GM can resurrect the Saab 9-4X, but do they really want this?
By Andrew, 09 Feb, 2012. 0 Comments
2011 Saab 9-4X
Only about 500 units of the Saab 9-4X were built by General Motors before production was stopped last year. This crossover, which was developed by GM when it was still the owner of Saab, made its debut last spring under Saab's new owners, Saab Automobile AB. Production began last summer at GM's assembly plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The car has the same platform and mechanical parts as the 2011 Cadillac SRX. The Saab can be differentiated from a Cadillac due to its exterior and interior styling plus suspension tuning. The 9-4X that GM developed for Saab is highly competitive.
If there would be a rebadged version, there would be two options. It could have its revival as a Chevrolet that is sold outside North America or as an Opel model meant for Europe. Notably, the 9-4X was built to be sold in Europe and the Middle East. It would be easy to replace the Saab badging and the name.
It may come with GM's new V-6 and the grille would need a new design to achieve a Chevrolet or Opel look. It’s unclear if GM could make a business case to revive the crossover under a different brand. GM spokesman Jim Cain said that its plant in Mexico had already adjusted to the end of 9-4X production. Getting rid of the tooling would be wasteful, considering the investments of GM to its engineering and styling. Hence, this is a chance for suppliers and GM to put a stop to their losses. [source: Autonews]
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