Following the success of Saab’s fixed price servicing offer, Saab Parts UK and its national network of Authorised Service Centres has enhanced its value for money aftersales package with the introduction of its new Platinum Service.

Saab wants to make sure that your vehicle is running smoothly and that it remains in first-class condition at all times, and having your vehicle serviced regularly will maintain the vehicle’s overall performance and optimise fuel economy.

Competitively priced at £399, the Saab Platinum Service includes a fixed price service – a value for money alternative to the standard service. All the basic checks on your Saab are covered and a thorough and detailed vehicle inspection and road test that covers brakes, tyres, steering systems and fluid levels are carried out.

Included in the price is an engine flush and fuel treatment which cleans the engine’s fuel and oil system plus six months free Saab Secure Warranty, which covers most of the vehicle’s original mechanical and electrical components and offers Saab customers peace of mind for future motoring needs.

All work is carried out by Saab factory trained technicians, who have the experience and expertise to maintain customers’ cars in the best mechanical condition, servicing them to manufacturer’s specifications and using only Saab Genuine Parts that are covered by a two-year parts and labour warranty.

Commenting on Saab’s new Platinum Service offer, David Leighton, Business Development Manager at Saab Parts UK, said: “The Saab Platinum Service is the crème de la crème of aftersales service packages.  We want to offer customers a service that covers all the key elements in vehicle servicing and will guarantee an unbeatable combination of value for money packages offering quality servicing and expertise. Customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their Saab is being looked after by our trained Saab technicians who only use Genuine Saab parts and will keep their Saab a Saab.”

For full details of what is included in the Platinum Service and find your nearest Saab Service Centre simply visit saab.co.uk

For a limited period, Saab owners can take advantage of improved customer value fixed-price services from £129 and qualify for a complimentary MoT. All owners need to do is register on-line with Saab Service Club.

Free to all Saab owners, Saab Service Club is a loyalty scheme that provides a host of exclusive benefits, including free visual health checks, discounts on parts, servicing and Saab accessories. To register and claim a complimentary MoT test, simply visit saabserviceclub.co.uk enter your details, select your nearest Saab Service Centre and download the MoT voucher.  Existing members can download the voucher directly by entering their membership number where requested.

All Saab fixed-price services are carried out by factory trained technicians, who have the experience and expertise to maintain customers’ cars in the best mechanical condition, and use Saab Genuine Parts that are covered by a two-year parts and labour warranty.

Saab was recently rated as a top four best-performer in an analysis of MoT pass rates undertaken by consumer motoring champion, honestjohn.co.uk, reinforcing Saab’s legendary reputation for durability, reliability and build quality. The analysis of 24.5 million MoT records revealed an average of 84% of Saabs registered in 2008 passed their MoT, against a national average of 80%.

David Leighton, Business Development Manager at Saab Parts UK, said: “At Saab we are continually looking at ways to provide Saab customers with improved value services. With an extensive national network of 89 Authorised Service Centres, we want to ensure that Saab owners can keep their Saabs in perfect running order with the best quality and value maintenance packages developed through the Saab Service Club.”

Team Traction Ltd is located in Becket Business Park on the Broad Oak Road and is the new Authorised Repairer for Saab in Canterbury. With a team of trained Saab technicians, Team Traction carries an extensive Saab parts stock and specialist tooling to enable them to carry out all Saab servicing and repairs. It also offers all customers a delivery and collection service, loan cars, bodyshop repairs and MOTs.

Anthony Surtees, Team Traction Aftersales Manager, said: “We pride ourselves on delivering excellence in everything we do and key to that is the service we offer our customers. We are very pleased to join the Saab Authorised Repairer network and our dedicated and courteous team are all looking forward to working with such an iconic model range and delivering a first class service to our new Saab customers.”

As an introductory offer running throughout July, Team Traction is pleased to offer all Saab owners a free vehicle health check and complimentary replacement bonnet badge.

