Photo Credit: New York Times

Saab’s new Design Director, Jason Castriota has been recently interviewed by the New York Times.

Here’s a small part of that interview below:

Jason Castriota, formerly designer for Ferrari, Pininfarina and Stile Bertone, has been tapped by Saab to lead design, through Mr. Castriota’s design firm.

Jason Castriota Designs has been hired to handle design for Saab Automobile, the Swedish automaker that was bought in February by Spyker NV, a Dutch car company.

Saab’s news release referred to Mr. Castriota, 36, as design director, adding that he would take “the lead role in design at Saab,” but he will not work exclusively for Saab, Mr. Castriota said in an interview on Monday.

Mr. Castriota is widely regarded as a star in the car design world. He was at Pininfarina from 2001 to 2008. While he was at Pininfarina, he worked on designs for Ferrari and also for Maserati (which is owned by Ferrari) including the Maserati Birdcage concept. More recently, he worked at Stile Bertone, where he designed the Mantide, an exotic car based on the Corvette ZR1.

Mr. Castriota, who was born in the United States, set up his own firm, Jason Castriota Design, in December and has offices in New York and Turin, Italy, where he also keeps a residence.

Bertone Mantide Mr. Castriota designed the Mantide supercar during his brief stint at Stile Bertone, the Italian design firm.

In the interview, Mr. Castriota said that the Saab relationship began with a meeting he had with Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s chief executive, and Victor Muller, the chief executive of Spyker and chairman of Saab, at the Geneva Auto Show in March. They discussed Mr. Castriota’s designs for a sportier, upscale version of the company’s bread and butter 9-3 sedan.

At first Mr. Muller and Mr. Jonsson wanted to hire him as Saab’s in-house design director, Mr. Castriota said. Instead, it was agreed that Mr. Castriota’s firm would remain independent, but direct design for Saab.

How does Mr. Castriota see Saab?

“Quirky and distinctive are important words,” he said. “It should be a true premium car alternative to the Germans. With the 900 series, with turbocharging and sporty performance, it was a smart buy. You saw doctors and lawyers everywhere driving Saab.”

These days, he noted, Audi has taken that position in the market that Saab occupied in the 1980s and part of the 1990s.

Mr. Castriota’s 9-3 may be on the road by 2012. He also may work on a small car, the 9-2.

Mr. Castriota pointed to the success of the Mini Cooper as a model for the success that the 9-2 might achieve. “There’s some behind-the-scenes talk going on for platform sharing with other companies,” he said, adding that he will have a voice in Saab’s marketing.

Click here for more of the interview on the NY Times.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

New Design Director at Saab Automobile

* Former Pininfarina and Bertone designer joins Saab leadership team
* Will lead design for Saab’s product expansion program

Trollhättan, Sweden: Saab Automobile today announced the appointment of former Bertone and Pininfarina designer Jason Castriota as its new Design Director.

Castriota, 36, now takes the lead role in design at Saab, reporting directly to Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. He and his design company will be responsible for exterior and interior design and will lead the design activities at Saab as the brand renews and broadens its product range.

Announcing the appointment, Jan Åke Jonsson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jason to our leadership team. He has an outstanding track record in automotive design and will help us take the brand forward. He will play a key role in expressing all that’s best in the innovative tradition of Saab design as we carry our brand’s roots into the future.”

“I’m greatly looking forward to joining such an iconic brand,” said Castriota. “Saab has a very strong and distinctive heritage which gives it great potential to develop. This is an exciting opportunity for me to help shape its future products.”

Victor Muller, Saab Automobile’s Chairman, added: “Bringing a young, highly-talented designer to Saab underlines the company’s determination to produce cars which stand out because of their unique aircraft inspired, Swedish identity. With Jason heading up Saab design, we will be making landmark cars for the foreseeable future.”

Castriota hails from New York and graduated from Emerson College in Boston before attending the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. In 2001, he left the college to join Pininfarina’s design studio in Turin, Italy. He took up the position of Director of Design at Stile Bertone in 2008 and then opened a design consultancy with offices in New York and Turin.

His recruitment is an important strategic step by Saab in its renaissance as a newly-independent carmaker.

Note to Editors:

Saab Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company) was founded in 1937 as an aircraft manufacturer and revealed its first prototype passenger car 10 years later after the formation of the Saab Car Division. In 1990, Saab Automobile AB was created as a separate company, jointly owned by the Saab Scania Group and General Motors, and became a wholly-owned GM subsidiary in 2000. In February 2010, Spyker Cars N.V. of the Netherlands, acquired the company from GM as an independently-run business.

Saab cars reflect the brand’s unique Scandinavian design ethic, which is fused with its aircraft engineering heritage. The company is a global premium car maker with a distinguished history of innovation. It is recognized for its pioneering role in turbocharging, as well as occupant safety and the introduction of flex-fuel technology through Saab BioPower. Saab Automobile AB currently employs approximately 3,500 staff in Sweden, where it operates world-class production and technical development facilities at its headquarters in Trollhättan, 70 km north of Gothenburg.

http://media.saab.com/

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

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

Interested in being a designer for Saab Automobile in Sweden? Apply here with Adecco who are working on behalf of Saab, looking to hire a full-time design engineer.

