Saab's automobile range may be expanded in the near future with a new small car inspired by the Swedish firm's teardrop-shaped 92 model of the 1950s if the company's CEO Victor Muller gets his way.
In a telephone interview with Bloomberg, Muller revealed that his company is in talks with automakers to share technology and a platform for the modern-day 92 or in Saab's current lingo, the 9-2.
While Muller declined to say with whom he's been negotiating, the owner of Spyker Cars NV said that the new 9-2 would keep the teardrop-shape of the original model that was in production between 1949 and 1956.
"Discussions are already ongoing," said Muller. "That will be on my plate for the next 100 days."
If Saab's boss manages to close a deal with an automaker, we'll probably have to wait another two to three years to see the final production version of the Swedish firm's retro-answer to BMW's MINI and Fiat's 500.
Via: Bloomberg
Photo Gallery of Original Saab 92
13 Comments:
I'm going to go on a whim and say chances are Subaru likely isn't in the running...
Subaru was used before for the last 9-2 model but maybe FIAT would be the most logical and it could be used on top of the current 500 platform.
Somehow, this idea is more appealing than the Mini, Beetle, or Fiat 500.
ROFLMAO. They went and bought a company that doesn't have its own platforms, doesn't have its own engines and now they're desperately looking to find engines and platforms to build their cars on.
THAT'S what I call planning.
And when's BMW going to reissue the car that kept it afloat after WW2?
You know which one I mean: the "prestigious" Isetta, the rights for which they bought from its Italian manufacturer!
Victor Muller needs to wine and dine some Kia executives. They are at the top of their game right now and they have a lot of small platform expertise.
The hook up with Kia could also raise the Korean manufacturer's profile amongst older brands as finally having arrived as a serious competitor.
Reply to:
"ROFLMAO. They went and bought a company that doesn't have its own platforms, doesn't have its own engines and now they're desperately looking to find engines and platforms to build their cars on.
THAT'S what I call planning."
That isn't true. SAAB has a deal with GM so they can use their platforms IF THE WANT.
Yeah, SAAB's with KIA mechanicals.
Good one.
"Victor Muller needs to wine and dine some Kia executives. They are at the top of their game right now and they have a lot of small platform expertise.
The hook up with Kia could also raise the Korean manufacturer's profile amongst older brands as finally having arrived as a serious competitor."
The Rio is not a small car, it is a coffin. Furthermore, kia will never be taken serriously amongst the already well-established brands.
"Victor Muller needs to wine and dine with some Kia executives."
- Absolutely..u've hit the spot. Kia are in top form.... really red hot form now and for some time to come. Do not look at their available small cars but look ahead at thier potential.
"Victor Muller needs to wine and dine some Kia executives."
Agreed... to infuse some "soulful chemistry"?
"They are at the top of their game right now and they have a lot of small platform expertise."
KIA has the Picanto... and yes Saab can consider its platform to underpin its next 9-2...
"The hook up with Kia could also raise the Korean manufacturer's profile amongst older brands as finally having arrived as a serious competitor."
Certainly...who knows, they may employ Peter Schreyer to assist Saab in their future teardrop wonder and KIA may get to collaborate with Saab on future platforms!
Of course...this is speculation...till we receive more official news...
"Furthermore, kia will never be taken serriously amongst the already well-established brands"
Funny, that's what people used to say about Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai....
PS: You should check your spelling, it's spelled seriously.
2-stroke E-TEC FTW! Bombardier should put their hands up for this!
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