Saabtech Welwyn, situated on 36, Brownfields, Welwyn Garden City, opens for business on Saturday 31^st March, 2012, and will offer full servicing facilities, MOT testing, body shop repairs and an extensive aftersales department supplying parts and accessories.  This new authorised repairer is no stranger to Saab owners in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire as it was previously an independent Saab specialist located in Stevenage.

Saabtech Welwyn takes over the former retail site of Squire Furneaux, and looks forward to welcoming all Saab owners to its new premises.  Saabtech Welwyn Directors, Ian Ward and Jenny Eldred, both previously worked in Saab dealerships, set up Saabtech UK Limited as an independent specialist in Stevenage in January 2007, and offer owners a one-stop shop for all their Saab needs.

Jenny Eldred, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be moving our business to Welwyn Garden City and the former Squire Furneaux site. We have a very strong and loyal Saab customer base in the area and will continue to provide the very highest level of care and service that our customers expect.

“We have an open door policy for all Saab owners and look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to Saabtech Welwyn. We pride ourselves in offering a personalised service to all our customers and unrivalled expertise in servicing and maintaining their cars.”

The second new authorised repairer to be appointed by Saab Parts UK in March is West Motor Company Ltd in London.

Following the success of their Putney Service Centre, they have recently relocated to larger premises at 4, Castelnau in Barnes. West Motor Company Ltd is renowned for its high standards in customer service and offers a personal and professional service in a relaxed and welcoming showroom. It offers all Saab aftersales facilities including servicing, MOT, bodywork and diagnostics.

Andrew Joaman, formerly Dealer Principal at Saab Fulham, and now heading up West Motor Company Ltd with Aftersales Manager Rav Siayn, said: “Our new showroom in Barnes is modern, spacious and welcoming for customers. We have a large selection of prestigious vehicles for sale including Saabs on our forecourt and our workshop facilities are equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment and machinery for Saab servicing and MOTs. Our team of technicians are highly skilled and we only use genuine Saab parts.

“We are very proud that our new business in Barnes is joining Saab Parts UK’s network of authorised repairers. We have a large Swedish community in Barnes and look forward to welcoming them and all Saab owners to our new showroom.

“We pride ourselves on delivering excellence in everything we do and key to that is the service we offer our customers.”

Corin Richards, Managing Director of Saab Parts UK, said: “I am delighted to welcome Saabtech Welwyn and West Motor Company Ltd into our network of authorised repairers. Both businesses have a wealth of Saab experience and will maintain the standards of excellence that our customers expect.”

With the addition of Saabtech Welwyn and West Motor Company Ltd, Saab Parts UK now has an operating network of 88 authorised repairers.

New Saab Authorised Repairers;

Saab Automobile Parts UK Ltd (trading as Saab Parts UK), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saab Automobile Parts A.B., commenced trading in the UK on the 1st January, 2012. This newly formed company has been set up to provide on-going supply of genuine Saab Parts and customer service packages.

With an established and extensive network of 87 Saab Authorised Repairers spread across the UK, customers can be confident of Saab’s highly skilled team of technicians having the experience and expertise to service and repair their cars to the highest standards. Customers can find their nearest Authorised Repairer through the Saab website Dealer Locator page at www.saab.co.uk.

Saab parts supply continues to operate as normal within the UK and Saab Authorised Repairers offer customers a comprehensive range of servicing offers and attractively priced Saab used cars. All Saab Authorised Repairers use genuine Saab parts, which are covered by a two-year warranty. For those interested in acquiring one of the last built unregistered Saabs, there are approximately 200 across the dealer network to choose from at very competitive prices.

Reassuring driver mobility, Saab AA Roadside Assistance remains in place and active for all Saabs registered new in the UK before 29th November, 2011 and covering the vehicle for three years.

