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Saab Press - 3 Releases
Posted by The Saab Network (more from The Saab Network) on Tue, 11 Jan 2000 14:28:29
SAAB CARS USA RECEIVES AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN E-BUSINESS
Saab only automotive manufacturer to receive honor
NORCROSS, GA - Saab Cars USA, Inc. has been recognized as one of the Top 100 most innovative users of e-business information technology by CM's InformationWeek magazine. The 'InformationWeek E-Business 100' is the first time InformationWeek has recognized companies achieving overall excellence in e-business initiatives. Saab Cars USA, Inc. is the only automotive manufacturer recognized by the publication.
All nominations were assessed and evaluated by analysts from Hurwitz Group, a consulting and research firm specializing in strategic e-business and IT initiatives, as well as InformationWeek researchers and editors. Hurwitz Group specifically reviewed these companies' e-business strategies for their ability to execute their vision, integrate business and technology, and be innovative in e-business initiatives.
Saab Cars USA, Inc. is credited by industry observers as deploying the first sales-side extranet. Saab's e-business infrastructure is one of five key corporate initiatives to ensure customer satisfaction. The effort has contributed to a 35 percent increase in sales in the U.S. market.
'Being recognized by InformationWeek magazine as being one of the leading innovators in e-business is a great honor,' said Joel Manby, CEO of Saab Cars USA, Inc. 'As we look forward to 2000, we will continue to dramatically increase our e-business capabilities to further ensure customer satisfaction.'
In 1999, Saab Cars USA, Inc. installed a Java-based computerized retailer information system at 225 dealerships and 20 service points in North America. This upgrade provides easy- to-use graphical access to parts and repair orders, as well as a variety of financial information located on both mainframe and midrange systems.
'We would like to thank our IT vendors who have helped support our e-business initiatives,' said Jerry Rode, Director of Information Systems at Saab Cars USA, Inc., 'most notably IBM and Jacada for providing a powerful e-business infrastructure. Jacada for Java, used in conjunction with Lotus Domino, has extended Saab's proven business rules and best practices throughout our enterprise to allow retailers to easily navigate through multiple systems and databases for parts, service, sales or financial information,' he said.
The December 13th issue of InformationWeek includes the complete list of the Top 100 e-Business companies. The list can also be found at www.informationweek.com.
'All companies making the E-Business 100 exemplify three overarching characteristics essential to e-business successÑstrong leadership, business vision, and the capability to execute on strategy,' said Judith Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Group. ================== The Saab Network http://www.saabnet.com/ saabno39sdcx6spamx782saabnet.com
TSN Press 1/11/00 Message from The Saab Network Subject: Production Passes 50 Year Mark ================== Swedish automaker has produced nearly 3.3 million cars in last 50 years
NORCROSS, Ga.- On DecemDer 12,1949, the Swedish aircraft manufacturer Saab began regular production of its first ground-based vehicle-a green Saab 92. The uniquely styled car with its aircraft heritage, aerodynamic profile, front-wheel drive and two-stroke engine rolled off the line a few weeks later, challenging the automotive mainstream. Fifty years, and nearly 3.3 million cars later, Saab's unique approach to designing and engineering cars continues to challenge conventional wisdom.
>From prototype to regular production
In 1944, Saab-the acronym of Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget or Swedish Aircraft Company Limited-decided to begin making cars as a supplement to its aircraft production. Gunnar Ljungstrom, who had been employed as wing designer at Saab since 1937, was instructed to create a new car. After styling designer Sixten Sason joined the project, an aircraft-inspired and very advanced car gradually emerged.
The first prototype, designated the Saab 92.001, was ready in 1946. One year later, on June 10, 1947, a second car-designated the Saab 92.002-was unveiled. The two cars were used to move Saab's entire car department to Trollhattan and by 1949, Saab was ready to produce 20 pilot vehicles of the new Saab 92 model. The 92 designation was a logical progression from the earlier Scandia (90) and Safir (91) aircraft projects.
