Although things have been tough for them sales wise over the past few years, they will finally begin to see some strong new product introductions by the fall of 2009, but is it too late?

I want to begin with the idea of the Saab 9-1 / Saab 9-X BioHybrid because as Steve Shannon pointed out at the Saturday night dinner at the recent 2008 Saab Owners Convention, it was the first concept evidently built on a “compact premium” platform, so it can be produced as-is and is not a one-off like the prior concept cars, so why the delays and uncertainty? The need is certainly there so just build it!

Secondly, we have the Saab 9-3 XC or Cross-Combi, produced in Trollhättan, Sweden, that has been rumored to be debuting this fall as a direct competitor to the Audi Quattro, Volvo XC and Subaru Forrester. The interesting piece about this segment is that Saab should have had this back in 2002, but the project was halted due to GM at the time, stopping all product development in order to reel in costs.

The Saab 9-4x, the successor to the 9-7x, will be coming by the fall of 2009, produced in Mexico for the North American market as a cross-over as we’ve seen in the recent production photograph, very close to the concept vehicle shown in January this year, however that’s all we know at this point. I was specifically told at the 9-4x BioPower concept car’s launch in Detroit, that it will come with a turbocharged 4-cylinder and be touted as the halo vehicle for E-85 in North America. Although there’s been much speculation in the media of this vehicle coming in with a non turbo larger engine, I am optimistic that what I was told couldn’t be anything other than the truth and that we’ll see a 4-cylinder turbocharged crossover when it debuts. If anything other than that is actually produced, what’s the point, really?

Lastly, we have the new 9-5, shown as a rough design sketch also at the 2008 Saab Owners Convention, it also appears to be debuting just after the Saab 9-4x. It should be interesting to see what becomes of this launch because as old as the current 9-5 is, (10 years), this model to be produced at a GM Europe factory in Germany, must deliver as sales for the current 9-5 are totally flat. I worry that the idea of a larger premium sedan for Saab is another pointless exercise at this time as they should be focusing on smaller vehicles, which brings me to my last point.

There Saab Automobile is, with three out of four products set for launch by the fourth quarter of next year. So here’s the question, as Saab has traditionally been a company all about small “rightsized” vehicles, why wouldn’t the smaller premium compact segment be introduced prior to the 9-3 XC, 9-4X and New 9-5?

If GM is committed to seeing the Saab Automobile brand succeed, why not introduce a vehicle that is actually in demand? I question the need for more gas guzzling large vehicles such as crossovers and premium sedans.

I am also deeply concerned that these three vehicles although nice, won’t significantly contribute to turning the sales around for Saab Automobile as the 600 pound gorilla in the corner of the room (a small premium “rightsized” hatchback) would.

Having read this, what are your thoughts? I have included a poll below to see what you think Saab should focus on first, so let’s see what the results show over time.

Update: As of Saturday, September 6th, I am seeing the following votes:

I would like to ask those who have voted for the new 9-5, why did you choose this? Was it because you believe Saab really needs a new 9-5, or that you may own a 9-5 and would like to see and/or own the new version?

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept car will be touring Washington, D.C. this weekend, just after it made its appearance at last weekend’s 2008 Saab Owners Convention in Devens, Massachusetts.

To see everything you need to know about the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept car, please visit this link here.

This just in from Saab Automobile USA

For Immediate Release — August 27, 2008

Award-winning Saab Concept on tour in the United States

Saab 9-X BioHybrid at Washington Times Car Show this Weekend

Detroit – Hot on the heels of the well-attended Saab Owners Convention in Devens near Boston last weekend, the award-winning 2008 Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is scheduled to be on display at the Washington Times Car Show this Sunday, August 31. The event will take place in the Spring Hill Recreation Center near McLean, Virginia just west of Washington, D.C.

Organized by veteran automotive journalist Vern Parker of the Washington Times, the event traditionally offers an impressive array of classics as well as a peek into the car future. Following the tire marks of the Cadillac Sixteen Concept a few years ago, the Saab 9-X will be among the vehicles playing that forward looking role at this year’s show. For more details, see www.washingtontimes.com/multimedia/2008/01/vern_parker_at_the_washington.html.

Already labeled “Best Concept” by AutoWeek Magazine upon its world debut at the Geneva auto show last March, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid was voted “Specialty Concept Car of the Year” by a jury of 25 professional North American automotive journalists. The award ceremony took place last June at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.

“The Saab 9-X BioHybrid blends organic form with ecologically sound propulsion for both aesthetic and environmental appeal”, said jury panel member Arv Voss of Auto Impressions. Added Bob Kroupa of the Automotive Writers Group: “Saab takes center stage with a new design approach for a compact vehicle. With the BioHybrid turbo engine included, we have a winner”.

“We are honored by this important recognition from an expert North American media organization,” said Saab Automobile USA marketing director Roger McCormack accepting the award. “Following in the footsteps of the highly inspirational Aero X, and the 9-4X BioPower crossover concept which also debuted earlier this year, the 9-X BioHybrid demonstrates that Saab is truly on the move.”

The 9-X BioHybrid is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Exploring design themes from Saab’s award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package.

The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a ‘low friction’ loading system.

“This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,” says Anthony Lo, director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.

With its ‘turbine’ wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact ‘hatchback’ looks.

The smooth ‘fuselage’ bodywork, now without any visible handles or door mirrors, the bold ‘wraparound’ window graphic and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupe concept shown at Geneva two years ago.

The car’s distinctive ‘shooting brake’ silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. “You could say we designed this car from back to front,“ says Lo. “The shape of the 9X is right for a car of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space.”

