1998 Saab 9000 Reviews

Just ask Sergio Marchionne, the top man at both Fiat and Chrysler, as someone did during the Detroit auto show this week. Actually, the question in a room full of 50 journalists from around the world went more like this: "Would you consider selling Ferrari to finance expansion of Fiat?"Marchionne, who talks more a university professor giving a tutorial on the motor business than a CEO barking out the usual whip-crack one- sentence replies, has the whole room laughing within a minute. "Imagine I have a can of caviar and 12 rotten eggs in the fridge," says the Canadian-Italian chief with the grubby stubble beard and a taste for cigarettes."Why would I sell the can of caviar to buy another 12 rotten eggs? I still cannot make an omlette." Then a pause, just for a couple of seconds. "No, Ferrari is not for sale."Marchionne goes on like this for just on an hour, fielding questions about everything from the chance of his snapping up Opel to the chances of a Fiat-backed start-up car in Turkey to he sales figures in Mexico. He even has a couple of lines on Australia. "I love the country. I’ve been there, I love it, but then I never do anything for you," he says, before promising more right-hand drive cars and a better supply line Fiat and Ferrari fans down under.Here are some Sergio gems, on a range of topics. Is he having talks with Peugeot about some sort of alliance? "We have not discussed a damn thing."What about building truly elegant new Fiats and Alfas? "Small, diverse and beautiful means nothing. You are going to be small and maybe non-existent."How does he see global car sales in 2012 and beyond? "Making a forecast in this environment is almost impossible. My best estimate is a flat line on volumes from 2011 to 2014. And that's my view of the best scenario, it could be worse. We are playing with fire."After an hour in the hot seat, Marchionne wraps with a single sentence before walking away without even a thankyou or a goodbye. "I've been talking for too long," he says.

Australia has 816 Saab owners facing a bleak New Year as all company support and warranty has been dissolved. Saab Australia managing director confirmed that Saab's filing for bankruptcy has frozen all warranties."It's tough times," says Stephen Nicholls. "All warranties have been suspended and we (Australia) are waiting for an outcome from the new administrator of Saab in Sweden."The news is bad for Australian owners compared to those in the US. General Motors - which owned Saab from 1990 to early 2010 - has announced it will honour warranties for the cars built during its ownership.But in Australia, Saab's subsequent owner Spyker in 2010 bought back the warranty book from Holden. "All Australian cars have their warranties covered by Saab - which is a problem,'' Mr Nicholls says.Saab launched its new 9-5 in April and received its last cars from the factory in May. "There have been no new cars from the factory since then,'' Mr Nicholls says. But though bleak, Mr Nicholls says Saab Tooling and Saab Parts - two separate businesses not involved in the bankruptcy of Saab Automobiles - are both profitable and are continuing to trade.``We are still able to source parts because there's an agreement to supply components for up to 10 years,'' he says. "We can't say 100 per cent of the parts are available, but it's certainly the majority.''Mr Nicholls says that though the news from Saab is hardly festive, there was a glow of optimism surrounding the future of the quirky Swede. ``It's not over till it's over,'' he says. ``We're still optimistic on news that there could be parties willing to invest in part or all of Saab.''In Europe last night, the CEO of Saab parent company Swedish Automobile, says there were ``parties out there that have expressed an interest to pursue a possible acquisition of Saab from bankruptcy''. The CEO, Victor Muller, says: ``Although this may seem like the end, it is not necessarily so.''He said it was now up to receivers appointed to oversee the bankruptcy process to judge such offers. Saab's bankruptcy filing this week came after the company had been deserted by two Chinese companies that proposed a long-winded and complex buy-out of the homeless carmaker.The buy-out was rejected by shareholder - and former owner - General Motors who argued that all its vehicle technology and intellectual property would be transferred into Chinese hands. SAAB'S ROLLMOP:July 2010: Saab's new owner, Netherlands-based sports-car maker Spyker, says it would sell 50,000-55,000 vehicles in 2010.October 2010: Spyker revised its sales target to 30,000-35,000 vehicles.December 2010: Saab sales for the year are 31,696.February 2011: Spyker plans to sell its own sports-car division to concentrate on Saab.April 2011: Suppliers to Saab halt their shipments because of unpaid invoices. Saab suspends car production.May 2011: Spyker becomes Swedish Automobiles (Swan) and says it has funds from Chinese company Hawtai to restart production. Chinese Government blocks the deal and the deal collapses. Another Chinese carmaker, Great Wall, denies it's interested in funding Saab. Spyker signs a deal with China's Pang Da Automobile Trade Company to give Saab the financing needed to restart production and give Pang Da an equity stake in Spyker. Production restarts.June 2011: Saab stops production after only two weeks due to an insufficient supply of parts. The company says it can't pay June salaries to the entire workforce of 3800 employees due to lack of funding. The trade union, IF Metall, gives Saab seven days to pay the employees or face liquidation. On June 29, Saab employees were paid. China Youngman Automobile Group Company and Pang Da announce their intention to buy 54 per cent of Saab for $320 million and finance three new models, Saab 9-1, Saab 9-6 and Saab 9-7.July 2011: Saab announces it is unable to pay July salaries to 1600 white-collar workers. However, the entire blue-collar workforce is paid on July 25. Trade union Unionen says that if Saab did not pay the white-collar workers within two weeks, Unionen will force bankruptcy. European Investment Bank says it will reject the request from Vladimir Antonov to become part-owner of Saab. August 2011: Saab pays the salaries of white-collar workers through an equity issuance from US capital investment group Gemini Fund in exchange for five million shares in Saab. The Swedish Enforcement Administration states it has more than 90 claims of $25 million against Saab for non-payment of debts. Swan announces Saab loss is $2.5 million for the six months of 2011.September 2011: Saab petitions the Swedish court for bankruptcy protection, the second time in less than three years, to stave off creditors while Youngman and Pang Da proceed with buy out plans. The Swedish courts reject Saab's bankruptcy petition, doubting that it could secure the necessary funding. Two workers' unions submit applications requesting Saab be put into liquidation. October 2011: Youngman and Pang Da agree to a joint $140 million takeover of Saab Automobile and its UK dealer network unit from Swan.December 6, 2011: GM announces it would not continue its licenses to GM patents and technology to Saab if the company had been sold to Youngman and Pang Da stating that the new owner's use of the technology is not in the best interest of GM investors.December 11, 2011: Left with no alternatives after GM blocks any Chinese partner, Saab officially files for bankruptcy.

