Photo Credit: carpix autos

The Saab 9-4x Prototype has been sighted yet again, following the two sightings at the Nurburgring in Germany.

I think it’s obvious that the Saab 9-4x prototype in this instance, is not complete, when we take into consideration the obviously incomplete head and tail light setups that look nothing like the production photograph General Motors CEO, Rick Wagoneer has recently shown us back on July 16th, 2008.

I still hope as indicated, that’s a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine they are testing in this prototype as I fully expect to see a turbocharged Saab engine in the production version due next year.

Saab Automobile Great Britain’s chief of communicates, David Pugh, discusses the future of Saab Design and the Saab brand future in the Great Britain market in a video filmed at the recent 2008 London Motor Show media day on Monday.

Here is that video that has just shown up on GM Europe’s video site today. Enjoy!

The first photo of the Saab 9-4x production model has just been made available thanks to the folks at Edmunds.

Apparently those who were fortunate to be present at the General Motors Press Conference on Tuesday, July 15th, were shown some up and coming products including a blurry photo of the production version of the Saab 9-4x that has been getting some serious testing as of late.

Even though this photograph is slightly blurred, you can really see what’s going on here in terms of exterior design. I personally like the look, and hope to see this “crossover” come in with no larger than the promised 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that was referenced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show this past January in Detroit that I attended.

The Saab 9-4x is tentatively set to be available as a model year 2010 to be available in the fall of 2009.

Here is the bit from Jalopnik

In the now-infamous press conference from General Motors this morning, Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner not only spelled out GM’s strategy to save itself from impending doom, but also revealed pretty much every upcoming GM vehicle that hadn’t already been shown to the public. This includes the first photos of the 2011 Chevy Cruze, 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2010 Saab 9-4X, and the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. This comes in addition to official confirmation of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe and 2010 Cadillac CTS Wagon. So basically, along with GM’s own downsizing, they’re also putting plenty of enterprising spy photographers out of business too.

Source: Jalopnik

The Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept has had some photographs recently taken during its trip back to Sweden, specifically near the Trollhättan, Sweden waterfall facility where it was also filmed.

Take a look at these photographs, don’t you think that the Saab 9-4x BioPower concept looks better in person than in the professional media photographs?

While attending the New York Auto Show this past March, while seeing the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept again in person, I also noticed at Land Rover’s booth, the LRX Concept vehicle.

At first glance, I began to pick up a variety of similiar design cues that these vehicles shared, in fact, I started to look at the LRX more closely and noticed some strong “Saab” design cues inside and out.

For comparison sake, I’ve provided the official exterior photos above for you to see for yourself. Look at the C-pillar, the lenses, the bumper designs, the roof slope, the blacked out “invisible” a pillar as well, don’t you see a lot of similiarities here? The LRX almost looks like a CUV take off from a Saab C900 or 99, don’t you think? What are your thoughts?

Photo Credit: Car Advice

The Saab 9-4x pre-production prototype that was spotted at the Nurburgring a few weeks ago has been spotted again this time by Car Advice Europe somewhere around a downtown region in Germany.

I would strongly urge you to visit their website to see more of the photos including the interior.

As a follow-up to the previous writeup on the past and present Saab designers and their achievements, it was necessary to include a chronological up-to-date listing of Saab projects both production and concepts.

This listing includes each Saab project, year introduced along with each designer and/or engineer that contributed to the given project.

This list is a work-in-progress, so any additions and/or modifications that you see necessary below, please add your comments to ensure correctness and accuracy.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

Design Contributions by Model

SAAB Scandia 90 (1946-1958)

Bror Bjurströmer

SAAB 91 (1947-1966)

A.J. Andersson

SAAB 92001 (Prototype) (1946/1947)

Sixten Sason

Gunnar Ljungström

SAAB 92 (1948-1956)

Sixten Sason

Gunnar Ljungström

SAAB 93 (1956-1959)

Sixten Sason

SAAB 94 (1956)

Sixten Sason

SAAB 95 (1959-1978)

Sixten Sason

SAAB 96 (1960-1980)

Sixten Sason

SAAB-SCANIA 97 (SonettII/V4 1966-1969) (SonettIII 1970-1974)

Björn Karlström

Sergio Coggiola

Gunnar A. Sjögren

SAAB-SCANIA 98 (Prototype, Cancelled) (1974)

Björn Envall

SAAB-SCANIA 99 (1969-1984)

Sixten Sason

Björn Envall

Saab 90 (1984-1987)

Björn Envall

SAAB-SCANIA 900 (1979-1993/94)

Björn Envall

SAAB-SCANIA EV-1 (1985)

Björn Envall

Saab 900 (NG) (1994-1998)

Björn Envall

Einar Hareide

SAAB-SCANIA 9000 (1985-1998)

Björn Envall

Giorgetto Giugiaro

Saab 9-1 (Speculative Design)

Saab 9-3 (1999-2002)

Einar Hareide

Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan (2003- )

Einar Hareide

Saab 9-3 Hybrid BioPower Convertible (2006 – )

Kjell ac Bergström

Saab 9-5 (1999- )

Einar Hareide (1999-2001)

Tony Catignani (1999-2001)

Magnus Jonsson (1999-2001)

Simon Padian (2002- )

