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My brother who works for Range Rover passed on this release from Singapore.
I can't really fathom the full extent of such changes but here it is !
BUSINESS TIMES (SINGAPORE)
July 25, 2001
LENGTH: 417 words
HEADLINE: Saab set for a dramatic revamp: It will roll out 11 new models
between
now and 2008
BODY:
The Saab 9-5 may have undergone conservative changes but its Swedish
maker
has big plans for a dramatic makeover to expand from the current two-model
range.
In the snoop-for-scoops environment of motoring journalism, Saab is
keeping
the lid on its big revelations until the Frankfurt Motor Show, where it is
expected to unveil a concept car. But at the launch of a facelift to the
top-of-the-range 9-5 at its facility here, senior management dropped
several
hints about what lay ahead.
Between now and 2008, Saab aims to launch 11 new models. With an
ambitious
growth target of 250,000 units a year, almost double its current output of
133,000 vehicles, Saab has invested in increasing the capacity of its
facility.
Of the planned releases, three-quarters have already been approved and
funded, according to Patrik Riese, manager, retention marketing global
brand
management. 'We will be launching at least one new model every year for
the next
few years,' Mr Riese said.
Anders Hellman, executive director, portfolio management and vehicle
line
executive for 9-3 and 9-5, said: 'The new balance sheet is strong and
would make
any individual organisation envious. We are investing heavily in all
areas.'
Part of that investment was the recruitment of Michael Mauer as design
chief.
The 37-year-old was whisked away after 14 years with DaimlerChrysler, in
time to
play his part in the facelifted 9-5 which will be launched in the
Singapore
market towards year-end.
Mr Mauer said he intended to immerse himself in the Saab culture and not
force changes not in keeping with the Scandinavian design philosophy. 'We
will
continue building cars around the four brand pillars of safety, control,
performance and design. We need products that combine the best of
different
worlds,' he said, hinting at the possible influences parent General Motors
may
have on its much smaller European acquisition.
Mr Mauer said that there would be 'solutions and combinations in the
offing
that you don't think about'. This could be a reference to Saab's likely
entry
into the SUV or MPV markets, or perhaps even a versatile vehicle to meet
the
needs of a dynamic executive audience.
'We will introduce cars where we never sold cars before, but we don't
want to
be mainstream. We will continue to produce a niche product,' Mr Riese
added. The
changes that Saab will effect also involves its dealer network, which will
be
upgraded in look and feel, by 2003.
Kannan Chandran In Trollhattan, Sweden
LOAD-DATE: July 25, 2001
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