Saved by Antonov: Saab Sells Production Facilities to Russian Banker to Get Cash

The Swedish government offered Saab conditional backing for a deal to free up cash for the company (see previous story here), whose production lines have been stopped for two weeks as Saab didn't pay suppliers. "We have decided to allow the Debt Office to conclude an agreement with Saab," said enterprise minister Maud Olofsson during a news conference on Friday.

The government has approved a proposal from the Debt Office to allow Saab to sell real estate, including the production plant, to Russian financier Vladimir Antonov and then lease it back from him. The minister said this deal would bring €30 million to Saab in the first phase, although the real estate was worth much more than that.

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Saab Roller Coaster Continues as Cash Gets Tight

Saab just can't seem to catch a break. After moving from the General's formerly overcrowded pocket into the hands of Spyker, the once-quirky brand is now doing all it can to bring production back online after failing to pay suppliers.

The gist is this: Saab received 400 million Euros (~$580 million) from the European Investment Bank so it could keep on ticking. Sweden guaranteed the loan, meaning whatever Spyker's resolution calls for must get the go-ahead from the Man.

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New Woes for Saab, Production Halted Again After Company Fails to Pay Suppliers

Less than a week after Saab idled its Trollhattan plant in Sweden for a few days due to a shortage of parts after failing to pay suppliers, the company once again halted production on Tuesday for the same exact reasons, despite solving the previous disputes.

"Production is stopped right now. It was stopped this morning," said Saab spokesperson Gunilla Gustavs. "We are working intensively to make sure the flow gets going again. We are having discussions with suppliers and doing our best to come to mutual agreements," Gustavs added.

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Saab Temporarily Halts Production After Suppliers Suspend Parts for Not Being Paid

In a sign of the possible problems brewing up at Saab, the Swedish firm was forced to temporarily halt production for a few hours at its plant on Tuesday as well as on Wednesday after component makers cut off deliveries to the factory because they hadn’t been paid.

“Certain suppliers halted supplies to Saab Automobile pending discussions about payments and supply terms,” Spyker said in a statement on Wednesday. “Saab Automobile expects to resolve these issues in the short term, also to prevent any further disruptions in supply. Saab Automobile has sufficient means to meet its immediate liquidity needs from existing and available sources,” the company added.

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SAAB CEO Jan Åke Jonsson to Retire, Victor Muller Takes Over Temporarily

Dutch automaker Spyker Cars NV announced on Friday that Saab Automobile’s Chief Executive Officer and President, Jan Åke Jonsson, has decided to step down from his position on 19 May, 2011. The company said that until a successor to the longtime Saab executive is found, Spyker Car’s CEO Victor Muller will temporarily assume the role of President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board.

The 59-year old executive, who has worked for Saab for close to 40 years, took over the helm of the company in 2005 when it was still under the ownership of General Motors. Jonsson has been credited for playing a key role in the savior of Saab when the Detroit automaker wanted to close down the brand.

“I have been with Saab Automobile for almost my entire career of 40 years, of which almost six years as the head of Saab Automobile,” said Jonsson in a statement. “The last three years have of course been very demanding and forced me to focus on one thing only – my work. Now it is time for me to also spend some time on other things that had to stand back for my duties to Saab Automobile.”

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Saab Hires Saabs United Blogger Steven Wade to Strengthen its Social Media Marketing Team

If you’ve been following the Saab-saga from the time General Motors decided to let go of the Swedish company in 2009, you’ll probably be familiar with the enthusiast blog Saabs United and its founder, Steven Wade, who did his part to keep the brand alive by rallying up supporters when many thought it was a lost cause.

In a not so unexpected turn of events, Saab today announced that it has hired Wade and appointed him the firm’s social media marketing team. Wade will be based in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia.

“Saab has hired me to be involved, as part of a global team, in a sustained social media presence that will see Saab presented from an inside view, allowing you access to company events, key people and of course, the cars themselves – in a way that no bigger car company can do,” Wade said on Saabs United.

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Saab Releases UK Pricing and Specs for 2012MY 9-3 Range

We had our first look at the modestly refreshed 2012MY 9-3 range at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, but today, Saab GB announced prices and specifications ahead of the UK launch next month.

The new model year brings some subtle exterior updates such as the restyled front bumpers, ‘ice block’ headlamps, a new grille, a Saab word mark that replaces badging on the chrome trim at the rear end and the addition of a boot-mounted spoiler for the sedan variants.

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Saab PhoeniX Sports Coupe Concept

The highlight of Saab's booth at the Geneva show is undoubtedly the PhoeniX concept car that previews design features and technologies that will be used by future Saab models. Based on the platform that will underpin the next-generation Saab 9-3, the PhoeniX was penned under the supervision of the firm's new design boss, Jason Castriota. According to Saab, it introduces an "aeromotional” design, which the company describes as the "the visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles".

