Saab claim to be “bringing quirky back” reports PistonHeads.com, through the revamp of the classic 99/900, which is inspiring the creation of the new 9-3. It can be argued that Saab is also bringing sexy back using the spirit of the old Saab and utilising its “quirky roots”.
Spyker might have only just got their hands on the Saab legacy, but already the new owner Mr Victor Muller has big plans for the company, saying “within two years, the entire production line-up will be renewed”. Some might say these are big plans for such a small company, in fact these are almost the exact words reported on Top Gear, who have reported that “Saab globally sells 100,000 – 150,000 cars, while the likes of Mercedes, BMW and Audi do 10 times that amount”. In order for Mr Muller to get the success he believes is possible all of us car enthusiasts need more than just sentiment for this classic car maker, which Top Gear believe the simple answer is “people just need to start buying Saabs again”.
According to Dutch car news website Autointernationaal, “Spyker wants to bring back the essence of the old Saab 99/900 series with the next 9-3”. With additional body styles and using the Vauxhall Astra platform and its turbocharged 1.4-litre motor you should expect this new car to be here sooner rather than later.
TopGear.com reports that it’s a tough job to be distinctive when you’re a “small company who can’t afford its own proper engineering”, which is why with the injection of £347 million, approved by the European Investment Bank, Saab will have the fuel and resources to “develop and build fine cars” placing them in the position of being a credible rival to BMW and Audi.
Since the deal has been made between General Motors and Spyker there has been a lot of scepticism about the future of the Saab name, but the million dollar question is, can Saab attract customers back to the classic brand and make a profit? According to BBC News, Mr Muller of Saab has high hopes for the company and believes that “the main reason why we think Saab will succeed is its unique brand”.
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