Echoing Saab’s roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag – and fuel consumption – at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph (43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.

The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver-focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be ‘frozen’ in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.

Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

At the rear, the cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down. The floor, and the back of the folding rear seats, is covered by ‘high friction’ rubber carpeting, which ‘grips’ items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the tailgate is opened and closed.

The treatment of light is an important part of Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It’s a personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to reflect the pattern of the changing seasons

“This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format,” adds Anthony Lo. “It has a number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car.”

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2009 model year, Saab offers 7 different models that deliver 27 mpg or better according to EPA Highway fuel economy standards. In addition to 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, every new Saab comes with 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance plus standard Onstar and XM Satellite radio. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.
# # #

On Saturday, August 23rd, I arrived promptly by 9am to thankfully continue selling Saab literature in the shade this time around, but also to sign up for the people’s choice lawn event. The people’s choice event involved just that, showing your car to the people, and the people can cast their vote all any Saab based on any factor, whether that be appearance, interesting approach or any other subjective reason.

While the judging continued, I met up with Liam of Okemo Mountain Resort, who hosted Saab History this past March during the Aero-X Ski test drive in Ludlow, Vermont. Liam brought with him, his Saab 9-5 Aero which made had its first encounter with a dynometer, an instrument used to test the torque, horsepower and a number of other performance features of automobiles. Evidently, the statistics report produced after the experience, were right in line with the manufacturers specs, so that was comforting!

At noon, the New England Saab Association made their renewed and strong presence felt as they decided to do another bar-b-que in parallel to the boxed lunch activity. This allowed for those day trippers, whom far outweighted full convention registrations, a chance to eat at the vendor & field area, a good 1/2 mile from the hotel. Even Felix Bosshard, former owner of Gaston-Andrey of Boston, mentioned in the book “In Quest Of A Company Soul”, who made a surprise appearance at the Saab Owners Convention, went directly to the bar-b-que! Way to go NESA!

The majority of Saturday involved lawn events from the Concours and aforementioned People’s Choice to a rescheduled group photo at about 2pm.
The group photo, in my opinion, should be one of the most critical activities because it visually communicates attendance figures, and while this year’s group shot looked nice, with the green grass and blue sky backdrop, the number of vehicles continues to be dramatically down. With that said, there were probably twice as many remaining Saabs not in the group shot in the adjacent parking lot as well as back on the hill near the hotel. The group shot is said to be open to anyone, day passers, registrants or even guests of visitors, so why can’t we get more vehicles in the photo? Do we need more time to prepare, more advertising and communication to encourage more participation?

As schedules changed over the course of the day from the original schedule on the program guide, I ended up missing a bunch of seminars including the curator of the Saab Museum, Peter Backström’s presentation on the Saab facilities in Trollhättan, Sweden.

Following the group photo and attemps to attend the rescheduled seminars, the banquet was next. This time, I made my way just in time not to miss this activity (hope it too was not rescheduled), I began to head towards the hall where the dinner was held and I noticed that the GM Heritage Collection was getting prepared for departure. One of the vehicles that I made my way over to, with a much anticipated photo opportunity, was the none other than the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept car alongside my 1992 Saab 900 Turbo! The most hiliarious part of this visit & photo op included seeing the biohybrid run out of gas, yes gas. Since this 9-X BioHybrid Concept has a rooftop solar panel setup designed to power the battery hybrid system, I suggested that they just switch the car to the other energy system and power it that way. I was told, not surprisingly, that none of that works on the car and that it is just a gas driven traditional engine underneath. As unfortunate as that was, at least I tried to help get the car back on the trailer and safely home with my suggestion. I know these concept cars are theoretical design exercises, but you can’t blame me for my optimism, right?

The final chapter of the evening was Saab Automobile USA President, Steve Shannon’s “State of Saab 2008″ presentation at 8pm. Momemts before the presentation was to begin, I was happily surprised to see Saab Automobile USA’s PR chief, Jan-Willem Vester, a die-hard Saab fan for years, owns a 1984 900 since new as well as others, showed me a tie he was proud to wear that evening. The tie had some historical significance, it was given to him when back when he was a journalist in 1988 while he attended the Saab 9000 CD launch in Nice, France. At this event, you will see that it is also the same event where Bob Sinclair met with Jan-Willem early in his career, and little did Sinclair know that Jan-Willem would end up becoming head of PR for Saab Automobile USA years later.

The 2008 State of Saab began with a follow-up to GM CEO Rick Wagoner’s comments a week earlier. He said that this statement was interpreted as positive, indicating that Saab Automobile AB in Sweden is a strong European brand in order to communicate that they are actually in the black opposed to what some media outlets have been speculating lately. As for the United States, Steve Shannon said we still have some work to do. Following this response he focused on communicating on new products, from the Saab 9-4x, new 9-5 (sedan to be introduced prior to the combi) as well as mentions of even the 2nd generations of the Saab 9-4x, new 9-5 and new 9-3! There were no mentions of the Saab 9-3x Cross-Combi however, but I suppose that’s due to that product being a natural extension of the existing 9-3 cross-wheel drive equipped lineup we have today. The other areas that were discussed included advertising, which consisted of their first ad from McCann-Erickson featuring the Saab 9-3 Convertible “Recycle” Ad that has been out for a good month and a half now, as well as another ad that is a “work in progress” that Saab USA may be seeking comments on at this time which is to be their first ever, XWD ad in the United States. Unfortunately, due to technical issues, we were unable to see those ads that evening and had to wait until the following morning at 8:55am. The spirit of the presentation was upbeat, but realistic and certainly sent some messages to the participants that Saab USA is doing all they can including working even more efficiently with their european counterparts at GM Europe.

