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It's the week ending October 2, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Toyota is recalling 3.8 million vehicles to check the floor mats and Cash for Clunkers makes it back into the headlines, but we've also got plenty of unusual news sure to entertain the automotive fan....
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Ahead of its official debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan has made its virtual debut. The current model was launched in 1997, making it at least twice as old as most European competitors. Needless to say, the 2011 9-5 promises to make a significant step forward and help set the tone for the brand’s new owners . The new design builds on the recent Aero X concept vehicle and draws inspiration from the company’s aviation heritage. Most distinct is the wrap-around windshield appearance, aided by blacked-out pillars. Jet-fighter influence can be seen in the heads-up display at altimeter-style speedometer gauge. (There is also a traditional speedo dial surrounding this curiosity.) The cockpit moves into the 21st century with an available eight-inch navigation system, harman/kardon surround sound audio system, 10-gig hard drive for multimedia, and USB ports for connecting devices. Rear passengers can have their own audio controls and fold-out screens for viewing DVDs. Dual-zone air conditioning up front and twin vents at the rear with an independent temperature control should keep everyone comfortable. Other technology notables including adaptive Xenon headlamps...
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Almost there. General Motors continues its reinvention with a 100-percent stock purchase agreement for the sale of Saab to Koenigsegg Group, a Swedish conglomerate known for the affiliation with the famed Koenigsegg supercars. The deal is expected to conclude by the end of the year, and Saab Automobile plans to exit legal reorganization shortly. Conditions to close the sale include expected funding commitments with Swedish government support and guarantees, as well as transitional assistance from GM, as Saab becomes independent. (Read: " GM to Sell Saab to Supercar-maker Koenigsegg .") As part of the proposed transaction, GM and Saab will continue to share technology and services for a defined period. "We have now concluded another important step in realizing the great potential of Saab,” said Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO of Koenigsegg Group. “Our plan is to transform Saab into a stand-alone vibrant entrepreneurial company and make it ‘sustainable’ by making it profitable. We will revive Saab’s Swedish heritage of ecological sensitivity, safety, design innovation, and ‘fun to drive’ experience!" Yeah, adding several hundred horsepower to the 9-3 would be a great...
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General Motors continues to right-size itself with division fire sales. Prospective buyers have been found for Hummer and Saturn , and now Saab. Tiny exotic car maker Koenigsegg has reached an agreement to purchase Saab. Koenigsegg builds $1 million supercars, with about 50 employees. Annual sales are around 20 cars. It would seem this builder of dreams is reaching to take on a mass-market company, though the deal includes a $600 million funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) guaranteed by the Swedish government. Further support is to be provided by GM to fund Saab's operations and product development, including several products well underway, including the next-gen 9-3 , 9-5 , and a 9-4x SUV. The 9-5 models in the Saab production facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. It will be quite interesting to see how the two Swedish automakers integrate. On the surface, there isn't much compatibility beyond native tongue. Research current Saab models in the new car buyer’s guide .
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Just days after Chrysler announced that it would trim its dealer body by 789 dealers by June, General Motors has notified 1,124 dealers that it would not extend their franchise agreements past October 2010. Chrysler was able to make swift cuts due to the flexibility afforded by the Chapter 11 bankruptcy . On the other hand, GM is proactively making business adjustments ahead of a potential bankruptcy filing later this month. General Motors targeted the weakest dealers for these passive cuts, those that were underperforming from market share and profit standpoints, as well as customer satisfaction benchmarks. The advanced notice will enable those dealers to wind down the businesses and sell off their inventories, currently estimated to at 65,000 units. And notably, GM will not need to buy the vehicles back. In addition to these dealers, GM’s reach is expected to diminish by 470 stores when the Hummer , Saab , and Saturn brands are sold or otherwise disposed of. Plus, 27 standalone dealerships will be abandoned when the Pontiac brand is phased out next year, leaving about 2,600 dealers intact that hand multi-brand stores. In total, many of the dealerships losing their GM franchises sell...
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As the days count till the end of the month when General Motors must present its final viability plan to the Autos Task Force, GM CEO Fritz Henderson described bankruptcy as “probable” in a restructuring update today with reporters. Henderson said there is still a chance that GM can accomplish its mission outside of bankruptcy, but he seemed to be paving the way for what may be unavoidable. (Read: " Chrysler Files for Bankruptcy, Merges with Fiat .") While the “B” word carries with it a rightful sense of dread, it brings with it protections and rights that could enable GM to more rapidly reinvent itself than would otherwise be possible. In interviewing a series of experts, the Detroit News declared that Chapter 11 filing seems all but inevitable. Still, the company is moving to swiftly reduce its costs. Later this week, GM will announce details of its plan to cut 2,700 dealerships by 2010, according to Automotive News . The National Automobile Dealers Association ( NADA ) released a related statement: “By closing 2,641 dealerships in 18 months instead of five years, GM could lose an estimated $35 billion in sales revenue. Another 137,330 dealership employees will lose their...
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General Motors could use a ray of sunshine, and its day is coming with the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Convertible concept schedule to make its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week. Underscoring the need, GM has disclosed that it will not have a press conference at this important event. With drastic budget cuts, the General has less eye candy to show off and a by-the-numbers business presentation would be depressing. So, we have essentially an open-top version of a basic concept that has been shown repeatedly throughout the world over the last couple of years. (For example, the 9-X BioHybrid .) In fact, at the recent Paris Motor Show, Saab presented this convertible and a coupe version of the 9-X Air. OK, we get it. Saab wants to offer a three-door hatchback. Maybe a convertible. This concept is a four seater powered by a small, 1.4-liter Saab BioPower engine that combines turbocharging, biofuels, and hybrid technology. Running on E85 fuel, the engine delivers 200 horsepower and uses GM’s next-generation hybrid system to deliver performance, fuel economy, and squeaky clean emissions. In LA, green and sunshine should play well in the massive convention center. For more...
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For a company known for not displaying concept vehicles , Saab has been quite prolific the past couple years showing a variety of hatchback and SUV models that reveal future design language and powertrain technology. The latest example, the 9-X BioHybrid, was unveiled last week at the Geneva Motor Show. Building on design themes seen in the Aero X and earlier 9X, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept again tests the waters for a small three-door, while showcasing a high-tech, green powertrain that was wide, cross-brand applications. “This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,” says Director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe Anthony Lo, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. The 9-X BioHybrid uses active aerodynamics to reduce both drag and fuel consumption at cruising speeds. Above 43 mph, the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper. More significantly, the 9-X BioHybrid demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 1.4-liter/200-horsepower BioPower turbo...
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