FOR RELEASE: 2007-01-03

Saab Finishes 2006 Strong, Sets Global Sales Record

Saab returned a strong global sales performance last year, achieving growth of 5.4 percent compared to 2005 and setting best-ever volumes for both worldwide and European sales.

Global sales increased to 133,167 cars, exceeding the previous record set in 2000. And for the second year running, Saab's European sales increased 11.1 percent establishing a new volume record for 88,859 vehicles for the region ahead of the previous benchmark set in 2005.

Saab 9-3 sales, stimulated by the successful introduction of the 9-3 SportCombi were up 7 percent globally, while the refreshed Saab 9-5 range, including the popular Saab 9-5 FlexFuel "BioPower" model, was also 6 percent up. Best-ever Saab sales volumes were achieved in Spain, Belgium and Canada.

"These strong results show that interest in the Saab brand has increased substantially," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile AB managing director. "Exciting concept cars, such as the Saab Aero X and the Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Convertible indicate the future direction of the brand. As we enter our 60^th anniversary year in 2007, we look forward to building on our strong sales momentum."

Saab sold a total of 36,349 vehicles in the United States, making it again the largest single market for Saab worldwide. "Though our overall sales decreased slightly from last year's levels, we achieved several highlights," said Jay Spenchian, Saab Automobile USA general manager. "Sales of our 9-3 core model were up, helped by the very well received SportCombi which had its best month ever in December. Overall Saab sales in the U.S. showed year-over-year gains during the last five months of the year, including a near-record 33 percent jump in December - giving us strong momentum as we start 2007."

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 2007 model year, Saab markets seven engines/transmissions that perform at an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway. Saab also offers vehicle warranty coverage for five-years or up to 100,000 miles. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information. 

December, 21st, 2006

Saab AlcoKey Wins Award from the Swedish Automobile Association

Saab Automobile AB has received the Swedish Automobile Association’s award ”Årets Hjulklapp” (This year’s Christmas Present) for making a major contribution to the development of alco-lock devices with its Saab AlcoKey.

 

Sweden is in the forefront in Europe when it comes to traffic safety. Despite this fact, drink driving is still a serious problem, which last year (2005) accounted for approximately 35 percent of all fatalities in traffic accidents in Sweden.

 

During a lengthy development program, Saab Automobile AB has worked with solutions to the problems surrounding alcohol consumption and car driving. Saab AlcoKey is a product that, thanks to its user-friendly operation, has the potential to become the first such device in mass production for everyday use. In its award citation the Swedish Automobile Association states:

 

”One of the most efficient measures to reduce the number of traffic accidents is the incorporation of alco-lock devices as standard in newly produced cars. To achieve reasonable cost levels, create optimal user friendliness and provide technical quality, the car industry must push forward the development process of this safety installation. Saab’s development of – and ongoing field trials with – Saab AlcoKey, will have strategic importance for safer traffic conditions and will, at the same time, contribute to a beneficial development of competition in the car market as a whole.”

 

Smaller than a mobile phone, the slim Saab AlcoKey module incorporates a flip-top cover with a mouth piece where the driver provides a breath sample before starting the car. A radio transmitter then sends a signal to the car’s electronic control unit. This will either allow the car to be started, or keep it immobilized if the breath sample is found to contain alcohol above the permitted legal level.

 

This is the seventh year that the Swedish Automobile Association has given its annual award, which is designed to encourage individuals, organisations or companies that are innovative and outstanding within the fields of traffic safety, car safety and the environment. This year’s ”Årets Hjulklapp” consists of a diploma and a sum of money amounting to 5000 Swedish kronor.

 

Last year’s “Årets Hjulklapp” was awarded to a campaigner for environmentally-friendly cars, Mattias Goldmann, in recognition of his successful work in generating awareness of environmentally-friendly cars. Previous recipients of “Årets Hjulklapp” are: the whiplash researcher Maria Krafft (2000); children-in-car safety researcher Thomas Thurbell (2001); a team of teachers in Kristianstad who developed road-user training in elementary school (2002); the car consumer TV show “Trafikmagasinet” at SVT in Falun (2003); and traffic police in the Örebro region for the prioritizing of a police presence on roads before the installation of speeding cameras (2004).