Prevous Day, Friday
Final Day, Sunday

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept car that made its global debut in Geneva, Switzerland, and North American debut in New York City this past March, will be on display at the 2008 Saab Owners Convention in Devens, Massachusetts this weekend.

Having attended the North American launch of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid with co-editor, Carl Levine in New York, it will be interesting once again to see what becomes of this concept car when it comes to a production version.

To find out everything you need to know about the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, please check out the designated section where I have over 46 postings about it at this time.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

There have been a large volume of credible news sources lately reporting that GM has halted the Saab 9-X BioHybrid’s development.

This means that a production vehicle and availability date will be further delayed, so I’m hoping to hear something positive about this

I have sent an e-mail into Saab Automobile AB Sweden to see what they have to say about these reports, so please stay tuned:

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!

I have just located a video of Saab Automobile AB’s chief designer, Simon Padian.

In this video, Simon Padian comments on importance of good design at the recent Swedish Design Award which had an event ceremony this past June in Sweden.

The film is in Swedish, but there are small English subtitles.

Enjoy the video. which puts the film archive at over 420 videos!

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

Saab Automobile USA have recently provided Saab History this press release of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept that was recently introduced at the Detroit International Auto Show this past January.

While this news is great news, where are the details on the production? Is General Motors still needing more convincing that the demand is here in order to commence with the production of this model?

2008-06-25

CONTACTS

Voted “Specialty Concept Car of the Year” by North American Media

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Honored at Automotive Hall of Fame

Detroit – Already labeled “Best Concept” by AutoWeek Magazine upon its world debut at the Geneva auto show last March, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid has been voted “Specialty Concept Car of the Year” by a jury of 25 professional North American automotive journalists. The award ceremony took place at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.

Now in its 7th rendition, the annual Concept Car of the Year Awards recognize those vehicles that are most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry. The winners were selected from 40 concept cars and 12 production preview vehicles that made their North American debut during the 2008 auto show season.

“The Saab 9-X BioHybrid blends organic form with ecologically sound propulsion for both aesthetic and environmental appeal”, said jury panel member Arv Voss of Auto Impressions. Added Bob Kroupa of the Automotive Writers Group: “Saab takes center stage with a new design approach for a compact vehicle. With the BioHybrid turbo engine included, we have a winner”.

“We are honored by this important recognition from an expert North American media organization,” said Saab Automobile USA marketing director Roger McCormack accepting the award. “As we witnessed first hand from public reactions at the New York auto show, the 9-X BioHybrid Concept has exceeded many optimistic expectations. Following in the footsteps of the highly inspirational Aero X, and the 9-4X BioPower crossover concept which also debuted earlier this year, the 9-X BioHybrid demonstrates that Saab is truly on the move.”

The 9-X BioHybrid is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Exploring design themes from Saab’s award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package.

The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a ‘low friction’ loading system.

“This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,” says Anthony Lo, director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.

With its ‘turbine’ wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact ‘hatchback’ looks.

The smooth ‘fuselage’ bodywork, now without any visible handles or door mirrors, the bold ‘wraparound’ window graphic and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupe concept shown at Geneva two years ago.

The car’s distinctive ‘shooting brake’ silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. “You could say we designed this car from back to front,“ says Lo. “The shape of the 9X is right for a car of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space.”

Echoing Saab’s roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag – and fuel consumption – at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph ( 43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.

The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver-focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be ‘frozen’ in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.

Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

At the rear, the cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down. The floor, and the back of the folding rear seats, is covered by ‘high friction’ rubber carpeting, which ‘grips’ items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the tailgate is opened and closed.

The treatment of light is an important part of Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It’s a personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to reflect the pattern of the changing seasons

“This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format,” adds Anthony Lo. “It has a number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car.”

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 2009 model year, Saab offers XM Satellite Radio and OnStar standard in its entire vehicle portfolio. In addition to 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, every new Saab comes with 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

Edmunds inside line has recently written some concerning news about the Saab 9-X BioHybrid’s configuration (2-doors or 4-doors), however the 600 pound gorilla in the room has still not been considered (3-door fastback utilitarian hatchback).

Here is their recap from Saab Automobile USA’s marketing director, Roger McCormack whom I interviewed in Detroit back in January.

McCormack says Saab is carefully considering how many doors the production car should have, because the company believes the two-door layout compromises the sales potential of the premium compact cars currently on the road. Moreover, some research is indicating that the utility of four doors trumps the styling statement of a coupe — even for younger buyers.

McCormack said two doors and high prices have worked against some of the premium compact cars already on the road. Mini, for example, made it a point to add a third access door for the new Clubman to mitigate the reduced utility of the standard two-door Mini, and the appeal of the Audi A3 and 1 Series, both pretty fine cars to drive, has been severely limited by its high prices. Saab wants to avoid these pitfalls with the 9-1.

“I don’t think anybody’s nailed it yet,” he said of the current models in the premium compact segment. McCormack said the challenge is to find the right balance of size, fuel economy, price — and body style.

So what does all of this mean? This dialog within Saab Automobile USA mentioned above indicates that the configuration of the 9-X BioHybrid is in question at this time, but it surprises me that the hatchback configuration continues to be overlooked.

It’s the hatchback Saab needs for that critical utilitarian function that came to an end in 2002 on the 9-3 model, so why not include that into the production version of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid?

Memo to Saab: If you build it, they will come..

As both a follow-up to the AIA Convention I recently attended in Boston as well as my post on the Saab/Cadillac/Hummer dealership arrangement in the United States, I leave you with a very funny message that the presenter of the final seminar at that convention on “Solar and Wind Power” who indicated the “Need to change the mindset in terms of the American idea of power and energy use today in both the transportation and built environment”.

