Saab Looking to Postpone EV, Relaunch 9-3 Next Year
National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), the new rightful owners of Saab, might hasten its relaunch plans by resurrecting the 9-3 model in conventional gasoline form next year.
The brand originally wanted to relaunch Saab in 2014 with an electric car, but NEVS is mulling the possibility of starting production on a 9-3 model next summer in order to raise cash and maintain awareness of the brand. The Swedish automaker is still aiming to launch its electric vehicle offerings by 2014.
SEE ALSO: Saab 9-3 Convertible EV Under Consideration
The battery-powered 9-3 will be built on the Phoenix platform and manufactured in Saab’s factory in Sweden. Saab spokesman, Mikael Oestlund, confirmed that all future vehicles built using this technology will be branded as Saabs, but the company plans on designing a new logo for the brand.
[Source: Automotive News]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I am convinced there is a design/engineering hipness to SAAB (pre-GM) ..Cool for all the right reasons: similar to mindset that APPLE enjoyed and rode to its current heights. I would like to see APPLE partner with SAAB ($3B ) to create the definitive state ofvthe art vehicle complete w/breathalizer ignition control, solar panels et al, the works. iSAAB ? SAAB they might do well to keep their logo..with a bite mark? And go for gold by opening at least an earnest R /D dialogue of integrative tech possibilities .
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