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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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