Saab History

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-Åke 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.

I have been receiving a number of requests for information regarding the recent UAW strike with regards to the status of the Saab 9-7x production at its Moraine, Ohio manufacturing plant.

In response to these requests, I do have some positive news recently received from Jessica Peck of GM Communications for the Moraine, Ohio plant. According to Ms. Peck, the Saab 9-7x and all other vehicles that are produced at GM’s Moraine, Ohio plant, will not be affected by the recent UAW strike.

The reason behind Moraine, Ohio’s plant not being affected is due to the fact that their Union, the LOCAL 798 is separate and not a UAW plant.

This just in from the Local IUE: “As of 11:00 AM EST, Monday, September 24th, all General Motors UAW represented plant are on strike. However, all Moraine Assembly employees are expected to report to work as usual.”

This is good news for Saab and indicates, business as usual, and more 9-7xs rolling out of the factory to new homes.

The Saab 9-7x Scale model in Silver has arrived from Elkparts and has quite a good level of detail to appreciate.

Here are the details on the model and how to place an order for one.

This product is a genuine Saab accessory that has been produced to commemorate the Saab 9-7X SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).

This collectors model is an exquisitely detailed, high quality 1:43 scale model mounted in a Saab presentation box. The attention to detail on this model is astonishing. You can see the gearlever and dashboard, the finish on the seats, and even the Saab emblems. A beautiful model Saab.

An essential addition for collectors of model cars and/or model Saabs.

Size 110mm. In 1:43 scale

To place an order for one, click here

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

2007-08-03

Limited Edition SUV Offers Jet-Like Performance

Saab 9-7X Aero Takes Off

DETROIT — Saab takes SUV-performance to a new altitude as it announces the Aero performance version of the Saab 9-7X today. The limited edition 9-7X Aero will make its way to dealer showrooms early this autumn.

The Saab 9-7X brings unique Saab brand characteristics to the midsize SUV segment, including sophisticated styling inside and out, premium design features, and the sporty and spirited performance inherent to Saab vehicles. Since its debut two years ago, more than 12,000 have been sold in the U.S. and Canada. For 2008, Saab adds the Aero model - the symbol of serious Saab performance - to the 9-7X lineup. The limited edition 9-7X Aero takes Saab’s interpretation on the midsize SUV to an entirely new level accelerating the performance aspect of the sophisticated vehicle with a 6.0L V-8, 20-inch wheels and tires, unique paint and custom interior accouterments.

“The 9-7X Aero is one great SUV to pilot,” Shannon said. “We are excited to offer enthusiastic drivers an increased level of performance with the Aero, a symbol of Saab performance, in the midsize SUV segment.”

The new 9-7X Aero features a powerful, 6.0L small-block V-8 delivering 390 horsepower (295 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque. With 0-60 mph acceleration under six seconds, the 9-7X Aero is a treat for those who are actively passionate about the driving experience.

The 9-7X Aero will be easy to spot as it wears a paint color all its own: Carbon Flash Metallic. The charcoal metallic paint nicely enhances the SUV’s clean lines. Specific to the 9-7X Aero are 20-inch polished, aluminum wheels wrapped with P255/50R20 V-speed-rated performance tires that provide the optimum balance between ride and handling. Complementing the refined and driver-oriented cockpit-inspired interior are “Aero” embroidered leather seats and embossed floor mats.

Under the hood of the 9-7X Aero is the LS2 6.0L V-8 with a cold air induction package, rated at 390 horsepower (295 kW)* at 6,000 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm)* at 4,000 rpm. The LS2 6.0L is based on the small-block V-8 architecture and delivers excellent down-low torque for strong off-the-line performance. Torque is inherent to the engine’s cam-in-block design, which features large 4.00-inch-diameter (101,6 mm) bores and a 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke. Response is crisp and immediate, thanks to the electronically controlled throttle.

Unique to the 9-7X Aero’s version of the engine is a composite intake manifold adapted to the LS2 engine to help produce balanced torque and horsepower. Maximum towing capacity on 9-7X Aero model is 6,600 pounds (2994 kg).