As Saab Automobile continues to hire more to their team as they ramp up their operations since the sale in February, positions like this are great way to get in while the company starts a new design era.

Click here to submit your application with Adecco.

Saab Automobile is seeking a Design Engineer – Saab Automobile AB

Saab Automobile AB has its roots in Trollhättan and in a strong tradition of innovation and design. The result is breakthrough technology and versatile car that combines driving pleasure with respect to the environment.

As a Design Engineer is responsible and manages your development work in one of bodywork construction sites, where Unigraphics (UG) is the main tool for concept and article development.

Reference No: 392 Apply by: 13/06/2010 Search job

Contact Info:
Therese Yllner Recruitment Consultant (+46) 0406675320
Frederick Weinbacher Saab Saab Group Manager (+46) 0520-841 79
Anette Hellgren Union (+46) 0520-841 25
John Tärbo Graduates Association (+46) 0520-851 55

Tasks

* You produce layouts of complete concepts and be able to consider the following in your design: design criteria, cost, quality, weight, packaging, schedule, DFA (Design for Assembly), FMEA, manufacturing requirements, styling, Lessons Learned, servicing requirements, etc..

Education Focus

* Machinery / Construction

Education

* College / University four years and more

Qualifications

* We are looking for an MSc or equivalent
* You have at least five years experience in the design of composite materials such as glass, rubber and aluminum.
* You have very good knowledge of Unigraphics NX.

Personal characteristics

* You have a good command of English both spoken and written.
* As a person you are creative and will be happy with new ideas and suggestions.
* You have a great interest in design, is inspired by working in a team, is accurate, flexible and self-propelled.

Language

* Swedish
* EEnglish

We offer

* We offer an exciting service in a team that likes to deliver high performance.

Workplace

* 461 80 Trollhättan
* Re: Västra Götaland County

Other information

* 100% Scope of Service: 100%
* Full-time
* 1 Number of jobs: 1

Photo Credit: Saab History

Former Saab Designer, Anthony Lo, who I interviewed this past September in Frankfurt and previously in Detroit a year earlier, has left GM to take a new position with Renault according to Car Design News

Lo, led what people refer to as the “concept car era” for Saab under GM’s ownership, beginning with the 9-X in 2001, 9-3x, 9-3 Sport Hatch, Aero-X, 9-4x BioPower, 9-X BioHybrid and ending with the 9-X Air in 2008.

He brought a lot of design skills to the table with Saab and it was a pleasure to have him on board.

Audio Credit: Saab History

Anthony Lo who I interviewed last January in Detroit spoke with me about his time working with Saab since departing earlier this year to stay with Opel. After nearly 9 years as the advanced design director for Saab Automobile’s future products and concept cars, he decided to stay in Germany.

You may remember Lo led what people refer to as the “concept car era” beginning with the 9-X in 2001, and ending with the 9-X Air just last year.

It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to interview him, in an audio only format since he is no longer an employee of Saab. A sincere thank to to Anthony Lo, as well as Tynan’s Saab & JMK Saab for making it happen.

Film Credit: Saab History

Saab History had the great opportunity to interview Simon Padian, Saab Automobile’s Brand Design Chief at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show earlier this week.

Padian, this year entered his 20th anniversary with Saab as a designer and has seen just about every change in the Saab brand design program beginning with his first mentor, Bjorn Envall who co-designed the Saab 99 with SAAB’s first designer, Sixten Sason.

A thank to Tynan’s Saab & JMK Saab for making this happen as well as Simon Padian for sharing his time with Saab History.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

Rolf Melde, one of the original fifteen aircraft engineers at Svenska Aeroplan AktieBolaget or SAAB beginning in 1947, has recently passed, Saab Car Museum curator Peter Backström indicates.

Here is Peter Backstrom’s recent e-mail to us about this news:

I am sad to tell you that one of the biggest Saabpioneers, Rolf Mellde, has passed away after a short illness at the age of 86 years. Not only a superb engineer, with initiatives like the Saab Sonett and the incredible V4-project, he was also a very skilled competition driver.

Melde, was last seen at the 60th Anniversary Saab Festival where he was on stage at the dinner where he spoke about his exciting career transitioning from SAAB’s focus on Aircraft to Automobiles in 1947.

There will be much more about his passing in a press release coming early this week from Saab Automobile AB.

This past August of last year, I asked you who the original sixteen SAAB aircraft engineers were that created the first SAAB Automobile prototype in 1946. This SAAB prototype was the 92001 touted as “Ursaab”, was originally designed and fabricated by these engineers in Linköping, Sweden just prior to moving to the current home of Saab Automobile in Trollhättan, Sweden.

In my quest to determine who each of these original sixteen aircraft engineers were, I have gathered nine names so far, after scanning through both the Saab History video and book archives.

