Photo Credit: Saab-Scania of America, Inc.

As part of one of the films recently provided, I found some footage at the end of one of them with an unknown to me, Saab-Scania of America, Inc. office.

This office facility and the prominently displayed address, did not resemble any of the facilities in Orange, Connecticut, so I have to ask, where was this facility in the United States and when did it operate and what was the full address?

I would like to add these details to the Saab History in the United States.

I have located an address from a 1994 press release, unsure it it’s the same address as displayed above. Anyone know?

Saab Cars Usa Inc
30000 Eigenbrodt Way
Union City CA 94587

* (510) 429-0388

The Rocky Mountain Saab Club (RMSC) will be hosting the 2009 Saab Owners Convention and are well on their way to planning this event, 2-years in advance just like they did 10 years ago with the 1999 Saab Owners Convention.

This will be an event that we should all look forward to. The RMSC is quite a devoted and organized group of individuals that were responsible for the “http://www.rockymtnsaabclub.com/SOC09/index.html

2009 Saab Owners Convention

For those who have attended past Saab Owners Conventions, you also know how much fun it can be to visit new destinations alongside others who share your appreciation and enthusiasm!

For many reasons, we like to think of Colorado as the “Saab Capital of the West”. For decades Saab has enjoyed strong sales in the region thanks to the car’s exceptionally strong performance in snow and high altitude. Where large displacement, high-dollar über-coupes gasp for air, turbo charged Saabs more closely resemble their aeronautical counterparts. And, as the Saab Owners Convention is a true motoring event at heart, Colorado is host to 25 National Scenic Byways as well as dozens of other breathtaking drives that could equally qualify. For those able, the 2009 event will again conclude with “Saabs Run the Rockies”, a 5-day road rally that will travel many of these spectacular routes and will tour four National Parks.

In 1999, the Saab Owners Convention hosted in Keystone, CO attracted some of the highest attendance figures ever. Without detracting too much from this year’s convention, we see big potential for an even greater turnout in ‘09. Planning is well under way. With the enthusiastic membership of the RMSC and strong, local business support, we look forward to a memorable week uniquely Colorado and quintessentially Saab. Mark your calendar and stay tuned!

Please visit both the 2009 Saab Owners Convention Photo Archive and Promotional Video as well.

What: 2009 Saab Owners Convention

Where: Copper Mountain Resort, Frisco, Colorado

When: August 13-16th, 2009

Growing up around the Seacoast area, Saabs never seemed to get the respect and admiration from the press that one would see as befitting of such a magnificent marque. I would be so excited to see some press about a new Saab in the newspaper, only to be disappointed by buzzwords like “quirky” or “torque steer”. Over time, I became jaded and just stopped reading the automotive section all together.

So the other morning, Ryan was by my place for a quick visit and saw the Portsmouth Herald on my kitchen table. Well sure enough, there was the picture you see above with a great article by Gerry Miles, a local correspondent for Seacoast Media Group. Gerry, a Saab enthusiast in his own right, had this to say in a quick email to Saab History about his own Saab history:

“…I’ve owned 2 Saabs, a 900S 4-door and 900S hatchback. I miss them both, notchy gearbox and all. The 900s Hatch lost its drivers window during a winter storm on a trip to LL Bean and the passengers in the back got buffeted with brisk air. We borrowed some cardboard in Maine and blocked the driver’s window. The local dealership laughed like hell when I told him how I went to put the window down at the York Toll’s and the window stuck and then twisted on an angle and sank slowly before I could grab it. I appreciated the heated seat like heck then!”

And now, without further ado, here is Gerry’s take on the tantalizing Turbo-X:

Turbo X goes back in time to Saab’s future: “Black is back”

ANDOVER, Mass. – In a nod to the past with a keen eye on the present, Saab Cars USA showed off its latest, and greatest, way to fight the snow since they standardized heated front seats here last week with a national press introduction.

Cross Wheel Drive, or XWD for acronym aficionados, is the best adaptation of front and all-wheel-drive in a tidy package produced for the limited edition retro version of the old Saab s now found in the a retro version of the classic black 1985 Saab 900 SPG. Saab, which made its international intro of the vehicle last fall at the New England International Auto Show in Boston , returned to the northeast because 40 percent of its stateside sales are derived from the six-state region and the firm was headquartered in Orange , Conn. , for 37 years.

Saab historical fans may know, or know of former CEO Ralph Millet displaying the first Saab at the New York Auto Show where the car was meant only to generate interest as a static display. It drew so much interest than when a man pressed him on the price, he hesitated, walked away for a bit, came back with a price and thus the first Saab was sold in the USA .

Imagine a new 9-3, swathed in deep rich black paint and matching black interior – like the black 99 and 900 Turbos – and you’ll find the retro turbo boost gauge on the right side of the instrument panel, in its white/yellow/red curved stripe, all the better to show how much of the 295 foot-pounds of torque at 2,150 rpm are churning through the turbo-powered four-cylinder mill to generate a peak of 280 horsepower from the 2.8-liter V-6 engine.

Sitting behind the wheel of the fastest Saab ever produced – yes, it’s quicker than the torque-steer ridden Viggen that wore out tires and nerves wrestling the steering wheel – zooming up to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, it’s every bit a Saab, swift and sedate.

