Saab History

Kjell ac Bergström – GM / Saab Powertrain President

Posted on 17. Jan, 2008 by Ryan.

Kjell ac Bergström is the President & CEO of Saab Automobile AB’s powertrain. His most notable accomplishments within the Saab brand have been the BioPower developments beginning with the first BioPower Engine showcased at the Geneva Auto Show in 2001. The first vehicle that was outfitted with the Saab BioPower engine was theSaab 9-5 BioPower in 2005.

Other accomplishments in the BioPower area for Kjell ac Bergström & Saab Automobile include the Saab 9-3 Convertible BioPower Hybrid Concept, the Saab 9-5 E100 BioPower Concept and of course the Saab Aero-X concept and the new Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept. Today all of Saab Automobile’s 9-3 as well as 9-5 models include available BioPower variants

This past summer, I had the great opportunity during the 2007 Saab 60th Anniversary Festival to enjoy a presentation by on Saab BioPower, quite an educational experience.

Here is a little background about his history in the area of powertrain and BioPower developments.

Kjell ac Bergström(M.Sc)
GM Powertrain Sweden
Saab Automobile Powertrain AB

2003-………………..GM Powertrain Sweden / Saab Automobile Powertrain AB CEO & President

2001-2003 ………..FIAT-GM Powertrain J/V, Torini Italy Vice President, Product Enginering

1999-2001…………Saab Automobile AB, Sweden Vice President, Powertrain

1994-1999…………Volvo Car Corporation, Sweden Senior Vice President, Transmission

1982-1994…………Volvo Car Corporation, Sweden Head of Engine Design & Development

1969-1982…………Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden Professor & Researcher, Internal Combustion Engines

1969………………….Chalmers University Of Technology Master of Science, Machine Engineering

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The Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept Press Kit

Posted on 14. Jan, 2008 by Ryan.

svgallery=2008_SAAB_9_4X_BIOPOWER_CONCEPT

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile AB

In honoring the previously mentioned embargo by Saab Automobile on the Saab 9-4x Press Release & Photos, I give you the full press kit material.

For Immediate Release — January 13, 2008

Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept World Premiere

Innovative Crossover Signals Saab Product Expansion

DETROIT — The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, revealed today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, confirms Saab’s plans to enter the growing crossover segment with a dynamic, driver-focused vehicle inspired by Scandinavian values in design and respect for the environment.

The 9-4X BioPower Concept’s progressive design features are combined with a responsible, fun-to-drive appeal based on BioPower engine technology and a cutting edge all-wheel-drive system. “This concept is a clear statement of what our brand is about,” Saab Automobile Managing Director Jan-Åke Jonsson said. “It is also an important next step in our plans to enter new market segments with distinctive product offerings.”

The design of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept reflects a Scandinavian principle of simplicity of form, with clean and uncluttered lines, free of any cladding, mouldings or roof bars, and defining ‘ice-block’ surface and lighting themes. The progressive frontal styling and interior design elements also draw inspiration from Saab’s widely-acclaimed Aero X concept. Innovative load-carrying solutions include a unique ski equipment stowage system, developed in co-operation with mountain sports specialists Salomon.

Optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel, the four-cylinder, 2.0-liter BioPower turbo engine demonstrates Saab’s commitment to rightsizing by delivering an exceptional level of power efficiency – 300 hp and strong torque of 400 Nm (295 lbs-ft.). Compared with gasoline, driving on E85 produces less CO2 emissions. Mated to the industry-leading Saab XWD (‘cross wheel drive’) system, this advanced powertrain promises to make driving to your destination as enjoyable as the adventure itself.

The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept has been developed by a team under GME Director of Advanced Design Anthony Lo, in co-operation with designers and engineers from the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. “We focused on incorporating design themes from the Aero X in a crossover execution, adding functional, lifestyle features to support the activities of customers using this type of vehicle,” Lo said.

