When Jason Castriota was a young child, he was already beginning his career in the auto industry.  From his own mouth he claims that “I literally started sketching Ferraris when I was about five years old,” he said. “For whatever reason, some kids might kick around a soccer ball, I picked up a pencil and started sketching cars.”  Thus, the start of an awesome career Castriota has had designing some amazing cars.

Recently, Castriota was hired by Saab to create a more luxurious 9-3 model that is scheduled for release in 2012.  According to Spyker’s CEO, Victor Muller, Castriota and his team have already put together a 9-3 design and it is amazing!  As you know, Spyker purchased Saab from GM in February 2010 and is committed to make the brand profitable again by 2012.  They are determined to make future Chicago 9-5 Griffin models more in tune with Swedish design.  After being under GM’s hat, some of the spunk was taken out of the brand by being part of a larger picture.  They want Saab cars to be their own men, so to speak.  Continue Reading…

There is some great news for the state of Michigan.  After a few years of automotive woes for the “auto-giant state”, Saab has made the decision to base it’s North American Headquarters in Royal Oak, Michigan.  As you probably remember, General Motors sold Saab to Spyker Cars NV, in a $74 million deal in February of this year.  The good thing is that for awhile, Spyker will continue to get some technology and vehicles from GM, since the company has shares in Saab worth over $300 million.  This will help Spyker get stated and move forward.

Saab felt that basing the headquarters in Michigan was a smart move.  Since it’s been a hub of the auto industry in North America, there is plenty of talent and resources to draw from.  This will give qualified individuals in the area a chance at employment.  The job categories at the Royal Oak site will include IT, human resources, and sales and marketing, to name a few.  This business venture will also give Michigan around $2 in state tax revenue.

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On February 23rd, General Motors officially transferred the ownership of Saab Automobile to Spyker Cars. The two companies plan to operate as sister companies with Amsterdam Euronext as the parent company. Saab will be run by Jan Åke Jonsson and the cars will continue to be produced in Trollhättan, Sweden. The deal insures that the great looking and well made Saab vehicles we have come to love will continue to be produced. In addition, Saab has several projects currently in the works that will sustain their company well into the future of car production. Continue Reading…

February, 2010 is a month and year that will go down in history for Chicago Saab cars.  As of this date, Saab is officially part of Spyker Cars, who purchased the line of vehicles from General Motors.  This was done to relieve GM of the financial burden that having Saab under their wing has brought.  Spyker is confident that they will be able to revive this car line and make it profitable.  I hope so, Saab autos are great and deserve the chance to live on!

Let’s see what Spyker has in mind for Saab?  In addition to Chicago Saab used cars on lots right now, several new models are in the works.  These include a new 9-5, 9-3X, and 9-4.   There is also talk that a 50′s style inspired 9-2 may be a possibility.   Several auto experts believe that in order for Saab to truly be profitable, Spyker may have to partner with a larger, more profitable automaker to help field that costs associated with producing new models!

Spyker certainly has it’s work cut out for them. They expect Saab to be a profitable car by 2012.  To do this, they will need to sell around 75,000 cars per year.  In 2009, only about 40,000 Saab’s sold and it resulted in a $550 million loss!  It is hard to see that, but in a tough economy, it’s been difficult for many auto makers!

On a positive note,  what might you find right now at your local Saab dealer?  The 2009 Chicago Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport is a great car.  It starts around $35K and comes with many great features.  It has decent fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway.   The engine provides 201 HP and 221 pound feet of torque.  The 2.0T comes with good warranty options.  For example, the Basic and Powertrain Warranties are for 48 months/50,000 miles.

I really hope that Spyker can keep the Saab line running.  They seem determined and optimistic, and that is half the battle!

As you may or may not know, Spyker, a Dutch car company, recently purchased Saab from GM.  The auto brand has been in trouble for awhile now, but with the recent purchase and plans by Spyker, it’s looking like Saab has some great new models coming up.

The 9-5 Sedan, which was developed by GM originally, is still part of the plan.  The 9-5 went on display last year at the Frankfurt Auto Show.   This would have been a great Chicago 2010 Saab model, but it will go on sale this summer as a 2011 model.  The 9-5 will be available as a sedan, wagon, and “X” body style.

Another model (this might be my favorite) for Saab that will come to dealerships in 2011 is the 9-4X Crossover.  It will actually be manufactured by General Motors at their plants in Mexico.  GM will be able to pull profit from it’s sales, but can also charge a markup that can go to Saab Spyker Automobiles.

The 9-3 line will also be a great option for the Saab lover.  Spyker really wants to make this lineup great.  They are planning for all newly designed 9-3′s to be available as a 2012 model.  You’ll be able to choose from a sedan, wagon, “X,” convertible, and a hatchback, which perhaps one of the most coveted style by a loyal Saab enthusiast!  The Chicago 2010 Saab 9-3X starts out around $37K.

The 9-1 small car concept is more of a vision at this time.  Smaller cars that are more economical and give off less emissions are a wave of the car industry’s future.  To make a 9-1 model go from thought to process will require some more funding for Spyker.

Lastly, the Saab Aero X, which went on display several years ago as a conept, is probably not going to happen for awhile.  It looks amazing, with it’s futuristic, sporty looking design.   If you are craving a Saab now, consider a Chicago Saab used cars instead.

Spyker is going to work extremely hard to make sure Saab is reestablished as a leading car brand.  Right now, you can visit your local dealer for more information on new and Chicago Saab used cars.