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Dear Saab Dealer:
The final step in Saab's 2006 product offensive comes with the introduction of the redesigned 9-5 carline. Like the 2006 9-3, it features an increased level of standard equipment and lower starting MSRP for a significantly improved overall value story.
The changes to standard equipment and MSRP on the 9-5 reinforce how Saab intends to go to market for 2006. The end goals of this strategy are to increase residual values and raise interest in Saab, particularly for those prospects who are comparison shopping on the web. In order to achieve a lower starting price and still increase feature content means you can expect a lower level of incentive spending than in the past. However, this does not mean we will eliminate incentive spending on the 9-5. We will continue to optimize our resources to keep you in a competitive position. Please make sure your staff is aware of this change in direction.
The changes for the 2006 9-5 are extensive, both inside and outside. First, per your request, we have dramatically simplified the lineup. Rather than 2 versions of the sedan and 3 versions of the wagon there is now 1 version of each bodystyle. This new model, called the 9-5 2.3T, is a "blended" version of the 2005 Arc and Aero specification utilizing a revised version of the 2.3 high output turbo now rated at 260hp. We have chosen not to use the Aero name on the 2006 9-5 because we have added as standard to the base car many, but not all, of the traditional features used in the past to define an Aero (such as a specific performance motor, bolstered sport seats, larger wheel/tires, lowered chassis, or unique exterior features). Also, the repositioned 2006 9-3 Aero with its new V6 turbo will be the focus our "Aero marketing" efforts to maximize its potential. However, as you will see, your customers will still be able to equip their 2006 9-5 with the available Sport Package that will provide a lowered chassis, tinted chrome interior trim, and bolstered sport seats.
Also, for 2006 the 9-5 SportWagon has been renamed SportCombi. With the redesigned 9-5 launching after the 9-3 SportCombi the timing was right to bring a common naming scheme to our 5-door body style with the intent to further reduce complexity.
The most obvious changes to the 2006 9-5 are the redesigned exterior and a refreshed interior. However, there are also a number of technical refinements such as chassis upgrades to improve handling precision and ride comfort. One of these changes is a new 17" x 7.5" wheel mounted on an all-season tire with increased sidewall height to address concerns in northern market areas. Here is an overview of the changes that have been made:
Exterior
- New hood
- New front and rear bumper fascias
- New front and rear lamps
- Color-matched side moldings
- Color-matched door handles
- New trunk lid/tailgate
Interior
- New instrument panel texture
- New inner door closing handle
- New wood effect trim insert with bright work highlights on the door panels
- New wood effect trim on the instrument panel
- Revised main instrument cluster
- New sport leather steering wheel
- Sand Beige interior color option is replaced with Parchment
- New Black leather appointed sport seats
- New audio system with XM and MP3 file playback
- New automatic climate control design
- Front passenger sensing system for dual-stage airbag deployment
Below you will find pricing and specification information for the 2006 9-5 car line. Please take some time to review this before beginning your 2006 order process. A memo will be posted to IRIS notifying you when to place your initial frame orders. This information is being released to you to aid in your ordering. Our plan is to not release this information to the public until your MY05 9-5 inventory reaches an acceptable level.
9-5 Sedan and SportCombi Changes for 2006
Price Changes:
- The starting MSRP of the Sedan is $34,100, a decrease of $2,150 (vs. the 2005 Arc). On a comparably equipped basis there is a decrease of $3,545 !!
- The starting MSRP of the SportCombi is $35,100, a decrease of $1,950 (vs. the 2005 Arc). On a comparably equipped basis there is a decrease of $3,345 !!
- Metallic paint increases from $525 to $550
Standard Equipment Changes: Reflect a "blending" of former Arc and Aero models. The 2006 sedan and SportCombi feature all the standard equipment found on the 2005 Arc model (moonroof, leather, front heated seats, etc.) PLUS the following:
- The 2.3T engine has been given an increase of 40 hp to 260 hp
- Memory driver's seat
- Harman-Kardon audio
- 6-CD in-dash changer
- XM Satellite radio within the main audio headunit
- Body color-matched door handles and moldings.
- New 17" x 7.5" twin 5-spoke alloy wheel (ALU62) & all-season tires
- Sport leather steering wheel with metallic button surrounds
- Heated rear seat
- Auto-dimming mirror with garage door opener and compass standard
Optional Equipment Changes: There are three option packages available.
- Visibility Package for $1,295. This package includes; xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, rear park assist and auto-dimming outer mirrors.
- Sport Package for $1,095*. This package includes sport seats, lowered sport chassis and new tinted chrome interior trim on the instrument panel and doors.
- Sport Package with Vent Seats for $1,495*. This package includes everything listed in the Sport Package PLUS ventilated front sport seats.
* Note: Ordering structure into the factory dictates that the cars ordered with either the Sport Package or Sport Package with Vented Seats be treated as models. In this case these cars will carry model code 554 or 555 while cars without a Sport Package will carry model codes 544 or 545. There will be no specific exterior badging that defines a Sport Package car.
Free-flow options include:
- 5-speed Sentronic automatic transmission ($1350)
- Metallic paint ($550)
- Sport Ventilated Seats ($995)
- OnStar ($699)
- SportCombi roof rails ($250)
- Navigation ($2795) (Note: Due to system incompatibility cars ordered with navigation will not be available with factory installed XM satellite radio)
Included below is a color chart for the 9-3 and 9-5 carlines. Jet Black Metallic and Fusion Blue Metallic are the two new colors for 2006. Fusion Blue is a brighter metallic blue which has been the lead color for the launch of the 9-3 SportCombi. Jet Black is essentially the same shade as the current solid black with metallic chips added for a more dynamic impact in bright conditions.
Paint
Code 9-5
Sedan/Combi 9-3 2.0T
Sedan/Combi 9-3 Aero
Sedan/Combi 9-3 Conv All
170 Black Black Black Black
298 Jet Black Metallic Jet Black Metallic Jet Black Metallic Jet Black Metallic
268 Silver Silver Silver Silver
293 Parchment Silver Parchment Silver Parchment Silver Parchment Silver
290 Nocturne Blue Nocturne Blue Nocturne Blue Nocturne Blue
300 Fusion Blue Metallic Fusion Blue Metallic Fusion Blue Metallic Fusion Blue Metallic
295 Smoke Beige Smoke Beige Smoke Beige ------
278 Laser Red Laser Red Laser Red Laser Red
279 Steel Gray Steel Gray Steel Gray Steel Gray
283 Polar White Polar White ------ ------
294 Chili Red Chili Red Chili Red Chili Red
292 ------ ------ ------ Lime Yellow
11 11 10 10
We truly feel the revised 9-5 provides you with a value-packed product that is less complicated to order and stock. These changes will pump new energy into the carline providing you with an additional strong offer for your returning 9-5 customers and new prospects to the Saab brand.
Should you have any questions please contact your Saab Area Sales Manager.
Sincerely,
Jay Spenchian
General Manager
Saab Cars USA
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