Capitalising on the launch success from 2011, Saab Parts UK in collaboration with the Saab Authorised Repairer network is continuing to offer the “Saab Service Club” for the benefit of owners. With close to 15,000 members, the Service Club is now being extended to all Saab drivers irrespective of vehicle age. The loyalty scheme is free to join and provides a host of exclusive benefits to members including free visual health checks and discounts on parts, servicing and accessories. Owners can register with the Service Club via the Saab web-site at www.saab.co.uk.

Corin Richards, Managing Director of Saab Parts UK, said: “Following the sad demise of Saab Great Britain Ltd at the end of last year, Saab Parts UK was set up to continue to provide a parts and customer care facility for the 188,000 Saabs that are on UK roads.

“With a dedicated network of Saab Authorised Repairers covering the whole of the UK and the Channel Islands, Saab owners can be reassured that their vehicle will still be looked after by experienced and trained Saab technicians and only genuine Saab parts will be used.

“Saab Parts UK has now established itself with its first successful month of trading and coupled with the on-going partnership from the network will continue to provide high quality vehicle care. Moving forwards, we will continue to expand our customer programmes offering added value and we warmly welcome new members to the Saab Service Club.”

Saab, which has traded in the UK for more than 50 years, went into administration yesterday following a turbulent few years which resulted in suspended production in recent months.

Most worrying for owners, however, will be the financial impact of the car maker’s downfall, with the all important warranty protection at great risk.

With tens of thousands of owners potentially set to lose their vehicle warranties, made all the more worrying considering their less than average reliability rating (www.reliabilityindex.co.uk), many owners could be left to stump up despite owning a nearly new car.

In fact, 53% of Saab 9-3s (2002 onwards) suffer faults in an average year, with 30% of those claims as a result of electrical problems.

Warranty Direct managing director, Duncan McClure Fisher said: “These are pretty scary times for Saab owners right now. There are very few people who can afford unexpected repairs in the current climate and when a Saab goes wrong, which it probably will do, there’s every chance owners will be left to stump up.”

“Under the Sale of Goods Act consumers may find some protection. If their car needs remedial work, depending on the fault and age of vehicle, they may be able to claim through the small claims court. Though there are question marks over the survival of its 58 franchised dealers (20 of which are exclusively Saab).

“Some solace will hopefully come in the form of our 25% discounted Saab rates for comprehensive warranty cover.”

Warranty Direct is one of only a few warranty firms which are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and therefore all of its customers are protected with fully insured policies for greater peace of mind.

With immediate effect, David Dunckley and Daniel Taylor of Grant Thornton UK LLP have been appointed joint administrators of Saab GB.

Saab GB, a 100% subsidiary of Swedish Automobile N.V. (“Swan”), has exclusive rights to distribute Saab cars and parts in the UK. It employs 55 people in Milton Keynes and distributes the cars and parts to a 58 strong dealer network across the UK of which 20 are “Saab only” sites. Saab City, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saab GB employing 65 people, operates two Saab motor dealerships, one in Wapping and a smaller site in Fulham.

The board of Saab GB is of the opinion that administration gives the company and creditors the necessary legal protection until it has secured the required funding for the company. The appointment of the administrator is effected by the directors of Saab GB.

Once appointed, the administrator will take on the management powers of the directors.

Swan continues discussions with potential investors regarding the sale of Saab Automobile AB and Saab Great Britain Limited.

Trollhättan/Munich. The BMW Group has received a major order from Swedish automobile manufacturer Saab to provide petrol engines. The contract for delivery of the engines as of 2012 was signed on Wednesday by Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, and the CEO of Saab Automobile, Jan Åke Jonsson, in Trollhättan in Sweden. The 4-cylinder engine with latest fuel savings technologies is intended for a new Saab model series. Both companies have agreed not to disclose any financial or contract volume details.

“We are continuing to expand our powertrain system sales business worldwide as planned as part of our Strategy Number ONE. Today’s agreement marks another important milestone along this route,” explained Robertson. “We are delighted to support Saab with our engine expertise. Our engines have a clear lead over the competition when it comes to fuel consumption, emissions and performance,” Robertson added.

