Straightline
Saab
October 6, 2008
Merry Christmas. Production of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X will end December 23, as GM will shutting down their Moraine, Ohio plant. Sales of these vehicle have tanked, as have most SUVs. The good news is that the Chevy Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave have been hits in this tough segment.
Actually this is not a surprise, at least the ending of production of these vehicles, that is. I what will miss is that, with the exception of the Hummer H3, GM will no longer offer an off-road capable SUV in the mid-size segment--and who knows how long the Hummer will be around.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM to Close Ohio SUV Plant in December
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 6, 2008, 7:11 AM
- Categories: Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, SUVs, Saab, Saturn
The hardtop-convertible battle is going to heat up shortly, as the American and European luxury carmakers will shortly also have Lexus and Infiniti to contend with. Actually the new Infiniti G37 convertible (2008 Los Angeles Auto Show: Infiniti G37 Convertible) and the Lexus IS 250/350 (2008 Paris Auto Show: 2010 Lexus IS 250/350C) will likely do battle among themselves first, with the other entries being secondary targets. Even so, that's not good news for BMW, Saab, etc.
Both these new hard-droptops will go on sale this spring.
Also of note is that
Infiniti will be offering
AWD on their 2009 fixed-roof G37 coupe (
Infiniti Adds All-Wheel-Drive Coupe to 2009 G37 Lineup), thereby making it a
G37x coupe. Also interesting to note that 40 percent of all G37 sedan buyers opt for AWD, and Infiniti is expecting the percentage for the AWD coupe will be between 30 and 40 percent of their total coupe sales.
September 17, 2008
Big "oops!" here. Somehow the Saab site from Chile posted images of the upcoming--and not officially announced--Saab 9-4 X. ...And as you would expect, these images are now starting to hit the Net.
In any event, this is one handsome CUV. Power will come from a 245-hp @5300 rpm and 295 ib-ft @1900 rpm 2.0 turbo. Saab is claiming 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, which can't be U.S. EPA numbers.
Full story here at Jalopnik (here) and WorldCarFans (here) via a translated Saab Chile site (here).
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 17, 2008, 8:41 AM
- Categories: SUVs, Saab
If ever there was a convertible that should not have a roof, this is it. This Saab 9-X Air looks stunning sans roof. With the roof up... well, let's just say it looks like a man with a bad toupée; think Mr. Tudball, the hilarious Tim Conway's character on the long-gone and much-missed Carol Burnett Show.
As to specifics: The car is powered by an E85-friendly hybrid turbo 1.4 engine, putting out 197 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The FWD roadster puts the power to ground via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Here's
Inside Line's take:
2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: Saab 9-X Air
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 17, 2008, 7:31 AM
- Categories: Auto Shows, Convertibles, Paris Auto Show, Saab
August 22, 2008
Yo, New England Saabistas! Check this out!
From the press release:
Celebrating 30 Years of Saab Turbocharging
North American Saab Owners Reconvene near Boston this Weekend
Detroit - Saab owners and enthusiasts from all over North America and beyond are planning on gathering for the annual Saab Owners Convention in Devens, Massachusetts west of Boston this weekend. Celebrating the passion for their cars and the Saab brand, around five hundred owners and their cars are expected to attend the event which opens Thursday, August 21 and runs through Sunday, August 24.
The 26th consecutive annual Saab Owners Convention is organized by the Saab Club of North America. The center of activities is the Marriott Spring Hill Suites Hotel at the Common Center in Devens, Massachusetts. The venue has excellent facilities and is ideally located, as it is close to most attractions in the area. Though registration for this year's event is now closed, day passes can still be obtained at the Saab Club registration desk in the hotel. Continuing updates, including details on the exact location and program activities are available at http://www.saabclub.com/soc08.html.
Main theme of the 2008 SOC is 30 Years of Saab Turbocharging Leadership, which started with the 1978 Saab 99 Turbo. Now widely known as a true "cult car", the original 99 Turbo laid the foundation for many of the essentials that carry on in Saab's current product portfolio, largely consisting of cars with highly efficient turbocharged engines.