Driving up to the test site from Boston , we zipped through Storrow Drive , up the Big Dig ramps and onto 93 North where the expansion joints every 25 yards or so gave the suspension a real world test that even a marketing guru had not experienced but likened to the cement roads of Detroit . It was there that we surmised the Turbo X, which crossed the suspension joints but didn’t jar our fillings loose, had passed its first real world suspension test.

At the test site, we discovered just how good the car was – especially for its given mission – staying planted in slippery conditions.

With sand spread on a parking lot, I first pushed the automatic Turbo X through a slalom and then hammered the apex of a corner, trying to push the rear end out of control. No dice.

Just when the sand flew and the back end started to feel a tad light and slide, with my foot still on the gas, the X corrected and moved out towards the next set of cones.

The magic comes from a proprietary fourth generation Haldex unit that mates to either the auto or 6-speed manual transmission. What happens next is an alphabet soup of techno wizardry but it works all the time and at high speeds in dry-land zipping through cones or repeated passes through the sand in the apex of the sweeper.

First, consider that XWD can send up to 100 percent of the power to either the front or rear wheels if needed. Under normal conditions, expect no more than 10 percent to be sent to the rear wheels. Then, consider that the cross-over features allows up to 40 percent of the torque to switch to the rear wheel with the most grip.

“If you had two front wheels on ice, say, and one in wet snow and one wheel on gravel or something with better grip than the other three,” described Saab engineer Tommy Sundin, “this XWD would get you out. It’s as simple as that.”

What sounds simple is really a neat interaction of new systems. Chiefly there’s a version of electronic limited slip differential called eLSD. It also works in dry or wet weather to help cross deeper than expected puddles or with cornering aggressively.

How it works

When you select a gear, the PTU (Power Take-off Unit), which transmits power through the prop shaft to the rear axle and the RDM (Rear Drive Module, which includes a TTD (Torque Transfer Device) and the eLSD (electronic limited slip differential).

At the gear selection, the systems synergize whereas previous systems needed to detect any wheel slippage before engaging the backside. This also means one will no longer find the snowflake symbol atop the auto gear shift. Pressing this button on past models in winter started the vehicle in third gear to prevent wheel slip at takeoff.
Underway, the TTD , RDM and eLSD “talk” back and forth – literally – depending upon traction or lack thereof for sure-footed driving.

Torque between the axles is handled by the TTD, depending upon “slip.” The RDM and eLSD perform similar functions by laterally and in concert with the ABS/ESP programs that monitor yaw ratio, steering angle, speed and other factors.

Retro-fit

Sundin explained that getting the systems to fit underneath, without becoming bulky was a trick that was mastered. Just six tiny brackets were needed to hang the Haldex. The gas tank was modified, but is still a one-piece unit with a sending unit to keep pressure taut and steady.

The rear suspension got reworked and has a self-leveling feature Sundin said was necessary, as is a big anti-roll bar.

Why they did it

Saab, according to marketing guru Roger McCormack, is hoping to become more of a premium niche player and a graphic showed that it’s all new money for parent firm General Motors. Saab released a starting price last fall of $ 42,510; the SportCombi wagon is priced at $43,310 according to trollhattensaab.net.

The move to all-wheel-drive, along with most of the premium import segment, was a natural, especially after the failed experiment with the 9-2X Saab-aru variant from Subaru.

Of the 2,000 Turbo X’s produced, a limited number that may well establish it as a “Classic Cult Car” too, but 600 are to be sold stateside and it’s estimated that half of that allotment is already sold.
As the only premium European brand in the GM family, XWD gives Saab another quiver in its all-weather versatility perception and reality. XWD will migrate to the 9.3 2.0t and the 9.3 Aero this fall and the rest of the Swedish portfolio, including the 9.4 that was shown off in Detroit this winter.

Exclusivity

The Saab Turbo X will be limited to 2,000 production units worldwide. Known market allocations are as follows:
US – 600 units
UK – 500 units
SWEDEN – 175 units
CANADA – 125
SWITZERLAND – 120
GERMANY – 90
AUSTRALIA – 30
FRANCE – 50

Model: 9-3 Turbo X
Body style / driveline:
Sport Sedan : 4-door, 5-passenger, all-wheel drive;
SportCombi: 5-door, 5-passenger, all-wheel drive
EPA vehicle class: premium compact sport sedan and sport wagon
Engine:
Type: 2.8L V-6-cylinder high-output turbo
Displacement: 170 cu. in.
Horsepower: 280 @ 5500 rpm
Acceleration 0-60: 5.4 seconds
Chassis/Suspension
Front: MacPherson struts, gas shock absorbers, anti-roll bar, hydroformed sub-frame
Rear: independent, 4-link (including toe-link), coil springs, self-leveling shock absorbers, anti-roll bar, sub-frame, Re-Axs rear-wheel steering system
Steering type: power-assisted rack and pinion
Brakes
Type: 4-wheel disc, hydraulic, dual-circuit with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), mechanical brake assist (MBA), vacuum booster, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (TCS) and electronic stability program (ESP), ventilated front discs and rear discs
Rotor diameter x thickness
front: 13.6 x 1.18 in.
rear: 11.5 x 0.8 in.
Wheels and Tires
Wheel size and type (in): 18 x 7.5-inch alloy
Tires: P235/45 R18

Photo Credits: Saab History

I must say that while I spent most of my time at the Saab stand througout the 2008 NAIAS in order to maximize the experience, the Scandinavian influence was clearly present. This presence communicated through the semi-transparent ice-block inspired flooring to the electronic displays integrated into curved partitions was unlike any other automobile manufacturer’s showcase and clearly got people’s attention.

