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Saab To Debut Gas-Electric Hybrid by 2010
GENEVA — General Motors will have a Europe-developed gasoline-electric hybrid car in production by the end of the decade for both Saab and Opel brands.
Saab Managing Director Jan-Ake Jonsson said hybrid versions would be part of the next-generation 9-3 and 9-5 ranges. "We are part of the development process," Jonsson told Automotive News. "Eventually hybrids will be in Saab vehicles." Opel Managing Director Hans Demant said, "Before the end of the decade, you will see a hybrid application in an Opel."
Saab is currently working on hybrid systems in Sweden, and Jonsson said the technology would "fit into the image of the brand." The Saab 9-5 is due to be replaced in 2007, and the next-generation 9-3 will arrive in 2008. "It makes sense on the 9-3 and a 9-5," Jonsson said. "We want to put it on something new that comes out. That way we can maximize the potential of the technology."
GM is working on a number of hybrid initiatives, and the Saab/Opel technology could find its way into other brands, such as Saturn, with car lineups that are increasingly closely linked to European designs.
What this means to you: Environmentally friendly vehicles would fit nicely into Saab's image — but shouldn't hybrids be part of every GM brand's offerings?
Saab Managing Director Jan-Ake Jonsson said hybrid versions would be part of the next-generation 9-3 and 9-5 ranges. "We are part of the development process," Jonsson told Automotive News. "Eventually hybrids will be in Saab vehicles." Opel Managing Director Hans Demant said, "Before the end of the decade, you will see a hybrid application in an Opel."
Saab is currently working on hybrid systems in Sweden, and Jonsson said the technology would "fit into the image of the brand." The Saab 9-5 is due to be replaced in 2007, and the next-generation 9-3 will arrive in 2008. "It makes sense on the 9-3 and a 9-5," Jonsson said. "We want to put it on something new that comes out. That way we can maximize the potential of the technology."
GM is working on a number of hybrid initiatives, and the Saab/Opel technology could find its way into other brands, such as Saturn, with car lineups that are increasingly closely linked to European designs.
What this means to you: Environmentally friendly vehicles would fit nicely into Saab's image — but shouldn't hybrids be part of every GM brand's offerings?
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