Steve Shannon, Saab Automobile USA General Manager and a native of the Boston area, is scheduled as the keynote speaker at the Banquet Dinner on Saturday night. "I am looking forward meeting many owners and their cars in person again, and participate in their unparalleled passion for Saab", Shannon said.
Beyond exhibiting the very best examples of its turbo heritage collection and latest array of products, Saab Automobile USA has selected this venue to showcase potential future classics such as the all-black 2008 Turbo X performance car as well as the exclusive and very sunny-looking Convertible "yellow edition". In addition, the award-winning 2008 Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept car is coming over from Sweden to be one of the key attractions.
Already labeled "Best Concept" by AutoWeek Magazine upon its world debut at the Geneva auto show last March, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid has been voted "Specialty Concept Car of the Year" by a jury of 25 professional North American automotive journalists. The award ceremony took place last June at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.
"The Saab 9-X BioHybrid blends organic form with ecologically sound propulsion for both aesthetic and environmental appeal", said jury panel member Arv Voss of Auto Impressions. Added Bob Kroupa of the Automotive Writers Group: "Saab takes center stage with a new design approach for a compact vehicle. With the BioHybrid turbo engine included, we have a winner".
"We are honored by this important recognition from an expert North American media organization," said Saab Automobile USA marketing director Roger McCormack accepting the award. "Following in the footsteps of the highly inspirational Aero X, and the 9-4X BioPower crossover concept which also debuted earlier this year, the 9-X BioHybrid demonstrates that Saab is truly on the move."
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 22, 2008, 5:53 AM
- Categories: Classic Cars, Saab
July 18, 2008
In an effort to allay both Wall Street and consumer fears, GM laid out their product cards for the future. Detailed images of the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze (Cobolt replacement), the Cadillac CTS Sportwagon (and Coupe), the Buick Invicta and Saab 9-4X were all there for everyone's pleasure.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM Next-Gen Models Revealed, Including Chevy Cruze
Here's Inside Line's take: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Prepares To Become GM's Global Small Car
Invicta Showcar Previews 2010 Buick Sedan
2010 Saab 9-4X Crossover To Debut Next Spring
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 18, 2008, 7:45 AM
- Categories: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, General Motors, Saab
April 10, 2008
Checking in on Peter De Lorenzo over at AutoExtremist.com, and as usual, he has some interesting if not thought-provoking ideas. This time it's a "What if" scenario for a future GM, and this of course, is in a perfect world. By that I mean if franchise laws, etc., could be resolved to make this work.
Here's the short story version: The only divisions that would exist here would be Chevrolet, Cadillac and Hummer...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 10, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, HUMMER, Saab, Saturn
March 12, 2008
Just a quick tease here as to some of what GM is planning on showing at NewYork next week:
• Pontiac will debut 3 new production models
• Saab's 9-x BioHybrid will make its North American debut.
• Buick reportedly to have some surprises—one of which is that their news will also be available in Chinese on the GM media site. Now that may not mean much to those not in the auto news business, but it just goes to show just how important Buick has become to China, and vice-versa. But you already knew that, right?
January 13, 2008
As if Michiganders haven't seen enough snow already this season, Saab was happy to dump a load of fake flakes from the rafters of Cobo Hall, providing the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept's grand debut with a light dusting.
After GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner made it clear that E85 ethanol is the short-term fix for weaning us off our 1,000-barrel-of-oil-per-second habit, Carl-Peter Forster, President of GM Europe announced the arrival of the 9-4X BioPower.
Forster said the 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder 9-4X is the right vehicle for those who want to "embrace nature."
Nature, maybe. Snow in Cobo, not so much...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke January 13, 2008, 11:15 AM
- Categories: Detroit Auto Show, Saab
November 29, 2007
What? An American debut of a new vehicle at the Boston car show? Yep. Saab felt the New England International Auto Show, which is held in Boston, was just the place to announce their slick-looking AWD Saab turbo X to the American public...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 29, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Saab
September 11, 2007
General Motors kept the surprises to a minimum but continued to push its barrage of green technologies at this morning's press conference. Hydrogen, ethanol, diesels and hybrids all received playing time as Carl-Peter Forster, president of GM Europe, drove home his message that, “low emissions and price economy should not be exclusive.”