Today, I got a nice comment from a Berth Olofsson involved in with SAAB back then telling us all of the details and the fact that it was not 16 aircraft engineers, but 15 in addition to the following information:

Furthermore, Mr. Olofssson is going to be writing a book on the most anonymous of all aircraft engineers, Hugo Möller as he put it. I can’t wait to read it!

Here are his complete updates to the list of aircraft engineers below:

‘Ursaab’ is new name.
The workname was ‘Ettan’ which in English is ‘The One’ or ‘Number One’.
The number of engineers were aproximately fifteen, depending on how much you consider their involvment.

1) Gunnar Ljungström, SAAB’s chief engineer, was at the same time responsible for the construction of
the wings for the fighter air craft J 29 so he was working part time on the
prototypes.
2) Sixten Sason, SAAB Chief designer was a designer consultant on a shared time basis.
3) Rolf Mellde was not one of them, four prototypes were already completed and the fifth on the way when he was employed in Trollhättan
4) Olof Landbu, Chief Test Engineer, was not involved in the construction and assambly of the prototypes but responsible for the tests when they were ready built
5) Svante Holm, Chief Engineer, worked at Fläktfabriken in Jönköping when the prototypes were
built but at the same time confidentially project leader for the prototypes
and later on the manager for the plant in Trollhättan.
6) Hugo Möller, was working full time from the start on the 7th of January,
1946. and was responsible for tool construction and assambly and the only person working full time on the prototypes.
7) Olle Lindgren, not Lindqvist, was engine specialist. Tore Svenson – chassis.
9) Tage Flodén
10) Hans Osquar Gustavsson – hood and front.
11) Erik Storerkers – body.
12) Nils Lidro – geometric
13) Bertil Baerendz?
14) Bror Bjurströmer
15) Hermansson?

I have more names but not available right now about exhaust system, wheels and axels, floor, wheel houses etc.

The first project was the last of the Sonett 97 model line, the Saab Sonett III that was produced from 1970 until 1974.

The second project that was going to be produced, but ended up only as a prototype, was the Saab 98 Combi Coupé Prototype which was built in 1974, 1975 and 1976, although only one version exists today.

This experience with Saab led to a number of other projects after leaving Saab which included the Lancia Thema, a variation of the Saab 600, but both of these two projects eventually led to early designs of the Saab 9000 which began in 1978 and were eventually produced from 1985 until 1998.

For more information on Sergio Coggiola’s design, please visit his website directly to see his continued successes http://www.coggiola.com/

I leave you with a passage from the book, Alla SAABs Sportbilar by Björn Svallner about Sergio Coggiola’s Sonett III design.

Saab had turned to Italy’s Sergio Coggiola in the hope that he could give the Sonett a more attractive shape. Why go to an Italian designer? The answer is simple. Saab felt it would be a strength to be able to point to a big name and say that the lines had been dictated by a well known stylist from the country that led in car design – Italy.

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

Below is a great writeup about his background as a designer from Hobby.se, enjoy:

Bj̦rn Karlstr̦m was a well known artist who drew scale illustrations of aircraft for nearly 60 years Рsince the late thirties! His work was published in many parts of the world including magazines such as Air Trails, Model Ariplane News, Flying, Aviation Age, American Aircraft Modeler and RC-modeler. He was a consulant for many newspapers, for example the New York Herald Tribune where he was an expert on Russian aircraft of the fifties. He had a remarkable aptitude for accurate drawings even from very scarce information Рthese drawings were almost perfect when compared with better information available later.

Björn left school in the thirties to practice as an aviation mechanic. There he took care of aircraft like Waco, Stinson, Cierva C30 and Cub. In his spare time he made models and drew comic strips. At seventeen years old, in 1938, he was discovered by the editor of the magazine Flygning. During the following years he made many drawings for scale modelers and also drew front covers for the magazine. In 1941 he got the chance to do his first comic strip.

In his long career as an artist Björn was responsible for about a dozen different comic strips, one is still published daily in Svenska Dagbladet, the second largest newspaper in Stockholm. He also illustrated a number of Biggles albums and designed covers for books in many countries.

As a constructor and designer Bj̦rn worked on industrial projects, for example trains, boats, lorries, small motor bikes and even a fancy sports car Рthe SAAB Sonett II. He has also designed small things like refrigerators and outboard engines.

Many people appreciated the work that Björn did during almost half a century. International FAI gave Björn the “Diplome Paul Tissander”. Swedish organizations also awarded Björn medals for his work.

In a series of books we offer Björn’s accumulated works. We start with primary and secondary trainers* of the Royal Swedish Air Force and continue with Swedish fighters in the next book. Later in the series are books with the rest of the Swedish military aircraft, civil aircraft and other interesting collections of Björn’s drawings.

Source: Hobby.SE

Gunilla Gustav is the Global Brand & Product Communications at Saab Automobile Sweden, whom Etienne, Saab History’s European correspondent interviewed this past March while in Geneva during the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Global Launch.

