SAAB - Holden input - - - I wonder???

[jagsy]

Just looking at the SAAB concept car (link below).

I recently read that GM Holden have control of SAAB, I wonder what input has been from down under? Could this have tones of the future Monaro?

www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=15449

[decromin]

Hmm - to the best of my knowledge, Holden only have dealings with Saab in that they own the distribution rights within Aus. The only company outside of Australia that GM Holden have an ownership per se is GM DAT.

[jagsy]

Well you might bew better informed, but I recently read that Holden have taken "direction" of SAAB.

[V8HSV]

Thought Holden took over Saab a couple of years ago in Oz?

[A57 HSV]

There were a few shared parts between the VT & VX and the Saab 9-5.

[V8 EOL]

The SAAB V6 they use in the 9-3 Aero was a GM developed unit and is also the bottom end of the new Alfa V6. I think the Vectra VXR also has the same basic design.

The Vectra, 9-3, Cadalac STS are all based on the same platform.

As for Holden input in the 9-x concept... I am not so sure. How much did Saab have to do with the Efijy? (which BTW why the hell dont they put it in to production!?)

[davidy]

Saab are being pushed by GM to work with Subaru. It makes sense as both are relatively low volume car producers, and the opportunity to share technology is quite large.

Subaru get access to better interiors! and diesel technology

Saab get access to 4x4 technology

The first colabaration was the 9-2 effectively a rebodied Impreza, but I would expect the next 9-5 to share platforms with the Legacy (plus other GM vehicles)

Obviously there has been an increasing influence by GM on Saab in recent years starting with much of the 9-5 and the current 9-3SS

davidy

[caspy]

GM and Fuji Heavy Industries(who own Subaru) did have a tie up a couple of years back (it was to produce a SAAB version of the Tribeca initially), but there is no ongoing working together I am aware of. I think they may use some co developed hardware from the tie up going forward though.

[V8 EOL]

davidy said:

and diesel technology

The 1.9 deseasal unit in the Alfas, Saabs and VXs are all fiat sourced units, so I am not sure how much they can share!