Following months of intensive negotiations and a long period of suspended production and tight liquidity situation at Saab Automobile AB, a voluntary decision has been taken to place Saab Great Britain Ltd ("Saab GB") into administration. With immediate effect, David Dunckley and Daniel Taylor of Grant Thornton UK LLP have been appointed joint administrators of Saab GB. Saab GB, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Swedish Automobile N.V. ("Swan"), has exclusive rights to distribute Saab cars and parts in the UK. It employs 55 people in Milton Keynes and distributes the cars and parts to a 58 strong dealer network across the UK of which 20 are "Saab only" sites. Saab City, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saab GB employing 65 people, operates two Saab motor dealerships, one in Wapping and a smaller site in Fulham. The board of Saab GB is of the opinion that administration gives the company and creditors the necessary legal protection until it has secured the required funding for the company. The appointment of the administrator is effected by the directors of Saab GB. Once appointed, the administrator will take on the management powers of the directors. Swan continues discussions with potential investors regarding the sale of Saab Automobile AB and Saab Great Britain Limited.

Sinking Saab may have a new lifeline. Saab owner Swedish Automobile (SWAN) - formerly Spyker Cars -- has announced a memorandum of understanding with Pang Da Automobile and Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile, who will buy 100 per cent of the shares of Saab Automobile and Saab Great Britain Ltd for ?100 million ($131m). The purchase is to be paid in instalments, but final agreement between the parties is subject to a definitive share purchase agreement between Swan, Pang Da and Youngman, which will be conditional on the approval of authorities, Swan's shareholders and other relevant parties. An important consideration for Swan to enter into the transaction will be the commitment of Pang Da and Youngman to provide long term funding to Saab Automobile. Court documents show the two companies plan to provide a ?50m ($65m) bridging loan and ?610m ($800m) long-term financing from 2012. The documents were released after the court ruled yesterday that Saab's reorganisation - and essential protection from creditors -- could continue, although the company is likely to eventually axe about 500 of its 3400 workers at their Trollhatten factory in Sweden as part of plans to cut the equivalent of $149m in costs. The former General Motors brand has been teetering on the edge of financial oblivion for more than a year after being sold by GM. However it's likely the new owners - who's first offer to buy Saab outright was rejected -- could parlay the brand's European heritage into an increase in sales in China's growing market, which has a ravenous appetite for premium western brands. Youngman and Pang Da have previously said they would add Chinese production lines to Saab's Swedish output, with the target of increasing the 2010 global sales of 32,000 - less than Volkswagen did in Australia's small market alone - to 55,000 next year,  85,000 in 2013 and 185- 200,000 long term.  

