SAAB CELEBRATES DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY WITH SPECIAL EDITIONS

SAN DIEGO – Saab, the Swedish automaker that earned its wings from aviation, is celebrating its diamond anniversary in 2007 by introducing special 60th Anniversary Editions of the 9-3 and 9-5 models.

Taking cues from its Scandinavian birthplace, the Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible, and the 9-5 Aero Sedan and SportCombi 60th Anniversary Editions are offered with unique content – dazzling new five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, solid black leather sport seats with grey inserts, premium stitching and embossed with “SAAB” lettering; exotic dark walnut interior trim; and not to be outdone underfoot, black floor mats with contrasting grey binding detail.

A glittering Ice Blue metallic exterior finish is uniquely available for the Saab 60th Anniversary Editions. However, if they wish, customers can specify one of six other metallic exterior colors from the current model year palette at no extra charge.

Additionally, the 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible 60th Anniversary Editions include premium audio that features XM Satellite Radio and a six-disc CD changer; dual-power front seats; and front fog lamps. Body-color trunk lid spoilers for the 9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible are also included.

On the 9-5 Aero Sedan and SportCombi, the 60th Anniversary Editions include the Visibility Package, which consists of Saab Parking Assistance, rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlamps and auto-dimming outside mirrors. SportCombi models also feature the chrome aircraft-shaped handle in the cargo floor, similar to that on the 9-3 SportCombi, plus optional roof rails finished in matte chrome.

“The 9-5 and 9-3 Anniversary Editions provide an excellent and a unique value to American consumers. They are a great way to mark Saab’s 60-year anniversary as a manufacturer of distinctive, premium cars,” said Saab Automobile USA General Manager Jay Spenchian.

“On Aug. 23-26, 2007, the Great Lakes Saab Club will host the North American Saab Owners Convention near our home base in Southeast Michigan, where we will continue the celebration with a large group of Saab enthusiasts.”

The 60th Anniversary Editions will be available at Saab dealerships across the United States in February. Prices, including destination charges, start at under $29,000. On the 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan (MSRP: $26,250), SportCombi (MSRP: $27,495) and Convertible (MSRP: $37,495), the 60th Anniversary Edition option is offered for a modest $1,825, which is nearly $1,000 less than its MSRP value of $2,823.

On the 9-5 Aero Sedan (MSRP: $35,790) and SportCombi (MSRP: $36,790), the 60th Anniversary Edition option is offered for $1,595, with an actual MSRP value of $2,245.

Born from Jets
Following the close of WWII, Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (SAAB) faced an economic shift from the military-industrial complex to the consumer-based market. Looking to diversify, the primarily military aircraft manufacturer gave 16 aircraft engineers license to create the company’s first automobile.

On June 10, 1947, the automotive division of Saab was officially born, with the unveiling of the original Saab 92 production prototype to Swedish media. More than 4 million cars later, the spirit of Saab’s pioneering engineers lives on in an extensive product lineup that is marketed in more than 50 countries around the globe.

Today, Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and the 9-7X SUV for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2007 model year, Saab markets seven car variants in the United States that perform at an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway.