The last few meetings have been great, and I just wanted to thank eveyone who contributed. Nate Sundquist gave a very informative and interesting presentation on biodeisel and how it is superior to other similar fuel types in many ways. Pat Greer drove in all the way from Milwaukee to give a great informative presentation on the wonders of Nokian tyres, and also handed out a bunch of goodies like hats, tee-shirts, etc. For this month's program we will continue the trend as Max Levine gives a presentation on aeronautical navigation and aivionics. This will prove to be an interesting and informative time just like those we've had in the past.

National SAAB Owner's Convention

The convention is all over! We have a few people in the club who attended the national SOC in Crystal Mountain a couple of weeks ago, and they will give us a quick run down of all the fun they had in Washington state. To check out some highlights for yourself you can visit the website at http://www.saabconvention.org/default.html.

Saab and FHI Continue Partnership with New Cross-Over Vehicle Alliance
July 8, 2004 / Norcross, GA
Saab Automobile AB and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the Japanese auto manufacturer of Subaru vehicles, have agreed on collaboration for a new cross-over vehicle.

The project represents an expansion of the cooperation between Saab and FHI that was initiated last year with Saab vehicle sales through select Subaru dealer outlets in Japan, and was followed this year with the introduction of the Saab 9-2X premium sports compact in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

"We continue to see a working relationship between FHI and Saab as a very natural fit," says Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman for product development. "It makes sense for FHI and Saab to work together early in the development process to deliver their own distinct interpretations of a sporty and versatile ‘cross-over’ product."

The new collaboration between Saab and FHI will integrate the development of a new Saab cross-over vehicle with FHI’s cross-over project for Subaru. Both vehicles will be produced at FHI’s U.S. manufacturing facility.

"We are pleased that our alliance with GM enables us to continue to work together with Saab," said Kyoji Takenaka, president and CEO of FHI. "This collaboration provides many benefits such as economies of scale, higher joint volume for FHI's U.S. manufacturing facility, etc. and most importantly, creates a win-win situation for both FHI and Saab."

Andrews New Pick-up Schedule

Andrews of Princeton has a new website! They have also just increased the number of pickup/deliveries from once, to four times a month! Chuck will swing down to the usual location at the Har Mar Mall in Roseville every Monday night. For more details you can visit the Andrews fresh new website at http://www.andrewsofprinceton.com/home/index.cfm or, you can give them a ring at 1-800-882-7220.

MEYER GARAGE

Iowa City SAAB Grand Opening/Meyer Garage 40th Anniversary Celebration

Our friends Marty, Annette, and crew have recently finished their beautiful new facility in Iowa City! There will be a Grand Opening Celebration at the Iowa City location on Saturday, September 18th, that will consist of all the usual fun activities we have enjoyed in the past from Marty and Annette including a tech clinic, tour, lunch, car wash, and service specials to boot! Additionally, on Saturday September 25, the original Meyer Garage location will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in business! They too will be hosting an open house including all the fun activities listed above Iowa City, but they will also be hosting a SAAB car show! Vintage SAABs are most encouraged to make the drive to both events, and all Minnesota SAAB Club members are cordially invited to attend! For a look at some great pics of the new place, or to get a great deal on a new SAAB at either of their locations, log on to http://www.meyersaab.com/.

Editor's Note: I would like to give a big "Thanks" to all of those who have assisted me over the past several weeks in resolving various computer problems that have cropped up in recent months. I am happy to announce that although I don't yet have an Apple, I have been upgraded with Windows XP Pro, Norton Antivirus, more RAM, new hard drive, Frontpage, and a variety of other valuable software and computer experience. Thanks to Jason Erickson, Scott Benson, Chris Satter, and all the others who pitched in!