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Entry-Level SAAB 9-1 Back On The Table

 
6 1,803 views Mar 8, 2010
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With Lexus unveiling the new CT 200h and Infiniti bosses confirming plans for an all-electric compact car of their own, Saab is wary of becoming one of the only premium automakers without a model to compete in what’s quickly becoming a new frontier for the luxury marques: the premium compact segment.

It’s not like the idea hasn’t been seriously considered at Saab headquarters in Trollhattan, Sweden. After all, in 2008 alone Saab unveiled two new concept cars previewing a possible ‘9-1’ entry-level model--but then the global economy took a turn for the worse and all energy was focused on simply keeping the firm alive.

Now, with the financial backing of new owner Spyker, as well as a loan from the European government, Saab is once again looking at adding a smaller car to its lineup to compete with the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series.

Speaking with Automotive News, both Saab managing director Jan Ake Jonsson and Spyker CEO Victor Muller said they wanted to launch a new entry-level model and that the car had a “better than average chance” of entering production.

Saab had originally hoped to use the front-wheel drive platform underpinning the Opel Astra whilst it was still under the ownership of General Motors. Now there’s a chance that Saab could use its own in-house developed platform for the new 9-1, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrains available as an option. A convertible model could also be launched.

All will depend if Saab can reach its goal of becoming profitable by 2012 and manufacturing at a rate of 120,000 cars per year. If given the green light, the Saab 9-1 would be available for several years at the least.

[Automotive News, sub req’d]





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Comments (6)

  1. fb_33701777 avatar Will Cheval Jr. Posted: 3/8/2010 9:53am PST

    awesome looking entry luxury compact convertible.
     
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  2. By Michael S Posted: 3/8/2010 10:53am PST

    They don't need the GM platform, not with Magna Steyr around.
     
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  3. By Zeegold Posted: 3/8/2010 1:27pm PST

    why on earth would SAAB spend the millions needed to develop their own platform for the 9-1? I would think that an automaker the size of Skpyer-Saab would want to spend the time and money (when they have it) to develop a platform flexible enough for ALL their future vehicles, and not just the 9-1.
    I would think their main concern would be to get the 9-3 to market as fast as possible.
     
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  4. By NoNameDenton Posted: 3/8/2010 3:41pm PST

    Since the Saab 9-3 is supposed to be on the Astra platform in the future, why not put this on the Gamma platform.
     
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  5. By Student Posted: 3/9/2010 1:35am PST

    I think Saab needs to throw the old rule book out the window as soon as possible or as much as possible To reminds us what The new Saab is meant to be.Not the old One GM left behind after Year of neglect and communication failure as was likewise with Jaguar with Ford.
    I think Saab needs to distinguish it self along with it's new line on the exterior and interior ; MORE NOW that it's no longer with GM. TO show that it is a modern company. Like Jaguar has done with the XJ and XF by throwing out the rule book out the window when it come to the new designs that are meant to redefine Saab.
    If you are wondering why Saab Spyker might even consider the platform to be in Trollhattan is to keep up factory efficiency to secure Saab's future Goal of breaking even by 2012. Through profitability and bringing back Saab individuality it lost much under GM's ownership
     
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  6. By  smart lipo Posted: 3/10/2010 3:58am PST

    aab has been beaten by the GM stuff for so long... As long as I am concerned, I don´t care. I have owned 5 saabs in last 9 years and they were all great cars. The GM stuff never bothered me, I have always felt that I drove a proper Saab not an Opel or something alse fom GM stable.
     
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