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article says, basically, that there there is a "tragedy" -- Saab is not doing well. says that Bob Lutz has basically told the Swedes (Saab) with their small number of cars can't expect Gm to keep suporting them. that the ONLY chance for Saab is integration into GM.
says fewer unique components as an example -- Opel will be handling Technick (technology/technical) and Logistik (its not logistics -- probably things like manufacturing, etc), GMC is developing the 9-7, Isuzu & Fiat - diesel engines .
says that basically 2 months ago Saab was given an ultimatum -- the results -- the 9-2 is a mildy modified Imprezza, and the 9-7 based on a GM SUV.. And 9-3 wagon and crossover not before 2005, with the new 9-5 not before 2007, and the concept cars are "on ice" (!)
9-2 will initially be US/Canada only (Jan 2004), 2006 2nd gen in US & Europe (since it must have a diesel). interior of 9-2 virtually unchanged from current Subaru version.
9-7 to be introduced end of 2004
article raised the question is the the end of Saab as a stand alone company? answers itself with the quote from Lutz -- who claims if done well, both partners benefit.
next gen 9-7 likely to be in Europe (should be a sister to be new lamda platform Buick Rendevous), too and lists these active projects
9-3 Crossover (Projekt 443) •
9-3 Wagon (Projekt 444) •
9-5 Next gen (Projekt 660) •
9-5 wagon (Projekt 664)
BUT -- is says there are NO firm dates for these -- b/c of no money in the bank!
says Steyr is supposed to do the 4x4 for the 9-3 crossover, but no chassis and other development yet
does say a 2.8 turbo v-6 should be available in all 9-3's, as well as the 6 speed sentronic. fiat 2 liter diesel also in the works for 9-3 & 9-5
next gen 9-5 design not final -- but appears to favor an Opel Signum like
"Hochdach konzept" (= not sure what that is , but literally is "high roof concept")
ends with a sort of cyncial perhaps noncommital quote from Lutz in response to merging Opeal & Saab -- that says "what matters is syngery, and how that happens is secondary"
(now my comment)
-- alas -- for Saab to prosper, it better learn to leverage the platforms in the GM family -- or it will truly be only a badge brand. My guess, in the best case, GM will reeingineer and rebadge Opels to sell in the US, and perhaps modify some other North American platforms. In the worst, it will fold the Saab tent and put its money behind Cadillac.
Pete
posted by 207.97.136...
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