Tomas Ostlund (2006 – )

Saab 9-5 BioPower E85 (2005 – )

Kjell ac Bergström

Saab 9-5 BioPower E100 (2007 – )

Kjell ac Bergström

Saab 9-X (2001)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Ola Granlund

Simon Padian

Saab 9-X BioHybrid (2008)

Anthony Lo

Andrew Dyson

Bryan Nesbitt

Saab 9-2X (2005-2006)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Ola Granlund

Per Jansson

Bengt Persson

Kjell-Ake Eriksson

Saab 9-3X (2002)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Simon Padian

Saab 9-3 SportHatch (2003)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Simon Padian

Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept (2008)

Anthony Lo

Andrew Dyson

Bryan Nesbitt

Kaj Zackrisson (Skier)

Saab 9-6X (Cancelled)

Saab 9-7X (2005-2009)

Per Janssan

Aero-X(2006)

Anthony Lo

Alex Daniel

Erik Rokke

Simon Padian

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

The Saab 9-4x BioPower concept that I covered this past January while in Detroit for its global launch, has recently been spotted during development.

The 9-4x was spotted at the Nurburgring in Germany doing presumably some high speed testing as of late. Is it me or does anyone notice that the side mirrors have been modified since the concept car’s debut when it rolled onto the platform back in Detroit?

I seriously hope that this Saab 9-4x BioPower will be introduced with an engine no larger than a 4-cylinder “right sized” complete with turbocharger and is BioPower (ie. E-85) capable as originally indicated. As a skier as shown this past March in Vermont, I also hope that the Saab-Salomon integrated inside carrier will be also included in the final production model.

Here what the auto spies at Jalopnik had to say about it:

The 2010 Saab 9-4X was caught running round the Nurburgring today just like the big boys and while we’re pretty certain the Audi (both of them) is (are) a pinch quicker, the 9-4X is definitely more economical. Word on the street is the new 9-4X will not only be replacing the porky Oldsmobile Bravada Saab 9-7X, but will be doing it with some form of “biopower” like the original show car. The crossover of Trollhattan is expected to be on sale some time in 2009 for the 2010 model year, but that didn’t stop our KGP spies from spittin’ words about this one — which you can read after the break.

For more information on the Nurburgring, please visit this link.

Take a look at the complete writeup and to see more photos on their website.

I leave you will a poll after reading some of the comments on Jalopnik’s writeup:

Photo Credit: Auto Express

Auto Express have test driven the Saab 9-4x BioPower concept car, which was stated back in January to be near 80% of the production version that will be built in Mexico next year.

This is quite a rare experience to gain some “real life” information about a vehicle that won’t change much from concept to production.

Their third sentence in, really captured their experience with the following “We were first behind the wheel of the newcomer, and can reveal it won’t disappoint when it hits showrooms at the end of 2009.”

Take a look at their review here
.

The Ramos Arizpe facility, which opened in 1981, is located west of Monterrey, Mexico. To this day, GM has been operating in Mexico for 71 years.

It is important to keep in mind that this Saab will certainly not the first to be produced outside of the Sweden. Over the years, Saab has built varying 99s in Belgium, 900s and 9-3s in Finland, the current model 9-3 convertible in Austria, the 9-2x at the Ota-Gunmas plant in Japan, and the 9-7x in Moraine, Ohio, USA.

While this news confirms the location, now we need some hard dates as to when to expect it.

Here is a photograph of the facility taken sometime in 2006.

Sources:

http://www.globalmanufacture.net/home/news/GM%20broadens.cfm

http://www.gm.com/corporate/about/global_operations/north_america/mexi.jsp

Film Credit: Auto Motor & Sport

The Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept & 9-X BioHybrid Concept have been recently showcased by Auto Motor & Sport. During this filming, the concept cars were showcased in and around the falls in Trollhättan, where Saab Automobile’s project strategist, Andreas Eskengren was interviewed.

Enjoy the video that was filmed that showcases these vehicles in Swedish, above!

Film Credits: Saab History

At the Saab Reflective Event last Tuesday evening, I managed to capture some good video coverage thanks to Saab of Hunterdon & JMK Saab in New Jersey.

This event took place at the IAC Building in New York City and began at approximately 9 pm and ended around 1am.

In this video you will see both the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept as well as the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept on stage where Saab Automobile launches their new eco-friendly clothing line.

A special thanks again goes to Saab Automobile USA, General Motors & Saab of Hunterdon / JMK Saab for making this possible.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

This just in yesterday from Saab Automobile USA, following the aforementioned Saab reflective on Tuesday, March 18th, 2008.

Saab Thinks Big by Acting Small, Introduces the “Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection”

New York — The Swedish premium car brand, Saab, has made a business out of producing fun-to-drive vehicles combining its Scandinavian design principles of form and function with responsible performance. Today, Saab is translating those values to clothing, launching the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection in partnership with the Swedish clothing design firm Reflective Circle.

The fashions were revealed at an exclusive pre-New York Auto Show party where the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept made its North American debut. A glimpse of what a future compact car from Saab could look like, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers seeking progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications in a fun-to-drive package.

