Tag: saab

Saab moves to rehire dismissed workers after summer break; one-in-three refuse

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab

When General Motors was on the precipice of dropping Saab forever, we imagine that the good workers of Trollhättan, Sweden were more than a little nervous. After all, how many high-paying jobs are there there in Scandanavia in the middle of a global recession? Well, it turns out that there may be quite a few jobs available if you consider the high volume of workers who reportedly turned down an offer to come back to work at Saab.

Sweden’s SVT reports that as many as one-in-three laid off Saab workers turned down offers to come back to work in factory jobs for the company. Håkan Skött, Metallklubbens chairman at Saab in Trollhättan reportedly told SVT that up to 30 percent of the workers got new jobs or invested in training, adding “it’s really nice that people have found other solutions.” it’s also good that Saab was still able to rehire 224 workers to help edge up vehicle production from a reported 28 units per hour to a max speed of 39 vehicles in any 60 minute period. The added workers will increase annual production to 60,000 units in total, and the company will need to hire still more workers if it plans to increase production more through a second shift.

[Source: SVT via Saabs United | Image: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty]

Saab moves to rehire dismissed workers after summer break; one-in-three refuse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Saab, Luxury

Saab 9-4X Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve been expecting this announcement to come sooner or later, though we didn’t exactly count on it coming from the LA Auto Show’s own Twitter page. But there it is anyway, straight from the horse’s mouth: “Saab has confirmed that the 9-4X Crossover will make its world debut at the LA Auto Show this Nov.”

We’re also expecting some sort of official word that the new crossover ‘ute, which will share its Theta Premium underpinnings with the Cadillac SRX, should hit the market sometime in the spring of 2011… perhaps around April.

While we’re on the subject of expectations, we’d also imagine that Saab will offer its premium crossover with the same powerplants as the recently released 9-5, which means we could see a 2.0-liter turbocharged four and a 2.8-liter turbocharged six, both likely mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. We’ll apparently find out for sure soon enough.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

[Source: LA Auto Show’s Twitter]

2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Saab to enter WRC with new 9-2

Filed under: Motorsports, Saab, Rumormill

Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept

Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab was quite successful in rally competition once upon a time, and it looks like the automaker’s new management hopes to kick-start the brand’s revival with a return its motorsports roots.

The word out of Europe is that Saab has met with World Rally Championship officials and committed to a 2012 entry into the series with a machine based on its upcoming smaller car. Depending on who you talk to, the new model could be dubbed either the 9-1 or 9-2.

The small car project originally began several years ago when Saab was still under the General Motors umbrella with the car expected to be based on the Gamma platform that underpins the Opel Corsa. As an independent, Saab doesn’t have the resources to develop such a platform on its own and is currently talking to other potential partners including BMW and some Chinese makers. Expect its design to be inspired heavily by the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid concept (above).

If Saab hooks up with BMW, it could have a Mini-based 9-1/9-2 competing against the new Mini Countryman WRC.

Gallery: Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept

[Source: CAR]

Rumormill: Saab to enter WRC with new 9-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: A vengeful Fangio in a Saab SPG?

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Videos, Celebrities


Peter Peter Hughes as Fangio. Click above to watch the music video after the jump.

An entire concept album born from a 23-year-old song imagining Juan Manuel Fangio piloting a Saab SPG through the Andes on a mission to assassinate former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet? The plot sounds like some mythical collaboration between Terry Gilliam and Sergio Leone. In fact, the artist behind it all is Peter Peter Hughes, whom you may know from his work as a member of The Mountain Goats.

The first two songs off Hughes’ new solo project, Fangio, will be released on August 10, both digitally and on vinyl (the 7″ will be available via Fayettenam Records). The complete LP follows on September 7 (vinyl again available via Fayettenam — and dig that album artwork). Preceding all that, however, is the music video for the track, “My God is an Angry God.” Directed by our great friend (and Jalopnik O.G.) Davey G. Johnson, the video – shot in true guerilla style using locales in upstate New York including the old Watkins Glen GP circuit – stars Hughes as Fangio and Hughes’ personal Saab SPG as itself.

Follow the jump to watch the video, and be sure to pick up the record once it’s officially released. For additional updates, you can follow Peter Peter Hughes at his website, Fivetools.com, and also be sure to check in on Davey at his place, the excellently-named Sofaleggera.com.

[Source: Fivetools.com, Sofaleggera.com]

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Video: A vengeful Fangio in a Saab SPG? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mid-engined Corvette development confirmed… by Saab engineers?!

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Chevrolet, Rumormill

1990 General Motors CERV III concept

Before things went all tipsy in the auto market, the engineers at General Motors were apparently hard at work on some pretty interesting projects. How interesting? How about an actual mid-engine Corvette? Autocar says that an unnamed Saab engineer confirmed that the Swedish automaker had actually been charged with developing a transmission for such a beast when the company was still under The General’s wing. Evidently, the cog box used a wet clutch setup and was built to handle up to 590 lb-ft of torque. If you’re keeping score at home, you’ll likely note that those twist figures are just south of what the ZR1 puts to the pavement right now.

How about them apples.

As Autocar points out, that project was canned when credit went tighter than a fat man’s socks, but there may be a ray of light in this whole tale. The UK publication claims that GM has fired up the burners under the C7 project one more time, and that a mid-engine chassis will indeed be part of the recipe. If you’re buying what Autocar is selling – and we’re not necessarily in that group – a turbo V6 will supply the car’s grunt, too.