“A 6,500 pound grocery getter capable of para-military maneuvers getting single digit miles per gallon on the way home from soccer practice or a fully integrated intelligent design hybrid electric that gets 65 miles to the gallon minimum with the most efficient drag co-efficient in the industry”

It is important to indicate that in the near future while GM already showcases Saab’s in the event show circuit next to each other, like the recent NY Auto Show, they will also be, showcased together at the dealership level as “premium brands”, even though they couldn’t be any more opposite.

This dialog continues to prompt more important questions on how and why GM believes they can successfully sell and service the aforementioned “6,500 pound para-military single digit mileage SUV alongside a fuel efficient environmentally friendly brand in parallel to one another.

Other questions to ponder include the following:

Do the current 1st quarter results in the automobile industry of Toyota trumping GM in sales, send a clear message to GM?

What will the inclusion of both Saab & Hummer at the dealership, do to the environmentally friendly, progressive image of the Saab Automobile brand?

Furthermore, why has Saab Automobile been careful about their plans to produce the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept car? If and when Saab do produce this vehicle, when will it be available for sale in our Saab dealerships that are begging for this vehicle as we speak?

Please answer these questions as well as: “What direction will you take and why”? in the comments below.

I have recently read a report from Car Guides as a translation from Sweden’s MiljöRapporten on the future of Saab Automobile’s hybrid products as well as the other automobile manufacturers projects in the short-term.

This recently translated article is, in my opinion, a great follow-up to the long-term piece about the Scandinavian Hybrid collaborative between Saab Automobile, Volvo & Sweden’s energy company, Vattenfall as well as the Swedish Hybrid Vehicle Center projects at a number of Swedish Universities.

For the record, we have at this time, two concept vehicles, both the Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Convertible Concept in 2006 and the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept this year. These concept vehicles are a great start, however, knowing that technologically speaking these are just concept vehicles and maintain more of the “theory” of what’s to come opposed to the “reality” of what is currently available.

So here is the question: When exactly will we see a Saab Hybrid in production that customer can actually buy? The customers want them, the dealerships want them, and other manufacturers already have them. Since Saab has historicall been about innovative industry firsts, what is holding them back from the hybrid at this time?

I hope that they get on board with this one and fast, because time is moving fast these days.

Here is the report below:

As we said, Volvo and Saab will put ten PHEVs on the road by 2009 to create a strong Swedish plug-in market, with vehicle testing to begin next year. Using vehicles from these two automakers, technical know-how from Vattenfall and lithium-ion batteries from ETC Battery, the plug-in hybrid project will have a budget of 62 million Swedish crowns (around $9.6 million U.S.) The vehicle models that will be used and other details are being kept quiet. Continue after the break for more.

AutoblogGreen reader Stefan N.’s translation (slightly cleaned up) of this article:

Saab and Volvo in large plug-in project

Saab and Volvo will begin a large scale project on plug-in cars. In the project the two car manufacturers will test 10 plug-in cars in traffic during the next year. “We will be testing larger Volvo models working as PHEV,” says Klas Niste at Volvo Cars.

There is a lot of hush hush around this project. But in the corporations’ request for subsidies from the energy department, the goal is clear. The corporations wants to create a Swedish market for plug-in hybrids. Or as they write themselves, “Demonstrate how a simple customer-attractive total solution for plug-in hybrids could look like”.

Included in the project are Vattenfall and battery manufacturer ETC AB in Nol, Sweden. And what the different corporations are supplying is obvious. Volvo and Saab will provide ten PHEV cars. Vattenfall will provide technical solutions for loading the cars in a efficient way. ETC Battery will provide their lithium-ion batteries.

The project should run through 2008-2010 and the ten plug-in hybrids will be in traffic in 2009. Total budget is 62 million crowns, approx $10 million U.S. and the corporations has been seeking half the budget in subsidies. But to receive 50 percent financing it was demanded that more research and development was included in the project, according to the committee for the vehicle research, which gave clearance for a third of the total budget in subsidies.

-The next step will be that the four corporations return with an application where they assure that they pay for 65 percent of the finances, then it can proceed to the energy development committee, at the Energy department, which will decide on the subsidies surmounting 10 million crowns. I think a decision will be made in January-February and if they keep their promise of 65 percent of the financing they will get an OK, says Gunnar Lindstedt at Vinnova, secretary of the committee who recommends that the project should receive 20 million crowns in support. Both car manufacturers are keeping secret which models will be provided with PHEV functionality. So far the Volvo Cars has only shown the C30 as a PHEV. But, according to Klas Niste at Volvo Cars, there will be larger models included in the project. But what larger models has Volvo developed with plug-in technology? No comments, says Klas Niste.

Fact on the Plug-in project Project description in the application for money from Program council for vehicle research. “The application is regarding financial support to establish a common development and demonstration project for plug-in hybrids between SAAB Automobile, Volvo Car Corporation, Vattenfall AB and ETC AB. With the collaborations the parts want to strengthen the possibilities to create a future Swedish united, political and industrial, force for plug-in hybrids. Plug-in hybrids have a big potential to give a large contribution for Sweden to reach national and international climate goal and lessen the dependence on fossil fuel.

Goals:

* To construct and put ten PHEVs on the road by year 2009
* To evaluate vehicles and infrastructure under real circumstances
* To demonstrate what a simple customer-attractive total solution for plug-in hybrids would look like
* To contribute to increased acceptance and insight on the role plug-in hybrids can have to reach national and international climate goals, increase the safety for energy supplies and promote the future of Swedish competition in trade and industry.
* To contribute to research and development within the area through collaborations with, for example, SHC. The project is investigating the possibilities for SHC to be able to, from the data collected in this demonstration project, 1) evaluate batteries 2) analyze driving patterns 3) verify/calibrate simulationprograms for PHEV and HEV drivelines.