A thank you to Gunilla for providing this press release through the Global brand channel. On the topic of channels, it still sounds like the Saab Automobile Sweden regional channel needs some clarification as to who will be replacing the big shoes of Christer Nilsson at this time.

Here is the press release below:

2008-06-12

Saab Automobile promotes creative design

- Principal sponsor of Design S, Swedish Design Award.

Saab Automobile is the principal sponsor of Sweden’s most prestigious design prize, Design S – the Swedish Design Award – together with the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. This sponsorship is an expression of Saab’s commitment to Scandinavian design principles and interest in promoting a holistic view on design issues. The bi-annual award was founded by Svensk Form, SVID (the Swedish Industrial Design Foundation), and the Advertising Association of Sweden. The Minister for Trade, Ewa Björling, presented the award at the prize-giving ceremony.

The Swedish Design Award was presented yesterday, 10 June 2008, at Berns Salonger in Stockholm. From a total of 200 entries, 19 nominees were selected and out of these 10 were awarded with a Design S. The awarded contributions are presented in an exhibition that will go on tour, in Sweden and internationally, until spring 2010.

“The selection of this year’s Design S reflects the creativity, competence and excellence that Swedish design present today,” says Kersti Sandin Bülow, Professor of Design and Crafts at the University of Gothenburg.

The opening speech was given by Simon Padian, Design Director at Saab Automobile.

“The criteria for Design S fall well in line with Saab’s philosophy so it was natural to support this award,” says Simon Padian. “The promotion of Swedish design as an intelligent way to solve problems and create communication and functionality is highly relevant. As a Swedish brand we seriously want to be a part of that approach.”

Saab Automobile has for decades been an advocate of using design in a wider perspective. “Design with a purpose” is a Saab credo, and a Scandinavian visual language has become a central element of the way the Saab brand is expressed.

“The Design S award highlights the important link between design and sustainability, something that is of extreme importance today,” comments Kersti Sandin Bülow. “The selection reflects the breadth of the design field, with the nominees ranging from small objects used close to the body, to more large-scale elements that are highly visible in society.”

For more information: www.swedishdesignaward.se

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.

In addition to the Saab Gear Shifter component from Bryan Nesbitt’s presentation, here is another component that features some possibile Saab key fobs we may see in the future with Saab products. Interesting indeed, what do you think?

I hope to see some more great products coming out!!

Photo Credit: GM Design

As a follow-up from the first slide on the 11 Global Design Centers thanks to Bryan Nesbitt, I am providing another slide from his presentation that he showcased to the audience at the New England Auto Show back in November of 2007 on Saab Design.

This slide covers the Saab Brand component, the gear shifter. I tried to see if this looked anything like what we’ve seen in any of the concept cars such as the 9-X, 9-3X, 9-3 SportHatch, Aero-X, 9-4x BioPower & 9-X BioHybrid and it does not. I wonder if this will be seen in a future concept or production model? What are your thoughts on this gear shifter?

A very special thank you to Bryan Nesbitt as well as the staff at the GM Design Center in North America for sharing this material with us here. This presentation many of us enjoyed back at Boston was just too good to not share with the readers on Saab History. I hope this posting as well as the more I showcase here, provide some clarity in terms of where Saab Automobile’s design process takes place within General Motors, globally.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

Michael Mauer was born on July 28th, 1962 in the German town of Rotenburg/Fulda, but grew up in Höchenschwand, in the Black Forest. He studied automobile design from 1982 to 1986 at the Polytechnic in Pforzheim, and from there secured his first job in the Design area of Mercedes-Benz AG in Sindelfingen. In 1989 he was appointed Design Project Leader, and two years later oversaw design work for the first SLK model generation. In July 1995, the company appointed him Head of Department and entrusted him with design responsibility for the A-Class, SLK and SL models.

In 1998 Michael Mauer moved to the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Tokyo, Japan, as General Manager, and was intensively involved in advanced development work on various model lines. A year later, he was put in charge of Design at MCC Smart GmbH. This was where he met up with Anthony Lo, who together for a number of years in the Saab design center.

In June 2000 Michael Mauer took a position with Saab Automobile as Executive Director Design and worked at the Saab Design Center in Pixbo / Mölnlycke, Sweden. Since March of 2003,
Saab Automobile’s Board of Management appointed Michael Mauer as Chief Designer of Saab and Advanced Concept Center General Motors Europe.

In July of 2004, Michael Mauer left Saab Automobile and took a position with Porsche.

Since working with Saab, he was responsible for the design of the Saab 9-X, 9-3X, 9-3 Sport Hatch, concept cars and the wheels for the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, the production version of the Saab 9-3 SportCombi and MY2004-2007 Saab 9-3 Convertible design, and the 9-2X.

 
Saab Automobile’s advertising company, Lowe Brindfors has produced yet another interview film, featuring reporter Malin Hallberg who covers the 9-X BioHybrid premiere at the recent Geneva Auto Show earlier this past week.