[Source: Autocar]

Mid-engined Corvette development confirmed… by Saab engineers?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All-electric Saab 9-3 test fleet reportedly to launch in early 2011

Filed under: Sedan, Saab, Electric
During a media launch for the 2011 Saab 9-5, company executives revealed plans to introduce a test fleet of electric vehicles based on the upcoming 9-3. As Inside Line reports, Saab execs confirmed that the test fleet of EVs will roll out in early 2011 and will be deployed at various locations across the globe, including Saab’s hometown of Trollhattan, Sweden.

Saab’s “100 percent electric vehicle” test fleet is a joint effort between the automaker, lithium ion battery producer Boston-Power, electric propulsion systems manufacturer Electroengine and the Swedish Energy Authority. Saab Automobile AB managing director Jan Ake Jonsson said:

The main purpose is to draw technology from this test fleet, technology that we can then incorporate quickly. The key target short-term is to drive fuel consumption down. You can electrify certain portions of the vehicle.

When prodded about a target release date for a mass-production EV, Jonsson ducked out by stating:

Everybody is looking at that question. Nobody has an answer. It will take some time.

Without official word from Jonsson, we’ll have to fall back on the previous comments of Saab’s chief executive officer Victor Muller, who suggested that 2016 is the year the company will go for electrification.

[Source: Inside Line]

All-electric Saab 9-3 test fleet reportedly to launch in early 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW to build 9-2 on Mini chassis for Saab

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Saab, Design/Style, Luxury

Feast your eyes on the newest bit of rumor from the creative crew at AutoExpress. The site claims that BMW and Saab are looking to shack up for the production of a new 9-2 based on – you guessed it – the Mini Cooper. The idea is to create a new compact Saab that can go toe-to-toe with Audi’s new teacup fighter, the A1, while lessening the burden of development costs for Saab’s parent company, Spyker. According to AE, the news came to light during an interview with Saab head honcho Victor Muller, though the direct quote merely suggests that the company will look outside of itself for a little help with chassis development.

The idea of a Mini-based 9-2 doesn’t hurt our feelings one bit, and it would seem to make sense for BMW to want to reduce the cost of developing the next-generation Cooper/1 Series by joining forces with another company, and this isn’t the first time we’ve gotten word of such a partnership. But until we hear something a little more substantial from either Saab or BMW, we’d suggest downing this one with a hefty grain of salt. Head over to Auto Express for a look at two renderings.

[Source: Auto Express]

Report: BMW to build 9-2 on Mini chassis for Saab originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Saab 9-3 getting new engines, modest refresh for 2011

Filed under: Sedan, Saab, Rumormill

All the recent talk of Saab has mostly centered around the new 9-5. But lest anyone forget about its entry-level offering, Saab is turning its attention towards the 9-3 to bring it closer to the ideals introduced by the 9-5, while adding some freshness in the process. According to a Saabs United source, the next 9-3 will receive a mild facelifted and a few engine room tweaks for the 2011 model year.

Fans of earth-tones will undoubtedly be ecstatic with the new Javabrown exterior hue, and Diamond Silver is another new color. Turbine-like wheels that echo the new 9-5 are included and expect a revised front fascia to match. Two new model choices – “Vector Griffin” and “Griffin Aero” – will be available, and the front bumpers will be slightly different between the trims.

Engine selections will be market-dependent, with a 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder with 163 horsepower in naturally aspirated form and 220 hp when sporting a turbocharger. Some markets can order a diesel, which will have three versions, delivering 130-, 160- or 180-hp. Interior changes are slight and boil down to color and materials juggling. It’s clear that Saab has its design mojo working, hopefully it can infuse the same kind of enthusiasm into the sales numbers.

[Source: Saabs United]

Report: Saab 9-3 getting new engines, modest refresh for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Saab owners to commune with the faithful in… Aurora, Ohio?

Filed under: Classics, Budget, Etc., Saab, Spyker, Luxury

Saab: A History in Pictures – Click above for high-res image gallery

Sure enough, fans of the Dutch-owned Swedish manufacturer will descend on Aurora to participate in this year’s 2010 Saab Owner’s Convention. Why Aurora, Ohio? Because 30 years ago, that was where Saab took the checkered at the “Longest Day at Nelson Ledges” 24 hour endurance race. To mark the occasion and celebrate escaping the steely death grip of General Motors, the three-day event will feature a keynote address from none other than the company’s charismatic head honcho, Victor Muller. Word has it that Saab’s current chairman, Jan-Åke Jonsson will say a word or two as well. Perhaps tellingly, in past years, GM sent lower-level executives to gladhand at the Saab Owner’s Convention, but this is the first time in memory that such high-ranking officials have committed to make the scene.

Meanwhile, a track day will kick off with test drives of the new 9-5 Aero Sedan open to any and all who choose to participate. Saab will also have a 9-3 Aero Convertible on hand to pore over as well. As you might have guessed, there will also be a handful of car show events on the schedule, complete with awards for people’s choice, Concours d’Saab and best Saab Fleet in North America. Fortunately, the whole collection doesn’t have to be in Aurora to pick up the gold on that last one. The shindig starts tomorrow, Thursday, July 22 and runs through Sunday, July 25, so if you’ve got a Saab-loving bone in your body, you know where to be. Hit the jump to see the full press blast.

Gallery: Saab – A History in Pictures

[Source: Saab Cars North America]

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New Saab owners to commune with the faithful in… Aurora, Ohio? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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