The driver-focused cockpit in the sporty, four-seat cabin features an Aero X-inspired ‘clear zone’, with a flush-mounted starter button and ‘infotainment’ controls, that sweeps up from the central console to the main display screen. Signature green lighting is used for all instrument illumination, while other subtle references to Saab’s aviation heritage include the ‘altimeter’ speed read-out scale and aircraft-shaped trim on the steering wheel. The panorama glass roof is in harmony with a car designed to deliver the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits.

Saab designers worked with top Saab Salomon ‘Big Mountain’ skiers to devise an innovative storage system for stowing skis and equipment inside the car (see separate Saab Salomon release in press kit). The rear cargo deck features a sliding floor with a fold-out aluminum ski-holder, through which up to three pairs of skis and poles can be slotted. Boots are stowed in an under-floor, heated compartment and, for maximum practicality, the entire rear cargo area is covered in a waterproof and scratch resistant rubber ‘skin’.

The compact, aluminum, four cylinder BioPower engine combines the benefits of turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing for the first time with high-octane E85 fuel (85 percent bioethanol/ 15 percent gasoline).

Driver involvement is taken to a new level by the innovative all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD. Active management splits torque delivery between both the axles and the rear wheels, via an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). Overall, Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept is a vivid demonstration of Saab’s commitment to customers with outdoor leisure interests who seek a sporty driving experience that is more in harmony with nature.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2008 model year, Saab makes XM Satellite Radio and OnStar standard on its entire line-up. Additionally, all new Saabs have no-charge scheduled maintenance, and the Saab 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

Downloadable documents

Product Overview

Powertrain

Saab Salomon

Positioning

Technical Specifications

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A Great 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Review

Posted on 05. Jan, 2008 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA / Washington, D.C.

Pete Szilagyi of the American-Statesman in Austin, Texas has done an incredibly thorough job reviewing the new 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi.

His review is interesting because not only is he test driving a beautiful Saab 9-3 SportCombi like I did over the holidays thanks to site sponsor Garry Small Saab, but he is also testing the exact same trim level (2.0T)

The only difference between the vehicle was that mine was a 2007 and his was a current 2008 model year. These reviews would be a great read for those shopping for a safe yet fuel efficient sport sedan with utility and a lot of performance when you need it.

Here are some of the higher points of his review that I found to be right on.

* Brag all you want about hot V-6 and V-8s, but when it comes to sheer exhilaration in everyday driving, I’ll take a turbo any time.

* Engine power, comfort, ergonomics, built-in OnStar and XM radio, gas mileage, trip computer, top-notch crash test results.

Here is his side-by-side-by-side-by-side comparison of the competition. Saab really shines when it comes to these comparisons for obvious reasons. Look at the mileage, look at the performance, look at the safety and all that, they still beat out the competition when it comes to fuel efficiency. Remember horsepower is nothing, torque is everything.

Pete did an outstanding job covering the 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi. Between both of our reviews, perspective customers should have some good comparisons to base their decisions on when it comes to the competition as well as this year and last of Saab’s product line in this segment.

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The Saab 9-3 SportCombi Anniversary Edition Test Drive

Posted on 27. Dec, 2007 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Saab History

In March of 2005, the Saab 9-3 SportCombi as it is called, not to be labeled as a “wagon”, made its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show. This first public viewing of the Saab 9-3 SportCombi was the final production version which originally began as a concept car. By June of the same year, the Saab 9-3 SportCombi marked the four-million milestone of vehicles produced for Saab Automobile, which was celebrated at the 2005 Saab Festival in Sweden. This concept car that the SportCombi was designed from, actually debuted a whole two years earlier during the Frankfurt Auto Show in September of 2003 which is known today as the Saab 9-3 “Sport Hatch” concept. The Saab 9-3 Sport Hatch concept included many unique design elements thanks to the team of Saab designers such as Anthony Lo, Simon Padian and others whom were led by the then head of design, Michael Mauer. The execution of the Saab 9-3 Sport Hatch was also influenced by an earlier Saab concept car itself, known as the Saab 9-3X. The Saab 9-3X embodied many unique design elements but perhaps the most notable result of this design exercise was the C pillar “hockey stick” design, which became a unique design cue for the future Saab design language. This C pillar is now a recognizable design element, unique to the Saab 9-3 SportCombi.
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Automatic Performance Control (APC): Saab Innovation

Posted on 18. Dec, 2007 by Ryan.