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is E85 bioethanol-capable and is equipped with the next-generation GM Hybrid system. Joining the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept at the party and at the auto show is the E85 bioethanol-capable Saab 9-4X BioPower concept, which debuted in January in Detroit. Both concepts reaffirm Saab’s commitment to develop cars that save fuel and produce fewer emissions.

“Many of our customers tell us they want to make a positive impact on the environment not only with the cars they drive, but also with the products they buy and use,” said Knut Simonsson, Saab Automobile AB Global Brand & Sales Operations executive director. .

Performance and responsibility go hand-in-hand

Customers demand quality, durability and performance from automobiles as well as clothing. Saab and Reflective Circle both work to bring innovative solutions to minimize environmental impacts, while maintaining attributes which customers demand.

Saab has a 30-year history of turbocharging technology, which takes advantage of smaller engines to deliver higher performance and greater efficiency. Turbocharging, coupled with the use of E85 (85 percent bioethanol, 15 percent gasoline), termed Saab BioPower, fulfills the customer expectation of fun-to-drive, high-performance vehicles with the added benefit of enhanced performance and cleaner burning fuel. This is part of what Saab calls “Responsible Performance.” In 2007, Saab was the best-selling brand in the flex-fuel segment in Europe with the 9-3 and 9-5 BioPower vehicles.

Reflective Circle , formed in 2001 by Swedish designer Josefin Lassbo, is dedicated to sustainable, ecological fashion, produced ethically. In accordance with the Reflective Circle holistic design process, every part of the production is equally important. In terms of fashion, it means the use of ecological materials, fabrics and processes as well as fair trade and conduct toward employees

“When Saab decided to launch a clothing collection, we wanted to do it in cooperation with someone who shares our mindset,” said Simonsson. “This partnership is not only about design or fashion, it’s also about having the same ambition: pushing an industry by innovating where other see conflict.”

Putting the ‘Pure’ in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection

Garments in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection by Saab/Reflective are made from 100 percent ecological/organic cotton, certified by Skal International*. The mission of Skal is to offer certainty to the consumer that a product that indicates “organic” truly originates from an organic production process. The organization conducts independent surveys and inspections. Therefore, each step in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection’s production process must be taken with consideration for the environment. Fabric dyeing, printing and washing is done in an environmentally certified system.

In an added effort to support and broaden consideration for the environment and the link to fashion, Saab Automobile USA is donating $40,000 to the Earth Pledge FutureFashion Initiative. The Earth Pledge FutureFashion Initiative demonstrates that fashion can be sustainable. Working with the fashion industry, Earth Pledge promotes renewable, reusable and organic materials and methods. The donation will help the non-profit organization with an exciting program to be announced at a later date.

Little Things Mean A Lot

An innovative twist on the Scandinavian design principle of form and function is the Coroso Nut. The buttons in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection are made from Coroso nuts. Coroso nuts come from Palm trees found in the rain forests. Using these nuts to make buttons is an organic, sustainable solution to fabricating synthetic materials to make buttons. It’s a small element to be sure, but it serves to hold things together. “ The benefit with the Coroso nut is that its harvest leaves the rain forest untouched,” Simonsson added. “Even more, the use of the Coroso nut gives an economic use to the rain forest and so helps to protect the rain forest.”

The Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection is committed to the environment – social as well as natural. Social responsibility is at the heart of the commitment. The factories producing the clothing are committed to ethical practices by vigilantly adhering to standards such as freely chosen employment; no tolerance of child labor; payment of a living wage; healthy and safe conditions; and reasonable working hours.

Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection by Saab/Reflective

The Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection by Saab/Reflective is women’s, men’s and unisex apparel and accessories. The clothing pieces in the first collection include T-shirts, button-down shirts, jersey shirt, ladies shirt dress and tennis shirts. Additionally, the line will grow with items such as caps, scarfs, belts, bags as well as pants and a business wear collection. All items in the first collection will be available late May for purchase online at www.saabexpressions.com .

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2008 model year, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar standard on the entire Saab line-up. Additionally, all new Saabs have no-charge scheduled maintenance, and the Saab 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

# # #

http://media.saab.com

* Skal International is an inspection and certification organization, which certified organic products, processes and inputs. Skal International inspects and certifies sustainable forest / wood and textiles and operates worldwide.

About Reflective

Reflective was founded in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2001 by Josefin Lassbo. Since then, the company has continuously strived to establish the concept of sustainable, ecological fashion clothes, produced ethically. Reflective wants to represent an alternative for the Reflected Consumer, who not only demands a well designed surface, but also a well designed karma.

Reflective Circle is a design company with a heart. The company mainly works within the sphere of fashion and its own line of clothes, but also within education and the design of social visions. Everything the company does emanates from the same core – an ethical base which is built of soft values.

Every step of the design process is equally important. Everything matters: form, function, economy, production, retail, choice of materials as well as social relations, local transformations, and global visions.

About Josefin Lassbo

Josefin Lassbo was born in 1973, in Gothenburg, Sweden, as the oldest of four sisters. She practically grew up in the sewing studio and behind the theater stage, as her mother was a studio tailor. From the age of 11, Josefin aspired to be a fashion designer, and at the age of 18 she received her first prestigious prize at the international design contest “Jeunes créateurs des modes” in Paris. After being educated within the field of arts and fashion for almost 10 years, she graduated in 2000 as a Master of Fashion Design from the Danish Design school in Copenhagen.