This being said, I also must admit that the consistency was clearly also apparent from Saab Automobile’s global marketing department and I wonder if this will be showcased even more in the North American market like it was here at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

This consistency from the global brand image to the North American brand image in my opinion should also continue in not only the auto show events like this one, but also the advertising area as well. I believe that much like this stand, the “Born From jets” campaign in the United States can be continued as a more subtle tagline while elaborating on the brand pillars such as Safety, Efficiency, Performance, Design, Practicality, and individuality in a more “intelligent” way.

Having the opportunity to meet with Saab Automobile USA’s new advertising & marketing company, McCann-Erickson briefly, I did get the idea that this was the direction that the new campaign would be heading. I hope that with more input from the Saab community, we can seriously provide some input into ensuring that this new advertising campaign is bulletproof.

Consistency & Communication while Connecting to the Community of perspective Saab owners both new and existing are Critical in this new opportunity for Saab Automobile USA’s advertising campaign.

If you have any other material that should be included in the 2001 Saab Owners Convention posting here, please contact Saab History for that material to be added.

I am currently looking for the official “group photograph“, and any video footage to include in this posting. A thank you to Rich Chuma for providing the official brochure below.

This convention is also listed on the Saab Convention Archive here on Saab History.

SAAB CARS USA, INC.
For Immediate Release

SAAB CONVERTIBLES. SUN AND FUN TO HIGHLIGHT ANNUAL OWNERS’ CONVENTION IN VERO BEACH. JULY 12-15

Norcross, GA – Each year, hundreds of Saab enthusiasts gather for a celebration of Saab spirit, camaraderie and automotive innovation at the national Saab Owners’ Convention.

This year, owners are invited to gather in Vero Beach, Florida July 12 – 15 for the national convention, themed to celebrate 15 years of the Saab convertible.

The Saab convertible was introduced in 1986, and the first production of 400 vehicles for the U.S. market sold so quickly that many prospective buyers did not even realize that sales had begun. The 1987 model was sold out on preorders before production began. In Europe, one out of every three buyers of a convertible in the premium segment chooses a Saab 9-3. In the U.S., one out of every five Saabs sold in 2000 was a convertible.

”What better place to celebrate the Saab convertible than on the sunny beaches of Florida’s said Jay Campana, dealer principal at Saab of Vero Beach and convention committee member. ”The community of Vero Beach welcomes the opportunity to host Saab owners and their families for this annual event.”

The convention is being organized and hosted by a collective effort from Saab Cars USA, regional dealers, and a committee of volunteers from various Saab Owners’ Clubs around the U.S. Several corporate partners are supporting the event through sponsorships – Castrol, Garrett Turbochargers, Pirelli Tires, harman/kardon, CAT Logistics, and Interstate Batteries.

Convention activities include a mixture of traditional events such as educational and technical seminars, scenic road rally, and the opportunity to test-drive the latest Saab models, along with outdoor recreational offerings for the entire family. One highlight is the Concours de Saab, where owners display hundreds of carefully maintained vintage and current model Saabs, competing for awards.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet several VIP guests at this year’s convention. Honorary guests will include defending Pikes Peak champion and European Rallycross driver, Per Eklund – along with his winning Pikes Peak Saab Viggen, legendary rally driver Erik Carlsson, Saab Cars USA president Dan Chasins, former Saab Cars USA president Robert Sinclair, and Saab Museum Manager Peter Backström.

Enthusiastic Saab owners have been gathering annually since 1962. Interested owners can find out more information and download a registration form at httn://www.saabusa.com.

Saab Cars USA, Inc. is the importer of Saab 9-5 and 9-3 automobiles for Sweden-based Saab Automobile AB and is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, near Atlanta.

4405-A International Blvd.
Norcross. GA 30093
Phone
800 GET-SAAB

Please click add to cart to download this official brochure.

Photo Credit: Doug Chadwick

The 2003 Saab Owners Convention took place in Hershey, Pennsylvania between Sept 4th-7th.

Another special thank you to Douglas Chadwick, the professional photographer that was hired for this event for the panoramic group photo pictured above. If you are interested in obtaining a high resolution print of this panoramic group photo of the convention for framing, please contact us here at Saab History and we will forward your e-mail to him for such request. It’s a true piece of Saab history memorabilia.

If you have any other material that should be included in the 2003 Saab Owners Convention posting here, please contact Saab History for that material to be added.

I am currently looking for any video footage as well as the original “official” Convention booklet as well at this time to include in this posting.

This convention is also listed on the Saab Convention Archive here on Saab History.

9/02

PRESS RELEASE: SAAB Owners’ Convention 2003
For Immediate Publication:

The SAAB Club of North America, Inc. is please to announce its selection for the 2003 SAAB Owners’ Convention to be held in Hershey, Pennsylvania, September 4-7th, 2003. The host hotel will be the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, located in the heart of Hershey. Recently undergoing a five year, 35 million dollar expansion, The Lodge features 635 rooms and was the proud recipient of the J.D. Powers & Associates 2002 Award for Upscale American Resorts.

Hosting the 2003 convention will be the Central Penn SAAB Club. Marc A. Fails, President of the Central Penn SAAB Club for the past 3 years; and organizer of SAABs @ Carlisle for the past 4 years; will serve as Convention Chairman. Additional club support will be provided by members of the New England SAAB Association, The New Jersey SAAB Owners Club, the Washington DC SAAB Club and the recently formed New York SAAB Owners Club.

