by Red J
June 16, 2011 in News
Saab UK had PR campaign were they called the 119g 9-3 TTiD 180 the Zero Hero because the Vehicle Excise Duty (the vehicle taxes) was equal to zero because of the low CO2 value.
Today Saab UK has presented the new Zero Hero, the Saab 9-5 TiD4 MY 12, with manual transmission. It will also, like the 9-3 TTiD, be exempted of VED because of the low CO2 figures, 125 for the Saloon and 128 g/km for the SportWagon.
by Jeff
May 3, 2011 in Editorial
I decided to pull out a part of the comment thread from our earlier 9-4X Test Drive post for discussion on the main site, since this subject often gets a lot of attention around here. Commenter dbv thinks that the 9-4X’s gas mileage is going to be a “deal breaker” for him, I’m assuming on price. I’m not trying to be argumentative with him at all (don’t mistake my sarcasm in my comment for facetiousness, it’s late here 
), I just thought it was about time to let the numbers tell the real story. Maybe it will shed some light for International Saabers why I really don’t think the lack of a diesel option is going to kill the 9-4X, especially in the US market. Click past the break for the full thread.
by Swade
February 21, 2011 in Saabology
For those Swedes who like their cars to be green, Preem are launching a new diesel variant that’s either 16% or 20% more environmentally friendly (depending on how you read the literature).
Describing the development of the product, which hits the market in April, as “unique”, the firm claims that Preem Evolution diesel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 16 percent due to the fact that a fifth of the raw material is tall oil.
“New thinking on green solutions lies behind the development of the Evolution diesel. The tall oil has hitherto been regarded as waste by the forest industry. Through innovative thinking and co-operation it has been developed into a renewable resource,” the firm said in a statement.
The product is developed from processing a residue extracted from black liquor in pulp mills and is the result of six years of research and costing the firm more than 300 million kronor ($47 million).
The diesel is identical to fossil diesel molecularly, but is made up of 20 percent renewables, thus qualifying it for tax free status in Sweden and thus comparable in price to regular diesel.
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Don’t blink as you’ll miss it, but here’s our mate Etienne and his Saab 99 in the Boucles de Spa over the weekend.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k4AJqABr-w
From what I can tell of the updates on the Saablog-in website, Etienne completed the course and finished 20th of 140 vehicle in the class.
An excellent effort by the world’s happiest Saab fan (anyone who’s met Etienne will know what I mean)
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If you’re in North America (I think it may be cost-prohibitive otherwise and I’d recommend Maptun anyway) and you have a Saab 9-3 V6 and you haven’t already got a solution to your need for a fatter downpipe and midpipe on your exhaust, then some people at SaabCentral would like to hear from you. They’re looking for 25 people to get a job lot made up.
The thread starts here and ‘kanundrum’ from SC got in touch asking if I’d pass the word around. Consider it passed.
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A little while ago I invited you to participate in some Saaby Student Research. A series of questions were posed and I’d like to thank the many people who completed the questionnaire and sent it to me via email.
I can pass on that I did indeed pass them along to Robin M, who in turn passed them over to the young student concerned.
More than that, though, Jette (the young lady conducting the research) went up to Robin’s neck of the woods over the weekend and a group of Southwest Saab Club members got together to provide more answers, and a few photos as well.
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BMW ownership can come at a price some aren’t willing/able to pay here in Australia.
So much so that it actually made the news over the weekend.
BMW is pursuing hundreds of Australians in bankruptcy proceedings over luxury vehicles collectively worth up to $18 million, as dreams of enjoying opulent lifestyles crash.
The social aspirants now face losing their luxury vehicles and possibly their homes to repay massive debts to car financing giant BMW Finance…..
…..The Sunday Herald Sun inspected 32 BMW actions in the Federal Magistrates’ Court, where the debts ranged from $8000 to $190,000, with most in the $30,000-plus range.
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by Red J
February 19, 2011 in Saabology
This is my first snippets edition, let’s see what I found.
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For the Canadian Saab fans:
The first Saab to arrive in Edmonton is expected to arrive next week. It will be an Independence Day convertible. Other “normal” Saabs are expected to arrive in Edmonton mid-April.
Saab Canada is telling a different Story about the dealer in Edmonton.