Automatic Performance Control is a Saab innovation that started in 1980 that was first implemented in all 1982 Saab 900 Turbo models.

In the promotional video above, although in Swedish, illustrates the engineering and practicality of the Saab APC system in a 1982 Saab 900 Turbo.

1980: APC – Growing concern for the environment and reduced emissions led to the development of APC, Automatic Performance Control. APC enables the engine to run on fuels with a lower octane rating, with no loss of efficiency and durability. This is achieved using combustion process monitoring to control the turbocharger.

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Saab President, Jan-Åke Jonsson speaks with Nordic Reach

Posted on 14. Dec, 2007 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Nordic Reach

Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson, President of Saab Automobile AB in Sweden, recently sat down with Ulf MÃ¥rtensson of the highly popular Nordic Reach publication, based in New Canaan, Connecticut. Nordic Reach is a periodical written in English, for those interested in Swedish culture in the United States as well in Sweden. If you are interested in subscribing to this publication there is also link on the lower left-hand side of this website that you can click on.

Saab History has recently been given permission to republish this article for us to enjoy. A thank you to Ulf MÃ¥rtensson and staff at Nordic Reach for granting the ability to share this writeup with you here:

Driving Solutions Based on ‘Green Fuels’

NR Sat down with Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson, CEO and President of Saab Cars to talk about the future of Saab, cars and the environment.

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Consumer interest in cleaner and greener auto technology is exploding, even in the United States. From fuel cells to plug-in hybrids, the industry is showing more research and development zeal than at any time since the golden days of 1900, when gasoline, steam and electric vehicles (EV’s) competed in the marketplace. This spring’s car salon in Geneva, Switzerland was greener than ever, and one manufacturer dominated the headlines for its BioPower engines: Saab Cars of Sweden. These days wholly owned by GM, Saab introduced yet another BioPower model – the 9-3 production car – now available with a flex-fuel engine which runs on regular gas or gas with an 85% ethanol content. But the star and talk of the show, teh car that became the favorite image for major European news media was the Saab 9-5 concept car; optimized to run on pure bioethanol (E100) fuel. Run with bioethanol, Saab turbocharged engines substantially reduced CO2 emissions. Wherever you looked, BioPower and Saab’s new concept car became the symbol for this year’s wave of environmental concerns among consumers, politicians and automakers.
“It feels good to finally be in the limelight again, to have the absolute right models and technical solutions in place at the right time, ” said Jan Ã…ke Jonsson, CEO of Saab.

…there are options available today to make a difference. We at Saab want to show that environmental cars don’t have to be boring. They can be fun!”

The Swedish manufacturer has for many years been the choice of the independent souls, the choice of those who not only value security and responsible driving but design and performance..these days of the right kind. In Europe, Saab is first and foremost also the choice for more environmentally correct performance. Saab drivers leave a smaller CO2 footprint, and yet receive a lot of muscle in their cars. More performance at less cost for nature..an oxymoron? Hardly. For Saab, which started developing turbo-driven engines with lower cylinder volumes before everyone else, the connection is a natural:BioPower in the form of cars fueled by ethanol mixes of 85%, sometimes now even 100%, brings more horsepower to less cylinder volume. “It’s natural and it’s a natural for us,” said Jonsson, CEO of the formerly fledgling Swedish car company. “The effect you get from any given engine is the result of the efficiency of the mix of air and fuel, optimized by our turbo engines. More air to a given volume of fuel brings less emissions but also more power to the car.”

Whatever you feel about which cleaner technology to use – the now oh-so-popular hybrids, diesel engines, biodiesel or waht many consider the ultimate future: fuel cells – most of them do have a problem. They either, consume more energy and adversely affect the environment in the production process, or they are simply not available at the right price point. The technology behind BioPower is not necessarily smarter or better or less polluting in the long run, but it is here, now, at an affordable price (for you and the environment), not sometime in the future.

