Motor Authority - blog Category: 9-7X

Cutting back on SUV and pickup truck production while shifting focus to smaller and mid-size cars means some reallocation of the workload among General Motors' North American factories. While many factories are just changing what they do, some will have to be closed to align with the new face of the auto market, and the next on the list is the Janesville, Wisconsin SUV plant, which will shut its doors by the end of the year.

Earlier plans had the plant closing by 2010 anyway, but the tough market through September has forced GM to move up its timetable. The closure will put 1,200 UAW workers out of their jobs when the operation shuts down... Cutting back on SUV and pickup truck production while shifting focus to smaller and mid-size cars means some reallocation of the workload among General Motors' North American factories. While many factories are just changing what they do, some will have to be closed to align with the new face of the auto market, and the next on the list is the Janesville, Wisconsin SUV plant, which will shut its doors by the end of the year. Earlier plans had the plant closing by 2010 anyway, but the tough market through September has forced GM to move up its timetable. The closure will put 1,200 UAW workers out of their jobs when the operation shuts down December 23. The plant has been used to make GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban SUVs. Another plant in Moraine, Ohio, where the GMC Envoy, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Saab 9-7X are built, will face a similar fate. The plant there had also been slated for a 2010 shutdown, but was moved forward due to the worsening market conditions. Looking further into the future, GM also plans to cut its Grand Rapids, Michigan, stamping plant by the end of 2009. In operation for the past 73 years, the plant today mainly stamps parts for GM's SUV lineup. The plant closures are all part of GM's ongoing restructuring plan for its North American business, involving a $10 billion cost-cutting program and raising $5 billion in cash. With revenues dropping through the floor on the weakest market in recent memory, however, cutting costs is easier - and quicker - than boosting revenues, and GM has taken to the task with vigor. Read More

Saab has teamed up with Los Angeles customizer DUB, to give the slow selling 9-7X SUV some much needed attention. Highlights of the package include the 24-inch custom propeller style wheels that look almost identical to the wheels from Saab’s Aero X concept, new fenders with side vents and tinted tail lights. Mechanical’s include a full Borla performance exhaust system and a custom three-inch lowered suspension kit.

Inside the car gets a custom suede and leather lined interior plus a full entertainment system with DVD, six monitors and 12in woofers. DUB were originally inspired by the Saab Aero X concept and the 'Born from Jets'... Saab has teamed up with Los Angeles customizer DUB, to give the slow selling 9-7X SUV some much needed attention. Highlights of the package include the 24-inch custom propeller style wheels that look almost identical to the wheels from Saab’s Aero X concept, new fenders with side vents and tinted tail lights. Mechanical’s include a full Borla performance exhaust system and a custom three-inch lowered suspension kit. Inside the car gets a custom suede and leather lined interior plus a full entertainment system with DVD, six monitors and 12in woofers. DUB were originally inspired by the Saab Aero X concept and the 'Born from Jets' theme,’ a tag that seems to be getting less relevant as each day passes. Whether the 9-7X Aero Concept ever makes it into production is still up in the air. However, it’s more likely that Saab will use the show to gauge interest from the public and see what features actually resonate with customers. Earlier this year, Saab announced the 9-7X Altitude Edition, of which only 500 will be produced. At a starting price of $42,130 for the six-cylinder 9-7X 4.2i Altitude Edition, customers receive 18" alloy polished wheels, side assist steps, a rear DVD player, and an exclusive carbon fiber gray metallic paint. Read More