Hershey is the home to both Hershey Chocolate and The Reese’s Candy Company. Besides candy, the area is noted for its golf courses, lush countryside and being a haven for the automotive enthusiast. Hershey is also the home of the Antique Automobile Collectors of America, and their new museum.

The upcoming event will have something for everyone, and will include many changes and improvements. Attendees will be able to pre-select their meals at time of registration, and registration pricing will be pro-rated on the front-end; you will pay a registration fee based upon the number of meals for which you will be present. Lunch will be included on both Friday and Saturday, outside where all the events are taking place. In addition to the Concours judging, there will also be a People’s Choice Car Show, with additional awards and prizes. All SAABs will be parked in a SAABs Only Parking area on the resort property. (No worries about being parked next to a minivan in Hershey). There will also be a featured area for race SAABs and an Under 21 area, where Tuners and sound systems will have their own Concours judging. Of course there will also be an autocross and a countryside tour. For attendees choosing to arrive early, there will be a golf outing scheduled for Thursday afternoon, as well as shopping tours and a trip to the Day Spa, located at The Hotel Hershey.

Photo Credit: Doug Chadwick

The 2002 Saab Owners Convention took place in Cincinnati, Ohio from August 1st until the 4th, 2002. This convention marked the 20th anniversary of Saab Conventions and was a very well thought out and planned convention, led by Phil Lacefield, Jr. The special guests in attendance at the event included, Dan Chasins, President of Saab Cars, USA, Erik “On the Roof” Carlsson (SAAB Rally Legend), Bob Sinclair (Saab-Scania of America 1979-1992), Ralph T. Millet (SAAB Motors, Inc. 1956- 1971), John Moss of Saab Cars, USA and Olle Granlund, of Sweden.

In addition to the special guests present, there were a number of interesting presentations and technical seminars that took place by the likes of notables such as John Moss “Caring for your Turbo”, Jerry Danner “Restoring a Saab 96″, Don Wollum “The Origins of the Saab V-4″, Gary Stottler “History of the Saab 99; The Forgotton Saab”? and Bob McNary “Collecting Saab Memorabilia”.

On Saturday night, David E. Davis Jr., legendary automotive journalist and founder of AUTOMOBILE Magazine, gave a wonderful speech.

The events in addition to the seminars included scenic drives, test drives of new models, a parts and accessories tent and even a rare Saab parts auction.

A special thank you to Douglas Chadwick, the professional photographer that was hired for this event for the panoramic group photo pictured above. If you are interested in obtaining a high resolution print of this panoramic group photo of the convention for framing, please contact us here at Saab History and we will forward your e-mail to him for such request. It’s a true piece of Saab history memorabilia.

Another thank you also goes to Tom Nelson of the Rocky Mountain Saab Club, who has sent a copy of some video footage of this convention. With this footage and his permission, I have tightened it up a bit by adding titles for historical reference, transitions, splicing and dicing, some background music to keep our attention (ie. like professional promotional films), and a nice left to right pan of the official panoramic group photo previously mentioned, a credit roll as well as some other nice additions that I think you will really enjoy. The video totals about 38 minutes, enjoy!

Tom has also been able to provide the official 56-paged brochure in pdf format for us to download here as well.

If you have any other material that should be included in the 2002 Saab Owners Convention posting here, please contact Saab History for that material to be added.

This convention is also listed on the Saab Convention Archive here on Saab History.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

This just in from Saab Automobile USA.

2007-07-26

2008 Saab 9-3 to Arrive at Dealer Showrooms Soon

DETROIT – The distinctively re-designed Saab 9-3 range, expected at North American dealerships in early September 2007, features frontal styling inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car and a higher level of standard content. Designed to reinforce the range’s sporty appeal, the styling strategy brings together contemporary and classic Saab design themes in a progressive, modern expression of the brand’s distinctive character.

The new 9-3 range is visually distinguished by all-new bodywork forward of the A-pillar, with new bumpers and light assemblies front and rear as well as new doors and handles for the Sport Sedan and SportCombi. Flared side sill extensions become standard across the range. All these elements combine to give the car a clearer Saab identity and a bolder, more assertive stance. On the Sport Sedan, for example, 70 percent of the external body panels and parts are all-new.

The deeper, more prominent evolution of the Saab grille is complemented by all-new headlamp lenses and light units that now incorporate a thin ‘eyebrow’ lighting zone designed as a brand specific ‘signature’ feature. These wraparound units culminate in an upswept rear edge, introducing a Saab design theme from the 9-5 range and classic 900 model. The grille’s central wing motif, referencing Saab’s aircraft heritage, is, of course, retained.

The new look sees the adoption of another Saab signature feature: a ‘clamshell’ hood, closing across the top of the front fenders. The hood pressing incorporates a sweeping, U-shaped styling line, which echoes the curvature of the windshield. The swept-back frontal lines are complemented by a front bumper and splitter assembly with a deep, trapezoidal air intake, even more pronounced on Aero versions. This is flanked by deep black vents which are framed, like the grille, in a matte chrome finish.

At the rear, all new 9-3 models now feature smoked white light clusters. The new bumpers are much deeper with curved, uninterrupted surfaces. The trunk lids of the Sport Sedan and Convertible are also altered to accommodate a new matte chrome lift handle trim with an integrated badge, similar to that on the SportCombi.