Saab and its BioPower engines and cars have in Europe become synonomous with the new trend of environmentally friendly cars. “Our BioPower car is the number one environmentally friendly cars. “Our BioPower car is the number one environmental car in Sweden, and it was introduced close to two years ago. It outsold, for instance, the Toyota hybrid by 5 to 1 in 2006″, according to the noticeably pleasued Saab CEO.

Saab BioPower, a flex-fuel vehicle available in both the 9-5 and smaller 9-3 models, is a premium-class car with plenty of horsepower, a combination, which makes its drivers feel good about themselves. Over 80% of all Saab cars sold in Sweden have the BioPower engine. Why is the car so successful in Sweden?

“It’s a combination of the vehicle industry, the government and the consumer,”, Jonsson said. “The environment is definitely the number one priority in Sweden right now. The Swedish government has come up with a battery of incentives such as 20% lower car tax, and no taxation on biofuels as well as free parking in the bigger cities. Then there are the benefits on bioethanol (E85 in Sweden) as a renewable fuel, which reduces greenhouse gas and helps us to not get dependent on petroleum.”

Jonsson believes Saab clients are progressive and modern and, most important, want to be responsible.

“Of our customers in Europe, 45% buy the car because it is environmentally friendly,” he said. “35% buy it because of the economic incentives.”

The knowledge of the imminent danger of our reckless use of non-renewable resources has prompted a need for a complete reversal in our transport system for the future according to Jonsson.

“We’re in a transition period,” Jonsson said. “And thtere are options available today to make a difference. We at Saab want to show that environmental cars don’t have to be boring. They can be fun!”

BioPower in the United States

In 2007, America’s auto fleet is hardly green, but it’s getting greener. With seesawing gasoline prices and uncertainty about the future of oil, consumers are finally focusing on fuel economy and looking beyond big SUV’s for their next vehicle. A 2006 consumer survey by J.D. Power and Associates found an amazing 57 percent of respondents would consider buying a hybrid car for their next vehicle, and 49 percent would consider a car powered by E85 ethanol.

Despite these numbers and the proliferation of cars such as the Toyota Prius, hybrids still made up only about 1% of the market in 2006. The share for environmentally friendly cars, however, is growing and by 2013, J.D. Power predicts green cars will have fiver percent. A wide range of hybrids entered the market this year, so why then isn’t the BioPower engine available already in the U.S.? Jonsson, whose two-year post at the helm of the company isn’t long enough to have had any serious impact on that particular decision, has no readily available answer.

“There’s no question we would have liked to be there now, not tomorrow, but this being said, we also have to look at realities: very few states offer you the opportunity to fill your car with the E85 fuel. As soon as we see the infrastructure and the availability of E85 taking off we will be ready. Realistically, this will probably take a couple of years.”

The small car company, which now seems posed for enduring profitability, lost money during the majority of years it’s been owned partly or wholly by GM. The U.S. car giant bought a 50 percent stake and management control of Saab in 1989, then the remainder in December of 1999. Why would you take a job such as the one of CEO at Saab after so many hard years?

“It’s certainly not the financial benefits or the media exposure. It’s just that it’s really hard to say no to such an opportunity after so many years working with the company,” said Jonsson.”

He started working for Saab as a Trainee in 1971, in computer systems development. “At the time, we were working with main frames that were as large as today’s cars. The good thing with being part of the early development of information systems and intra-company structure was you learned the company, inside and out.”

Jonsson, after a couple of years of leadership, seems relaxed, with a positive, confident outlook.

“It used to be that we’d need a much larger volume to break even. After cost-cutting efforts of late, where we eliminated at least one third of overall costs, we’re ready for our next leap. Saab will be one of the most efficient and productive car companies in the world. We are at present able to turn in a profit at between 150,000 and 175,000 sold cars.”

“Yes, we have gone through many years of struggle to get where we now are, but bear in mind that integration with GM didn’t quite work until the U.S> group, GM took over Saab entirely in 2000.” (Up to that year, Saab Cars was jointly owned by GM and Investor of the Swedish Wallenberg group.)