One dealership in Edmonton is selling high-line certified used vehicles and doing a booming business in import service, as well as carrying the new Saab line-up.
Source: The Edmonton Journal, Autonet
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For the US American Saab fans:
Saab is having really interesting incentives in February in the US for the 2010 Models, upp to $7,000 for a 2010 Saab 9-3 Convertible.
Source: Autoloaddaily
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For the Rally fans:
Saab’s friend and rally enthusiast Vladimir Antonov said to have cleared North One Sport’s (a WRC team) outstanding debt and is providing significant investment for the future.
So people are starting to speculate if this means the return of Saab to Rally racing, maybe next year.
I think, not with the current cars and not next year.
Source: Rallybuzz
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For the Swedish Saab fans:
BIL Sweden County and Municipal distributed statistics for January 2011 shows that diesel cars with carbon emissions of up to 120 g / km dominate green car market.
In Stockholm County, every newly registered clean car in January, a diesel-powered “120-gram down”. While losing both ethanol cars and gas vehicles market.
Better translation thanks to Börjesson:
In Stockholm County, every second newly registered clean car in January was a diesel-powered “120-grammer”. At the same time, both ethanol cars and gas cars are losing market shares.
BIL Swedens läns- och kommunfördelade statistik för januari 2011 visar att dieselbilar med koldioxidutsläpp på max 120 g/km dominerar på miljöbilsmarknaden. I Stockholms län var varannan nyregistrerad miljöbil i januari en dieseldriven ”120-grammare”.Samtidigt tappar både etanolbilar och gasbilar marknadsandelar.
I think there is indeed a reason for a sub 120g Saab Wagon.
Source: Bil Sweden
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For the BioPower fans:
There is a fascinating article at just-auto explaining why bio-ethanol days of glory are already history in Europe.
I think the last 2 paragraphs tell the hole story.
A spokesperson for Renault, which now sells more FFVs in Europe than any other carmaker, told just-auto that “what is clearly lacking is a stable EU policy environment that delivers a clear and consistent signal to industry.” Meanwhile, Jonathan Nash, Managing Director of Saab Great Britain is clear about what he thinks are some of the reasons behind such inconsistencies: “There has always been a high level of government policy sensitivity around biofuels. This scepticism has been caused in part by the powerful anti-biofuels lobby, while the lack of credible well-to-wheel certification for biofuels’ emissions also makes policy makers ambivalent towards them.”
Whatever the reasons, it is clear that biofuels continue to divide opinion on a major scale in Europe. The fact though, that Europe’s policy makers are as confused as the general public about them is helping no one.
Source: Just-Auto
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If I’ve forgotten somebody please rise your hand!
by Red J
February 16, 2011 in News
Swades friend Pär Brandt asks in automotorsport.se if the the acquisition of 50% of VM Motori by Fiat could help Saab.
In the past VM Motori was owned by Penske. On 2007 Penske sold half of its shares to GM. On Monday February 14 Fiat Powertrain announced that they had bought the remaining shares from Penske.
The new owner structure of VM Motori is 50% Fiat 50% GM.
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GM stooped the development of the V6 Diesel at the end of 2008 because of their money problems, and after Cadillac left the European market and Saab was put for sale, GM had no use for that engine.
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Could the new ownership structure of VM Motori help Saab to gain access to a much needed big diesel for the European market?
On the one hand, Fiat needs such a big diesel engine for cars like the new Thema/300c, thus Fiat should develop a production version of that engine. Saab developed the 9-5 and the 9-4x with this engine in mind, thus the cost of the integration of this engine should be minimal.
On the other hand, Mr. Marchionne and Mr. Muller don’t seem to be best friends, so it could be difficult to convince Fiat to sell some engines to Saab at a reasonable price.
My personal thought is: If Fiat buys the GM shares, then Saab won’t get access to that engine. If GM keeps its shares, it could be possible for Saab to regain access to that engine thanks to GM.
And one last note; many people think that Saab gets its Diesel engines from Fiat, but this is not the case. The original 1.9L Diesel engine single Turbo found in the 9-3 was co-developed between Fiat and GM, since then GM-Powertrain Italy, owned 100% by GM, is in charge to develop the Diesel engines.
by Red J
January 15, 2011 in Saabology
Magnus Hansson seems to like to keep people interested in Saab by spreading rumours about new Saab cars.