The sports coupe features dramatic details such as the rear-lateral winglets reminding of Saab's aeronautical roots and the jet canopy-inspired glasshouse. The front includes a new interpretation of the brand's signature three-port grille which is likely to be seen on future models, as well as the muscular hood.
The teardrop shape of the rear window echoes the design of the very first Saab, the 92001 or Ursaab, while the “sawed-off” tail is a tribute to Saab's first coupe, the Sonett.
The shape of the concept and its aerodynamic treatment enable a drag co-efficient of just 0.25. The doors open upwards, like on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and offer access to the interior, which has a 2+2 layout. The PhoeniX features Saab's all-new IQon infotainment and communications system and a new expression of the driver-focused layout. The IQon uses Google's Android operating system and manages audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation, on-board music storage and downloading of applications.
The concept is powered by an innovative driveline, with an electrically-driven rear axle combined with a 200HP 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine (most likely sourced from the BMW Group) that motivates the front wheels. The electric motor/generator develops 34 hp and is powered by a small battery pack, which uses regenerative braking to sustain the charge.
The eXWD hybrid all-wheel drive setup and the start-stop system allow for an average fuel consumption of only 5 liters/100 km (47 mpg) and a CO2 emissions level of 119 g/km. The eco-friendliness doesn't mean the PhoeniX is “soft”: it does 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
The driver can choose between three eXWD operating modes: Eco, Sport and Traction. The first is set by default and delivers optimal fuel and CO2 efficiency, the second includes maximum power assistance with torque vectoring across the rear-axle and the third enables optimal grip in slippery conditions and at take-off.


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SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

Saab has built a limited edition of its 9-3 Convertible to celebrate the first anniversary of its independence, or to put it more realistically, the completion of the sale from General Motors to Spyker Cars. Called the Independence Edition, only 366 examples of the car will be produced, one for each day during the first year and one extra for the start of a second year.
The newcomer in Saab's range is based on the 9-3 Convertible Griffin Aero specification adding a unique, Amber Orange metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone satin chrome and black finish. In the interior, the special edition model is distinguished by the orange trimmed beige sports leather seats and glovebox, carbon fiber trim, a unique turbo boost gauge and orange stitched sports leather steering wheel and carpet mats with grey piping.
Depending on the market, the powertrain choices for the 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition include a 180HP, 1.9-liter turbo diesel, a 220HP, 2.0-liter gasoline turbo with direct injection, and a Biopower version able to run on any combination of gasoline or E85 fuel. All three powerplants are available with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.


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2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin Facelift

Aside from the limited-run 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition, Saab also announced today a mild facelift across the 9-3 range, which gets refreshed exterior and interior styling plus the introduction of gasoline direct injection on the 2.0-liter engines. The updated range will carry the 9-3 Griffin moniker and it is basically a last edition before a new generation takes over in 2012.
Changes apply to all models (Sport Sedan, SportCombi, Convertible and 9-3X) and include new front bumpers, a new "ice block" finish for the headlights and the Griffin badge added to the front fenders. On the inside, the dashboard, seat upholstery and decor have received a fresh look. The 9-3 Griffin models will be offered in two specs, standard and Aero.
Technical updates involve the addition of new 2.0-liter gasoline engines with direct injection technology, variable valve timing and twin scroll turbocharging. The 2.0-liter engine is available with 163 or 220 horsepower, and can be combined with Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system.
The petrol units join the 1.9-liter turbo diesel engines that produce 130, 160 or 180 horsepower. Six-speed transmissions become standard across the 9-3 Griffin range.
Saab claims that combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have dropped by 4 percent across the entire range. For example, the 9-3 SportCombi fitted with the 1.9-liter TTid engine has an average fuel consumption of 4,5 liters/100 km (52.2 mpg) with 119 g/km of CO2 emissions. 

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Video of the New Saab 9-5 SportCombi from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

The new PhoeniX sports coupe concept pretty much grabbed most of the attention at Saab's Geneva Motor Show stand, but the Swedes also brought along their all-new 2012 9-5 SportCombi. The station wagon model will arrive in the market this fall with the same engine lineup as the four-door 9-5 offering buyers improved practicality and a boot that measures 527 liters with the seats up and 1600 liters when the 60/40 split rear seatbacks are folded down. Hop over the jump for some live shots and walk-around video from the Geneva Show floors.

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VIDEO: Chris Bangle Butts Heads with Jason Castriota at SAAB's Geneva Motor Show Stand

You might think watching two world-renowned designers talking cars would be entertaining . . . and you'd be right on the money. Rising star and Saab's current hot shot design director Jason Castriota penned the PhoeniX concept. Chris Bangle, known for turning BMW on its head with his flame surfaces and unique rear ends, was hanging around Geneva and decided to chat with Castriota about his "aero" style.

Check out the video below for a minute and a half of a little (friendly?) banter between two polarizing designers as they discuss what makes the PhoeniX a Saab.

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VIDEO: SAAB Design Boss Jason Castriota Talks PhoeniX

We've already brought you the news on Saab's PhoeniX concept that's built on the underpinnings of the next 9-3 series and is on display at the Geneva Motor Show, but the Swedes have just released a video with the firm's new Design Director Jason Castriota giving us a tour of the 2+2 coupe.

In the video after the break, Castriota explains the PhoeniX's bespoke design features and its significance for the future of Saab product design starting off with the next generation of the 9-3 which is scheduled for release in 2012.

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