Saab Targets Chinese and Russian Markets, Unlikely to Develop a Diesel 9-4X

Saab has revealed plans to begin distribution to China and Russia. Deals for both countries will be signed before the end of the year, while Saab is also pondering the assembly of cars in the Far East. In other news, the Swedish maker also said that it's unlikely that we'll see a diesel-powered 9-4X any time soon.

In regards to China, Saab CEO Jan Ake Jonsson, told reporters on the sidelines of the Los Angeles Auto Show: "Until we launch the new 9-3 at the end of 2012, it will be just a couple of thousand units (annually), all based on imports. As we lead up to this, we have to make a decision if and when we are going to introduce local manufacturing in China."

If Saab decides to assemble cars in China, production would concern the next generation 9-3, as the 9-5 sedan and 9-4X would be imported to the country.

Until then, Saab wants to define the dealer network first, which will have 10 to 15 showrooms, spread out in five or six cities. Mr. Jonsson didn't reveal any further information about the company's plans in Russia.

Speaking about the 9-4X, the Saab CEO said that there are no current plans for the introduction of a diesel engine to the range, due to the short payoff period it would have.

"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. And then you have a very short payoff period. So I think it is unlikely" Jonsson said.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews

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LA Show 2010: All-New Saab 9-4X receives its World Premiere [with Videos]

Saab chose the city of Angeles to hold the world premiere of its second all-new model after the recent 9-5 sedan and the company's first compact crossover vehicle, the 9-4X. The Swedish automaker says the new 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X crossover and new 9-5 sedan.

A crucial model to Saab's recovery after the Swedish brand changed hands, the 9-4X is one of the last vehicles to be co-developed with its former owner, General Motors. It is based on the Cadillac SRX and will be built alongside its American counterpart at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

Under the hood, North American buyers will have a choice of naturally-aspirated or turbocharged V6 engines. The entry-level powerplant is a 265HP 3.0-liter V6 with direct-injection that can be ordered with FWD or AWD, while at the top of the range sits a 300HP 2.8-liter V6 with twin-scroll turbocharging and standard AWD. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.

"We are now embarking on the biggest new product offensive in Saab's history," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. "The 9-4X is the second new car we have introduced this year and it will significantly broaden the appeal of the Saab brand by giving us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that is sporty and unmistakably a Saab."

The Saab 9-4X will hit U.S. dealerships in May 2011, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August of the same year.

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