While working in the commercial fashion industry of Sweden, she founded her company Reflective Circle International in 2001. Since then, she works as leader and head designer for Reflective Circle . Additionally, she provides consulting services for other companies, which includes her own concept of “Holistic design service,” and teaching and lecturing the same concept. According to the holistic design process, every part of the production is equally important. When it comes to fashion, it means the use of ecological fabrics and fair trade. Finally, Lassbo is the mother of two energetic, little boys.

Photo Credit: Saab History

Tonight featured the Saab Reflective event at the IAC Building in New York City. The Saab Reflective event served as a compliment to the Geneva Motor Show back on March 3rd which set the stage for the North American Premiere of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept.

This event not only featured the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, but also the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept that had its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, back on January 13th, 2008. This venue also was my first experience seeing the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, and I will share my thoughts on this, but that will be after tomorrow morning’s experience at the New York Auto Show.

While these two products were featured at this event, the focus appeared to be on design, where the re-unveiling of both these vehicles was done on the auspises of Saab Automobile’s position to launch a new merchandising campaign with eco-friendly clothing.

Tomorrow morning I will be at the New York Auto Show, so please expect more experience summaries in the days ahead, followed by some great video footage and my entire thoughts on the Saab 9-X BioHybrid.

Film Credit: Bader TV

I just received this wonderful DVD in the mail today that features the actual video footage of the entire Saab 9-X BioHybrid Reveal that those in person, got the opportunity to experience.

This film also includes some good B-roll footage of the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept as well. Enjoy!

Image Credit: Saab History

As a follow-up to the posting I made back in November of 2006 on the logo history, it is about time that I compliment this information with the following on the correct capitalization and nomenclature of the models of the Saab Automobile brand. I hope this sheds some more light in our dialog about Saabs, SAABs and all of the great products that have been developed over the years.

I have provided a fairly well written piece already done on Wikipedia that I would like to articulate if I may regarding the correct capitalization and model nomenclature as a guide.

It is my hope that as a result of this posting, others will be able to better articulate their writing and speaking when referring to all of Saab’s products from 1947 until present. I also think that this posting will help to end search criteria that is typically entered in Google as follows: (SAAB 93 XWD, SAAB 92 ABS, Saab 94 Ski Rack, 2001 SAAB 95, 1999 93, etc.) If this search criteria was taken literally, as it should as google can only do just that, we would have had Cross Wheel Drive available in the late 1950′s, ABS in the late forties, and two long production runs for the SAAB Ninety Five and Ninety Three. Let’s hope that this clarifies this naming and model nomenclature once and for all.

1947-1969 (Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget)

The Company: When referring to the company in both written and oral communication where the products were produced between 1947 and 1969, it is proper to use SAAB in all capital letters to refer to these vehicles.

The Models: When referring to vehicles model nomenclature in both written and oral communication that were produced during this time, they are written and pronounced as 92 (Pronounced: Ninety Two), 92 (Pronounced: Ninety Three), 94 (Pronounced: Ninety Four), 95 (Pronounced: Ninety Five), 96 (Pronounced: Ninety Six), 97 (Pronounced: Ninety Seven)

1970-2000 (Saab-Scania)

* Note: Although the merger took place in 1990, the original products continued. (excluding NG900, 9-3 & 9-5)

The Company: When referring to the company in both written and oral communication where the products were produced between 1970 and 1990, it is proper & acceptable to refer to them as Saabs in lower case letters or Saab-Scania vehicles, also in lower case letters.

The Models: When referring to vehicles model nomenclature in both written and oral communication that were produced during this time, they are written and produced as 97 (Pronounced: Ninety Seven), 98 (Pronounced: Ninety Eight), 99 (Pronounced: Ninety Nine), 90 (Pronounced: Ninety), 900 (Pronounced: Nine Hundred), 9000 (Pronounced: Nine Thousand), 9-5 (Pronounced: Nine Five), NG900 (Pronounced: New Generation 900), 9-3 (Pronounced: Nine Three).

2001 – Present (Saab Automobile / General Motors)

The Company: When referring to the company in both written and oral communication where the products were produced between 2001 and the Present, it is proper & acceptable to refer to them as Saab in lower case letters and/or Saab Automobile / GM vehicles.

The Models: When referring to vehicles model nomenclature in both written and oral communication that were produced during this time, they are written and produced as 9-X (Pronounced: Nine X), 9-2x (Pronounced: Nine Two X), 9-3x (Pronounced: Nine Three X), 9-3 (Pronounced: Nine Three), 9-4x (Pronounced: Nine Four X), 9-5 (Pronounced: Nine Five), 9-7x (Pronounced: Nine Seven X)

I leave you with a brief summary from Saab Automobile’s entry from Wikipedia.