In this interview, she speaks to Anthony Lo, Director Advanced Design, GM Europe Design as well as Kjell ac Bergström, the President & CEO of Saab Automobile AB’s powertrain. Enjoy the interviews.

Photo Credits: Etienne / Saabhuy.net

This past Monday evening at approximately 5:30pm at the Geneva Auto Show, Saab Automobile released a concept vehicle labeled as the Saab 9-X BioHybrid. The Saab 9-X BioHybrid is Saab Automobile’s 2nd, BioPower Hybrid vehicle release, following the Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Convertible Concept that had its World Premier in Stockholm, Sweden back on March 30th, 2006. The Saab 9-X BioHybrid vehicle, also marks Saab Automobile’s 5th concept vehicle based solely on BioPower, following most recently, the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept, the Saab 9-5 BioPower E100 Concept, the aforementioned Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Convertible Concept, and of course the Saab Aero-X Concept.

Since this premiere of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, I have been posting press material, photographs, interviews on camera, and even reviews by the media as well. After all of this, I have felt that it’s about time that I chime in on my thoughts on this new concept car by Saab Automobile.

As an designer for nearly 10 years now in the architecture industry in parallel to my developing knowledge with the Saab Automobile brand, I believe that I have been able to better understand what makes a Saab, a Saab, and vice-versa.

In the next few weeks, I am planning on attending the New York Auto Show in New York City, where I understand both the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept, Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept, and the Aero-X concept cars will be present. At this event, I will presumably get the chance to experience more of the 9-X BioHybrid in person and will be interested to see if my analysis below, at this time, changes.

Here is my detailed analysis of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept Car in terms of technology & design, both inside and out:

On Technology:

BioPower: The BioPower 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine is a very important inclusion in this segment, and all segments for the Saab Automobile brand. The right-sized engine, as Saab calls it, is as I am calling it, “right for this size”. This is exactly the right proportional powertrain for this segment, and it is important that Saab continues to move in this direction, especially since they have been holding this position as a leader with small vehicles that have been extremely capable in terms of “responsible performance” is concerned (ie. “More brains not braun”).

Hybrid: The hybrid system had to be used in this segment because, frankly, Saab has the technology now, and many of us were wondering if we would ever see it again since their earlier Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid convertible concept that premiered back in 2006. If you look at all of the patents that Saab Automobile have out in the European Patent office, you will see that their progressive and exhaustive work in this area, is critical to their survival and absolutely necessary for any future product deployment.

The nature of how the BioPower and the Hybrid technology compliment each other is really where Saab Automobile has strength, so I can only hope to see more and more of this.

Solar Cells: This application is really nostalgic for me as it harkens back to the first Saab concept car that debuted in 1985, known as the EV-1. In the EV-1, Saab applied this solar cell technology to merely cool the cabin. I really respect and appreciate how Saab used this technology again, but in a more progressive and practical application by the powering of the hybrid charging system. I hope that this technology reaches production, however, the solar cell idea in my knowledge, has never seen a production car in history. I think that solar cells have been used for almost 40 years now with automobiles in the research and development community, maybe Saab Automobile will break the mold and be the first? Remember, Saab Automobile has always been about industry firsts.

XWD: The exclusion of this technology even in “theory” with the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, came as a complete shock to me. I searched through every press release to see if I overlooked it and I realized that I did not. I think that Saab really missed the mark on this one by not including this in this concept vehicle, it’s inconsistent and an absolute requirement here. I also think that in this concept car, the production vehicle in this segment is really where Saab can excel, so therefore, it should be loaded with “all of Saab’s technology under one roof” so to speak, without question, including Cross-Wheel Drive. I hope that Saab Automobile’s leadership seriously reconsiders this omission of XWD with the 9-X BioHybrid. There can’t be any trade-offs in the areas of purchasing consideration with the general public, so let’s give it everything you have.

On Design:

Interior: I have not seen much of the interior as of yet and I don’t think it will do it justice unless it is in person. Given that this is a concept car, I think it makes more sense to wait until I get a chance for a better visual (ie. with my own eyes in person), in order to give my opinions. With that all said however, I can say that at first glance from the photos I have seen, the “ice block” interior lighting color appeared off. The green accent lighting does not coincide with Aero-X and should, the green hue is too light, and not the turquoise green we have been conditioned to expect. It seems like this color was changed for change sake, and with a lot of new design taking place, it would be nice to see some new consistency in certain “shared” design elements, even if new. I think that as much as I like progressive design, some consistency needs to be had, otherwise, it gets a little unstable and disconcerting.

Exterior: In terms of the exterior, the first thing that I zeroed in on was towards the rear end with the c-pillar design. There was no inclusion of the critical Saab design element of the “hockey stick” c-pillar and that is important, given that it has been an evolving staple of the Saab lineage since the very first prototype in 1947, the 92001. The tail gate here seems to be the first application of this idea, and I think it needs to be a true combi coupe hatch or at least a hatch like we’ve seen with the SportCombi that evolved from the Saab 9-3x concept car that debuted in 2002. We’ve been conditioned to expect this design, based off of the lineage continuation of it, so anything except that, is simply unnacceptable.