On march 2010 he spoke about the 9-3 emitting less than 120 g/km CO2. A couple of months later those cars were on sale.
Well it seems like Mr. Hansson is spreading some rumours once again. In an interview about Saab hunting for Volvo and Audi in the company car market in Sweden he indicates that Saab has still some card to put on the table.
Original text:
Dragloket i dag är den mindre 9-3:an, som också har kämpat sig under den magiska miljöbilsgränsen på 120 gram koldioxid per kilometer, något som är viktigt inte minst för företagsförsäljningen. Frågan är om det kan vara något som även 9-5:an kommer under?
– Det får vi se, säger Magnus Hansson och ler.
Google-trans:
Main engine is now less of 9-3: an, who also has struggled over the magic green car limit of 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre, which is important, especially for corporate sales.The question is whether there might be something that even 9-5 is over?
- We’ll see, “said Magnus Hansson and smiles.
So, will we see a 9-5 emitting less than 120 g/km CO2?
I say yes. And although I have no Djup Strupe to back up my affirmation, I see different hints out there that point in that direction.
2011 will be a very interesting Year for Saab !!!!!
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Thanks to Gaijp and TurboLover for the hint.
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Addendum
BMW will present in March its 320d Efficient dynamics Touring with 161hp and 114 g/km CO2.
This is in my eyes the only competitor for the Saab, because BMW is also trying to combine good performance with low CO2 values.
by Swade
November 26, 2010 in Saabology
I’m still finalising some answers to the questions you asked prior to the LA Auto Show. One of those was about the Saab 9-4x and diesel.
There are reports floating around adressing this question, so rather than wait until the whole Q&A is ready, I figured I’d get the 9-4x engine question out of the way now.
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Any update on a diesel engine for Europe? – for Saab 9-5 and Saab 9-4x
There are several issues with alternative engines for the Saab 9-4x. It’s known that there isn’t a V6 diesel available right now and that’s the ideal engine for this model in Europe.
Jan-Ake Jonsson spoke to a few reporters about this issue and he’s being quote fairly widely now:
Saab sources have conceded to Autocar that sales will be hampered by the lack of a diesel and company boss Jan Ake Jonsson has said a diesel 9-4X is unlikely to ever be launched.
“If you then look at the life cycle of the vehicle, typically five or six years, before we actually have a diesel engine, we have to find one, we have to test it, we have to install it, validate it, and you are two years into the life cycle,” he said.
“And then you have a very short payoff period. So I think it is unlikely.”
Before you go and all sackcloth-and-ashes in comments, please know that every Saab enthusiast with a heartbeat already knows that this will severely restrict sales of the 9-4x car in Europe. It’s been thoroughly documented and discussed and JAJ’s quote only sets in stone what we already knew. Please save your keystrokes and move on.
I spoke with other staffers in LA about alternative powerplants for the 9-4x. Their responses inadequately expressed in my words – in a nutshell…..
It’s considered that both the 2.0T and 2.0 TTiD could pose emissions and refinement issues in the Saab 9-4x because of its larger size and weight.
Further to that, it’s a basic fact that a modern four cylinder engine will generally not be as refined as a modern six cylinder engine and it’s considered that refinement and smoothness are a bit more of a priority for the average 9-4x buyer at all levels. Hence, we have two six cylinder powerplants and it seems Saab would be unlikely to use a diesel unless there was a suitable V6 diesel available.
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The bottom line – we have always known that the Saab 9-4x is a vehicle designed with the United States as its primary target. Whilst I’m sure there are/were potential buyers in Europe, these were always going to be small in number, even smaller now with no diesel in sight.
The Saab 9-4x will do its job in the United States. It looks great. It’s a good size, without being too big and cumbersome. It should feature car-like handling with its chassis tuned by Saab and the price range for the five Saab 9-4x model variants seems spot on.
by Swade
October 22, 2010 in Saabology
The following photograph was taken by one of SU’s Swedish mates, Tim R, just outside the Airport Hotel at Landvetter Airport, Gothenburg.