Saab / SAAB Correct Capitalization and Model Nomenclature:

While Saab is in fact an acronym, and, as with many other manufacturers, the word “SAAB” appears in all-capitals within the corporate emblem and in on-vehicle badging, the current correct capitalization of Saab when in print is “Saab,” and not “SAAB.”[citation needed] Other manufacturers such as Volvo, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, and Chevrolet employ the use of all-capitalized vehicle badging, but they are still considered proper names and capitalized as such when written. Likewise, Saab is treated as a proper name and not an acronym, despite its origins..”[citation needed]

Furthermore, all current Saab vehicles are badged with a large 9 and a smaller 3, 5, or 7x following the 9, such as “9³”. However, the digits are considered separate, and are spoken as, for example, “nine three,” and written as “9-3.” Nearly every Saab model ever produced has begun with the number 9 (Saab 600 being an exception), and Saab’s two models became 9-3 and 9-5 in the late 1990s, which was likely a marketing attempt at positioning the vehicles as direct competitors to the BMW 3-series and 5-series, respectively.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_Automobile

Film Credit: Lowe Brindfors Sweden

The GM Europe Media Website has just included a nice video featuring the full-version of the entire construction of Saab Automobile’s 9-4x BioPower Concept that I covered at the recent 2008 North American International Auto Show this past January.

This version shows the entire construction process opposed to the teaser film, at the Turino, Italy design studio that GM uses in collaboration with their 11 Global Design Centers.

Enjoy the film!

Photo & Film Credits: Saab History

As a guest invited by Saab Automobile USA & General Motors, it was a privilege and an honor to be present for this world premiere of the first introduction of this crossover product segment for the Saab brand. I also realized that much like I did previously with the Turbo-X launch, it was important to once again provide good video coverage in addition to photography. With that in mind, I took the initiative to solicit contributions and in that process, Donald Koziol of Saab Colorado, Inc. came in at the nick of time to sign up as a site sponsor. This support ultimately faciliated the ability to cover costs to rent a professional camcorder to film the event.

I began this event by flying out early from National Airport in Washington, D.C. en-route to a blistery cold, yet clear and sunny Detroit, Michigan. This was the first time I visited this city, but the second time I visited region which took place in August during the 25th Anniversary of the annual Saab Owners Convention that was held in Troy, Michigan. On that day, I took advantage of getting acclimated to the region by seeing some of the sights through a few nice tours.

The same evening, I was invited to a limited engagement, in its second year running for General Motors, called the “GM Style Event”. The GM Style Event is an “evening celebrating artistic convergence of vehicle design, fashion and music,” said Ed Welburn, the Vice President of Global Design for GM, and a graduate of Washington, D.C.‘s Howard University Design School. It was at the GM Style Event, where Saab Automobile USA showcased the 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X, the halo vehicle for Saab Automobile’s XWD ‘Cross-Wheel Drive’, which I covered the North American Premiere back in November at the Boston Auto Show, also a great event. I enjoyed this fun-filled exciting launch event because it put this vehicle in an atmosphere where enormous coverage was had in a cross-section of media outlets that wouldn’t normally be present at an auto show. This media included Style magazine and others who clearly helped to compliment the automotive industry’s coverage of not only Saab Automobile as an automotive manufacturer, but one of their most important production launches of the new year, the 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X.

On Saturday, January 13th, I woke up early to get to a complimentary OnStar breakfast where along with other bloggers and social media sites, we got to see some behind the scenes perspectives from their OnStar Command Center which was conveniently located in the GM Renaissan Center. At approximately 11:20am, the much anticipated and long awaited Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept Global Launch took place at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan not more than a few blocks from where the GM Renaissance Center is located. This launch signified an important milestone for the Saab Automobile brand with what it represented. The Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept identifies among all else, two systems that will be deployed in this new “crossover” segment. These systems include the recently premiered Swedish designed and engineered XWD Cross-Wheel Drive system, recently premiered in the 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X. Secondly, the 2.0 Liter inline 4-cylinder BioPower Engine, also Swedish designed and engineered which takes into consideration the use of cellulosic ethanol (E-85).

Where the Turbo-X is touted as the halo vehicle for the Saab Automobile brand with XWD ‘Cross-Wheel Drive’, the 9-4x BioPower is being referred as the halo vehicle for E-85 in North America. This concept car as stated will become available in about 1 year’s time for purchase. Unlike previous production models launched by the Saab Automobile with the ‘x’ designation, this Saab embodies more Swedish engineering, more Scandinavian Design, more Safety, more Performance, more Utility and therefore has more Saabiness all integrated into a well planned and executed concept car. It is also important to know that this concept currently embodies approximately 85-90% of what we will see in the final production model. With this in mind, and as the recent poll that I have posted here on Saab History suggests, it appears that these figures will not be a problem as the general consensus in the Saab community appears to be giving this vehicle a warm welcome to the Saab product range as-is. It is good that Saab can now proactively compete in this segment, especially with the statistics where nearly 40% of Saab owners moved into other brands for SUV or CUV type vehicles as President of Saab Automobile AB, Jan Ã…ke Jonsson, states. This important day for Saab Automobile with the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept launch also meant that the embargo, I respected, was now officially released so I could post the complete media press kit on it.