Financing. … Written by: Kenneth Samuelsson

Source: Car Guides & MiljöRapporten

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!

While we have not yet heard about a production ready Saab hybrid, yet, we can hope to see one in the near future with all of the recent investment in research and development as of late by Saab Automobile.

Since 2007, Saab Automobile has been collaborating with the Swedish Hybrid Vehicle Center that involves KTH University, Lund University while being hosted by Chalmers University in Göteborg, Sweden.

The Swedish Hybrid Vehicle Centre (SHC), as it is indicated, is a “distributed Center of Excellence with the objective to develop and optimize existing and coming technologies for propulsion and energy storage to find the most fuel effective and cost effective hybrid vehicle concept.”

Furthermore, Autoblog Green reports that there is currently $40 million dollars invested in the SHC over the next five years.

For more information about this interesting collaborative, please visit their website directly http://www.chalmers.se/shc

Below are the their mission and objectives.

The Swedish Hybrid Vehicle Center (SHC) is a Center of Excellence established 2007 by the Swedish Energy Agency (Energimyndigheten) with three Swedish universities and six Swedish industrial companies as partners. Chalmers is the host for SHC.

Mission:

The mission of the Centre is to be a strategic knowledge and competence base for education, research and development within hybrid electric vehicles, and to form a framework for cooperation between industry and academia.

Our main objectives are:

* Create knowledge and understanding for the fundamental processes in hybrid vehicle technology through experiments, simulations and modelling
* Define and investigate new technologies and hybrid vehicle concepts that will lead to more fuel effective vehicles

Focus of the research work is on a systems perspective, emphasizing on integration of and interaction between components and subsystems, but work will be divided into three areas:

* System studies and tools
* Electrical machines and drives
* Energy storage

Photo Credit: Saab History (Caption: L-to-R Saab Sweden & USA Presidents, Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson & Steve Shannon)

As a guest invited by Saab Automobile USA & General Motors, it was another great opportunity to be present for this North American premiere of the second introduction of this compact product segment for the Saab brand. I also realized that much like I did previously with the 9-4x BioPower Concept launch and 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 sponsors and in that process, site sponsor Saab of Hunterdon in New Jersey. came in at the nick of time to sign up as a film sponsor. This support ultimately faciliated the ability to cover costs to rent a professional camcorder to film the event.

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept North American Premiere took place this past Tuesday in New York City, March 19th, 2008 almost three weeks following its global launch in Geneva on March 3rd, 2008.

I began this event by flying out early from National Airport in Washington, D.C. en-route to New York City on Tuesday morning. Shortly after my arrival, I made it a point to head directly to the former location of SAAB’s first office in New York City at 405 Park Avenue. With the rise and fall of buildings throughout the world, in particular on Manhattan island, I was incredibly surprised that this building still stands. Immediately after some photography taken here, I continued to pick up my camcorder equipment and then began preparing for the Saab Reflective event that evening that began on 9pm and concluded at 1am.

The Saab Reflective event that night began promptly and initially reminded me of the “GM Style Event” that took place back in January the night before the North American International Auto Show began. The GM Style Event was communicated as “an evening celebrating artistic convergence of vehicle design, fashion and music”, and in a similiar fashion, the Saab reflective event was an event that also focused on clothing and vehicles, but under “eco-friendly” auspises. During this event, both the aforementioned Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept as well as the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concepts were displayed as backdrops to this launch of an eco-clothing collection for Saab Automobile in partnership with a Swedish clothing design firm called Reflective Circle.

It was during this event that there was a number of media mingling amongst a number of select local New Yorkers who got to get their first glimpse of these concept cars and clothing. The concept cars themself, were re-revealed at this venue by a number of models all dressed in while carrying umbrellas in a carefully choreographed sequence that seemed to be a cross between something you would see at the rocketts at radio city music hall and a runway platform in Paris. During and after this introduction, there were some notable Saab executives present, but surprisingly, there were not any Saab designers on hand to speak or discuss the design intent, direction and future of the Saab Automobile brand and product development. This particular omission was surprising, given that this venue was purposely planned in order to promote the Saab concept vehicles in a more unique and intimate way that Saab could only do in another one of their “key” North East markets in the United States. It was clear that while this event was certainly geared towards a certain New York audience, it was partially at the expense of the rest of the media and other individuals who were present, because it did not represent their specific demographic and psychographic or at least partially. What was not clear for me was the entertainment value of the event for the press and media, other than what I believe to be, in my opinion, a notable event that not only complimented the Geneva Motor Show, but the New York Auto Show the following day as well.

With the night coming to an end, Saab Automobile, the media, guests and other individuals managed to wrap it up after nearly four full hours of socializing, mingling and networking at this first ever eco-event that took place at the IAC Building in New York City.
The event showcasing an eco-friendly clothing line, subtly indicating the Saab concept cars while toasting to “BioPower Martinis” served on none other than an ice bar, harkened back to Saab’s scandinavian roots and ever-continuing “ice-block” design element theming most notably in the interiors of both concept cars present inside and out.

As I began to make my way out of the building with other colleagues and various other members of the press, we began discussing and were eventually all in agreement that while this event was fun at an individual level, we were left with less of a complete understanding as to the entire objective of the event, combined with the fact that the concept cars that were present, were out promoted by an eco-friendly clothing line.

