Mexico: Saab 9-4X production begins

Tuesday, January 26, 2010,

AutomotiveWorld.com

Thousands of miles from the protracted negotiations over the future of Saab, production has begun of Saab’s rival for the Volvo XC60, the Saab 9-4X. This model shares the new TE platform with the Cadillac SRX crossover, and both models are built by GM at its Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

News of the start of production is no indication of the Saab brand’s future, however. Although Automotive News data shows that 147 units of the Saab 9-4X have been built, this low-volume production is set to be used for assessment, including crash testing.

With production independent of the future of the Trollhättan, Sweden plant, this model was always destined to be resistant to the complex negotiations over Saab’s ownership. Jan-Ake Jonsson, the then-MD of Saab, told AutomotiveWorld.com on 3 March 2009 that the model was guaranteed to go into production, regardless of Saab’s relationship with GM, saying, “Yes, the 9-4X will be built by GM in Mexico. It is an important model for us [Saab], particularly for the US market.”

On the subject of Saab’s future, Genii has withdrawn its bid for Saab, leaving Spyker as the sole bidder. Reports indicate that a decision on Spyker’s bid is expected imminently, and shares in Spyker have reportedly risen in renewed expectation of a sale. However, GM remains adamant that it will shut down the brand should talks with Spyker prove fruitless.

Whilst uncertainty surrounds the future of the new Saab 9-5, the fate of the 9-4X is easier to predict. Should Saab be wound down, the fact that the 9-4X is so closely related to the Cadillac SRX crossover means that little work should be required to convert orders into SRX production.

9-4X