As you can see, there’s a fleet of Saab 9-3′s in place there. These are cars featuring the new, low-emissions diesels that Saab announced at the Paris Auto Show last month.
My guess is that we can expect to start seeing reviews in automotive magazines fairly soon. That 180hp TTiD engine is a cracker and with the new, lower CO2 figures, is now a more attractive cracker than ever. The’re going to sell a few of those, I can tell you.
And if the press guys look a little chilly…… a friend in Trollhattan reported it was -4C there yesterday! Can’t have been much warmer at Landvetter.
by Swade
October 20, 2010 in News
Yesterday, I wrote about the Norwegian version of the Saab 9-4x press release, quoting as follows:
From August 2011, the 9-4X [will] also [be] offered to customers in Europe and the world at large. The engine range will eventually also include diesel engines, better adapted to a Norwegian tax regime than the powerful V6 petrol engines. In the Nordic countries will also BioPower engines currently being developed.
This gave us some hope that Saab might eventually fit a diesel into the Saab 9-4x, which is considered essential for the European market.
They may still do so, too, but that hope faded a little today.
Auto Motor and Sport have a reporter in the US, who’s over there to drive the General’s 9-4x sister vehicle, the Cadillac SRX. Seeing he was over there, he enquired about the diesel proposition and was told by one of the Cadillac people that there were no preparations being made for the fitment of diesel at the factory where both vehicles will be made.
Further to that, however, is the amendment of the Norwegian press release that was the trigger for this whole issue.
The paragraph that I quoted above has now been edited out of the release. It seems they must have been working from an early draft that slipped through the net (It happens more often that you would think).
So, all of you looking for 9-4x diesels (with more MPGiesels – thanks James May) – stand down.
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by Swade
October 19, 2010 in News
The Saab 9-4x press releases came out yesterday and as predicted, the two engines at release were a normally aspirated 3.0V6 making 265hp and the turbocharged 2.8V6 making 300hp.
There was no mention of a diesel or BioPower engine in the global release published yesterday, but it has been noted in comments that the Norwegian press release mentions both for the Saab 9-4x in the future.
This is a Googletrans from the Norwegian press release:
From August 2011, the 9-4X [will] also [be] offered to customers in Europe and the world at large. The engine range will eventually also include diesel engines, better adapted to a Norwegian tax regime than the powerful V6 petrol engines. In the Nordic countries will also BioPower engines currently being developed.
The mention of BioPower is interesting because it brings to life the possibility of adapting Saab’s 2.0T BioPower engine currently in the Saab 9-5. Whilst having less power than the 3.0V6 base engine, it would have more Saab-like driving characteristics and less weight.
‘Arild’ first noticed this in Norwegian press articles about the 9-4x where diesels were specifically mentioned, and writers of those articles attributed it to the Saab press release. A look at the Norwegian version of the release confirmed what they were saying (thanks Arild and Me).
They won’t be available at launch, obviously, but it’s encouraging to hear they’re in the pipeline.
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by Swade
October 15, 2010 in News
Vibilgare has a report today about the Saab 9-4x launching without a diesel option.
Can I just say this again: this is not news.
I’ve published about the Saab 9-4x engine lineup a number of times (most recently just a week ago) and whilst the confirmed information I’ve shared here has been specifically for the US market, I can tell you now that to the best of my knowledge, the situation is no different in other markets.
At launch, the Saab 9-4x will come with a base engine that is a 3.0litre normally aspirated six cylinder, and an Aero engine that is the 2.8litre turbo V6 that we’re all familiar with already.
And no, there’s no 2.0T four cylinder engine at launch, either, to the best of my knowledge. Not in the US, at least, and I’ll be very (pleasantly) surprised if it turns up elsewhere at launch.
Obviously, this is going to effect the marketability of the car in Europe but for now, this is what Saab are stuck with.
The good news is that the vehicle is still coming and that’s what should be focused on. North America has always been its main target and it will be good for that market with gasoline-only engines.
