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New Saab 9-3 confirmed for 2012
02 February 2010
Saab Spyker Automobiles NV will launch an all-new 9-3 in 2012 as part of the firm’s business plan to revitalise the company.
The company will investigate the possibility of launching the entry-level 9-1 in due course, although this would require additional funding to the $1 billion (£627 million) currently set aside. Saab Spyker will also make a 9-5X in addition to the saloon and estate models, and the 9-4X will be added to the range early in 2011.
Saab Spyker will pitch itself as an “independent, performance-orientated niche car company with an industry-leading environmental strategy”. It has also confirmed it intends to remain as a direct rival to BMW and Audi.
Trollhattan will be used to produce all models except the 9-4X, which will be built by General Motors in Mexico, and Saab Spyker will produce and sell between 100,000-125,000 vehicles per year.
GM will continue to provide support to Saab Spyker with funds and supplies, although the company intends to rely less and less on this support in the future. Saab and Spyker cars will share components in future models.
Spyker cars will be sold throughout Saab’s 1100-strong worldwide dealer network and the two will also share marketing, sponsorship, promotion and sales activities. They will be run as separate brands, however.
Saab Spyker intends to return to profit by 2012. It has managed to secure a 400m euro (£350m) European Investment Bank loan, which has been guaranteed by the Swedish government.
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