Other external enhancements include the introduction of flat wiper blades, for reduced wind noise, and new alloy wheels. Two new colors are added to the range, including a Snow Silver metallic paint finish similar to that seen on the Aero X. In addition to the already high-level of standard equipment, Saab adds OnStar, XM Radio, rain-sensing wipers, tire pressure monitor, ‘quiet package’ to reduce road noise and remote open for the convertible top for the 2008 model year.

The Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan, a three-year running (2005, 2006, 2007) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top safety pick, is competitively priced at $28,385, while the Aero V6 model takes off at $35,365. Drivers attracted to the best-in-class capacity options of the SportCombi can get into a 2.0T or Aero V6 SportCombi priced at $29,630 and $36,265 respectively. The Saab 9-3 2.0T or Aero Convertible, which was named a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2007, is priced at $39,710 and $45,665 respectively.

The Saab 9-5 range begins at $37,205 for the sedan, and $38,300 for the Aero Sedan. The 9-5 SportCombi provides cargo diversity starting at $38,455 and $39,550 for the Aero variant. The Saab 9-7X 4.2i and the 9-7X 5.3i V8 are attractively priced at $39,935 and $42,035 respectively.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. In 2007, Saab celebrates 60 years since first being introduced to the automotive scene as the vision-turned-reality of 16 aircraft engineers. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

I have recently come into contact with one of the set designers that worked with Cramer Productions & the Saab Training Team during some of those years who was responsible for the design of these sets in addition to the interior of some of the training centers as well. He has kindly provided us both a rendering as well as a final product that has was personally responsible for designing and setting up.The rendering below is simply a work of art and the photograph below of the set design helps clarify that the two “SAAB” report videos in the film archive, are from 1990 and 1991 representing model years 91 and 92 respectively.

An enthusiastic thank you to Geoffrey Hall for donating his time and materials to Saab History.

Photo Credit & Caption: Geoffrey Hall Saab Dealership & Garage Facility rendered in 1989

Here is a video showing the “SAAB” report done in 1991 for the MY92 product launch that shows the Saab dealership set created for Cramer Productions back in 1989 by Geoffrey Hall.

Photo Credit & Caption: Geoffrey Hall The “SAAB” report studio set

Here is a video showing the “SAAB” report done in 1990 for the MY91 product launch with some good angles showing the set design pictured above also created for Cramer Productions in Boston, Massachusetts. Enjoy.

Photo Credit: Saab Aero Academy

This just in from the Saab Owner’s Convention committee:

If you plan on attending the 2007 SOC, and have thought about entering in the track event, now is the time to sign up for it and register for the convention as well. A special thank you goes out to the SOC committee as well as the Saab Aero Academy in Atlanta, Georgia for providing a great track photograph with a moment’s notice.

You will be in for one incredible time around the track with your beloved Saab, so please sign up today.

Here is the recent press release from the SOC team regarding the Saab Autocross event at the 2007 Saab Owner’s Convention in Troy, Michigan.

The SOC07 track event is now going to be a one-day event, held on Thursday August 23rd at Waterford Hills (same setting as before). Due to the low response so far, we had to make a decision for the track, so took a more realistic approach of offering a lower-cost one-day event for $175. Based on some initial responses, this may go over well, as some people have expressed a concern about getting additional time off to attend this. We still need more people to sign up for it to be a “go”, however, as we cannot subsidize this for a handful of people. However, the overhead is much lower, so it will take less than 30 for it to fly… all good news for those of you who want to or are considering attending.

We hope this appeals to everyone, but if its not a “go”, please understand we are doing our best to offer reasonably-priced competitive events to those interested among the Saab community. Continue to watch www.saabconvention.org for updated information. Registration is available at http://soc2007.eventbrite.com

Where: Waterford Hills Road Racing facilities which are located on the grounds of the Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club, 4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston, MI 48346.

When: August 23rd, Time: All Day – 9am-5pm

Who: Anyone can participate, but they must pre-register asap.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

Vail, Colorado, the ski resort town that has had a long history with Saabs, most notably the Saab as the Vail Police department vehicle of choice for over 25 years. Recently, Vail Trail, a lifestyles magazine for the region has published an article about their experience test driving the 2007 Saab 9-3 SportCombi.

This writeup decribes the 2007 Saab 9-3 SportCombi in detail, that by the way, is apparently being heavily discounted now by Saab Automobile USA because the 2008 models will be hitting dealership showrooms in September followed by fully equipped models with XWD in January, according to a recent posting at Trollhattansaab.net

As one who has had the opportunity to experience the 2007 1.8t Saab 9-3 SportCombi this past June in Sweden first hand, I must say that this is an incredibly comfortable yet firm ride that keeps you connected to the road at every turn without fail.

Here is a direct quote by the communications director of the American Lung Association of Minnesota.

It was the most successful E85 promotion I have ever seen.
- Bob Moffitt
Communications Director
American Lung Association of Minnesota

Here is their press release describing this promotion:

Five Coops Offer ‘Flag Day’ Discount on E85, Some Sell the American-Made Fuel for Eighty-Five Cents a Gallon

TRUMAN, Minn., June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Five Cenex(R) locations in Minnesota will offer special prices on E85 in celebration of Flag Day. E85 is a cleaner burning blend of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline that can be used by an estimated 150,000 flex-fuel vehicles now in use in Minnesota. Flex-fuel vehicles can use either E85 or gasoline, or any combination of the two fuels. The American Lung Association of Minnesota is a strong supporter of E85, which is sold in more than 300 outlets in Minnesota, including many Cenex(R) locations.