The HydroGen4 is Europe's version of the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell. A fleet of about 100 test vehicles will be on the road around the globe by 2008. Just don't expect hot-rod performance...
Continue reading...
August 16, 2007
Forbes has come up a list of the top 10 least expensive luxury vehicles to own over a 5-year span.
The figures include not only MSRP, but also depreciation, interest and opportunity costs, fuel, maintenance and repairs, insurance, and taxes and fees.
10. Lincoln MKZ: $55,011
9. Lexus ES 350: $54,585
8. Acura RDX: $54,502
7. Lexus IS 250: $53,220
6. Volvo V50: $52,906
5. Audi A3: $51,513
4. Saab 9-3 SportCombi: $51,499
3. Volvo S40: $51,484
2. Saab 9-3 Sedan: $50,282
1. Acura TSX: $47,084
Full story here at egmcartech.com. Slide show here...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 16, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Acura, Audi, Lexus, Lincoln, Luxury Cars, Saab, Volvo
July 12, 2007
The new 9-3 Aero sedan and wagon has a 280-hp turbo V6 engine and Saab's new XWD all-wheel-drive system.
Read the 9-3 Aero First Drive on Inside Line.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa July 12, 2007, 12:35 PM
- Categories: Saab, Sedans, Wagons
July 2, 2007
A visit to the Saab museum in Trollhättan, Sweden last week turned out to be much more than an opportunity to look at old cars. During a discussion with Kjell ac Bergström, president of Saab Automobile Powertrain (part of GM Powertrain, of course), it was apparent that Saab's commitment to ethanol remains strong, at least in Sweden, where 850+ out of 2,500 fuel stations total sell E85. However, Mr. Bergström acknowledged that something has to be done to lessen the fuel economy gap between E85 and gasoline. Accordingly, the next generation of Saab engines will employ:
-Direct injection, thus allowing higher compression and turbo boost
-Smaller engine displacements in the neighborhood of 1.4 or 1.5 liters
-Two-stage turbocharging -- a smaller turbo for lighter-load, low-rpm use and a larger one for higher rpm (that is, the same strategy BMW took with its twin-turbo inline-6, and Saab has already employed in on a 1.9-liter diesel engine for the European market.)
-In the event the company is unable to physically package in two turbos, they might substitute a supercharger in place of the smaller turbo (basically the same thing VW did its "twincharger" engine).
-Importantly, Saab plans to take all of the above steps before it considers adding hybrid technology to the mix.
After eating our greens, we walked the museum floor, passing by several examples of rally cars driven by Erik Carlsson, including this 93.
Also endearing was The Monstret (translated: "The Monster"), a 1959 concept car that aside from its low curb weight embodies none of the company's current environmental conscience. You see, The Monster, has twin, two-stroke, three cylinder engines for a cumulative 138 hp and a top speed of about 120 mph. It never saw duty on the rally circuit.
The next day something unexpected happened and Saab actually let us drive some of the old cars in its collection.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Erin Riches July 2, 2007, 11:04 PM
- Categories: Classic Cars, Green Tech, Hatchbacks, Saab, Sedans, Wagons
June 11, 2007
The other day I reported on the some early spy images of the new 9-3 convertible (Spy photos: 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible). Now we have more info—and if the early images were a bit of a downer—the newly revealed specs should pick you up.
The AWD is called XWD, and is offered on the Aero versions of the SportSedan and SportCombi. It's an intelligent on-demand system that can shift 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels if needed. In addition there's an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential.
The new Aero V6 comes with an uprated 280 hp (206 kW), 2.8 V6 turbo engine which delivers almost 15% more maximum torque (400 Nm) to exploit the greater traction available. It comes with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Finally there is a new rear sub-frame and suspension geometry to aid in delivering a more sporty ride. The cars should be in showrooms this fall.
Highlights of the Saab XWD AWD from the press release is after the jump.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 11, 2007, 2:58 PM
- Categories: Saab
June 6, 2007
The 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible was caught out in the open without any camo masking. Saab is giving the front of the 9-3 more visual presence with a stronger grille with more bits of chrome added, new lights and bumper as well as a tweaked profile and rear.
