Photo Credit: Saab History

As part of this week’s Saab sighting of the week, I noticed a silver Saab 9-7x at the Sunday River Ski Resort.

This makes three vehicles as part of the Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine that I have spotted since 2007. The other two vehicles include a black Saab 9-5 Sedan as and Sport Combi.

There were a number of other Saab vehicles in the parking lot that were not official vehicles of the resort, so that in and of itself was also good to see.

I just received updated future product rollout details from an anonymous internal source today from Saab Automobile:

Here are some more elaborate details on existing as well as future product rollouts as briefly announced this past friday at the GM Press Conference.

Future Products:

Next Generation Saab 9-5

The Next Generation Saab 9-5 (saw pic, its ugly) is pushed back 3 months (until 1qtr 2010)

Saab 9-4x

The 9-4x is pushed back 12 months (until 4th qtr 2010).

Saab 9-3x

No Word Yet on the 9-3x.

———–

Existing Products:

Saab 9-5 (1998-2009)

The Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition will be the only 9-5 available for 2009

Saab 9-7x (2006-2009)

There are 260 9-7x units available in GM inventory worldwide.

Saab 9-3

The Saab 9-3 Convertible, Sport Sedan & Sport Combi will need to carry the brand in addition to the 9-3x until 2010.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

The Saab 9-7x history is now coming to an end or production this December, so it is about time to cover the model from the introduction to the recent plant closing.

The Strategy:

The 9-7x, Saab’s first SUV, was put into place in late 2004 as a 2005 model year due to Saab Automobile USA’s statistics of nearly 40% of their customer base who have left to go on and purchase SUVs. It was under the authority of Saab USA President, Debra-Kelly Ennis, who gave the go ahead for this vehicle to go into production in order to broaden the model portfolio and extend its reach into this growing segment.

It was Kjell-Ã…ke Eriksson, the former vehicle line director, now Saab Automobile Germany President who oversaw this project.

The Nomenclature:

The Saab 9-7X (or Saab 97X) should not be confused with the Saab 97 (Saab Sonett II and III) produced from 1966 to 1974. This was is an SUV, while the latter was a fiberglass sport coupe.

The execution:

The Saab 9-7x SUV was built on a GM platform called “GMT360″ which also was used as the GMC Trailblazer, hence the nickname it was given “TrollBlazer”. This platform was also used for the GMC Envoy, Buick Rainer, Izuzu Ascender and Oldsmobile Bravada.

The Saab 9-7x was most notable for it’s initial media references of “badge engineering” due to the obvious platform sharing and became the largest Saab ever produced, complete with the largest engine ever in a Saab, the V8 engine.

The Production:

The 9-7x was not assembled in Saab’s original factory in Trollhättan, Sweden, but in a GM truck plant in Moraine, Ohio.

The Design:

The Saab 9-7x Design. While many of the components both inside and out were obviously shared with other GM vehicles on the same platform, the distinguishing factors with the 9-7x beginning with the exterior, were the front fascia, headlamps, grill, hood, roof rack, tail lamps, rear bumper. On the interior, there was a 9-5 looking dash complete with night panel, Saab swing-out cup holder, and center mounted ignition.

The engineering:

The engineering of the 9-7x included a lower ride height of 1 inch, updated bushings and dampers, quicker steering, Additional braces between the cross members and frame, Firmer springs and shocks, Larger front anti-roll bars, Larger brakes, Specific Dunlop tires and a Limited-slip differential

The powertrain:

The Saab 9-7x Powertrain options included the following:

* Linear or 4.2i – Features the 285 horsepower (213 kW) Atlas LL8 straight-6 engine with 12-spoke wheels.
* Arc or 5.3i – Features the 300 horsepower (224 kW) Vortec LH6 V8 engine with six-spoke wheels and adds xenon HID headlamps with high-pressure washers and adjustable pedals. The 5.3 Liter V8 engine gained Displacement on Demand in 2006.
* Aero – For 2008 a new high performance variant was added using the 390 horsepower (291 kW) 6.0L GM Small-Block LS2 also found in the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS also featuring 20 inch rims, a heavy-duty automatic transmission and Aero-embroidered leather-appointed seats and floormats. Saab claims that the 9-7X Aero can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.

