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Jay Spenchian, 46, named general manager of Saab Cars USA April 1, says his task is to "invigorate a renaissance within Saab." He presides over the General Motors Swedish brand during its biggest launch year ever, including the debut of its new 9-7X, the brand's first SUV. Spenchian joined GM in 1998, holding a variety of positions with Cadillac, including marketing director for the CTS, XLR and SRX, and Escalade brand manager. Prior to joining GM, Spenchian held brand management positions with The Pillsbury Company, Sara Lee Corporation, H.J. Heinz Company and PepsiCo Inc. He has a bachelor's degree and an MBA from Michigan State University. He was interviewed for Inside Line by Anita Lienert at the media launch of the 2006 Saab 9-7X in Quebec City, Quebec.
Word is Saab could get as many as seven new products. What's the plan for the next year or two and beyond that?
The 2006 9-7X, the medium-lux utility, and the 9-3 SportCombi, a wagon in the late fall as an '06 model. We have the 9-5 midcycle enhancement — exterior and interior changes, pretty significant from a visual standpoint. A lot of the same cues that are in the 9-3.
Any powertrain changes in the 9-5?
No. We're pretty happy with the powertrain. We'll have 260 horsepower at the top end on the Aero.
Is there a successor to the 9-5 in the pipeline?
There's a pretty strong successor in the pipeline off the global Epsilon platform. We are working on that right now.
When could we see that?
In the next three to four years.
As a 2008 model?
2008 or a little bit further out than that.
Can you tell me anything else?
We're looking at all-wheel drive as an addition…even though it's a shared platform [with the Cadillac BLS], it will be uniquely Saab.
What else are you adding to the portfolio?
The V6 engine, the 2.8 turbo that's being added to the 9-3 lineup across the board. That will be in the fall in conjunction with the launch of the SportCombi and the new 9-3 offerings, the convertible and the sedan. The Aero version will have 250 horsepower in a V6.
Beyond that?
The next year, we've talked about looking for a three-row vehicle in the utility area and also looking at another utility in the entry-level space, in the 9-3 space — an X3 fighter. That probably takes us out four to five years.
By 2010, what will Saab's portfolio look like?
It will look pretty strong because you'll have entries in all the major growth segments and then you'll have refreshes, totally new vehicles in two of the primary segments. With the addition of all-wheel drive and possibly some other potential engine choices we're evaluating, we'll have all the bases covered.
Are you trying for all-wheel drive across the entire lineup?
The goal is to do that if we can.
What's the time frame?
Four to five years out.
Is that one of the major goals?
It's one of the requests we've made. The folks in Sweden see the need for it, too. It's a good fit with the brand.
When will you publicly unveil the new 9-6X crossover based on the Subaru B9 Tribeca?
Not determined yet. Right now, we've made some requests from the folks helping us with the 9-6 about making sure we have the proper differentiation and the things that will make it uniquely Saab.
When is the earliest it could go on sale?
Probably spring of '06 — the earliest. Any later than spring puts you into the '07 model year.
Will the 9-4X crossover that's supposed to come off the Theta platform have more SUV cues, like the Chevy Equinox or will it be more of a tall wagon like the Saturn Vue?
Ours has an aggressive look. It would be competing head-to-head with the X3. It would be an aggressive wagon, but a little bit lower than a normal SUV. But it would have an SUV-like look. It would be like the Equinox, but sportier-looking.
Do you need the 9-4X in the lineup?
We definitely need it. If you look at the affluent lifestyles, people want versatility. They want packages where it's fun to drive — if they give up their sport sedan. The price point would allow younger families to get a chance to experience Saab.
So there is a 9-4X in the pipeline?
We are evaluating that segment for sure — it's pretty safe to say.
What is the time frame on the 9-4X?
Within four years.
By calendar year 2009?
Yes, calendar year '09, as a model year '10.
Isn't the 9-7X due to be replaced in about two years?
If this vehicle goes like we think it goes, there's a lot of us talking about how to extend its life. Potentially, the 9-6 and a 9-7 could coexist.
Why didn't you just wait until the Lambda-based 9-7 was ready for production?
We looked at it and thought this could make a very credible entry and pick up volume that we've lost. Thirty percent of Saab buyers leave the franchise because there's no SUV. And 40 percent have a different SUV.
What's the plan for the next-generation 9-2X, which was a modestly refashioned version of the Subaru WRX?
We are in the process of talking about that. All of us would agree that we'd like to maximize the differentiation. So, there's a desire to continue the relationship.
What's the time frame?
Nothing official yet. We've got a commitment for the 2006 model to continue. We've got it to a steady state now — a regular volume. The major change is all part of ongoing negotiations. It's an attractive segment. If possible, we'd like to improve on the differentiation.
Will the new one come from Japan or North America?
I don't know.
Saab lovers have been hoping for a modern-day successor to the old Sonett sports car. Is there something like that in the plan?
Possibly. Maybe as one of our upcoming concepts. We may test the waters. But nothing firm for production.
Would it be called a Sonett, and is that a good name?
We haven't decided. Globally, [the name] might be. There's a familiarity with Saab loyalists. I'm not sure what it says to somebody in the U.S.
When is the earliest that we could see that concept?
It won't be this year. I guess the earliest is our next concept car — not for the '06 auto show circuit, but maybe beyond that.
When production of the 9-3X moves to Russelsheim, Germany, will there be any Saab vehicles produced in Sweden after 2009?
Yes. There will still be Saab vehicles produced there. 2009-2011, we'd still be making Saabs there.
Is it important to build Saabs out of Sweden?
It's important to build Saab vehicles with Saab character. When you use global platforms, you need to be distinctive and true to the brand character.
posted by 69.118.105...
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=106481
, Fri, 22 Jul 2005 13:02:09
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