The front end of this powerful airplane on wheels, included a very well designed wrap-around windscreen seamlessly connected with the doors & door glass. The beltline that tied this effect together was a lot lower than I thought it was, and wonder if we’ll get to see a “true” clamshell hood like we’ve seen on the classic Saab 900, which was the last Saab model that truely represented a clamshell hood. I also really enjoyed the front-end of the vehicle design, and could appreciate the extension of the LED brow effect shown on the 2008 Saab 9-3 models, to more of a “unibrow” design. What is typically not acceptable with humans, can sometimes be acceptable with automobiles, if done “right”. I’ve never been a fan of the unibrow, but in this case, I must agree that it was very well executed on the Saab 9-X BioHybrid.

Wheels: The turbine wheel design evolution seems to be working, and the design acceleration seems to be paced well with the models it has been applied to, which by the way, have been showcased in all of the 5 BioPower concept cars by the way. I did not see too much of an evolution from the Aero-X concept car that first introduced us to the aircraft inspired turbine wheels and this is consistancy, which is a good thing. We are still adjusting to this idea, so I hope that Saab doesn’t depart too far, from where they are today with the wheel design.

These are my initial take aways on the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept. I see the Saab 9-X BioHybrid as a great design exercise that I hope will see production, but not in its present state. I hope that the aforementioned details that I have outlined, are considered at the absolute minimum, before the planning of the production version is complete. It is important that these design and technology details are addressed by Saab Automobile in the near future, as this much needed segment for the brand can’t come any sooner.

I look forward to the New York Auto Show as I mentioned, so that I can inspect the Saab 9-X closer for some even more detailed analysis on fit & finish, decision on material choices, feel, etc.

I leave you with a design charette that I did, as a new proposal to the current Saab 9-X BioHybrid’s c-pillar and tail gate design. I think that the Saab community will appreciate the historical Saab lineage roots that it includes.

Please feel free to share your comments below:

Photo Credit: Saab History

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile AB

Here is the full transcript of the (P)reveal presentation from the live web cast that I missed this morning. A thanks for Saab Automobile USA for providing this for us to read here on Saab History.

Steve Shannon:

Good morning everyone. Thanks for joining us today.

We wish that all of you could be here in Geneva to attend the Saab event, live. However, since that’s not possible, we thought that we’d bring you the next best thing…

We wish that all of you could be here in Geneva to attend the Saab event, live. However, since that’s not possible, we thought that we’d bring you the next best thing…

Historically, Saab has had a different approach to solving motoring dilemmas. Whether in its approach to design, powertrain or safety.

In the area of powertrain, our 30-year history in turbocharging is key … eking out the most power and performance from the smallest engines. In fact, in the United States, more than 85 percent of Saabs sold are high-performing, fuel-efficient 2 liter, 4 cylinder engines.

But, there is not a singular answer. Customers demand far greater variety in their product choices. Saab is answering that call … as evidenced by the 9-4X concept introduced in Detroit just eight-weeks ago or so. Well, here we are again with another exciting installment of Saab’s product offensive.
·
Without further adieu, I’ll turn the honors over to Mark Adams, GM Europe Design vice president … Mark?

Mark Adams:

Thank you Steve (Shannon) and good morning everyone.

Saab has a long history of distinguished designs. Two years ago we introduced the Saab Aero X Concept, which made a strong statement for Saab design and showcased a new design vocabulary.

The Saab 9-4 X BioPower Concept we unveiled in Detroit is the latest example of this directive.

It embodies the new aesthetics in Saab’s first crossover vehicle, while building on one of the key ingredients to Saab’s unique brand status.

Namely, Saab’s position as a leader in offering biofuel technology to consumers.

From the beginning, Saab has displayed a deep connection to the environment, and a commitment to safety, embodying what we refer to as “responsible performance.”

The next chapter in that story is the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept and here it is…

This vehicle is a defining moment for where Saab wants to take its future compact premium vehicle

Inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept, the 9-X BioHybrid clearly pulls from Saab’s aviation heritage and strong Scandinavian roots, to make a unique statement in the compact segment.

The deep rooted understanding of the Saab brand emanates from our Saab brand centre in Sweden, where our designers, engineers and marketers are guided by the brands unique DNA.

And this car is the latest proof point….. It can be nothing else but a Saab

Its has a bold front end with a classic Saab “3 hole grille”, but here it has been executed in a thoroughly contemporary way.

We have developed unique night time signature lighting for Saab, which, in this interpretation, is highlighted by the thin full width light band that runs above the main driving lights and grille.

It has a wide, planted stance, where the beautiful “Turbine” wheels sit at the extremities of the clean “fuselage” body.

The full wrap around glass and thin A pillars enhances that distinct Saab character.