On Wednesday, March 20th, the New York International Auto Show opened their doors early to the media and press. I was looking forward to seeing the Saab stand as I had previously in Detroit, Michigan, and this time I noticed that the venue was certainly different in scale and design. While the Saab stand and display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit being large, adequately lit and more open, I found that the Saab stand in New York was challenging from a photographic, and video production perspective. I clearly had my work cut out for me.

As I began to make my way through the Saab stand, I was surprised to see that the Saab 9-X BioHybrid was not presented as prominent as I would have thought in the display, where the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept appeared to be more front and center as you will see in the photograph. I also got to see on the stand, the Saab 9-3 Turbo-X that was suited with the proper three-spoke wheels that made its North American launch at the Boston Auto Show this past November. What was most surprising about the Saab stand was that outside the smaller scale, and 9-X BioHybrid set in the background, there was no single Saab 9-5 in either sedan or wagon (combi) configuration. This refined model for the Saab brand, now in its 10-year anniversary is still a great model, so I see no reason to exclude it as it is part of the lineup.

Near the end of my experience at the Saab stand during the show, I did get the opportunity to have an interview with both Steve Shannon and Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson, the president of Saab Automobile USA & Global operations respectively. This experienced helped me formulate my in person opinions on my previous thoughts on the Saab 9-X BioHybrid as well as the the future of Saab Automobile.

The final program for the day involved a nice informal group meeting with Bryan Nesbitt, GM Vice President of GM North America Design located at the GM Design Center in Warren, Michigan. I really enjoyed his information, on the Saab 9-X BioHybrid design, as well as the driving as well as associated lifestyle differences in North America versus Western Europe. I am glad that this chance to talk about the 9-X BioHybrid with a designer, took place in addition to the GM Next chat some days later with Anthony Lo, online.

The take aways I had from my experience seeing the 9-X BioHybrid in person was that while I like the idea of this vehicle, I was not entirely convinced that every bit of theory that this vehicle was communicated to have, will see be one hundred percent applied to a production vehicle. I also think it is critical that this concept car, once it goes to market as a production model, includes everything indicated in this premiere as well as cross-wheel drive as an option. I believe that everything including the solar-powered roof as outlined in the specifications of this concept car, will need to see production, because Saab is always about innovative industry firsts, so it is about time that they maintain that position once again here in this vehicle segment for the brand.

This North American launch for the Saab 9-X BioHybrid was an important venue for Saab Automobile. I believe that the aforementioned reflection event combined with the New York Auto show complimented the Geneva Motor Show. As a member of the press invited to this event, I was fortunate to to get the chance to see the Saab 9-X BioHybrid in person and my thoughts on this concept car have remained unchanged, following this experience.

I appreciated this experience thanks Saab Automobile USA, General Motors as well as Saab of Hunterdon & JMK for making it all possible.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

I recently participated in another installment of the GM Next chat with Saab Designer, Anthony Lo. Anthony Lo joined Saab Automobile AB in October, 2000, as chief designer for Advanced Design. Lo has lead the design of the Saab 9-X, 9-3X, 9-3 Sport Hatch, and Aero-X, 9-4x, 9-X BioHybrid concept cars.

I was very interested to hear many of his responses to the questions posed: Please keep in mind that the order in which the questions posted did not necessarily sync up with all answers, so please use your own intuition.

Here is the full chat transcript below:

NoSpeaker: Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design, General Motors Europe
Region: North America
Date: 25 – March – 2008
Time: 10:30 –11:30 a.m. (EST)

SME: Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design, General Motors Europe
Date: 2008-March-25
Time: 10:30 –11:30 a.m. (EST)

A.Lo.Moderator:
Hello everyone, I’m Dave Roman, Director of GM Europe Technology & Design Communications, and I will be your moderator for this webchat session. Anthony has arrived and he is logging into the chat right now. We’ll get started in a moment.

SaabHistory.com:
What are your thoughts on the Saab 9-X BioHybrid?

Anthony.Lo:
Good morning! The 9-X BioHybrid is our vision on what a compact size Saab would look líke.

SaabHistory.com:
On model nomenclature: Why was the Saab 9-X reusing the 9-X again, instead of 9-1x?

Anthony.Lo:
As it remains as a concept, we would like to reuse the 9-X nomenclature.

SaabHistory.com:
On Technology: What will be making production (ie. Solar Panels, etc.) and do the solar panels on this car actually work this time or is it just theoretical?

Anthony.Lo:
The hybrid system is announced for production on future GM vehicles. On the solar panel, we are working on several studies on how to improve battery performance and solar is one of them. The panel itself does not work on the concept.

ViggenConvertible:
The new 9-3 reborn looks like a Saab again, if only from the front half of the car. If it had a hidden 9000 style Hatch on it, I would buy it. I couldn’t help but confuse it with the side of a a Chevy Malibu I saw the other day. When will Saab cars look like Saab cars again?

Anthony.Lo:
Saab brand is all about progressive design. We must look at what is best for the brand from a design perspective.

Anthony.Lo:
The rear end of Saab cars always generates a lot of discussion. We always consider appropriate themes and design cues but do not fix on any particular solutions.

SaabHistory.com:
On ViggenConvertible’s question: Will we see a true forward hinged hatch again? I heard the rumor was that there was supposed to be one in 2002 alongside the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, but budgets cut that out of the equation. Please speak to this.

Anthony.Lo:
The forward hinged hatch was never in the plan in this generation Saab 9-3.

bizhaoqi:
Can you provide any information regarding the progress and timeline of the new 9-5?

Anthony.Lo:
We are working on it but we have no specific information to share with you.

bizhaoqi:
Can you tell us what platform the new 9-5 and next 9-3 will be built upon?