The former General Motors brand has been catapulted closer to financial oblivion after being denied bankruptcy protection. A Swedish court overnight denied the application for bankruptcy protection made by the company, which has been teetering on the brink of oblivion for more than a year after being sold by GM, with a failed bid to give it traction from supercar maker and new owner, Spyker. Saab owner, Swedish Automobile – formerly Spyker Cars -- filed the voluntary  bankruptcy protection application in the District Court in Vanesborg, Sweden. The application wasintended to protect Saab from creditors while giving it time to obtain further funding, start a reorganisation plan and restart production, while continuing being able to pay salaries. Saab’s Trollhattan factory in Sweden has been stalled, and the inability to pay its 3700 workers for the past two months has led to bankruptcy threats from labour unions. The company is seeking three months of court-appointed protection from its creditors while it awaits Chinese regulatory approval for its AUD$325 million joint-venture deal with Pang Da Automobile and Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile. The bankruptcy protection and any court decision does not include Saab Australia, whose managing director Stephen Nicholls says the overnight news was an unwelcome surprise. "Obviously the news is not something we were hoping to wake up to," Nicholls says. "We were hoping the court would grant this. But obviously we are going to appeal the decision, and it will take about a week to go through the process and lodge the appeal. Nicholls says he doesn't have detailed information on why the application was refused, but that the appeal would make a stronger case. "I haven't seen the judgement itself and I'm not qualified to comment on the details of the judgement. But we believe there must have been some shortcomings in the submission as we believe the case itself is sound," he says. "We just need to plug these gaps and supply extra information if required, and we're confident it will then be successful. The burden of proof is just to demonstrate we have the funds, and we're going to go back to the drawing board and this time overload them with information." Nicholls says that the operations of Saab in Australia are not affected by the court decision. "Saab Cars Australia was explicitly excluded from the application -- as was the US and so on. But ultimately our  fate is linked to the paretent compay and we are carrying on trading, still honouring warranties and supplying parts. "We're funded, we're trading --- in the meantime we carry on and wait for news from the frozen north."  