FOR RELEASE: 2006-12-18

One Million Miles in a Saab? Get a New One from Saab - For Free

DETROIT — Convinced of the jet-like performance and endurance of its products, Saab Automobile USA is announcing that it will offer a free new Saab to any U.S. customer who covers the distance of one million miles (or more) in a Saab that he or she originally purchased new. The new Saab will come with the 100,000 mile/5 years GM Powertrain limited warranty and 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance, standard with every model in the 2007 Saab Automobile USA portfolio.

This announcement comes after Wisconsin resident and insurance salesman Peter Gilbert recently reached the one million milestone in a 1989 Edwardian Gray Saab 900 SPG, still with the original engine and turbo, at this year’s North American Saab Owners Convention in Lake George, N.Y. Saab Automobile USA General Manager Jay Spenchian was the very first to congratulate Gilbert and his 900 SPG on the occasion.

“Saabs are made for people who love to drive, as proven by the many high-mileage examples in the Saab owners’ community”, Spenchian said. “Having personally been with Peter Gilbert in his 900 SPG as we crossed their magical finish line together, one cannot help but being impressed by the condition of car and driver after one million miles. Our offer of a new Saab to any U.S. customer who equals this achievement, should be seen as a token of appreciation for the enduring loyalty and confidence in Saab.”

Mr. Gilbert will receive a brand new, 260 hp Saab 9-5 Aero (MSRP $ 38,735 ) as a worthy replacement for his tried-and-true 900 SPG. Delivery of the new car is to be scheduled in early 2007 at the Saab Aero Academy at Road Atlanta, Georgia. Saab is the only U.S. manufacturer offering this two-day enhanced driving course – a $1,350 value – at no cost to every U.S. customer who buys a new Saab 9-3 Aero or 9-5 Aero.

“I am obviously thrilled with the idea of being presented with a new Saab 9-5 Aero”, Gilbert said. “It is not just fast and fuel efficient, but also extremely safe. A reassuring thought, keeping in mind that my faithful 900 SPG and I survived many a collision with Wisconsin deer. Who knows, I might take a run at another million miles in my new 9-5! "

The offer of a free, new 2007 Saab 9-5 Aero [not to exceed the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $38,735 (certain features and options are subject to availability at time of delivery) and delivery to take place at an authorized Saab USA dealer] valid from the date of this release through calendar year 2007 (offer ends Dec. 31, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time), is available to any U.S. customer who can present verifiable proof to Saab Automobile USA that he or she is the original owner of the Saab vehicle that covered one million road miles or more, that the vehicle is in running condition, that the odometer hasn’t been tampered with, and that the vehicle is currently and has always been registered in the United States. The customer is responsible for all applicable taxes, title fees, registration and destination charges. Visit www.saabusa.com for important details and limitations on this offer.

November 28, 2006

SAAB CELEBRATES DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY WITH SPECIAL EDITIONS

 

LOS ANGELES – Saab, the Swedish-born automaker that got its wings from aviation, is celebrating its diamond anniversary in 2007 by introducing two special models that are sure to fly out of dealer showrooms – 60^th Anniversary Editions of its 9-5 and 9-3 models. 

Taking cues from its Scandinavian birthplace, the 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible, and the 9-5 Aero Sedan and SportCombi 60^th Anniversary Editions, will be offered with unique content – a glittering Ice Blue metallic exterior finish; dazzling 17-inch alloy wheels; solid black leather sport seats with gray inserts and embossed with “SAAB”; exotic dark walnut interior trim; and not to be outdone underfoot, black floor mats with gray binding detail.  

Additionally, the 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible 60^th Anniversary Editions include premium audio that features XM Satellite Radio and a six-disc CD changer; dual-power front seats; and front fog lights. On the 9-5 Aero Sedan and SportCombi, the 60^th Anniversary Editions include the Visibility Package, which consists of Saab Parking Assistance, rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlamps and auto-dimming outside mirrors. 

“We are looking forward to leading Saab’s 60-year anniversary celebration in the United States,” Saab USA General Manager Jay Spenchian said. “The 9-5 and 9-3 Anniversary Editions are a great way to mark the occasion, and they provide an excellent and a unique value to customers.

“On Aug. 23-26, 2007, Southeast Michigan will host the North American Saab Owners Convention, where we will continue the celebration.”  