As you move to the rear, the strong C pillar gives the car a very compact, agile feel and creates a very distinctive personality.

And of course, the tail lamps, again display the dramatic night time signature, with the thin red bands glowing through the “ice block” lamps.

We have also built from Saabs aircraft heritage and employ active aerodynamic aids to automatically reduce drag at cruising speeds.

Once the car reaches 70 kph, a roof spoiler extends to lengthen the roof line … and an underbody diffuser extends from the rear bumper to help improve fuel consumption and efficiency.

In addition to E85, with this next generation hybrid system, the 9-X harnesses energy from the sun – with a large solar cell embedded in the glass roof that charges the hybrid battery pack and provides another useful energy source to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions

Moving inside … the whole interior atmosphere is Sporty, yet calming. The four-seater cabin presents an entirely new execution of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design.

It has super clean surfaces with clearly placed controls, for ergonomic clarity Within the displays, we have embedded 3-D graphics to give the impression of being “frozen in ice” – another Scandinavian design element that we first presented in the Aero X.

The seats too are typically Saab…beautifully sculpted, elegant and with that distinctive integrated headrest.

We know that customers demand and expect easy access to their multimedia devices … and the 9-X BioHybrid delivers.

We’ve partnered with Sony Ericsson on a wireless interface that provides seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices – including the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

I can promise you, that many of these unique design elements, will be developed and integrated into our future Saab product programs.

I am very passionate about the Saab brand and I know the next presenter is too. Now, it’s my pleasure to turn it over to Saab Automobile, Managing Director, Jan Åke Jonsson

Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson

Thank you Mark.

For 60 years, this proud Swedish make has been revered by consumers for its progressive design, driver focus and commitment to responsible performance.

And backed by two exciting concept car introductions – the 9-4 X BioPower and the 9-X BioHybrid – I’m proud to say that Saab is on the move again.

And today is just the beginning. We are determined to grow the brand again by expanding our global product portfolio … in every major segment in the market.

What’s driving this momentum is a strong global strategy and portfolio, including the immense popularity of our innovative BioPower model range.

In Europe, we are the number one supplier of flex-fuel cars capable of running on renewable and sustainable fuels, such as E85 ethanol.

With the launch of the Saab 9-3 BioPower range of cars last year, Saab became the first volume car company in Europe to offer an alternative fuel engine choice in every model in its line-up.

And there’s much more to come in the future.

One thing I can promise you is that Saab will always remain true to its Scandinavian
roots.

Saab is the most desirable expression of individuality that exists in any vehicle segment, in any market around the world.

The Saab buyer is different … you might say they “march to the beat of their own drummer” when it comes to things like values, integrity and innovations that actually fit their lifestyle.

And delivering on this promise is what drives our thinking … and it’s what keeps us up at night.

As Mark mentioned … this challenge begins and ends with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden, where a team of 120 designers, engineers and marketers work in close collaboration with a singular focus:

Saab has always been about independent thinking, smart technology, and form following function.

From being the first make to introduce turbo-charging technology … to redefining the experience inside the vehicle through such pioneering innovations as heated seats, safety head rests and the creation of a driver-oriented cockpit
.

Last September in Frankfurt, we showed you another great Swedish innovation with the debut of our new cross-wheel-drive system in the new Saab 9-3 XWD.

The system delivers excellent stability and handling in all driving conditions, especially on snow and ice.

And one of the ways we intend to grow the Saab brand is to explore new territories with products that appeal to new sets of customers.

This 9-X BioHbyrid is one such example … a visionary design statement of a future Saab compact car that takes the segment in exciting new directions.

On the flip side, the introduction of the Saab 9-4 X BioPower Concept is the GM Europe Design team’s answer to one of the fastest growing segments in the world – the crossover market.

And performance, with its E85 BioPower engine that increases the gasoline only horsepower from 245, to an amazing 300 horsepower with 295 foot-pounds of low-end torque.

I am certain … the future of Saab is bright indeed!

Thanks for joining us today for this special preview of our newest Scandinavian
compact…

The Saab 9000 design followed the first project that Giugaro also designed as part of this venture which was known as the Saab Lancia 600 project, that was sold only in Sweden.

Today, Giugaro works as a product designer and head of Giugiaro Design in Italy. I highly suggest you visit his website.

Here is a quote from the former Saab 9000 designer himself:

“Right from the moment I started my career as a car designer, I was convinced that an enormous opportunity would have slipped away had I not transferred, within the sphere of product design, the complex, albeit effective, automotive design methodology to other mass production sectors.”

- Giorgetto Giugiaro

Source: http://www.giugiarodesign.it

Below is a nice writeup from

Giorgetto Giugiaro, born in Cuneo, Italy in 1938 is one of the great automobile and industrial designers of the 20th century. He is credited with designing more cars than anyone else, and these include some of the best-selling and most beautiful automobiles ever produced.