Cars instead of aircraft
The area of the Trollhattan workshop that was available for producing cars was only 190,000 sq. ft. and accommodated the entire production process-bodywork panel pressing and body assembly, engine and transmission production, upholstery and painting departments, final assembly and final adjustments.
As the first cars began rolling down the production line, the last Saab 21 propeller fighter aircraft rolled out of the factory. Aircraft production was being moved to Linkoping. The first three regular production cars were ready for delivery on January 16, 1950.
All of them were green
When the first Saab cars hit the showrooms, they produced enormous interest. An estimated 15,000 to 35,000 people lined up to see them. However, production was only four cars a day, and only 1,246 cars were produced in the first year-all the same bottle-green color.
The transversely mounted, two-cylinder, two-stroke engine had a displacement of 764 cc and developed 25 horsepower. The engine and transmission were integrated into one unit and, like all subsequent Saab models, the car was front-wheel drive. The unit construction, all-welded steel body was strong and torsionally stiff, and due to the streamlined body design, the car had a drag coefficient of only 0.35.
Production records in Trollhattan
A production rate of more than 10,000 Saab cars a year was not reached until 1958. The rate then rose swiffly to around 90,000 cars by the mid-1970s. The highest annual total was recorded in 1986, when 134,112 cars rolled offthe production line.
In addition to those produced in Trollhattan, Saab cars were also assembled over the years in Linkoping, Arlov, Malmo, Mechelen (Belgium) and Nystad/Uusikaupunki (Finland). Production today is concentrated to Trollhattan and Nystad, the latter plant producing the special Saab 9-3 Viggen model and all 9-3 Convertibles. The best production year for the Trollhattan factory was 1998, when 107,135 cars were produced (out of a total production of 124,867 cars in that year). ================== The Saab Network http://www.saabnet.com/ saabno39sdcx6spamx782saabnet.com
TSN Press 1/11/00 Message from The Saab Network Subject: 28.6% Sales Increase for 1999 ================== Best U.S. sales since 1987; Sixth consecutive year of sales growth
Press images may be found at: http://www.saabnet.com/tsn/press/
NORCROSS, Ga.- Saab Cars USA, Inc., the U.S. importer and distributor of Saab 9-3 and 9-5 automobiles, announced sales of 39,541 units in 1999, the Swedish automaker's higest U.S. sales volume since 1987. Saab enjoyed its sixth consecutive year of sales growth in the U.S. with a 28.6 percent increase over 1998. In December, Saab retailed 2,920 units.
'We are extremely proud of our 1999 results,' said Dan Chasins, Saab Cars USA, Inc. President and COO. 'We've been building momentum the past few years and our 1999 sales success demonstrates that our new product line and new, dedicated retail network are solid.' 1999 was the first full calendar year of sales of the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 models. It also was the first full year that Saab has seen the benefits of ongoing improvements made to strengthen its retail network.
Chasins pointed out that the Saab 9-5 played a large role in the year's sales success. Saab sold 16,778 9-5 models in 1999 which is 41.5 percent better than the best sales year of the vehicle it replaced, the Saab 9000. (Saab retailed 11,858 Saab 9000 units in 1988.) In December, Saab sold 1,058 9-5 Sedans and 383 9-5 Wagons. The 9-5 Wagon, which was introduced in April, used its unique combination of versatility and performance to draw new buyers to the Saab brand. Saab retailed 3,927 9-5 Wagon units in 1999Ñhigher than originally forecast.
Saab finished the year with 22,711 9-3 units retailed. In December, Saab sold 1,479 Saab 9-3 models, including 453 9-3 Convertibles. This demonstrates that the Saab 9-3 Convertible, with its insulated top, optional heated seats and excellent HVAC system, provides true four-season enjoyment.
Chasins expects another strong sales year in 2000. 'With the recent debut of the 9-5 Aero Sedan and the introduction of more 9-5 variants this spring, we fully expect to build on our current momentum. Saab's future is very bright.' ================== The Saab Network http://www.saabnet.com/ saabno39sdcx6spamx782saabnet.com
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