Immediately following this premiere for Saab Automobile, I began to prepare for a number of scheduled interviews on the premiere stage as well as the Saab stand whichwere pre-arranged with GM’s Social media department. Their preparation, attentiveness and hard work that day as well the following day allowed for more than a fair share of informative interviews by Saab Automobile representatives in Sweden, the United States and Germany. These interviews were quite important for many reasons, for starters, it was immediately important for face time in order for us to contextualize the people that are responsible for the direction of Saab Automobile’s future. Secondly, better understanding the what, why, when and how aspects of that direction for Saab Automobile. These interviews also provided more than I expected, in particular with some great insight reflecting into Saab’s incredible history as way to harness this past to move the brand ahead in the future. They also provided some extremely educational information about where Saab is today, namely the reasons why the Saab 9-4x BioPower was designed, how it was designed and what it means for the Saab Automobile brand. There were numerous other take-aways from these interviews that I suggest you enjoy as well at your leisure in order to form your own opinions.

The Engineers:

The first area I focused on was within the area of engineering by the chief engineer behind the entire Saab BioPower program in Sweden from the beginning, none other than Kjell ac Bergström. Kjell ac Bergström, President & CEO of Saab Automobile AB’s powertrain, illustrated the ongoing developments of this important program for Saab Automobile and their energy priorities today while also explaining the capabilities of the powertrain in the new Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept. The other engineer I met with was Kjell-Åke Eriksson who is the vehicle line director for Saab Automobile. During our interview, one of the most important take aways I had, was the fact that he describes the Saab Automobile brand today is more focused on the automobile side of things whereas during the Saab-Scania era, it had more of a focus on the industrial side with regards to heavy trucks and the aircraft industries. If we look at the technical specifications of the Saab 9-4x BioPower as a consideration, I am beginning to finally see this prioritization today.

The Designers:

The Saab Designers that were present during and available at the Saab Stand following the world premiere of the Saab 9-4x BioPower were Anthony Lo, Mark Adams, Andrew Dyson and Bryan Nesbitt respectively. I first met with Anthony Lo, who I had chatted with online a week prior to the event on a GM Next website opened up to people in the social media arena. Anthony Lo began working with Saab in 2000 and worked alongside longtime friend and colleague, Michael Mauer, Saab Automobile’s former design chief. Anthony Lo, who has had a huge run on concept car design with Saab since then, being responsible for the Saab 9-X, Saab 9-3X, Saab 9-3 Sport Hatch, Aero-X had nothing but truly positive news and inspiration for the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept. It was nice to hear in his own words, how the distinctive design elements were designed such as the newly raked 3-port fully opened grille, signature lighting in the glass-block inspired headlights & tail lights, the aircraft inspired sleek design, especially with the wrap-around windshield, c-pillars and more. Mark Adams, the VP of GM Europe Design who manages Saab’s design staff both in Russellheim as well as in other global design studios, indicated that they are well trained and have a good handle on Saab’s design philosophy thanks to the incredible nucleus that makes up the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. Mark helped to clarify how the Saab Brand Center in Sweden closely manages the design process from conception to production. This was helpful understanding the relationships in the design process. The Chief Designer of Advanced Design at the GM Europe Design Center, Andrew Dyson gave quite a bit of time to explore the design intent of the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept that he was entirely responsible for overall. His pride in the execution was clearly exhibited by the attention to detail in the walk-around exploratory style interview we did. I enjoyed the information he was able to share, but also was happy to hear that he was a Saab Enthusiast and currently drives a 1989 Saab 900 “Aero” as his daily driver. It’s good to hear that his inspiration also comes from real life experience from piloting an original classic Saab 900. The Final Designer I spent time with was Bryan Nesbitt, who I met and interviewed back in November at the Boston Auto Show. This time around, Bryan Nesbitt offered some impressive and convincing reasons why Saab chose to execute the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept and how those signature cues as he describes will be continued moving ahead in Saab’s future product offerings. The detail communicated by Bryan about how Saab was previously “invisible” in terms of brand visibility is a significant take away from this interview and it is now beginning to be quite clear to me why this new design language is the way it is, using the more prominent SAAB grille lettering as an example.

The Management:

The direction in my interviews continued into upper management of Saab Automobile as a whole, beginning with the chairperson of Saab Automobile, Carl-Peter Forster. Carl-Peter Forster is the GM Europe President as well as Chairperson for Saab Automobile and has been instrumental in drumming up financial support for the brand recently. It was great to hear what he had to say with specific mention about how support was previously directed to areas that people really did not notice or directly appreciate, and now that is changing. This was certainly good news and helpful in understanding some of the decisions over the past 5 years with the brand and the products. If we look at the current direction of Saab Automobile in Sweden as well as the United States, we see Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson as the current President of Saab Automobile AB and Steve Shannon of Saab Automobile USA. Jan-Ã…ke as well as Steve Shannon both offered their time to answer some questions with me on camera shortly after the world premiere. I first met with Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson at the 2005 Saab Festival in Trollhättan, Sweden at Folkets Park during the Saturday evening dinner after being introduced to him by former Saab Automobile USA President, Jay Spenchian. I was extremely happy to have had the opportunity to interview him during the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit, Michigan. My immediate take away from this interview is that I think the focus looks strong, directed and bright for Saab’s future looking ahead with the “right products” coming soon. My interview with Steve Shannon gave some strong indications that the new Saab 9-5 will also be launched about the same time as the production version of the Saab 9-4x does. This is truly great news for the brand and I also understand that both will be sharing similiar design characteristics, and that sounds like a great idea, given that they were both inspired by the much appreciated Saab Aero-X Concept car that continues to be showcased as the halo vehicle for Saab Automobile’s future design direction.