The following Cenex(R) locations will offer special prices for E85 during the dates and times listed. Offer is valid while supplies last. Some limits on gallons purchased may apply:

Day: Location Time Offer
June 13: NuMart-Cenex 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 85¢ per gallon
2237 N. State St.
Fairmont

June 14: NuMart-Cenex 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 85¢ per gallon
302 N. 5th St.
Truman

June 15: NuMart-Cenex 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 85¢ per gallon
620 2nd Ave. S
St. James

Cenex Mid County 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 40¢ off per gallon
409 Paul Ave. S.
Cologne

Harvest Land Coop 4 – 7 p.m. 85¢ off E85 or biodiesel
710 Front St.
Morgan

“Offering E85 is good for the environment, good for our ag economy and a good strategic fit for CHS with core businesses in both grain and energy,” says Chad Pistulka, product manager for Cenex Refined Fuels.

The E85 promotions are sponsored by Cenex(R) and the Minnesota E85 Team: Minnesota Corn Growers Association, General Motors Corporation, National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, US Department of Energy Clean Cities and the American Lung Association of Minnesota. For a complete listing of other stations that sell the fuel, call 800-LUNG-USA or visit http://www.cleanairchoice.org/

In the United States, Minnesota is known to be the number one State in the country for the percentage of immigrants that have come from Sweden compared to the rest of the country over a hundred years ago. Minnesota also ranks first in terms of having the largest availability of E-85 filling stations in the country according to e85vehicles.com

Minnesota is very similiar to Sweden in terms of geography and weather which is one of the reasons there was a massive immigration to Minnesota from Sweden. This immigration was also due to other factors such as the available land for farming combined with the Homestead Act in 1862. All of these factors combined, Swedes found the better employment opportunities in establishing family farms all over Minnesota in the late nineteenth century. This farming industry in Minnesota has progressed to the point today where it is growing, harvesting and processing foods into biofuels, ultimately producing Ethanol (E-85) and is clearly setting itself among the other nearby states as a self-sufficient biofuel industry leader.

Where Sweden is the leader in the Ethanol movement in Europe, Minnesota is clearly designated as the leader in the United States with over 300 stations strong and growing, totalling roughly one third of Sweden’s entire nationwide coverage. In Sweden, there are almost 900 E-85 filling stations covering the entire country according to the Swedish Ethanol Development Foundation. In Minnesota, this works out to about one E-85 pump per every 17,000 persons in Minnesota that has a population at just over 5 million people. In Sweden, there is roughly one E-85 pump per every 10,000 persons with their total country’s population totalling around 9 million people.

When Saab Automobile’s BioPower vehicles are finally imported into the United States in the near future, I wonder if Minnesota would be designated as part of a pilot program in testing the market? With Minnesota the leader in Ethanol availability whilst also being heavily saturated by Swedish immigrants that could be seen as partial to the Swedish Saab Automobile brand as well as to their own farming industry that produce E-85, one could argue that you couldn’t find a better State to begin with in testing the waters so to speak.

If you live in Minnesota, please contact us here describing your thoughts on the E-85 movement as well as what you know and understand about Saab Automobile’s BioPower program that is proving to be quite successful in Sweden.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

Today marks the official start of a campaign towards more environmentally friendly fuel alternatives for Saabs here in the United States. Saab History has a geographic opportunity being located in the United States Capitol, where it will begin an effort to see it that E85 (85% Ethanol / 15% Gasoline) becomes ubiquitous in our infrastructure. With the Saab 9-5 BioPower accounting for a large and growing number of sales in Sweden, and the new 9-3 models also now E85 capable, there are many individuals in the United States just waiting to get their hands on either model, but the only problem is and has been for a number of years now, E85 availability.

While traveling recently in Sweden during the 60th Anniversary Saab Festival, I could not help but notice that just about every refueling station had an E85 pump. It was a difficult reality for many of us to return to the United States and experience a virtually non-existant E85 infrastructure. This reality today needs to change for the climate as well as for Saab Automobile USA, where the BioPower could also prove to be a best seller here stateside as it in Sweden.

In this campaign there are a number of important objectives, but reducing our carbon emissions is the first priority to help slow down global warming to keep this planet healthy today and in the future, and E85 is the next logical step in assuring this objective because the technology to harness this fuel is ready and available.

This campaign will begin with a thorough research program that in parallel, will include an iterative dialog with leaders on Capitol Hill written and in person, all of which will be covered here on Saab History.

In moving forward, it is interesting to note that in Washington, D.C., there are “officially” two E85 stations, but as you can see from the database records below thanks to http://www.e85refueling.com/, they are not publicly accessible. If there is a place to start with E85 availability, I will begin here in Washington, D.C. to see to it that E85 becomes a reality for the general public.

Bolling Air Force Base
Washington, DC 20032
* Private facility. No public access.

DC Fleet Management Admin. Fueling Location
1835 W Virginia Ave., NE
Washington, D.C., DC 20002
* Government fleet vehicle use only.

The Rocky Mountain Saab Club or RMSC is an active club that is open to any and all Saab Owners and Enthusiasts in and around the “Denver, Boulder and Front Range Areas” of Colorado, USA. This donation follows their last donation back on April 10th.