The Features:

The features for the 9-7x included standard all-wheel drive, premium leather seats, 18-inch allow wheels and side curtain air bags. Other features included OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, a 6-CD Bose audio system with an optional sunroof or rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The Special Editions:

There was a Saab 9-7x Aero concept car that was shown at the national SEMA conference in 2006

There was a Saab 9-7x “Altitude” edition limited to 500 made. The special options include 18″ alloy wheels, side steps, a rear DVD player and the carbon gray metallic paint.

There was also a Saab 9-7x Aero which was introduced as 2008 model year in 2007 that included a 390 horsepower 6.0 liter GM small-block LS2 engine, 20″ chrome wheels, the word “Aero” embroidered on the seat backs.

The Pricing:

The Saab 9-7x began with prices for 2005 model years at 38,990.00 for the linear and the Arc, priced at $40,990.00. The pricing for models in 2008 now commands $41,145 for the 4.2i linear, $43,515 for the Arc and $47,275 for the Aero models.

The Lifespan:

The Saab 9-7x introduced in 2004 as the MY2005 arrived at the beginning of the end of the SUV craze just as fuel prices, politics and other factors began to indicate that the idea of the vehicle was becoming too little too late for Saab & GM.

The Saab 9-7x production ends in December of 2008, when the Moraine, Ohio plant that manufactures it, will be shut down.

The Advertising:

There were a number of print advertisements that were created with the Saab 9-7x namely focused on the fact that it was unlike any other Saab ever since it was an SUV.

There were also a few television advertisements and promotional videos, here they are below from the beginning to the most recent:

2005

2006

2007 & 2008

No Ads nor Promo films

The Markets:

Although the Saab 9-7X was developed for the North American market, the model is sold in many countries: Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Successor:

The Saab 9-4x is planned as being the successor as a 2010 model year that we should see hitting production and the showrooms by the end of 2009.

As of this Monday morning, General Motors CEO, Rick Wagoner announced the closing of the Saab 9-7x plant in Moraine, Ohio will take place in December.

It should be noted that the Saab 9-7X was introduced in 2004 as a 2005 model year which was Saab Automobile USA’s stop gap measure for model years, 2005 through 2009.

This news is consistent with Kjell-Ã…ke Eriksson’s transition from Saab 9-7x Vehicle Line Director to the Managing Director of Saab Automobile Germany.

It is my understanding that the Saab 9-4x that will be built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico was to be a seamless transition as a replacement to the 9-7x within the Saab Automobile model lineup, we’ll see as that is expected to arrive in the fall of next year, ultimately leaving Saab with the same product portfolio that they have today.

Below is a snippet from the wire:

WILMINGTON, Del. – General Motors is closing four truck and SUV plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico as surging fuel prices hasten a dramatic shift to smaller vehicles.

CEO Rick Wagoner said Tuesday before the automaker’s annual meeting in Delaware the plants to be closed are in Oshawa, Ontario; Moraine, Ohio; Janesville, Wis.; and Toluca, Mexico. He also said the iconic Hummer brand may be discontinued.

Source: Yahoo News

Photo Credit: Ryan / Saab History, Oct. 2007

New Salem Saab of Albany, New York, a site sponsor of Saab History, is now offering the 1st ever Month of July sales event offering GM employee pricing on all 2008 Saab models in stock.

Here are their details below!

New Salem Saab is offering GM EMPLOYEE PRICING on all 2008 Saab models in stock!! Plus all customer rebates, incentives and owner loyalty where applicable.

We have Over 75 New 2008 Saabs in stock.

Please Visit our website at www.newsalemsaab.com. We also have a huge selection of preowned Saabs and non Saabs all discounted as well!!

I can’t fix the economy, but I can give a sound economic reason to purchase a new or used Saab. Super Safety, Great fuel efficiency, Terrific warranty with free maintenance and a Dealer Principle that is also the Service Manager and will answer the phone as well as give you my cell phone number which is good to all my customer from 8am to 8pm Mon thru Sun. Find another dealer who does the same……

We have also converted a Saab 9-5 to run on E85 @ $3.09 a gallon. Keep your eyes on the website for updates as to when this system will be available for your Saab.

New Salem Saab’s July Sales Event. Happening Now! GM EMPLOYEE PRICING ON ALL NEW IN STOCK 2008 SAAB MODELS.