Giugiaro grew up with art and design: His grandfather Luigi painted church frescoes. His father, Mario, made decorative religious art and oil paintings while he was growing up near Cuneo in northwest Italy. In Turin, Giugiaro studied art by day and technical design by night. In June 1955, some of his many car sketches were mounted in an end-of-the-year school exhibition. Dante Giacosa, Fiat’s technical director, saw the talent behind his work and hired him three months later. He had just turned 17.

Although producing some very interesting early work, Giugiaro found it difficult to grow at Italy’s largest auto manufacturer and towards the end of 1959 he joined Bertone. There he penned some of his most important works: the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT, the Fiat 850 Spider, as well as the Testudo and Canguro prototypes.

At the end of 1965, when Ghia had been written off as being on the road to folding, Giugiaro became head of Ghia’s design office in a surprise move that shocked the design world. His first works were studies for Volkswagen and Isuzu, and the four cars presented at the 1966 Motor Show: Maserati Ghibli, De Tomaso Pampero, De Tomaso Mangusta and Fiat Vanessa. The Maserati Ghibli and the De Tomaso Pampero were regarded instantly as masterpieces, and launched Ghia once again in to the spotlight. His work for Isuzu was very important at this time and the Japanese manufacturer built a large number of Ghia designs.

Hungry to establish his own company, ItalDesign made its debut at the 1968 Turin Motor Show with the Manta prototype. At Italdesign Giugiaro styled over 80 production cars and numerous prototypes and concepts. Various Giugiaro-designed automobiles, including the 1974 Golf, 1980 Fiat Uno and the 1993 Fiat Punto were the most-sold automobiles of their respective production years.

It is interesting to note that Giugiaro began the “folded paper” era of the 1970s, where cars took on sharp edges, like his Lotus Esprit, Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai Pony and the Lancia Delta. He also introduced the trend toward “tall-body” design with Fiat Panda and Uno which have a great influence on modern car design since the early 1980s.

Beginning in the 1970s, ItalDesign extended it’s scope to product design including cameras for Nikon, sewing machines for Necchi, and watches for Seiko. His daughter Laura is managing director of the family-controlled Italdesign-Giugiaro SpA, and his son Fabrizio has taken over the styling and prototype studio. Recent work includes the Lexus GS300 and the Daewoo lineup.

Back to list of Honored Designers

Source: http://www.brophy.com/eodweb/htmls/designers/giugiaro.htm

Photo Credit: GM Design

Bryan Nesbitt, GM’s Vice President of Design in North America has recently provided Saab History with his wonderful presentation that he showed at the Boston Auto Show back in November of 2007 during the 2008 9-3 Turbo-X Launch.

I have decided to provide this information over time, beginning with this post that includes the visual above that illustrates the 11 Global Design Centers of General Motors.

Out of these design centers, as far as Saab Automobile is concerned, the Pixbo Design Center in Molnlycke, Sweden just outside of Göteborg as well as the GM Europe Design Center in Russelheim, Germany are where the future Saab products are designed today.

These two design centers work together in concert with all of the members that comprise the Saab Brand Center also in Sweden to best communicate that design language in all of the right places.

It is also interesting to note that I have discovered while visiting the GM Heritage Center in Michigan, that besides their archives for Saab Automobile, each of these design centers have their own archives as well. It would be nice to find out whether either the Pixbo or the GM Europe Design center archives, happen to have Sixten Sason’s and Rolf Melde’s original drawings and engineering blueprints for the first SAAB 92 on hand.

A very special thank you to Bryan Nesbitt as well as the staff at the GM Design Center in North America for sharing this material with us here. This presentation many of us enjoyed back at Boston was just too good to not share with the readers on Saab History. I hope this posting provides some clarity in terms of where Saab Automobile’s design process takes place within General Motors, globally.

Film Credit: Lowe Brindfors

The Saab Ice Experience is in full swing in Northern Sweden in a town called Jukkasjärvi, Sweden at the world famouse Ice Hotel as mentioned earlier with Saab’s Move Your Mind theme.

This Ice Hotel takes in millions of visitors from all over the world each year to enjoy an ice experience unlike anything else, where among other things, they spend their nights sleeping in a hotel made with over 100 million liters of water, below minus 5 degrees centigrade.

In the film above, Yngve Bergkvist, the CEO of the Ice Hotel, who spoke in person back in April of last year at the House of Sweden in Washington, D.C., gives us a nice welcome in Swedish to this hotel and all of the features. This introduction is followed by a nice interview with Saab Automobile design chief, Simon Padian where he describes his involvement in designing the automobile exhibit that features the Saab Aero-X Concept Car on Ice at the Ice Hotel.

The Saab Ice Experience in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Take the tour through Saab’s Move your mind-room at ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, far above the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden. The installation highlights various aspects of the Saab brand. And it does it with lights, sound and, of course, ice. The entire installation is made of ice and features, among many other things, a full scale replica of the Saab Aero X. See it before it melts.

For more information on the Ice Hotel, please visit their website directly.

Film Credit: Lowe Brindfors Sweden

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

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

Enjoy the film!