Saab’s production processes have had a productivity development of 5% to 15% per year, Jonsson said. “All of Saab’s development, all its cars are based on social responsibility; cars have always had to be secure and functional – today, also responsible in the environmental sense; Driving Saabs should make sense in every way. And yet, at Saab we have taken our concept one step further, making sporty, progressive design and performance part and parcel of cars’ looks and driving experience as well.”

Written by Ulf MÃ¥rtensson
Photographed by Nikolaj Alsterdal

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Saab Convertible: Cult car with 20 Years of Tradition

Posted on 14. Dec, 2007 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile Germany

This just in from Saab Automobile in Russelsheim, Germany. The photo they used for this new color called “Lynx” yellow, is similiar to what was used back in 1991 with Monte-Carlo yellow as I indicate in the photo I took as a Saab Sighting of the week in Washington, D.C..

In this press release there is some great history about the Saab convertible, specifically when it was launched to the public back in 1983. I highly suggest you watch my recent interview with “Mr. Convertible” himself, Bob Sinclair, the former President & CEO of Saab-Scania of America who was the individual responsible for making the idea of the convertible a reality as well. This is very well worth your time.

2007-12-13

Saab Cabriolet: Cult car with 20 years tradition

# New external color Inca yellow reminiscent of 900 Convertible Color “Monte Carlo“ from 1991
# New edition 9-3 Cabriolet now in production
# First Premium Convertible with pollution free bioethanol.

Ruesselsheim. Immediately the Saab 9-3 Convertible is available in that recreating impudent external color Inca yellow. Apart from the classical tones such as Arctic White, steel-grey or Iceblue metallic, it now includes the Eyecatching color yellow rather a niche – ideally for the more extroverted ones under the individualists.

Stoffdach Convertibles of the Swedish Premium brand have traditionally for over 20 years, has a firm place in the Product Portfolio: In 1983, the IAA presented the Saab convertible to the public as a concept car, three years later the open four seater than Saab 900 Convertible stood with the dealers and today possesses a cult status. In, 1991 a small number of special model “Monte Carlo“ Saab convertibles were produced in yellow and ranks today among the most in demand Saab of classical models. Altogether over 275.000 Saab Convertibles were world-wide sold.

The IAA in 2007 presented a new edition Saab developed from the successful 9-3 platform which is now visually and technically developed. This new 9-3 presents itself with a progressive and sharpened appearance, a clear distinction and above all more noticeable not to mention all of the improvements in the driving characteristics. The prominent role of Saab in the segment of the Premium Convertibles define the 9-3 Convertible. It is “more than a convertible“, is indeed an adequate, everyday vehicle year-round vehicle with four seats. Environmentally consciously, the material roof is used as concise Design element. The solenoid operated roof consists of five layers of material and makes the open Saab closed suitable for winter conditions up to minus 30 degrees Celsius. A good design always makes and transforms the 9-3 Convert within 20 seconds easily from the sporty Coupe with smooth, taut material roof into a car with the Roadster Look.

The combination of functionality and sportyness ranks among the core characteristics of the Saab vehicles. The broad engine pallet covers aggregates for the three fuel options of gasoline, Diesel and bio ethanol (E85). The row of a turbo-loaded V6-Motor with 2.8 litres capacity and 255 HP (188 KW) is stated. In the drive pallet and world-wide for the first time in the Convertible Premium segment, an innovative 1.9-Liter Diesel, which works with a two-stage turbo-loading (TTid), is new: Two differently large loader are integrated in a common housing in the exhaust elbow union and can work everything for itself or in row switched. Thus the small, fast responding turbo already provides at low numbers of revolutions, for a significant amount of torque topping out at 400 Newton meters, during which larger loaders for the high maximum power of 180 HP (132 KW) is responsible. In addition the, open-top Saab 9-3 is the first Premium Convertible with particularly pollution free Flex Fuel drive. Two bio power engines are available: With E85 claimant the 1.8-Liter-Turbomotor 175 HP (129 KW) and the 2.0t has 200 HP out (147 KW) of output. Those are in each case, 25 HP more than in the pure gasoline enterprise – with in the „source-to-wheel“ drastically reducing CO2 emissions.