Like all Saabs, the new Saab 9-7X Aero is driver-focused, with a lowered chassis tuned and tested to deliver responsive, balanced handling. Corner control and body roll control are improved with front stabilizer bars that are approximately 10 percent larger in diameter. Additional strength is provided by a heavy-duty rear axle with limited-slip differential.

With a four-wheel disc braking system enhanced with larger, 12.8-inch (325 mm) front disc rotors and iron twin-piston calipers, it’s not difficult to put a stop to things in the more powerful 9-7X Aero. The heavy-duty iron calipers are stiff and retain their shape under high-pressure/high-heat braking conditions, providing a more linear feel and reduced pedal travel in high-energy stops. The brake pads use high-performance linings for strong fade resistance.

ABS and automatic all-wheel-drive are standard on all 9-7X models as well as the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that provides confident, sure-footed travel. The performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system delivers impressive on-road grip and enhanced “launch” feel. The always-engaged system uses a Torsen center differential to split torque between the front and rear wheels. It is a torque-bias system that detects low traction at one axle and directs more torque to the other when needed.

Like all 9-7X models, the Aero model represents a terrific value with a high-level of standard equipment. In fact, the 9-7X boasts the most standard features in its class while offering a very competitive starting price at $39,935. The limited edition 9-7X Aero will start at $45,690, which includes a $745 destination fee and will begin arriving at dealerships this fall.

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. In 2007, Saab celebrates 60 years since first being introduced to the automotive scene as the vision-turned-reality of 16 aircraft engineers. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

Photo Credit: Saab History

Today, the Saab 9-7x 1:43 scale model finally arrived in Obsidian black from 43r.com. The obsidian black is the color that is depicted in the Saab 9-7x promotional video as well as the “Transformer” television advertisement done by Saab USA and the company Digital Domain back in late 2005. This model took nearly 2 years to finally complete a production run since it was first promoted on their website back in November of 2005. The level of detail is quite good, so another great job done by the Norev company who have been doing a number of the “official” Saab Automobile collector models as of late. Another great addition to the scale model collection.

Photo Credit: AT5 Amsterdam

There have been numerous reports on the safety of all of Saab’s models that consist of the Saab 9-3 Convertible, 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-5, 9-2x and now we have one on the Saab 9-7x.

On July 11th, a Saab 9-7x crashed with a streetcar in Amsterdam and here are the translated details thanks to Tim on the 9-7x forum on yahoogroups:

2 people got hurt:

- the driver of the streetcar was brought to the hospital for
diagnoses but could leave afterwards.

- the driver of the 9-7X was fine….

It looks like the Saab 9-7x 1:43 scale model car is now showing up with the first photographs appearing on a number Japanese Model Hobby websites.

It also appears that Norev, the company that has manufactured this model, has indeed done a great job in detailing it down to all of the key areas and have released this model in the classic Obsidian black color that the first 9-7x was released in as depicted in the first 9-7x promotional video.

This model should be available in the coming weeks.

As a follow-up to the Saab Ad featured on CNN recently, I thought I provide more details of the Saab Automobile USA “Jet Into Spring” promotion..

Fore more information about this promotion, please visit their website at Saab Automobile USA.

Saab Automobile USA’s new “Jet Into Spring” Sales Promotion has been recently shown on CNN’s home page at approximately 12 noon today.

Saab Automobile product range: Safe, versatile, practical, unique and progressive.
IKEA product range — Modern, functional, attractive, and progressive.

- Different companies, similiar product philosophies

Here is a photo that was recently provided to me of a Saab 99 that at the time, was the choice Saab model for those trips to IKEA. I was wondering how many of you have made it to IKEA in your Saab and have found that the plat-packed design of many IKEA goods works well with the utility and practicality of the Saab Automobile.

In the discussions I have had, I have heard from people that the 9000 was the best, and I have also heard that the 900 convertible was the best because the top goes down and the sky is the limit. Is there a “best” Saab model for such an arrangement?

In an effort to get your responses, I have provided a poll below for you to choose what Saab model in your opinion, is most suited at being the “best” Saab for an IKEA trip. I look forward to your poll results.

Update: Incredible voter turnout today! I have closed the poll at 150, It looks as though the Saab 9-5 SportCombi is the winner! I will post more on this in the coming days.