The Communication:

Eric Geers, the Director for Global Communications of Saab Automobile was one of my final subjects and was very excited and direct with the answers to all of my questions and for that, I am very appreciative and thankful. His Twenty One years working with Saab in multiple capacities really shows as he indicates that Saab’s past has not been consistent in their products which has translated in the way they communicate who they are. Today, be believes that the company is better focused and has prioritized their work in order to focus on consistency and clarity in the brand and image portrayed on a global scale. I think you will agree with him, after you enjoy his convincing interview with me.Roger McCormack, Saab Automobile USA’s appointed Marketing Director although newly appointed was kind enough to offer up some good information about Saab Automobile’s new plans for advertising & marketing in the United States. From this interview, it seems abundantly clear that the Born From Jets campaign will be continued, and consistency is a plus, but it will be more understated. What will be heavily communicated now, are the brand pillars in concert with the Scandinavian and Aircraft inspirations in the new advertising campaign with the new advertising agency that is working with Saab USA, McCann-Erickson. These brand pillars will be more detailed, defined and elaborated on, so that clarity and education about the new product offerings in the United States are clear to perspective customers. As Roger McCormack stated, Saab Automobile USA is now starting fresh with new eyes both internally at Saab USA and externally with McCann-Erickson on a new campaign, so this new beginning should have the most flexibility to get these advertising campaigns right. With the right products coming out such as the the 9-3 Turbo-X and Aero models with cross-wheel drive, and the BioPower vehicles also in due time, this new advertising campaign is now the most critical component of Saab Automobile’s future in the United States.

The Consumer:

This interview comes from a completely different perspective, that of one being an actual end-user of the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept by the name of Kaj Zackrisson who is a professional skier who is sponsored by the Saab-Salomon collaboration. Kaj was introduced to this particular project for Saab during the design process in order to best explore some practical utilitarian ski equipment storage solutions which really turned out quite nicely.

The Press:

The positive responses from the press & other media outlets as a result of the world premiere of the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept for Saab Automobile have been simply in support of this idea and direction.

Hear what they have to say:

“Saab Boasts BioPower for a New Crossover” – The New York Times

“This little Saab gets more powerful when running green.” – CNET

“A mix of ‘road car and crossover’ technology” – Autocar

The Enthusiast:

There were numerous takeaways from this world premiere of the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept for me:

I should start by stating that as an owner of a 1992 Saab 900 Turbo 3-Door also in white, there were a lot of parallels in terms of design and technology that immediately came to my attention. These parallels consist of the following:

On Performance, both Saabs include a Swedish 2.0 Liter turbocharged engine, one that runs off of gasoline coupled with a Garret Turbocharger, the other that runs off of 85% Ethanol and includes a zero-lag Twin-Scroll Turbocharger.

On Transmission, they both have a strong transmission, one that employs a solid front-wheel drive system with ABS, the other that involves a sophisticated Swedish designed and engineered cross-wheel drive system combined with an electronic limited slip differential.

On Safety, both Saabs have airbags and safety cages but one has the third generation of the Saab Active Head Restraint System first issued in the first year of the Saab 9-5 model back in 1998.

On Utility, both use a hatchback utility function where one offers up to 56.5 cubit feet of storage and the other exceeds that.

On Design (exterior), both in white include 3-port grille, signature headlights & foglights as well as a distinctive wrap-around windshield and Saab hockeystick C-pillar design cue and that’s just the beginning. The wheels that both vehicles use are directional aluminum alloy, aircraft inspired wheels, and both are asymmetrical.

On Design (interior), the 900 and 9-4x both include similiar shapes in the cockpit inspired interior that utilize green lighting throughout, just in different interpretations, arrangements, and shades. The innovation of the ignition key location of course, continues to be strategically located in the center console just as they have done since 1969, as Svenska Aeroplan Aktie Bolaget (SAAB).

All in all, the connections between past & present with the new Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept are numerous and I am extremely delighted to welcome this new segment into the Saab Automobile brand.

I am also thankful that Saab Automobile & General Motors were able to invite me as their guest to the 2008 North American International Auto Show this year to cover this important world premiere in Detroit. I would also like to thank my all of the Saab enthusiasts that supported this effort in raising some extra funds to cover miscellaneous expenses. Of course, I also want to show my gratitude to Saab Colorado, Inc. in Denver, Colorado for sponsoring the site and helping to keep the continuity of video coverage for events like this here on Saab History.

I lastly want to thank everyone who visits this site and supports my efforts, for believing in me, the purpose of Saab History, and that a resource like this is an extremely important and integral part of continuing Saab Automobile’s history in a fun, intuitive and educational way now and into the future, for generations to come.

I hope that you have been thoroughly enjoying this content that I bring to you and that it continues in the same high quality enthusiast driven fashion that you have come to expect.

- Ryan / Saab History

Photo Credits: Saab History

The Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept brings with it, an impressive array of design elements, technologies and other unique features to the Saab brand portfolio.

While all of these features are important, I would like to see what you think is your most favorite amongst them.

To assist in this poll, please scroll through the photos I took above, then visit the original press kit to see and read over these features and finally browse the relevent links provided. This information should give you some good ideas to form your opinion in the poll below.

