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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Spyker Details Strategic Plan for SAAB, Says New 9-3 with Hatchback Variant Coming in 2012, Smaller 9-1 Under Consideration
Posted by wedos at 7:48 AM
In anticipation of a general meeting on February 12 where Spyker shareholders will officially approve the purchase of Saab, the tiny supercar maker from Holland went ahead and outlined its future plans for the ailing Swedish automaker that include the presentation of a successor to the 9-3.
F
irst of all, Spyker confirmed that Saab will be a stand-alone niche manufacturer with three to four model lines and that the Swedish brand will continue to be positioned against other premium brand brands such as Audi and BMW.
According to the plan, Saab's product portfolio will be completely renewed over the next few years beginning with the launch of the all-new 9-5 sedan early this summer, followed by a station wagon version and an Audi A6 Allroad-rivaling 9-5X crossover variant.
In 2011, Saab will introduced the Cadillac SRX-based 9-4X Crossover that will be built in Mexico, while a year later, the company will launch the all-new 9-3 that will eventually grow to include sedan, sports estate, 'X' crossover, convertible and for the first time in many years, hatchback body styles.
Spyker added that it is also looking into the possibility of adding a fourth smaller model called the '9-1', which would compete in the premium C-Segment against the likes of the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3.
However, Spyker noted that such a car isn't currently included in the official Business Plan, so if the company decides to go ahead with the development, addition financing would be required.
With the exception of the 9-4X, all other models will be built at Saab's Trollhättan factory, with Spyker aiming to produce and sell between 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles per year.
The Swedish automaker will continue to collaborate with GM after the completion of the sale, but Spyker's plan is to gradually "reduce dependency and obtain improved access to other suppliers and the co-development of unique innovations."
Spyker business plan also makes word for Saab's current dealer network which will be re-energized with a new sales and distribution approach in certain markets, starting from this year.
The business plan that was drawn up by Saab management over the past ten months, is said to have been analyzed and supported by Spyker in assistance with the firm's advisers Booz & Co and KPMG Transaction Services, as well as several advisers to the Swedish Government and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
EIB will provide a €400 million loan -guaranteed by the Swedish government- to the newly formed company.