Brand loyalty is being tested around the world as Saab, under financial siege and with its factory still closed, unfurls its flagship model.Private owners will have to scrutinise Saab's future to assure them that parts and service will be available. Fleet and user-chooser owners will want Saab's corporate solidity to prop up resale values and maintain sensible balloon payments.And then there's the car. The new Saab 9-5 is a good car - in a lot of ways, equal to its peers. But the cold facts overshadow the attributes of the car itself and beg the question: Will Saab aficionados spend up to $100,000 to have the badge in their driveway given the parlous corporate state and no guarantee of sunrise in the morning?VALUEForgetting for a moment the mist surrounding its future, the 9-5 offers a big car that perfectly suits the prestige segment. It is very well equipped and I'm delighted to note it retains the indelible Saab character that classes it - and its owner - as something special. The price of the all-wheel drive 2.8 Turbo model is $94,900 and almost $20,000 more than the 2-litre, front-wheel drive version. Add $5500 for the sunroof and rear entertainment system and the 9-5 moves into the $100,000-plus zone. Harman Kardon surround sound audio is standard and sensational. The 9-5 wants for nothing except a good home.DESIGNIt looks really good. That short and almost horizontal bonnet with rounded nose and swept-back headlights, the upright A-pillars and severely curved windscreen, slim side glass that subtly rises towards the boot and the long and gentle slope of the roof and trunk put it into another class.Designers maintain Saab's link with aircraft, despite the company foolishly splitting off the now successful aero business in 1969. The cabin is very roomy, the boot huge and the dashboard has a distinctive and very purposeful design.TECHNOLOGYHistorically, Saab has always trod new roads in technology. The latest, however, doesn't introduce much new but rather gather up clever bits. For example, electronically-adjustable suspension; a heads-up instrument display on the windscreen; automatic park assist; and a night panel switch that shuts down all instrument lighting except speedo and, on standby, any emergency panel warning lights. The Holden-made V6 engine is 2.8-litres and gets a turbocharger, drives through a six-speed sequential automatic transmissi on and then through a Haldex clutch that proportions power between the front and rear wheels depending on demand. There's also an electronic rear limited-slip diff that allocates power between the rear wheels.SAFETYIt's chocka-block with safety features, starting with a five-star crash rating, six airbags, the automated park assist, full-size spare wheel and all the electronic aids including all-wheel drive, stability control, cornering control and brake assist.DRIVINGIn terms of design, the cabin is well done though time spent familiarising yourself with the switchgear placement is advised. The keyless start button is down near the gear stick, the parkbrake is electric and the seat is electrically adjustable so it's an easy car to fit into. The engine is a bit noisy at idle but no complaints about performance. It hits its straps from around 2500rpm and delivers with excellent response. The six-speed transmission can bump uncomfortably up its gears at low speeds - though is much smoother when more power is applied - and steering is light and a bit vague. While I'm here, cabin noise and ride comfort is excellent at anything over 60km/h but at lower speeds it is drummy (probably due to the tyres) and the ride gets jiggly (suspension) and handling is less than precise. The 9-5 is more American in feel than European. The all-wheel drive has merits in handling, safety and when hitting the snow but may be an overkill for most Australian buyers.VERDICTTough call, this one. I'm impressed with its engine performance and love the distinctive styling. It betters the BMW 5-Series in features and space, equals it in lots of ways but is notably out of this race in handling and driveline smoothness. Then, like a father discussing the future with his intending son-in-law, there's the small issue of what's going to happen tomorrow.SAAB 9-5 AEROPrice: $94,900Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assistResale: 44%Service Interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 11.3 l/100km; 262g/km CO2Safety: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC. Crash rating 5 starEngine: 221kW/400Nm 2.8-litre V6 turbo-petrolTransmission: Six-speed sequential auto, AWD Body 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 5008 (L); 1868mm (W); 1467mm (H); 2837mm (WB)Weight: 2065kgTyre size: 245/40R19 Spare tyre Full-size

The struggling Swedish brand’s PhoeniX concept has just been handed the Auto Express design award.

Saab's hopes of a phoenix-like rise from the ashes rest squarely on two cars - the 9-5 Vector four cylinder in diesel and petrol and V6 petrol Aero. Both are built on a GM platform and use GM underpinnings.VALUEThe Aero is a $94,900 competitor for the likes of BMW 5-Series, E-Class Benz and Audi A6. Whether punters will chance their hundred grand on a Saab is an interesting question.DESIGNIt's an impressive car to look at particularly around the three quarter rear section and from straight on. The interior is awash with electronics and plenty of luxury kit including lashings of leather and woodgrain fascia and an impressive audio system. It's a good place to be especially with multiple adjustments for the driver who can set up the car within a range of parameters for ride, response and feel. These can be set to default or will reset to normal settings after every startup.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is a sweet sounding Holden 2.8-litre, petrol, twin cam V6 with a twin-scroll turbo fitted. It sees life in various cars including Alfa Romeo and in larger capacity (without turbo) in Commodore. Outputs are 221kW/400Nm through a six speed automatic transmission and then all wheel drive that seems to work... sometimes.DRIVINGWe had couple of "moments" when the front wheels started spinning with the rears stationary reversing up a slippery drive. What's the point? Due to its abundant equipment, the Aero is a weighty beast tipping the scales at close to 2.0 tonnes but the way it goes and handles belie this.Fuel economy hovers around the 11.5-litres/100km mark.It has a large boot and generous rear seat legroom with passenger DVDs. The drive experience is positive with the big Saab delivering on most fronts. And it appears to be built to a high standard, in Sweden.VERDICTIt's just that lingering doubt that needs to be overcome, something that took Audi more than a decade after it came and went in Australia a couple of times.

