In line with Saab’s goal for something distinctly Saab and to be able to come up with a trademark that will set their vehicles apart from that of other brands, the company plans to produce a small SUV that manifests the “Saab trademark” by 2009. The said vehicle is rumored to be constructed at GM’s assembly plant located in Ramos, Mexico. Tagged as the 9-4X, the said vehicle is believed to be the one that will break the trend among previous Saab SUVs. Saab SUVs of the past are quite patterned with existing GM trucks. The 9-4X is Saab’s attempt to create its own SUV—in terms of looks and performance. In other words, the 9-4X is a move to break free from “re-badging existing GM trucks” to Saab SUVs. The people in Saab believe that it is about time for Saab to have its “own” SUV and the 9-4X would be it. This may also be the reason why they are not rushing with the 9-4X. It will be built in 2009 when everything about it, from the design down to its most detailed features, has been given considerable thought.
Many believe that this move of Saab is a good one. First and foremost, the market is growing. Second, it is high time to have an identity for the brand’s SUV. Word has been going around that the 9-4X will be constructed on a platform that makes use of Theta architectures from Epsilon II and the would-be introduced Cadillac BRX, which is primarily a small SUV. Upon the release of the 9-4X, it is expected to steal buyers of—as well as compete with—the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Infiniti EX. As an estimate, the first 9-4X will be introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January and will feature add-ons such as Saab performance parts to boost the 9-4X’s competence. The vehicle will be made available worldwide but is expected to have the appeal more to the European market.
Source: Auto123.com