Anthony.Lo:
The 9-5 will be based on our Global Mid Size architecture and it is currently being developed in Europe.

ViggenConvertible:
It appears there is much empahsis on Front Facscia to create that brand. When will the rest of the car have a focus again? (I apologize if this sounds like a rough question)

Anthony.Lo:
The 9-4X Biopower concept is a clear sign that we are focused on delivering a complete product. You will be surprised when you see the new 9-5.

SaabHistory.com:
On Exterior Design: Why did the 9-X BioHybrid not include a C-pillar like the 9-3x concept car?

A.Lo.Moderator:
We are getting a lot of questions and Anthony is responding as quickly as possible, so please hang in there with us. Thanks.

Anthony.Lo:
The C-pillar, like the rear end, are controversial. We would like the window graphic to fit the theme and the solution we have on the 9-X is the best fit for the upright rearend.

Guest_53a8:
Any chance of a TDI making its way to the US?

Anthony.Lo:
We continue to look at diesel for the US market but no decision has been made so far.

ViggenConvertible:
Anthony, what is your relation to the Saab brand. What Saab cars have you owned and loved?

Anthony.Lo:
I have driven various Saabs since I joined the company in 2000. I am passionately involved in all the past and future Saab projects.

SaabHistory.com:
Why doesn’t the rear tail gate open up? Why wasn’t it a sloping hatch like the Aero-X?

Anthony.Lo:
There was a mechanical problem in the tailgate and it will be fixed soon. We want to create a concept that is beautiful to look at without compromising on interior space and flexibility. The ‘Shooting Brake’ style rear end is the best solution.

SaabHistory.com:
On Interior Design: The interior looks unfinished, any reason for this?

Anthony.Lo:
The interior is finished. We are continuing to work on some of the functionality issues.

SaabHistory.com:
ViggenConvertile: Good question on the front vs. the rest of the vehicle. On other future models: Will Saab fully utilize its own concepts in the the future for their own products, rather than use them for other models in the GM lineup?

Anthony.Lo:
I am not sure if I understand your question correctly. Saab concepts are developed for Saab brand only. It is a good question. It would be a good solution to follow the Mazda strategy but it has to make financial sense.

SaabHistory.com:
“Will there be any more design elements that will be applied to future Saab products from both the Saab 9-3X as well as the Saab 9-3 Sport Hatch Concepts since the 9-X was used for the 9-X BioHybrid?”

Anthony.Lo:
I have answered that question earlier.

SaabHistory.com:
Good morning and thanks again for the NYIAS

Guest_53a8:
Will XWD be incorporated into the next generation of Saabs? Do you see it as a pervasive theme across the model line?

Anthony.Lo:
I am not in a position to answer technology applications in future products. I will be happy to answer any design questions.

SaabHistory.com:
On working with Saab / GM Design: Please discuss the differences and nature of the GM Design Center in Germany in comparison to the Saab Design center formerly in Sweden.

Anthony.Lo:
Our Design Center in Sweden is creating the long term vision and define what are the important elements that we should incorporate in future Saab products. They are also involved on concept car development. All products are finally executed in Germany.

99 9-3HOT:
I see we have one Talladega owner on…is Saab planning to set another world endurance record like the ones set in the 80′s and 90′s? And if so, will there be a special edition?

Anthony.Lo:
Our colleagues in Saab Marketing will be in a better position to answer your question.

SaabHistory.com:
Do you speak with longtime friend and former designer, Michael Mauer?

Anthony.Lo:
I meet him from time to time in car shows.

bizhaoqi:
Will the interior of the 9-4X Biopower concept be making its way to production in future Saab models?

Anthony.Lo:
Directionally, the interior of the 9-4X is very close to what we have considered for production.

SaabHistory.com:
Anthony, to get clarification on your statement, are you stating that Saab does not have the budget to include a fastback like combi hatch at this time? Is that also why it was not included in the 9-3 SS lineup in 2003?

Anthony.Lo:
I am not familiar with the decision made at the time.

bizhaoqi:
Can you speak to some of the design decisions you have had to make during the development of the new 9-5?

Anthony.Lo:
I am not in a position to comment on the new 9-5

ViggenConvertible:
How much freedom does GM give you to design a car? Do they place limits on particular parts of the car (like the rear half) to the platform, and allow you to design other parts?

Anthony.Lo:
GM’s global architectures are designed with a lot of bandwidths for design freedom. The bandwidths are developed in conjunction with our regional design centers in the Advanced phase.

bizhaoqi:
Can you give us an idea of what portion of new Saab design is coming from long-time Saab designers versus new/young designers fresh to the brand?

Anthony.Lo:
All our designers have strong connections to the Saab brand and are very familiar with the history. I think we have a good balance of designers in the team to develop truly distinctive Saab products.

SaabHistory.com:
Anthony Lo, I was under the impression that there was a Saab “Brand” in Sweden which isn’t an actual facility, and that the only design center is the GM Design Center in Europe.

Anthony.Lo:
Saab Brand Design is located in the Pixbo studio in Sweden. It is a fully equipped digital studio.

A.Lo.Moderator:
We are on top of our end time for this webchat, so please hold any additional questions. There are several questions in the queue that Anthony will continue to answer, so stick around a little longer. Thanks.

SaabHistory.com:
Will the rear c-pillar be cleaned up before production on the 9-4x? It looks about 80% complete there.

Anthony.Lo:
The 9-4X is a concept and directionally close to what we plan to include in the future line up. We continue to look at all potential new segments that Saab are not present today.

bizhaoqi:
Thank you very much for your time–I for one am very excited about Saab’s current and future direction

SaabHistory.com:
Do you factor in specific GM parts that are part of platforms when designing Saab vehicles, whether those are concpets or production?