My feeling is that if Saab are to source a diesel engine for future use in Europe, it would have to be one that is capable of being sold in the US as well. There’s little point in going to the trouble and cost of re-engineering the car for a different engine and deliberately limiting its marketability at the same time. Euro-only sales of a Saab SUV would most likely not justify the cost.
by Swade
September 17, 2010 in News
2010 Paris Motor Show: Saab Highlights
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Trollhättan, Sweden: Since the re-birth as an independent company just seven months ago, Saab has launched the all-new 9-5 sedan, concentrated all facilities in Sweden, ramped up production, rebuilt the global sales network, and formed new strategic business partnerships.
Looking ahead, there will be two more new products to launch in the next 12 months. Saab’s business plan is on track. In short, the future for Saab Automobile has never looked brighter.
On the stand at this year’s Paris Motor Show, zero-emissions driving and class-leading low CO2 levels are among the eco-benefits on offer from Saab.
Taking center stage and making its public debut, the unique Saab 9-3 ePower is an all-electric version of the 9-3 SportCombi. It is Saab’s first step towards developing an all-electric vehicle and a test fleet of 70 cars will begin user trials in Sweden early next year.
On sale now are the latest 180 hp/132 kW 2.0TTiD Saab 9-3 Sport Sedans, which deliver a class-leading CO2 rating of only 119 g/km. More powerful, two-stage turbocharging is standard for all diesel models, while fuel economy and emissions are improved an average by10 percent across the entire range,
Saab also extends it market leadership in biofuel applications with the introduction of a 220 hp/162 kW, 2.0-liter BioPower engine for the new Saab 9-5 sedan. A more powerful, 190 hp/140 kW, 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a rightsized, 180 hp/132 kW, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo further extend the 9-5’s powertrain line-up.
Saab 9-3 ePower: midsized sports combi with zero emissions
Saab Automobile takes its first step towards developing an all-electric vehicle with the unique Saab 9-3 ePower, a Saab 9-3 SportCombi designed to offer a zero-emissions driving range greater than any EV currently in production.
by Swade
March 29, 2010 in News
SEE ADDENDUM, below…..
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There’s an interview with Saab product manager, Magnus Hansson, appearing on the Swedish site, Allt om Motor. It’s primarily about the Saab 9-5 and how it will meet various market requirements.
One of those market needs is low emissions. People are taxed on these in some countries and governments have certain fleet purchasing rules based on them as well.
Hansson gave out some interesting information in this interview, stating the following:
All three diesel versions of 120, 150 and 190 horsepower will meet 120-gram limit within twelve months of the manual version, reveals Magnus Hansson. And with a 190-horsepower diesel engine under 120 grams, we can not compromise with driving pleasure and Saab’s core values, with a clear direction for Volvo and Volkswagen are performing great and efficient, but ‘tired’ cars.
All three diesels under 120grams???
Now, bear in mind that’s a Googletrans, but I did get tipped off about this story by Anders M, who also included a note about all three diesels’ emissions when he sent the tip.
I’m just wondering if there’s isn’t something lost in translation here, something we’re missing.
If it’s correct, then diesel fans really do have something to look forward to, as does Saab. A new 9-5 making 190hp and getting under the 120g limbo stick will be quite a popular car with the business class set, I’d imagine.
ADDENDUM
Advice via comments from those who speak the lingo indicates that this news relates to diesels in the 9-3 range of vehicles.
The sub-120 diesel for a Saab 9-5 will not come until after 2011.
by Swade
August 4, 2009 in Saabology
Trollhattan Saab – May, 2005
Jay Spenchian should really be pushing for GM to test the diesel-waters in the US for the 9-3 Sport Sedan, Sport Combi and Convertible. We’re right at the beginning of a new dawn for diesel and Saab is well positioned to take advantage.
Trollhattan Saab – Sept 2005:
I mentioned here the other day that Bob Lutz doesn’t think diesels are a certainty for the US, though I’m pretty certain that Saab’s competition will be introducing them when the legislation makes the commercial environment better suited. A failure on GM’s part to get this right will lead to a huge loss of marketshare. There’s been enough comments here and elsewhere to make this decision an apparent no-brainer. The old adage that American customers wouldn’t accept them because they’re scarred by bad memories of diesels is rightly squished by The AutoProphet when he says that “the myth would be dispelled the moment that modern diesel engine cars from Europe [were] demonstrated here.”