It wasn't so long ago that Saab was for all intents and purposes dead in the water.Dumped by General Motors during the financial crisis, it was eventually bailed out by German sports car maker Spyker which has in turn joined with a Chinese company Hawtai Motor Group with a guarantee of substantial financial support in return for shared technology.It's all a bit confusing really, apart from the fact that Saab is back and back with an all new resuscitated 9-5. So what? I hear you say. They couldn't get it right the first time what makes you think they'll do any better this time around?The short answer to that question is that the new and improved 9-5 ain't half bad.It's not going to set the world on fire but it is definitely appealing, with its long bonnet and swept back windscreen.The 9-5 has plenty of cache for the price and is a genuine alternative to mainstream Audi's, Benzes and BMWs.Going forward, however, Saab needs to work on putting some distance between its cars and those of the opposition.It needs to emphasise the points of difference that make a Saab a Saab, like returning the ignition key to its rightful place between the front seats. That's what will sell cars.DESIGNBuilt on GM's Epsilon platform, the new 9-5 is a much larger, more substantial offering than before.It's 172mm longer than the first generation 9-5 and, more importantly, 361mm longer its sibling the 9-3. Previously the two models were far too close in size.Suprisingly, the 9-5 is longer and wider than the Mercedes E-Class, although the Benz boasts a longer wheelbase.In keeping with its aircraft heritage, the car's interior features green instrumentation, with some aviation cues like the horizon-style speed gauge and the night panel button that knocks out all but essential instrument lighting at night.Ironically the speed gauge is not necessary because the holographic head-up display projects the car's current speed in the lower part of the windscreen.The interior is light and bright and friendly, with clean unclutterred styling and easy to read instruments.The centre console is dominated by a large touch screen navigation screen with a an upmarket Harmon Kardon sound system and 10Gb hard drive.Bluetooth, park assist, bi-xenon lights, automatic lights and wipers and heated front seats are all standard.TECHNOLOGYMotivation in the Vector model is provided by a 2.0-litre turbo charged petrol engine that delivers 162kW of power and 350Nm of torque from 2500 revs.It's good for 9.4 litres/100km and will do the dash from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 235km/h.The four cylinder engine is hooked up to a 6-speed Japanese Aisin transmission, with the option to change gears manually via the shifter or steering wheel mounted paddles.For another $2500 the optional DriveSense chassis control system provides intelligent, sport and comfort modes _ but we reckon sporty doesn't feel all that sporty.DRIVINGPerformance is brisk but the turbocharger has trouble keeping up with the demands of the throttle. Although traction control is fitted, the front wheels tend to scramble for traction, especially in the wet.VERDICT The 9-5 is an appealing car, but we're hoping there's better things to come yet as Saab seeks to redefine its identity. The 9-5 Turbo4 Vector sedan is priced from $75,900.

The Swedish factory is back in action again after months of protracted ownership issues. Saab Cars Australia managing director Stephen Nicholls admits that sales have been "pretty slow". "We're all very pleased that we're starting to get back to normal operation," he says. "We've been trying to conduct business as usual, but of course some people are a bit hesitant until they see cars coming off the production line. It's been a difficult time but we had faith it would be sorted out." "We're a real car company again." Saab Automobile this week restarted production at its Trollhattan factory for the first time since April 6. The daily production rate will be increased in coming weeks to meet worldwide orders of 6500 vehicles, including 1300 destined for China. The halt in production occurred while complex ownership and financial issues were sorted out with European and Chinese investors. "There's not a magic bullet but a number of different solutions," Nicholls says. He says the halt in production had not caused any supply problems, but it may delay the launch of the new 9-5 Sport Combi by "a month or two". "Before the shutdown we had the stock to go through to July but we do have a few cars delayed until August," Nicholls says. Saab Cars Australia has "pretty reasonable supplies" of the full range of 9-3 models (Sports Sedan, Sport Combi, Convertible and 9-3X SUV launched in March) and the 9-5 Sedan (Aero and Vector petrol and diesel) launched in April. Saab Cars Australia is a fully owned factory operation which is taking over responsibilities from GM Holden. "We are still in the process. There has been a prolonged handover," Nicholls says. "They are still doing parts distribution and warranty processing, but we intend to take that into our house in the next month or two. "We're working on the transition with our colleagues at Holden and it is being planned as we speak and will work pretty smoothly. I'm not aware of too many problems at the moment that will cause us too many sleepless nights." "As far as the customer and dealers are concerned there is no change except address." Saab has eight dealers in all states except Tasmania and up to 15 service outlets. Only 17 Saab vehicles (six 9-3s and 11 9-5s) were sold last month for a total of 41 so far this year. "We would like to be selling a few more, but news out of the factory in last six weeks or so has meant some people have held off on purchases," Nicholls says. "Now we're running normally we will re-contact those people and get them to buy a Saab."