99 9-3HOT:
Thanks again for your time Mr. Lo. I love the brand and look forward to the direction it goes in the future. While giving a nod to Saab’s heritage, you and the team have come up with some very cool designs over the past year.

Anthony.Lo:
Of course we do.

SaabHistory.com:
Is there at Saab design center in Pixbo used as a design center in concerp with the GM Design Center in Russelheim, Germany?

Anthony.Lo:
The Saab Design Center in Pixbo is part of GM Europe Advanced Design that I am responsible for. They are participating in all Saab concept developments.

SaabHistory.com:
“Thanks for your time today, and I appreciate you answering these questions. I plan on sharing them on my website, Saabhistory.com just like I did before.”

Anthony.Lo:
I have got to run! Thank you all for participating in the chat! I need to go back to design some more great Saabs!

A.Lo.Moderator:
Thanks again, everyone. If interested, this webchat transcript will also be posted to our GMNext.com website within the next day or so.

Saab Designer, Bryan Nesbitt offered his time to speak to a number of members of the press at the New York International Auto Show during a group discussion.

I think that you will find his frank and to the point insight and information about the Saab 9-X BioHybrid as well as the driving styles in the United States versus Europe very interesting indeed.

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

Film Credit: Saab History

At the opening day of the New York International Auto Show following the Saab Reflective event, I got the great opportunity to interview both Steve Shannon, President of Saab Automobile USA as well as Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson, President of Saab Automobile AB.

Throughout this interview, there was a lot of information that I was happy to hear, especially when it came to details that both elaborated on with regards to the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, the Saab Advertising Campaigns as well as the Saab dealership network. Enjoy the interview above:

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

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.

Photo Credit: General Motors Corp.

Saab History Travels to New York Auto Show

I will be travelling North from Washington, D.C. to New York City shortly in order to cover both the Saab Reflective Event on Tuesday as well as the New York Auto Show on Wednesday.

The New York Auto Show will mark the North American Premiere of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept car that recently debuted at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3rd, 2008. I understand that in addition to this, there will also be the Saab 9-4x Concept car as well as some other surprises.

What: Saab Reflective Event & New York Auto Show

Where: Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY

When: March 18th, 19th-30th, 2008

For more information, please visit the New York International Auto Show website directly.

 
This Saab 9-X BioHYbrid Concept film takes place at the GM Design Center in Russelheim, Germany. There are numerous interviews in this film that include Saab designers such as Anthony Lo, Boris Jakob, Richard Shaw and Mark Adams.

Enjoy the film, as it does a good job showing some never before footage of “behind the scenes” at the GM Design Studio and the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept “in process”.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

I have recently been made aware of more projects that are in the works addition to both the Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Convertible, and the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept.

The press release below indicates that Saab and Volvo are collaboration with Sweden’s electricity provider, Vattenfall, and will be doing quite a lot of continued research and development on hybrid technology.

This is really good news.

Please read below:

Together with electricity provider Vattenfall, Saab Automobile, ETC and the Swedish state, Volvo Car Corporation is launching a joint broad-based research venture to develop spearhead technology in the area of plug-in hybrid cars. Sweden will be the arena for the field tests.

“I see this project as a positive further development of sustainable personal transport. We have a unique opportunity to take the lead when it comes to innovations for advanced green-car technology”, says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The aim of the project, which is being carried out jointly by Volvo Car Corporation, Saab Automobile, Vattenfall and ETC, is to develop and demonstrate the next-generation hybrid cars. A fleet of 10 plug-in hybrids will be produced that can be recharged directly from the mains wall socket.

Volvo has long experience of cooperation with a variety of society’s actors and with this project the company aims to participate in and shape decisions and initiatives that are taken both within and outside the car industry.

“We want to be involved in setting up the rules for the future and to help build up broad-based competence in Sweden in this vital area,” says Fredrik Arp.

Over a five-year period, Volvo will invest just over 11 billion SEK in development aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Volvo already offers its customers one of the industry’s widest ranges of Flexifuel engines. In parallel the company is continuing to enhance the efficiency of its petrol- and diesel-powered cars. 2008 will see the launch of car models that release less than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Volvo is also focusing intensively on hybrid technology. In the medium term the company will introduce hybrid variants where an electric motor supports the combustion engine. In the longer term, plug-in hybrids will be introduced. One example of this was presented in autumn 2007 with the Volvo C30 ReCharge Concept. Used in the most effective way, this concept car cuts emissions of carbon dioxide by about 65 percent compared with the hybrid cars available on the market today. And if the electricity comes from CO2-sustainable sources such as hydropower and windpower, this figure improves still further.

“Within the next decade, electric vehicles are going to be needed if we are to meet forthcoming CO2 legislation,” says Fredrik Arp.

Source:
The Green Car Website

Video Credits: Etienne / Saabhuy

Etienne of Belgium took the initiative to get to the Geneva Motor Show to act as Saab History’s European correspondent to cover the Saab 9-X BioHybrid World Premiere.

During his time at the Geneva Motor Show, he managed to take some brilliant photography as well as some interviews and now, after receiving a nice shipment in the mail, I now have some nice raw footage in which to bring you that he has filmed. After some editing, I believe I have done the best I could with with both the video as well as the audio, which I understood, there were some technical problems on site in Geneva which you will pick up at a certain part of the film. Otherwise, this film is very informative, and good news all around.

Thank you once again Etienne, your passion and enthusiasm for Saab is much appreciated world wide!