“It gives me great pleasure to confirm this exciting new relationship. BMW Group’s engines and their fuel savings innovations are widely regarded as a benchmark in the premium segment. We look forward to integrating this technology into our next-generation vehicles in a true Saab way,” noted Jonsson.

The engine, which will feature Start-Stop and other measures designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, will be assembled at the BMW Group’s Hams Hall engine plant in the UK.

Engine development and construction are among the BMW Group’s core competences and have shaped the company since it was founded in 1916. Today, the BMW Group has a strong network with a total of 24 production facilities in 13 countries, including three engine plants in Steyr, Austria; Munich, Germany; and Hams Hall, UK.

Best in class handling

A priority for the Saab 9-3 chassis development was to achieve best in class handling characteristics. To this end a four-link rear suspension layout, with toe-links and inboard and outboard ball joints, in place of rubber bushes, has been adopted. This has allowed engineers to dial in a unique passive rear wheel characteristic – Saab ReAxs.

The ReAxs system overcomes the ‘crabbing’ effect often experienced when cornering, helping the tail of the car follow the direction of the front wheels, rather than the direction of the nose. When cornering, the elasto-kinematics at the rear axle induce a very slight deflection of both rear wheels in the opposite direction to the steering input, that is toe-out for the outer wheel and toe-in for the inner wheel. This ensures improved balance, more positive turn-in and a better response to steering inputs. Steering feel and precision is improved by the low mounting position of the steering rack which features progressive power assistance and fast response.

Chassis electronic systems include a Saab tuned ‘user friendly’ Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Traction Control System (TCS).

Sporty character

The 9-3 Convertible shares its strong sporty character and design cues as well as its excellent driving dynamics with the 9-3 Sport Sedan and the 9-3 SportCombi that complement the convertible flagship in the range.

Structural integrity and high torsional rigidity – despite the lack of a fixed roof – place the Saab 9-3 Convertible at the top of its class when it comes to body strength. A unique safety characteristic is Saab’s DynaCage rollover protection that incorporates pop-up rear roll hoops, strenghthened ‘A’ pillars, side sills, and seat-belt pre-tensioners.

The front seat-belts are integrated with the front seat frames for optimised seat-belt geometry regardless of the seat position for greater comfort and effectiveness. Adaptive front airbags are fitted on the Convertible. These offer enhanced, occupant friendly deployment taking into account the severity of the impact, seat position, and the status and usage of the seat-belts.

From the driver outward

An important part of the Saab heritage revolves around designing cars that are aesthetically pleasing but also focused on providing a high level of driving satisfaction. To this end the Saab 9-3 design team applied the design principle of ‘from the driver outward’ as they laid out the design.

Aspects of this philosophy of driver focus include:

• A cockpit feel – the main instrument panel arcs around the driver and has a logical layout for superb ergonomics. The steering wheel adjusts for both reach and tilt.
• Profiler customisation – a wide range of functions can be pre-set according to personal preference, including auto climate control.
• ComSense functionality – minimises the potential for driver distraction through ‘dynamic workload management’.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control – fitted as standard for driver and passenger comfort.

ComSense is the Saab solution for minimising driver distraction by providing a ‘dynamic workload manager’ that enables the brief suppression of dashboard warnings, or the interception of an incoming call where a mobile phone is connected to the system, when an intensified moment of driver workload is detected. Examples would be when the system detects that the turn indicators are being operated or a heavy braking condition that would require focused attention from the driver.

Steering wheel controls for the audio system and a mobile phone connected to the system (the vehicle is pre-wired for this), as well as voice activation programmes are seen as a way to keep the driver’s attention focused on the road.

The infotainment system fitted to the new Saab 9-3 is one of the most powerful systems yet installed in a series production car. Fibre optics are utilised to provide a high-speed interface for advanced infotainment functions as an effective base for an integrated entertainment, information, and communications hub.