The RMSC holds a number of annual events that range from technical workshops, repair and maintenance demonstrations to car shows and even dinners and picnics. In in addition this activitity, the RMSC has been starting a number of restoration projects, most notable the recently completed “Project Laura” 1970 SAAB 96 that I have featured previously. Their latest restoration project is known as “Red Bull” which is a 1961 SAAB model 96 two-stroke.

As mentioned previously, I will be providing information about what may be arguably the clubs largest project, the 2009 Saab Owners Convention. I will be providing updates as they come for everyone about this event.

For more information about the RMSC, please visit their website directly http://www.rockymtnsaabclub.com

A tremendous thank you once again to Bruce Harbison, Tom Nelson, Jerry Danner and the rest of the the Rocky Mountain Saab Club for believing in the content that is provided on Saab History for the Saab Community to enjoy and cherish for years to come. It is clear that the RMSC truly embodies Saab Enthusiasm at all levels. Thank you for your support and we’ll see you in Trollhättan, Sweden to share in the celebration of Saab Automobile’s 60th anniversary at the Saab Festival

Photo Credit: Saab History

On June 17th, 2007, Saab 9-2x Owners will be travelling from all over the North East region of the United States to join in on the festivities at one of the largest Subaru Festivals in North America this year that is taking place at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Massachusetts.

This event is being sponsored by the New England Subaru Club and will be running a number events throughout the day at this location.

The Saab 9-2x was a joint endeavour between Saab Automobile and Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) and was offered only in the United States market from 2004 until 2006 and is now considered by this enthusiastic group of individuals who frequent the Saab9-2x forum, a collector’s item.

Here are some of the features of the event:

Parking for over 2000 attendees
Huge vendor midway
Live DJs spinning throughout the day
Thousands in prize give-a-ways
Technical seminars
Kids tent
Car show and awards
Race and rally car expose
Special Subaru celebrities and keynote speaker
And much, much more to be announced….

For more information on the Saab 9-2x, please visit the following posts:

Saab USA Heritage Collection – Saab 9-2x
Saab 9-2x, A Tribute (2004-2006)

For more information on this event, please visit the event website directly here

Photo Credit: Saab History

3/31/98

SAAB TURBOS, SUN AND FUN TO HIGHLIGHT 1998 SAAB OWNERS CONVENTION AT HILTON HEAD ISLAND AUGUST 19-23

NORCROSS, Ga. – Each year, hundreds of Saab enthusiasts from around the United States and Canada gather for a celebration of Saab spirit, camaraderie and automotive innovation. This year, the national Saab Owners Convention ’98 will be August 19-23 in the beach resort community of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

The 1998 convention commemorates 20 years of Saab turbocharging. Two decades ago, the revolutionary 1978 Saab 99 Turbo took the auto industry by storm by introducing the “exotic” concept of variable-boost turbocharging on a 4-cylinder engine in a practical family sedan. That first Saab 99 Turbo was acclaimed both for its dynamic performance and useful three-door hatchback functionality.

Today, Saab is more committed than ever to its turbo tradition. For the 1999 model year, Saab’s entire new model line is turbocharged, featuring the all-new Saab 9-5 performance sedan and the sporty Saab 9-3 Coupe, Convertible and five-door, all of which go on sale this spring. Examples of each of these new models will be exhibited at the convention.

Throughout the weekend, Saab owners can choose from a fun and informative range of activities, designed to appeal to all levels of driving skill and automotive know-how. On Wednesday, August 19, at historic Roebling Road racetrack near Savannah, a group of Saab owners will have the opportunity for professional racing school instruction. Utilizing turbocharged Saab 9-3s, participants will learn driving techniques that are not only useful for improving one’s times on the race track, but help to sharpen driving skills on public roads. In addition to seaside recreation and relaxation at the Hilton Head Island resort headquarters, participants will take part in driving skill competitions, a scenic road rally, and educational seminars and technical sessions. An annual convention highlight is the Concours d’Saab, where proud owners display hundreds of carefully maintained vintage and current-model Saabs, competing for awards. Convention attendees can also find the latest performance accessories, personal Saab wear, or rare Saab memorabilia at numerous vendor displays and popular swap meet. The Saab festival events include a welcome reception and awards banquet hosted by Saab Cars USA president Joel Manby, plus honored guest, rally legend Erik Carlsson.

Saab Cars USA and the Carolinas Saab Register have chosen the oceanfront Crowne Plaza resort as the headquarters for the national Saab owners convention. Located only 30 miles north of Savannah, Ga., the award-winning resort blends beach-front vistas, championship golf, and the history and gentility of the South Carolina low country, with the amenities of a first-class resort. The resort property features ivory sand beaches and lush landscaping, dotted with tropical palmetto trees and sprawling oaks draped with Spanish moss. An adjacent full-service tennis club and nearby golf courses offer additional recreational opportunities. The combination of setting, resort services, and planned Saab events and activities ensure that every member of the family will have a truly memorable experience.

Hundreds of enthusiastic Saab owners from throughout the United States and Canada have gathered annually to celebrate a car whose unique design and abundant character have brought owners of all types together for more than 40 years. Enthusiastic Saab owners have been gathering annually since 1962. Last year’s Saab Jubilee USA convention in Waterville Valley, N.H., was the biggest to date, with more than 1,300 registered guests celebrating Saab’s 50th anniversary as an automaker.

Interested Saab owners can find out more or request a registration packet from Saab’s website at www.saabusa.com, or by calling 1-800-438-7222.

This convention is also listed on the Saab Convention Archive here on Saab History.

Here is also the official convention booklet available for download below.