The 60^th Anniversary Edition option will be available at Saab dealerships across the United States in early 2007. On the 9-3 Sport Sedan (MSRP: $26,915), SportCombi (MSRP: $27,915) and Convertible (MSRP: $37,515), the 60^th Anniversary Edition option is offered for a modest $1,825, which is nearly $1,000 less than its MSRP value of $2,823. On the 9-5 Sedan (MSRP: $35,115) and SportCombi (MSRP: $36,115), the 60^th Anniversary Edition option is offered for $1,595, with an actual MSRP value of $2,245. 

Diamonds, in addition to being associated with timeless beauty and quality, and getting Marilyn Monroe’s famous endorsement as “a girl’s best friend,” are judged by the four Cs – Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. Similarly, Saabs are judged by the four Es – Exciting, Entertaining, Engaging and Endearing. 

Exciting: Inspired by its aircraft heritage, the Saab 9-5 and 9-3 lines are high-performers.  About 30 years ago, Saab revolutionized turbo technology and has been working toward perfection since. The 2007 line-up is the best yet. Turbocharging enhances the driving experience with rapid acceleration of miles per hour and heartbeats per minute – while yielding smile-enhancing fuel economy at the same time. Drivers of the 9-5 Aero risk contracting “perma-grin” after they attend the Saab Aero Academy, an exclusive two-day performance-driving program uniquely offered at no charge to customers who buy or lease a new Saab Aero model. 

Entertaining: Who says the marriage of form and function cannot produce amusement?  Certainly not Saab designers and engineers. A six-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio and premium Bose speakers enhance driving delight in the cabin. Even the integrated cup holder has entertainment potential as it disappears into the fascia and reappears with the push of a button.

Engaging: For many years, Saab automobiles have appealed to the intellectual set – and with good reason. Award-winning safety innovations, such as Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) and side-impact protection systems, helped Saab stand out from the pack in its early years.  Most recently, Saab has added the OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system; seven vehicle variants that produce an EPA-rated 30 mpg or better on the highway; an industry-leading five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty; and no-charge maintenance. 

For those who buy vehicles with their head as well as their heart, Saab offers great looks and equally great performance to match. 

Endearing: The driver controls and interior orientation are intuitively borne from Saab’s aircraft heritage. Building off that heritage, Saab automobiles use simple good sense and take advantage of every space to bring forward an efficiently packaged vehicle to consumers. It’s this efficiency that has endeared automotive pilots to the brand since 1947, and it continues to win over test pilots all around the country. 

In 1946, Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (SAAB) faced a post-WWII economic shift driven by the military-industrial complex to the consumer-based market. Looking to diversify, the primarily military aircraft manufacturer gave 16 aircraft engineers licence to create the company’s first automobile. In 1947, the automotive division of Saab was born. The spirit of those engineers lives on today.  

FOR RELEASE: 2006-11-17

Sir Richard Branson Gives Green Light to Saab BioPower

DETROIT — Move over fossil fuel – that’s just so passé – or that’s the message as the UK ’s most high-profile and best-known businessman Sir Richard Branson takes delivery of a Saab 9-5 BioPower.

Sir Richard’s switch to his Saab flex-fuel car, which runs on the eco-friendly and renewable fuel source bioethanol E85 (made from plant products such as wheat and grain), reinforces the Virgin boss’ unwavering commitment to fighting one of the biggest challenges of our times – that of global warming.

Speaking today as he took the keys of his new Saab, Sir Richard said: “I am convinced that biofuels are the way forward, both for the car and aviation industries, which is a vision we share with Saab. Now we need to extend that vision to others. It’s high-time that flex-fuel cars, such as the Saab 9-5 BioPower, are given the same concessions in the UK as other green cars, like for example, exemption from London’s Congestion Charge.”

He continued: “At the moment, bioethanol is made from a variety of agricultural sources, whilst in the future, we will see it made from cellulosic waste matter, such as wood chippings, which really will make it the ultimate green fuel”

Earlier this year, the Virgin Group announced that all profits and equity realizations over the next 10 years from the group’s worldwide transport companies, including Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Trains in the UK , would be invested in the renewable energy sector. The amount to be invested is expected to be some £1.6bn (about US$3.0 bn). Virgin Fuels is expected to be one of the beneficiaries and has already invested in bioethanol production and will condu