What's Up With Saab?

Saab is one of my favorite car brands, so it is truly sad to hear about this Swedish company’s troubles with owner GM. The news from GM, even as three new Saab models are ready to be launched over the next 18 months, is that Saab is moving back to Sweden.

Calling it a “new independent Saab,” GM says its strategic worldwide review of the Saab brand has directed Saab’s board of directors in Sweden to file for “reorganization” in Swedish court.

This process, says GM, will “create a fully independent business entity that would be sustainable and suitable for investment.”

So, what does this mean to Saab owners and would-be Saab buyers. It’s hard to know, unfortunately.

What I do know from hanging out with Saab execs is that they are fiercely proud of their company and their vehicles. For decades, Saab competed directly with its larger Swedish rival Volvo. Then, when Saab was bought by GM, the company competed here in America’s tough sport sedan market, winning over new car buyers from such lustrous companies as Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW.

Plus, Saab just makes great cars. I’ve road tested many Saab cars and, over the years, I’ve loved each and every one. Saab’s sedans, sport wagons and convertibles have that overall great value with excellent design, performance, versatility and technology.

Perhaps for Saab, this “getting back to the basics” approach of concentrating design, engineering and manufacturing in Sweden will create even better vehicles. Unfortunately, the entire reorganization is questionable as, pending court approval, Saab will be in need of investors, which seem to be in short supply at this time of financial crisis.

In addition, 2009 is a critical time for Saab. "With an all new 9-5, 9-3X and 9-4X all ready for launch over the next year and a half, Saab has an excellent foundation for strong growth, assuming we can get the funding to complete engineering, tooling and manage launch costs,” says Jan Ake Jonsson, managing director for Saab Automobile."

Jonsson admits the road ahead will not be easy. “Many have already suffered considerably as a result of the crisis in the automobile industry and sacrifices will be a part of our future, but after a period of tough decisions we will have laid the foundations for a new beginning,” he says.

At the recent Geneva Motor Show, Saab proudly introduced the 9-3X. Calling the 9-3X a “smart all-rounder for outdoor enthusiasts,” this sport wagon features distinctive good looks, advanced all-wheel drive technology, fuel efficiency and function storage.

I’m excited to try out Saab’s new cross-wheel-drive (XWD) system in its 9-3X edition with its fuel efficient 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine. The 9-3X was also designed 1.4 inches higher than the current 9-3, giving it better clearance for gravel and unpaved roads.

“Simply put, we are offering a trekking shoe that will do what’s required in more comfort and style than a heavier mountaineering boot,” says Simon Padian, Saab’s brand design chief. Now that sounds like Saab with its Scandanavian athleticism, a bit of wit, powerful performance and cool design.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.