Full story here at Autoblog (via GMInsideNews).
More photos after the jump.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 6, 2007, 6:47 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Future Vehicles, Saab
June 2, 2007
Saab 60th Anniversary
Carlsson's Choice: Erik Selects Six Favorites from Saab's Hall of Fame
The career of Eric (“Mr. Saab”) Carlsson, international rallying's first superstar, spans six decades. It has taken him from test driving in Trollhättan, to the top of the podium in Monte Carlo and on to a globe-trotting role as Saab's international ambassador. Here Erik chooses his six favorite Saabs, one from each decade. His recollections, and the cars themselves, tell the story of how the automotive aspirations of an aircraft manufacturer took wing.
Preparing to lead the celebrations for Saab's 60th Anniversary next week, he is happy to take up the theme by identifying his six favorite Saab cars, one from each decade.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 2, 2007, 10:12 AM
- Categories: Classic Cars, Saab
April 27, 2007
Alex Taylor III, a Fortune senior writer, is one more person calling for GM to trim its nameplates.
Here are his recommendations:
• Keep Chevrolet where it is - the volume brand that is the heartbeat of America.
• Maintain Cadillac at the top of the market and expand its product offerings with derivatives of the popular CTS.
• Continue to use Saturn, with its dedicated dealer channel and loyal buyers, as the brand for import intenders...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 27, 2007, 7:10 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, HUMMER, Pontiac, Saab
April 13, 2007
Saab, the Swedish automaker that earned its wings from aviation, is celebrating its diamond anniversary this year with a number of special activities and events.
This Monday, April 16, a unique all-Saab display will open in the GM World Headquarters exhibit area, which is located on the first floor of the Renaissance Center on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, Michigan.
The Saab display is accessible to the general public during business hours until mid-May. Beyond a number of current Saab products, including special 60th Anniversary editions, and dedicated Saab videos and commercials, there are 9 highlights of Saab's rich heritage to be featured:
• 1952 Saab 92, green - the very first Saab model on the road, the basic
design stayed in production for 33 years
• 1956 Saab Sonett "Super Sport", orange - fiberglass roadster, # 2 of only 6
ever made
• 1960 Saab 96, red - superstar Erik "On the Roof" Carlsson won the British
RAC rally overall, in this very car
• 1966 Saab Quantum IV, red - an extremely rare, handbuilt U.S...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 13, 2007, 9:23 AM
- Categories: Classic Cars, Saab
April 4, 2007
We thought Saab heritage died with the 9-2X. And again with the 9-7X. Now it happens a third time with this DUB Edition 9-7X. And make no mistake it's a violent death, replete with blinding sparkly black paint, chrome 24s and a sky-high rump. There's only one appealing upgrade, although it's no less blasphemous in a Saab: This 9-7X has a GM-sourced, 400-horse 6.0-liter V8.
Appropriately, DUB's information placard reads as an epitaph: "Saab was founded by 16 aircraft engineers and their spirit lives on in the 2007 9-7X Aero Concept." --Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Erin Riches April 4, 2007, 1:29 PM
- Categories: New York Auto Show, SUVs, Saab
March 6, 2007
You might think, as we did, that you've seen this particular BioPower Saab before. But, no, no, no, says Saab. This alcohol-burner can run on 100 percent bio-ethanol. That last BioPower Saab, announced in 2004, could run on only up to 85 percent ethanol...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund March 6, 2007, 6:36 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Geneva Motor Show, Saab
November 21, 2006
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2007 Top Safety Picks have been announced. Thirteen cars and trucks from foreign brands won "Top Safety Pick" honors for 2007 models from the IIHS, including seven varieties of SUVs. More info can be found here.
Top safety picks
Large car
Audi A6
Midsize cars
Audi A4 , Saab 9-3, Subaru Legacy
Minivans
Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona
Luxury SUVs
Mercedes M Class, Volvo XC90
Midsize SUVs
Acura RDX, Honda Pilot, Subaru B9 Tribeca
Small SUVs
Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 21, 2006, 7:06 AM
- Categories: Acura, Audi, Auto Industry, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Saab, Subaru, Volvo
August 2, 2006
<Sigh> Two of my favorite SUVs made this list: The Land Rover LR3 and the VW Touareg... Oh well, I was never meant to own either of those anyway...