NORCROSS, Ga. – Each year, hundreds of Saab enthusiasts gather for a celebration of Saab spirit camaraderie and automotive innovation at the national Saab Owners Convention. This year, the New Jersey Saab Owner’s Club and Saab Cars USA are hosting the event, which includes track days at Lime Rock Park racetrack in Lakeville, Conn. on July 5-6. The convention will then be held July 7-9 in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains at the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, New York.

Saab owners can choose from a range of fun and informative activities designed to appeal to all levels of driving skill and automotive know-how. At Lime Rock Park, Skip Barber Driving School will provide a unique high-performance driving event tailored specifically for Saab owners and their vehicles’ turbocharged engines and front-wheel drive dynamics. Participants will learn driving techniques that are not only useful for improving track times, but will also help sharpen driving skills on public roads. Other track events include an autocross, lapping sessions and a parade lap of competition Saabs on the road course.

Other Highlights of the Catskills Convention include:

* Saab cars of every vintage competing in the Concours d’Saab and Road Rally

* Saab Master Technicians competing for top honors

* Technical sessions and seminars on aspects of Saab ownership

* The latest Saabs to test-drive, including the new 9-5 Aero Wagon

* Parts, accessories and memorabilia at the Saab Marketplace

* An exclusive airshow at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

In addition, Saab’s 1999 European Rallycross Champion, Per Eklund, fresh from his run at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, will be one of the keynote speakers at the banquet. The other will be former rally champion Simo Lampinen.

This convention is also listed on the Saab Convention Archive here on Saab History.

Photo Credit: Saab History

Saab Promotion & Sponsorship of Summer Concert Series

This memorial day weekend, I managed to spot two brand new Saab models, a 9-3 SportCombi as well as 9-3 Convertible on display at a shopping center in the Washington, D.C. area. These Saab models were on display just over the Potomac river in Arlington, Virginia outside as displayed in the photo above at the Pentagon Row shopping center.

This promotion sparked my interest into who and why these Saabs were specifically promoted at this great outdoor location which happens to be a major shopping hub for the Washington, D.C. area and would provide a lot of exposure for the Saab Automobile. In attempting to find out more about this promotion, I noticed the window banners that were located on both windshields of the Saabs that illustrated that they were being promoted by the local Saab dealership, International Saab. which is located nearby in Falls Church, Virginia. This find answered the who, with the why yet to be answered.

It was during a walk into one of the local restaurants at this shopping area that I spotted a flyer with International Saab logo on it that answered the why part of this promotion. This flyer as shown to the right-hand side of this posting, describes that International Saab sponsors a summer concert series that takes place in this open air shopping center every Thursday evenings from 7 until 9pm that starts on June 7th, the same day that the Saab Festival begins in Sweden and ends on August 16th.

I think this promotion is good idea by this prominent Saab Dealership in the Washington, D.C. area and I look forward the exposure this event brings for them as well as Saab Automobile USA as well.

For more information about this program and International Saab, here is the following information:

International Motors Ltd.
540 S. Washington St.
Falls Church, Va. 22046
Tel: (703) 534-7222
Web: http://internationalsaab.com

My favorite part of this video showcases the Saab automobiles lined up at the Trollhättan Train Station as the film comes to an end. Enjoy!

As a follow-up to this posting, a Saab Enthusiast by the name of Randall Thatcher has recently done a nice photoshop animated image illustrating the capabilities of his family’s 9-3 SportCombi, complete with the IKEA furniture to boot.

Here is a quote in his own words to describe the animated image we have below. Great work!

The sofabed came out on a rectangular pallet, and we thought there was no way. We got rid of some packaging and loaded up the car. 1 sofabed, 2 slipcovers in the back. Me and wife up front with some stuff at her feet and a plant pot on her lap. That was one full car!

Here is a video I managed to capture that gives you a good idea of what I am talking about.

Photo Credit: FW

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

2005 SAAB 9-2X AERO

Following the successful launch of the entirely new 9-3 Sport Sedan, Saab set an all-time sales record in the United States in 2003. But clouds loomed on the horizon, as several European competitors announced new premium compact products, threatening to undercut the 9-3’s market position.

Lacking a homegrown answer, Saab found a suitable product solution by creating the 9-2X. It was produced for Saab by GM’s strategic alliance partner, Fuji Heavy Industries of Japan, with exterior and interior styling, chassis development and overall refinement done by Saab in Sweden.

Being the first-ever Saab to offer all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard equipment, the 9-2X debuted in the United States and Canada in the summer of 2004. It was available in two versions, both featuring horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines: the normally aspirated 165-horsepower 2.5L Linear and the turbocharged, intercooled 227-horsepower 2.0L Aero. The latter was directly recognizable by a more aggressive front fascia, plus a functional air intake on the hood.

The 9-2X attracted a passionate following, consisting mostly of young customers who were new to the Saab family. The car also won important awards and recognitions. It received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick” Gold Award (along with the Saab 9-3) for its outstanding crash test performance. Consumer Reports named the 9-2X (along with the Saab 9-5) a “Recommended Buy.”

Saab sold nearly 10,300 9-2Xs. When GM and Fuji Heavy Industries dissolved their partnership, production of the Saab 9-2X came to an end in 2006.

The Smoke Silver Metallic 9-2X Aero in the Saab Automobile USA Heritage Collection is a very early 2005 model. It served as a long-term test car with Los Angeles-based European Car Magazine, which provided the car with several enhancements and upgrades.