Saab Officials Confident that 2011 will be a Turning Point in the Company’s History

Saab sold just 31,696 cars globally in 2010, after having cut its sales target from 45,000 to 30,000-35,000 vehicles, due to the restructuring of the brand’s supplier base. However, with fourth quarter (2010) sales up 129% compared to 2009, Chairman Victor Mullen believes that Saab “is firmly establishing itself as an independent car manufacturer”.

Last year was especially difficult for the Swedish automaker, as the low inventory decimated sales figures.

“One of the largest challenges in 2010 was to restock our dealers around the world to normal levels again, especially in a market like the United States, where you need dealer stock in order to be able to sell cars”, Muller said in a statement on Wednesday. “For instance, when we acquired the company, there were a mere 500 cars left on the ground in the United States. Normal inventory levels in this market should be at 6,000-7,000 units”.

Optimum inventory levels are still a long way from reality, but, during the past 12 months, Saab did pick up some momentum, which, coupled with the launch of new models, should help the maker achieve the projected sales volume of 80,000 units for 2011.

Saab will invest US $1 billion into its recovery plan, with the focus being on new models. The 9-4X crossover, set to debut in May, is of them. Next up is the ageing 9-3 due for replacement in 2012. Furthermore, Saab wants to revive the 92 model of the ‘50s, in the form of a modern compact car, which, if priced correctly, should add much needed volume to sales.

The Trollhättan-based manufacturer will continue to expand its dealer network as well, targeting markets like China and Russia and it expects to be profitable in 2012, with sales projected to reach 120,000 units.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews [sub. req]

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Saab Confirms BMW Talks on Engine Supply, 2012 9-3 May be the First Model to Benefit from the Deal

The next generation of Saab models may very well be powered by BMW engines if negotiations between the two automakers are successful. Following widespread media speculations on the matter, Spyker N.V., the parent company of the Swedish carmaker confirmed talks with BMW. Here's the official statement:

"Spyker Cars N.V. ("the Group"), a holding company that owns subsidiaries which produce and sell premium automobiles under the Saab and Spyker brands, has noted recent press speculation about the possible supply relationship with BMW. The Group confirms that talks are ongoing and will give further details once a final agreement has been reached."

A report from Bloomberg citing an unnamed person with direct knowledge of the matter said the first Saab to benefit from the proposed deal would be the next 9-3 model, due for release in 2012. According to the source, Saab will make use of a new 222-horsepower that BMW is developing and has not yet been introduced in any of the Bavarian automaker's cars. The same engine would find its way under the hood of the new 9-5.

The person said the two automakers are also in talks about Saab buying diesel engines from BMW as well as the possible use of the MINI Countryman's platform for the future 9-2 premium sub-compact.

A final announcement on the deal could be made as early as the end of this week. We will continue to follow this matter and will provide updates on any new developments.

Source: Spyker / Bloomberg

SAAB Reportedly in Talks with BMW on the Development of the 9-2, and Diesel Engines for 9-4X

SAAB Automobile boss Victor Muller is reportedly in discussions with BMW about sharing hardware and technology for a new small car inspired by the teardrop-shaped 92 model of the 1950s, Swedish daily Dagens Industri reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources.

The report comes only days after Muller revealed that his company is actively interested in finding a partner for the development of the modern-day day 92, or in Saab's current lingo, the 9-2.

According to the newspaper, a possible deal with the Bavarian company could see the future 92 sharing a platform, engines and gearboxes with BMW's MINI models, a move that could prove beneficial for the German automaker also.

The Swedish daily added that Saab also expressed interest in the use of a BMW diesel engine for the its new 9-4X compact crossover that will hit showrooms in 2011.

Reuters reported that Spyker / Saab declined to comment on the matter while BMW said that it would not issue a statement on the specific report.

"We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology," a BMW spokesman said. "There are no contracts with Saab at the moment."

On Saab's behalf, Eric Geers said: "We are concentrating on the 9-5 and the 9-4X. A smaller Saab below the 9-3 is not in our business plan though it would be on our wish list."

Via: Dagens Industry & Reuters

Photo Gallery of Original Saab 92

Spyker Searching for a Partner to Build Modern-Day SAAB 92

Saab's automobile range may be expanded in the near future with a new small car inspired by the Swedish firm's teardrop-shaped 92 model of the 1950s if the company's CEO Victor Muller gets his way.

In a telephone interview with Bloomberg, Muller revealed that his company is in talks with automakers to share technology and a platform for the modern-day 92 or in Saab's current lingo, the 9-2.

While Muller declined to say with whom he's been negotiating, the owner of Spyker Cars NV said that the new 9-2 would keep the teardrop-shape of the original model that was in production between 1949 and 1956.

"Discussions are already ongoing," said Muller. "That will be on my plate for the next 100 days."

If Saab's boss manages to close a deal with an automaker, we'll probably have to wait another two to three years to see the final production version of the Swedish firm's retro-answer to BMW's MINI and Fiat's 500.

Via: Bloomberg

Photo Gallery of Original Saab 92