

Read more »

Photo Credits: Oakland Press & Biddison Architecture

Saab History has just learned that there will be details about Saab Cars North America’s relocation from the GM Rennaissance Center to the new facility at 4327 Delemere Court Royal Oak, Michigan tomorrow.

At approximately 1:30pm, the Governor of Michigan, Jennifer Granholm will announce Saab Cars North America’s move to Royal Oak at a press conference. I am sure at around the same time an official press release will also be issued by SCNA, describing this move.

It was back in October of last year where we first learned about this particular location and over the course of the fall, Saab Cars North America (SCNA) received numerous tax benefits for their new headquarters to relocate here.

Since Saab’s start in the United States back in 1956 , they held headquarters in New York City, New Haven & Orange, Connecticut, Norcross, Georgia and most recently, the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. This move marks a new beginning for the Saab Cars North America team as they continue the process of separating themselves from GM, their former parent.

I highly encourage the folks at Saab Cars North America to host an open house, showing their new facility. This would symbolize full transparency, their open door policy and trust and relationship building with not only the press, but their their existing customers and all of the customers they plan on welcoming back.

Saab History has learned that Joel Manby, Saab Cars USA, Inc’s former President & CEO (1996-2000) that I interviewed back in December of 2008, will be on an episode of the new CBS series “Undercover Boss” here in the United States on Sunday, March 28th.

The program should be available online at CBS and perhaps other sites as well for those unable to watch the program in the United States.

Here is the press release below:

Hi friends and family,

Some of you know this, and some of you don’t know, until now…

Joel, as CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, is a “boss” who goes undercover on an episode of Undercover Boss.  His episode will air Sunday, March 28th at 9pm.  CBS filmed Joel last October and we’ve been waiting for his episode to air.  We haven’t seen it and won’t until it airs.  :)

Press Release:

CBS ANNOUNCES FOUR MORE COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN THE FIRST SEASON OF “UNDERCOVER BOSS”

CBS announced today the four remaining companies who are participating in the first season of UNDERCOVER BOSS. The series airs Sundays (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The remaining Season One companies are:

* Roto-Rooter (Rick L. Arquilla, President and COO): The largest plumbing provider in North America

* 1-800-Flowers (Chris McCann, President): One of the world’s largest florists

* GSI Commerce (Michael G. Rubin, Chairman, President and CEO): The e-commerce giant behind numerous top U.S. retailers

* Herschend Family Entertainment (Joel Manby, President and CEO): A leader in the world of family theme parks and attractions

The air schedule for upcoming episodes of UNDERCOVER BOSS follows:

Read more »

Saab Automobile AB has just appointed Adrian Hallmark as Executive Director of Sales.

Saab Automobile Appoints New Sales Director

* Experienced automotive senior executive joins Saab
* Responsible for Saab’s global sales operations
* Recruited to optimize sales including three new products in the next 16 months

Saab Automobile today announced the appointment of Adrian Hallmark as Executive Director, Sales.

Hallmark joins Saab’s senior management team from Volkswagen, where he was Executive Director of Asia, responsible for operations in 50 markets, including China and Japan. He takes up his new position with immediate effect and will be based at Saab’s headquarters in Trollhättan, Sweden, where he will report directly to Saab Automobile President and CEO, Jan Åke Jonsson.

Hallmark assumes responsibility for Saab’s global sales operations from Knut Simonsson, who retains the position of Executive Director, Brand and Marketing.

“Saab is embarking on a new era as an independent company and I am delighted to be joining the management team at such an exciting time,” said Hallmark. “With three new products about to be launched and a re-energized dealer network in place, I look forward to building sales volumes and reinforcing the brand’s presence in major markets around the world.”

Announcing the appointment, Jan Åke Jonsson said: “I am very pleased to welcome Adrian to our senior management team. His broad range of experience makes him ideally suited to this role and I am confident he will add significant value as we start to regain our position in various markets and further grow the Saab business.” He continued: “Over the next 16 months we will be launching three new products – the 9-5 Sedan, the 9-4X and the 9-5 SportCombi – Adrian’s contribution will be vital in optimizing the sales of these exciting new products.”

Hallmark is a former Managing Director of Porsche Cars GB Ltd and has also been responsible for Bentley’s global sales, marketing and PR activities. He served as Executive Vice President Volkswagen of America Inc, based in Detroit, before taking up his position as Executive Director of Asia.

Contact:
Saab Automobile Press Office
Tel: +46 (0)520 279797

Saab History has just received this press release from GMAC.

GMAC to provide financing for Saab dealers and customers

* GMAC chosen as financial services provider to Saab Automobile
* Preferred source of wholesale and retail financing for dealers and customers

Trollhättan. Following its successful launch as an independent company, Saab Automobile announced today that it has selected GMAC Financial Services as the preferred provider of wholesale and retail financial services for qualified Saab dealers and customers in many different countries around the world.

Jan Åke Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news for the Saab organization as a whole and also for Saab’s customers. It not only makes available competitive financing, but also provides valuable continuity for the dealer network which already uses GMAC services.”

Bill Muir, GMAC President said: “We are delighted to be able to build on our strong relationships with Saab dealers and customers, and we look forward to working with Saab as it begins a new chapter in its history.”

Contacts:
Saab Automobile Press Office
Tel: +46 (0)520 279797

Tony Sapienza
GMAC North American Automotive Finance Operations Communications
Tel: +1 313-656-5005
tony.sapienza@gmacfs.com

Susanne Gehrling
GMAC International Automotive Finance Operations Communications
Tel: +49 6142 604 566

Photo Credit: Matt G

Saab History frequenter, Matt G in Minnesota, managed to attend the Minneapolis Auto show recently where he took some good photos and provided us with a summary of his experience.

SAAB had an awesome floor spot – right at the main entrance when people walked in – you couldn’t miss them. The people at the booth were very nice.

I asked if they could open up the 9-5 or the 9-3X and unfortunately they could not. They said the 9-3X would be available later this spring and the 9-5 this summer.

The 9-5 in person is an awesome looking vehicle. Even my fiance said it was one of the best looking cars at the show. The interior looks really high-end in person. Even though I couldn’t get inside, I got the feeling that it has a real premium, high-quality feel, a big step up from the current 9-5. All in all, I was really impressed with their display, it was one of the nicest, if not the nicest, at the show.

The people seemed excited for the future, that’s for sure. BMW was not there, which was a surprise.

For more photos click here.

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.