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Saab 9-2X

Some Saab purists may scream treason, but that won't stop GM from taking a Subaru Impreza, making some changes and calling it an entry-level Saab 9-2X. By rebadging a Subaru, GM adds an all-wheel-drive car to the lineup.

The question: Will it alienate Saab loyalists who don't want Detroit tinkering with their beloved cars?

Saab, often viewed as a quirky brand beloved by tweed-coat-clad professors, needs to add models and boost sales to survive, says GM, which bought 50% of Saab in 1989 and has tried to maintain its loyal following by adhering to the brand's quirky heritage.

''If you look at our cars today and look at our finance statement, we have a highly appreciated product but too few customers,'' says Peter Augustsson, chairman and CEO of Saab. ''Our dealers need to have more product. If we have a bigger and better product range, we can attract more customers.''

Besides, Bob Lutz, chairman of GM North America, says: ''The 9-2X is no more a Subaru in disguise than Lexus is a Toyota in disguise. . . . The exterior, interior and chassis tuning are quite different from the Subaru.''

Saab lovers recall the Swedish automaker's glory days in the early 1960s when driver Erik Carlsson won three straight road rallies in Britain and two at Monte Carlo, where he beat expensive Ferraris and Aston Martins.

Saab was a brand that offered performance, a modest price and not-like-everybody-else design. It didn't chase the latest automotive trends. And it has been innovative, introducing a heated driver's seat in 1971 and self-repairing 5 mph bumpers in 1972. Saab set speed endurance records in 1986.

Longtime Saab owners are split on the 9-2X, says Jon Kjaerulff, president of the Northwest Saab Owners Club. ''Most Saab lovers recognize that this is something that had to happen to keep Saab alive,'' says Kjaerulff, who owns 10 Saabs. They welcome the chance to buy a Saab for little more than $20,000 and recognize that Subaru has an excellent all-wheel-drive system.

''But the hard-core purists say it shouldn't happen,'' Kjaerulff says.

He says that what really upsets Saab loyalists is Saab's plan for a conventional SUV, called 9-7X, early next year. ''For many owners, Saab was sort of the anti-SUV brand,'' he says.



posted by 63.127.202...

Carmakers Sail Into Uncharted Territory

• USA TODAY on 9-2X & SAAB in General, Viggen Pilot, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 06:31:47 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Saw it at the LA Autoshow.....not sure, Jonathan, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 08:06:33
    • Saw it in Detrroit...and I'm sure, Stephen Goldberger, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 09:37:03
      • Re: Saw it in Detrroit...and I'm sure, Ray H., Thu, 8 Jan 2004 11:42:57
      • Re: Saw it in Detrroit...and I'm sure, Jonathan, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 16:50:28
      • ooops, no headlight washers, Stephen Goldberger, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 13:01:28
      • An Audi isn't a VW?, Bob M, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 11:16:56
      • .. .i think the percieved issue is.., JasonS, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 10:39:36
    • scary price..., JimBlake , Wed, 7 Jan 2004 09:30:31
  • Got a buddy complete opposite of "tweed coat"..., Greg W, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 07:36:54
  • "beloved by tweed-coat-clad professors"....nice lol. nm, Gehn, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 07:19:21
    • I resemble that remark, John E. Anderson, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 15:38:26
    • I had tweed-ish blazer I wore to office, elbow patches, SaabKen in Vancouver, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 12:44:20
    • or "Ivy-covered professors in ivy-covered halls",, RS , Wed, 7 Jan 2004 07:56:58
  • LOL they managed the "Q" word twice in one sentence..., LesH, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 07:09:35
    • Also, Viggen Pilot, Wed, 7 Jan 2004 07:28:13

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