Without having heard a peep...I wouldn't necessarily assume it's not spring of 2005 (as an early 2006 model) for the next 9-5. I say that b/c the current V-6 has been - er - deep sixed, and the next step in the "Global" modular, high content engine line, the Global 6, is on the ground with Saab's turbocharged, direct fuel injection promised for the 2.8-3.2L versions (per the GM handouts at the NAIAS). Now *everyone knows* that "more than 4" is the mantra among much of the buying public, especially here. You gonna turn away all those spark-plug counters for all these years? You gonna engineer the suddenly aged 9-5 for a new motor with just a couple of years left? Suppose the next 9-5 is strongly based on the stretched Epsilon floorpan (Opel Signum, Chevy Malibu Mad Maxx). Most of the development work --- the really hard part in this case of coming to grips with a brand new platform and a new assmebly line to build it on --- is already done for the 9-3. A next generation 9-5 could come quicker than we think.

Or not.

And for numbers, the capacity of the Trollhattan plant is (at a stretch) 200,000 cars without investing in a lot more presses. Saab might hit 40,000 Swedish cars this year. Add a 5-door AWD (9-3X) and it could go to 60,000. (If Europe holds a proportionate increase, that about hits the factory's capacity). a couple a SUVs per year, 10,000 9-2s, and some convertibles, and we're talking 100,000 Saab hood ornaments per year. 15,000 9-5s as part of that mix would be a nice number.

posted by 24.166.84...

• Can someone explain how Saab is going to hang on?, Brian, Fri, 8 Aug 2003 05:55:07
  • Product rollout schedule?, Stephen Goldberger, Fri, 8 Aug 2003 18:00:23 <-- Viewing This Message
  • uh, records sales is part one..., Scott Paterson , Fri, 8 Aug 2003 09:38:38
    • Ya' think?..., Mike Lynch , Fri, 8 Aug 2003 15:07:14
      • What about the SUV?, Scott Paterson , Fri, 8 Aug 2003 21:43:11
        • It's all about the style...., Mike Lynch , Sat, 9 Aug 2003 10:03:00
    • You Saab apologist, you!, Brian, Fri, 8 Aug 2003 12:00:50
      • Re: You Saab apologist, you!, Maple Celt, Sat, 9 Aug 2003 03:59:54
      • Enthusiast... not apologist... history helps context, Scott Paterson , Fri, 8 Aug 2003 13:42:21
        • Re: Will Saab Be Around In 10 Years?, Jax, Mon, 11 Aug 2003 10:28:01
  • I don't see a major problem, Bret, Fri, 8 Aug 2003 08:57:01
    • Re: I don't see a major problem, JimBlake , Fri, 8 Aug 2003 10:38:03
    • World full of good cars these days, phred, Fri, 8 Aug 2003 09:30:54
      • Proving Grounds... unfortunately not practical..., Scott Paterson , Fri, 8 Aug 2003 21:53:45
        • HAHAHAAHAHA!!!11, Bret, Sat, 9 Aug 2003 07:17:28
  • 9-3 and 9-2 will be the bulk of their sales..., Mark J, Fri, 8 Aug 2003 07:44:56
  • Re: Can someone explain how Saab is going to hang on?, Harpua, Fri, 8 Aug 2003 07:09:28

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