Have a teriffic July 4th weekend with your families and friends!!

We will be open in Sales and Service July 5th if you would like to visit us.

Regards,

Darryl F. Carl
President / Owner / Service Manager
New Salem Saab
2041 Central Ave Albany, NY

518-862-2795

www.newsalemsaab.com

3.5 miles west of I-87 {Northway}

.8 miles west of Taft Furniture

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

Read more »

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

Kjell-Ã…ke Eriksson, is the vehicle line director for Saab Automobile AB. He has worked with Saab Automobile back in the Saab-Scania days beginning in 1972.

Some of his work have involved the Saab 9-2x, Saab 9-7x as well as the future Saab 9-4x BioPower.

His work in managing the product lines is a tough job, but his experience with Saab has been extensive.

Here is some information about his background.

Date of birth November 28, 1952
Place of birth Ekshärad, Sweden
Family Married to Elisabeth, two children, Hanna and Johan
Current position Vehicle Line Director Saab 9-2X and 9-7X
Date of employment August 1972

Experience:
1988 – 1991: Purchasing Manager, Saab Automobile
1991 – 1993: Director, Parts & Service
1993 – 1997: Chief Engineer
1998 – 1999: Executive Director, Saab 9-3 / 9-5
1999 – Executive Director, Future Products

Education:
Technical College, Mechanical Engineering

Interests:
Golf, skiing

Photo Credits: Sony Pictures

There is a Saab 9-7x seen in a movie trailer for “Untraceable” that was recently noticed by my supportive fiancee the other night. The movie “Untraceable” with Diane Lane, comes to theaters on January 25th.

In this film, as the trailer indicates, the onboard Onstar navigation system is “hacked” by computer hackers and ultimately renders the car useless to the driver. While Onstar has recently switched from analog to digital for all GM customers, one of the byproducts of this industry forced switch, includes more electronic security.

This sighting brings up an age-old question, are these product placements intentional by Saab Automobile and paid or sponsored by them in any way or was this simply the director’s decision for the nature of the storyboard? Remember the movie Sideways that featured the classic Saab 900 convertible that drove through the beautiful wine country of Southern California? Saab Automobile USA re-enacted this story once again as a celebration to the 20th Anniversary of the convertible with former President of Saab USA, Jay Spenchian as well as Bob Sinclair, the genius behind the Saab Convertible. This makes me think that any Saab featured in a movie is a product placement period. I could be wrong.

Take a look at “Internet Movie Cars Database” in order to see all of the Saabs that have been featured in films over the years and then decide for yourself.

If someone has some insight into this, please post your comments in this space.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

UPDATE: 9.26.2007 – Moraine, Ohio plant resumes production. Everything is back to normal.

Moraine Resumes Production

Updated 11:30 PM Wednesday September 26, 2007

Moraine Assembly has resumed production operations beginning with 2nd Shift TODAY, Wednesday, September 26, 2007.

————

All employees should report to work at their regular starting times.

I have just been notified that the assembly line at the GM Moraine, Ohio plant has been halted as of 11:30am this morning. This is a result of the UAW strike that is now causing a lack of parts due to the “just-in-time” delivery method used at most if not all plants.

I hope these two parties can reach an agreement soon that works for everyone.

Here is the official press release from the LOCAL IUE 798

Updated 7:34 PM Tuesday, September 25, 2007

As of 7:34 PM EST,

1st Shift Production at Moraine Assembly is cancelled for Wednesday, September 26, 2007 only. The following employees should report to work unless otherwise notified by your Group Leader:

All Team Leaders Plant-wide

All Maintenance Employees Plant-wide

All Housekeeping/ET Employees Plant-wide

All Final Process Employees (including Body Dingmen and Paint Repair)

All Quality Care Line Employees

All Manufacturing Support Employees

All Salaried Employees

All other shifts should report to work as scheduled at this time.

Here is GM’s press release regarding the work stoppage due to part availability.

2007-09-25

GM Statement Regarding UAW Work Stoppage Impact on Parts Distribution

GM Service & Parts Operations has put processes in place to handle emergency orders. And we’re working with our carriers to ensure pick up and delivery of these products to our dealers.

In the meantime, we’re hopeful that an agreement will be reached as soon as possible.

Visit GM’s Manufacturing and Labor Resource web site: www.gmmanufacturing.info.