I look forward to your votes below!

The 2.0L Saab BioPower Engine as described by Kjell ac Bergström

The Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD) System as described by Andreas Andersson tested in the XWD 9-3 Prototype and the lead XWD engineer, Peter Johansson in August.

The Twin-scroll Turbocharger

The SAHR Restraint System (Gen III)

The Saab Salomon Ski Holder as described by Kaj Zackrisson.

The 21″ Turbine Wheels as described by Andrew Dyson

The Exterior Design as described by Bryan Nesbitt

The Interior Design as also described by Andrew Dyson

Photo Credit: Saab History

The press that made it to the 2008 North American International Auto Show certainly had some great things to say about this new Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept.

Here is what they had to say:

“Saab Boasts BioPower for a New Crossover” – The New York Times

“‘08 NAIAS: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept” – Winding Road

” Saab 9-4X BioPower” – Consumer Reports

“Detroit Auto Show: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept” – Jalopnik

“A mix of ‘road car and crossover’ technology” – Autocar

“This little Saab gets more powerful when running green.” – CNET

“Saab’s eco-friendly SUV destined for UK” – Motors Merseyside

“Saab Crossover Concept” – Car Keys

“The concept looks good, and very buildable” – Directory M

“Saab’s first CUV goes boldly blunt” – Motoring.co.nz

“Saab Rolls Out Cross Wheel Drive” – Design News

Film Credit: Saab History

Eric Geers, the Director of Communications for Saab Automobile AB, offered up his time to speak with Saab History about the direction of Saab Automobile and the level of global committment of General Motors towards the Saab brand.

His direct and thorough clarification of Saab’s focus today in relation to their past was quite impressive to hear, especially on the idea of what exactly happens at the “Saab Brand Center” in Sweden.

A thank you to Eric Geers for his time and committment to the brand, as well as Saab Automobile, General Motors and of my site sponsor Saab Colorado, Inc.

Here is his biography:

Date of birth March 5, 1961
Place of birth Zeist, the Netherlands
Family Married, one daughter
Current position Director Communications
Date of employment January 1, 1986

Experience:

2002-2003 Manager Saab PR Liaison & GME Programs, GM Europe
2000-2002 Director Corporate & Product Communications, Saab Cars USA
1998-2000 Manager Product Communications, Saab Automobile AB
1996-1998 PR Manager Europe, Saab Automobile AB
1995-1996 Managing Director EQUIP, PR Production Company
1988-1995 Manager PR and Sales Promotions BV AIM, Saab distribution organization, the Netherlands
1986-1988 Sales Officer, BV AIM, Saab distribution organization, the Netherlands

Education:
1984 International Automotive Business School, IVA, the Netherlands

Interests:
Sports, classic cars, motor biking, culture

Film Credit: Saab History

I had the great opportunity to get a taste of Saab Automobile’s new advertising direction thanks to an interview with Roger McCormack, Saab Automobile USA’s new Marketing Director.

Roger McCormack has been working as Saab Automobile USA’s product manager for the past year and a half and now has the new opportunity as Marketing Director as of the first of this year.

From this interview, it seems abundantly clear that the Born From Jets campaign will be continued, and consistency is a plus, but it will be more understated. What will be heavily communicated now, are the brand pillars in concert with the Scandinavian and Aircraft inspirations in the new advertising campaign with the new advertising agency that is working with Saab USA, McCann-Erickson.

As Roger McCormack stated, Saab Automobile USA is now starting fresh with new eyes both internally at Saab and externally with McCann-Erickson on a new campaign, so this new beginning should have the most flexibility to get these advertising campaigns right. With the right products coming out such as the the 9-3 Turbo-X and Aero models with cross-wheel drive, and the BioPower vehicles also in due time, this new advertising campaign is now the most critical component of Saab Automobile’s future in the United States today.

Film Credit: Saab History

The last Saab designer I had the great opportunity to interview, was Bryan Nesbitt. I initially met up with Bryan Nesbitt during an interview back in November during the 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X North American Premiere at the Boston Auto Show.

This time around, Bryan Nesbitt offered some impressive and convincing reasons why Saab chose to execute the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept and how those signature cues as he describes will be continued moving ahead in Saab’s future product offerings. The detail communicated by Bryan about how Saab was previously “invisible” in terms of brand visibility is a significant take away from this interview and it is now beginning to be quite clear to me why this new design language is the way it is.

Thank to Bryan Nesbitt, Saab Automobile, General Motors and Saab Colorado, Inc. for making it happen.

Film Credit: Saab History

Andrew Dyson, Chief Designer of Advanced Design at the GM Europe Design Center in Russelheim, Germany gave me his time for an interview towards the end of the second day for the press at the Saab stand during the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

This interview was quite a thorough exploration of the design intent of the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept where we got to see the why behind the new design of the raked 3-port Grille, Ice-Block Inspired Headlamps, LED Fog Lights & intake, Turbine inspired heavy-duty 21″ wheels, C-piller and rear deck lid with integrated Salomon Ski carrier.

A thank you to Andrew Dyson, Saab Automobile & General Motors and my site sponsor Saab Colorado, Inc. for sponsoring me to film this event in order to make these on-camera interviews possible.