In any event, Forbes magazine have just released their list of the "Least Reliable Luxury Cars 2006." Besides the VW and Land Rover, the others are: Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator and Saab 9-3. I kinda doubt this news will make Bill Ford sleep any better, as three of the five listed fall under the Ford corporate umbrella...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 2, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Land Rover, Lincoln, Saab, Volkswagen
May 1, 2006
No surprise here, as Inside Line reports that Saab will replace the Subaru-sourced 9-2x with an Opel-sourced 9-1. The 9-2x never went over with the public, which is really a shame. My '06 WRX Limited is virtually the same as a 9-2x, and is a great car. Most customers just viewed the 9-2x as an overpriced Impreza (which it is)...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 1, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: General Motors, Saab, Subaru, Trends
February 28, 2006
I think Saab may be a bit too caught up in their aero heritage, as their Aero X concept, to be seen at Geneva, has no doors or even an "A" pillar. Instead access and egress is much like that of a jet fighter, with a canopy that opens up and out.
Getting beyond that, it is an AWD vehicle powered by a 400-hp, twin-turbo BioPower V6.
Yep, a bit weird, and Saab to the core...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 28, 2006, 1:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Coupes, Geneva Motor Show, Saab
February 21, 2006
A sketch published by fan site Trollhattan Saab hints at the Aero-X concept that will debut next week at the Geneva auto show. We can't help but see a warmed over Saturn Sky in its lines which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It would make the concept easy to build and give Saab a much needed new product sooner rather than later. Check our coverage of the Geneva show starting next Tuesday to see how the real thing pans out...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 21, 2006, 8:46 AM
- Categories: Coupes, Geneva Motor Show, Saab, Sports Cars, Spy Photos
January 5, 2006
Saab showed the 9-5 Aero BioPower concept today in LA. It's an ethanol-compatible vehicle, but differs from run-of-the-mill "flex-fuel" cars in that it actually provides better performance when running on ethanol. E85's 104 octane rating allowed engineers to advance the 2.3L engine's ignition timing and increase the turbo boost 20%. The result is 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque compared to 260 hp and 258 lb ft on premium unleaded...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Erin Riches January 5, 2006, 6:22 PM
- Categories: General Motors, LA Auto Show, Saab
December 12, 2005
Wards lists the top 10 engines for 2006.
- Audi AG: 2L FSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3)
- Audi AG: 4.2L DOHC V-8 (Audi S4)
- BMW AG: 3L DOHC I-6 (330i)
- DaimlerChrysler AG: 5.7L Hemi Magnum OHV V-8 (Dodge Charger R/T)
- Ford Motor Co.: 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang GT)
- General Motors Corp.: 2L supercharged DOHC I-4 (Chevrolet Cobalt SS)
- General Motors Corp.: 2.8L turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Saab 9-3 Aero)
- Mazda Motor Corp.: 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed 6)
- Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Infiniti G35 6MT)
- Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 12, 2005, 1:00 AM
- Categories: Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Saab, Toyota, Trends
December 5, 2005
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety chooses their top picks in each catagory for the first time. This was aired on NBC's Dateline TV program. More here.
Silver Award
Large cars
Audi A6
Midsize cars
Audi A3
Audi A4
Chevrolet Malibu (with optional side airbags)
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Gold Award
Large cars
Ford 500 or Mercury Montego (with optional side airbags)
Midsize cars
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy
Small Cars
Honda Civic 4-door
- Permalink | Comments (2)
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 5, 2005, 1:00 AM
- Categories: Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Saab, Subaru, Trends
November 11, 2005
Despite the troubles of its parent GM, along with the breakup of GM with FHI, Saab
is very upbeat about it's future. They're planning an aggressive new
marketing campaign to raise public awareness of the brand. You may have
already seen some new TV spots with the tagline: "Saab, born from
jets," which plays upon their aircraft heritage.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 11, 2005, 6:53 AM
- Categories: Saab