The Saab 9-3 Convertible with the 1.8t-Motor and 150 HP (110 KW) is available in Germany starting from 34.400 euro.

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Why I Chose the Saab 9-5 Aero

Posted on 08. Dec, 2007 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Peter Gilbert

This just in from Peter Gilbert, the former million mile Saab 900 SPG owner that received a free Saab of of choice, in which he chose the Saab 9-5 Aero.

Here is his summary as to why he chose the Saab 9-5 Aero as his free Saab from Saab Automobile USA out of all others available:

A thank to Peter for providing this writeup in his own words below:

Having driven 2.5 million miles in Saabs since 1967, choosing the 9-5 Aero was for me, the most logical choice. I have only had three Saabs with trunks, all the majority were hatchbacks or station wagons.

My first Saab was a 1966 96 2-Stroke, but had the ability to go through the trunk into the boot, as well as convert into a bed, which was very practical, when I took this car on a camping trip to Sweden in 1968, along with three friends, four suitcases, a 6′x6′ tent, a case of oil, food, etc. There was even storage under the back seat.

My first hatch was in 1978 when I bought my first brand new Saab, the venerable 3-door hatch burgundy 99 Turbo, which replaced my 1974 2 door with a trunk. With all the many things that were hauled in the million mile SPG’s hatch, I only dreamed of the 9-5 Aero Combi, as the successor.

After forty years driving Saabs, I noticed they do not change, they just evolve. As I went from model to model, I wanted better performance, and more room, as I am now much bigger than, when I was a teenager.

When my SPG went the the museum, I bought a temporary ’89 4-door 900 which was my first four door car. I appreciated the ease of access to the back seat for my heavy briefcase. this car was totalled in a 55mph collision, and was only around until I found a decent, used 9-5 Combi, which I acquired a year ago.

Not only did I need a large car, to handle my ingress and egress, due to my damaged knee from the accident. I wanted the accessibility of a hatch, with the ability to to place a full six foot load into the back, with the floor flush with the bumper. Because I own a 2001 Viggen, I just had to have a car, with BMW bashing performance.

No sooner had I just broken-in the new engine on my 1999 9-5 Combi, when Jay Spenchian ‘phoned me to ask which Saab did I want to replace the SPG? Without hesitation I chose the 2007 9-5 Combi, in Titan Grey, which is in my opinion, the most practical color Saab has ever offered, because the car still looks clean, even when it is dirty.

This Aero was also the first automatic car that I have owned. My manual Viggen is still available for weekends, but all those miles have been taking a toll on my clutch-knee. I love the choice of three transmission modes, especially the automatic in the city, and the paddle-shifters on the race track. I had so much fun at the Aero Academy, as well as a day at Waterford Hills at The 2007 Convention. These transmission options are even better than the 9-3.

The fuel consumption is as good as The SPG, in spite of the extra weight and greater horsepower. I am averaging 28mpg, using 100% 93 octane. It drops to 25mph with E-10 ethanol, which is why I love the BioPower, which gave me 24mpg., when I drove one for a week in Sweden. E-85 is only $2.39 per gallon in Wisconsin, and If available I would do a conversion.

The comfort in the Aero is outstanding, especially when I was driving for twenty hours or so from Milwaukee to Hamilton Ontario, over the Great Lakes, en-route to our August Convention later in the week.

When you add up the room, fuel consumption, comfort, performance, road-holding, ease of getting in and out, especially during the recovery from surgery on my left knee, one can only thank Saab for such a great car at a reasonable price. This is why I preferred the 9-5 over the 97X. I prefer the squared rear end to a hatch, because I am able to load even more cargo into the car. This was so useful for all the luggage plus a set of boxed wheels, which I purchased at the “Parts Tent.”

38,000 mile are now on the odometer, and all I have done are oil and tire changes
The only repair was I hit a bad gap in a rail road track, which tore the sidewall in the left-front tire, which shocked the leveling system for the xenon headlight. Kenya has ant-eaters, Wisconsin has potholes!

Peter G. Gilbert

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