So Far Sales are Down at Saab this Year Compared to 2003

General Motors is about to take its Swedish Saab division on a very different trajectory than Ford has directed rival Volvo. While Volvo has developed its newest S40/V50 compact sedan/wagon on a shared chassis architecture with Europes 2005 Ford Focus and global 2004 Mazda3, and developed its award-winning XC90 on the S80 sedan platform, Saab has turned to its Subaru partner for the upcoming 2005 9-2x and GMs GMT360 platform (Chevy TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy) for the controversial 2005 9-7x.

The integration of the two new models will double Saabs North American lineup, something

Going in the opposite direction then rival Volvo, Saab has turned to its Subaru partner for the upcoming 2005 9-2x and GMs GMT360 platform for the new 9-7x. (Photo: General Motors)

On this subject Saab is said to be pushing GM for a 7-occupant crossover

The 9-3 has been Saabs workhorse; recently redesigned and regularly winning kudos from automotive industry experts. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

But with a new compact Saab and a massive truck-based sport utility, what about the brands core vehicles. While the 9-3 has recently been redesigned and is regularly winning kudos from automotive industry experts, the 9-5 will be in need of an update soon. Saab will reportedly give it a mid-cycle refresh

Saab will reportedly give the 9-5 a mid-cycle refresh inside and out. (Photo: General Motors)

"There are several very good solutions being discussed, but theres nothing locked in yet," stated Kelly-Ennis in a press conference.

One thing is for sure, Saab doesnt sell enough cars for the 9-5 to warrant a unique architecture. Will it share chassis and running gear with a future Cadillac or one of GMs European divisions, such as Opel/Vauxhall or possibly even Fiats Alfa Romeo? Any thoughts on the subject would only be conjecture, but it would be out of character for the 9-5 to feature

Die hard Saab fans are lambasting GM for building the "Saabaru" and Swedish TrailBlazer. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Those same enthusiasts lambasting GM for building the "Saabaru" and Swedish TrailBlazer are lobbying Saab for a reincarnated Sonnett, a racy two-seat sports coupe the automaker sold between 1966 and 1973. GMs Kappa architecture, that will underpin the upcoming Pontiac Solstice roadster and Chevy Nomad, among others, might be ideal for the project.

While appreciating the opportunities that a new Sonnett could bring to Saab, Kelly-Ennis realizes she needs to keep her focus on the job of supporting dealers by increasing sales.

"My priority is entering the high-volume, high-opportunity segments that are new for Saab," she commented.

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