Edmunds – January 2006:
While diesel clearly isn’t the answer to everyone’s prayers, the U.S. market is unquestionably missing out on the modern diesel phenomenon. Bountiful torque, excellent refinement and a huge range are qualities well suited to the American highway. It is surely time to put away the prejudices of the 1970s and embrace the modern diesel engine.
SaabUSA – May 2006:
Before we make a strong – and expensive – push to make Saab diesels compliant with US regulations and bring it over here, we have to make sure that it is worth the effort for the relatively small brand that we are.
Currently, we are not convinced that such is the case.
Trollhattan Saab – April 2007:
I kept writing about this ad infinitum until I got a chance to discuss it with Saab USA. At that time I was told that the 1.9 diesel used in Europe wasn’t compliant with US emissions laws, and it’d be too expensive to undergo the compliance tests for Saab anyway. They didn’t see a big market for diesel at the time due to the higher cost of the fuel there and the added cost of manufacture. They were, however, open to reassessment in all of this.
Fast forward to today’s story, and we learn that this very same 1.9 litre diesel engine might be making a US debut in the Astra for Saturn. The only obstacle that’s mentioned in the article is the additional $1,000 or so that the oilburner would add to the price of the Astra. No mention is made of compliance.
Autoblog – May 2006:
Autoblog reported yesterday that diesel’s accounted for 22% of Volkswagen’s US sales in the first four months of 2006.
Trollhattan Saab – May 2006:
if Saab don’t prepare for the new US regulations on diesel and get these highly successful and well regarded cars to the US market – then they’ve got rocks in their heads.
Bob Lutz – September 2007
We have the gravest of doubts that diesels are the solution.
Autoweek – January 2008:
BMW will begin selling two new performance-oriented diesel models in North America in 2008–the 335d sedan and X5 3.0sd SUV.
Both vehicles run a specially adapted version of BMW’s existing 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder common rail diesel engine. The diesel is fitted with an oxidation catalyst, particulate filter and a system to reduce nitric oxide outpt, which allows the powertrain to be sold in all 50 states.
Trollhattan Saab – January 2008
The Saab TTiD is a brilliant engine and should be sold in the US. I’d defy any US driver to have a crack at it and not enjoy it.
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Thos quotes were all from a post back in January 2008 and I haven’t covered the “Diesel for the US” campaign much since then.
Perhaps it’s time to get back on the train. With a new owner coming on board, maybe they’ll see the sense in getting Saab into the US diesel market.
The latest quote to add to the pile is this one:
Edmunds Auto Observer – July 2009
With gasoline and diesel fuel prices staying low — and uncharacteristically consistent — as the summer progresses, data analysts at Edmunds.com, parent of AutoObserver, did a recent crunch of the often-discussed payback times for the nation’s two competing fuel-saving drivetrains: hybrid-electric and diesel-engine vehicles.
The latest round goes to diesel.
There are two factors currently working in diesel’s favor. First, diesel fuel prices have dropped precipitously since last summer’s explosion to $4 per gallon (and beyond) and normalized to pricing quite near regular unleaded gasoline.
Second, the price “premium” for diesel technologies is low — and in a few cases, combines with federal tax credits to make the diesel-powered vehicle actually cheaper than a comparable gasoline-engine variant of the same model. For those vehicles, diesel engine payback time is immediate.
by Swade
March 13, 2009 in Archive
I reported last night that the 2.9l V6 diesel being developed by VM Motori and to be used in the Saab 9-4x and 2010 Saab 9-5 had been paced on hold due to issues at the coalface in Italy.
I’ve had a note passed on to me by my mates at Auto Motor and Sport, saying that the engine program is now cancelled. This was confirmed to them via email from Saab Sweden.
GM has taken the decision to cancel the 2.9 V6 Diesel engine program which is a result of current market conditions and the consequent financial concerns. In December 2008, GM confirmed the engine would be delayed approximately 12 months. However, the final decision has been made to cancel the engine program.
Saab also emphasised that they have other diesel options for the Saab 9-4x and Saab 9-5, without stating what those options were.
Saab’s current diesel engines are great performers and when tweaked a little by Saab’s official tuners, Hirsch, they get even better. The loss of the V6 may be felt at the upper end of the new Saab 9-5′s market, however.
Do Saab have another diesel option up their sleeve? We’ll have to wait and see, I guess.
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