In an extension of the ‘from the driver outward’ design theme emphasis has been placed on the styling of the Saab 9-3 Convertible to integrate the rear passenger area relative to the vehicle’s 2-door configuration. A new design feature, not seen on a convertible before, is a distinctive surround trim marking the transition zone between the car’s exterior and interior.

This ‘U’ shaped section extends rearwards from the base of each ‘A’ pillar and incorporates slim lines along the top of the doors, rear side trims, and the tonneau cover. This line is colour matched to the exterior and integrates the front and rear passenger areas.

A first for the Saab 9-3 Convertible is its light coloured headlining with a virtually seamless fit that makes it almost indistinguishable from a fixed top interior headlining. A feature that enhances all season adaptability is an integrated rain gutter sewn into the side of the soft-top fabric. The top itself is hydraulically actuated and it takes just 20 seconds to transform the 9-3 Convertible from sleek roof-up coupe to roof-down roadster.

General Motors South Africa markets a range of eight models in the Saab 9-3 line-up that offers a choice of Sedan, SportCombi (5-door wagon), and Convertible body styles. These models compete in the premium mid-size market segment.

Engines are latest generation turbocharged and intercooled all-aluminium units with a choice of diesel or petrol and four power outputs of 110 kW, 129 kW, 154 kW and 184 kW. This last output delivered by a 2,8 litre V6 powerplant with twin-scroll turbocharger as specified for the top-of-the-range Aero models.

For 2008 General Motors took advantage of the new Saab 9-3 introduction to add a station wagon variant – the SportCombi – to the Saab range. This came as welcome news to family buyers who favour a station wagon configuration but have few options to choose from in South Africa unless they opt for an SUV type vehicle. Offered as the 9-3 SportCombi 2.0 Linear, this model features a high-end luxury specification and is fitted with a 2,0 litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 129 kW @ 5500 r/min with maximum torque of 265 Nm @ 2500 r/min. This is matched to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

In concept the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible flagship of the range focus on delivering a unique fun-to-drive experience that places them amongst the class leaders when it comes to performance and chassis dynamics. All feature a full suite of electronic driver aids and advanced chassis electronics together with a host of top-end convenience and comfort features that raise the level of driver satisfaction and involvement. A four-link independent suspension layout and Saab’s ‘ReAxs’ passive rear wheel steer system are two features amongst many that provide for excellent driving dynamics.

Chassis electronic systems include a Saab tuned ‘user friendly’ Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Traction Control System (TCS).

The ReAxs system overcomes the ‘crabbing’ effect often experienced when cornering, helping the tail of the car follow the direction of the front wheels, rather than the direction of the nose. When cornering, the elasto-kinematics at the rear axle induce a very slight deflection of both rear wheels in the opposite direction to the steering input, that is toe-out for the outer wheel and toe-in for the inner wheel. This ensures improved balance, more positive turn-in and a better response to steering inputs. Steering feel and precision is improved by the low mounting position of the steering rack which features progressive power assistance and fast response.

An important part of the Saab heritage revolves around designing cars that are aesthetically pleasing but also focused on providing a high level of driving satisfaction. To this end the design team applied the design principle of ‘from the driver outward’ for the Saab 9-3.

Aspects of this philosophy of driver focus include:

• A cockpit feel – the main instrument panel arcs around the driver and has a logical layout for superb ergonomics. The steering wheel adjusts for both reach and tilt.
• Profiler customisation – a wide range of functions can be pre-set according to personal preference, including auto climate control.
• ComSense functionality – minimises the potential for driver distraction through ‘dynamic workload management’.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control – fitted as standard for driver and passenger comfort.

The Saab 9-3 range offers a refined luxury driving experience togther with the unique heritage associated with this famous Swedish automotive brand.

 Main features include:

• Dramatic new ‘face’ derived from Saab 9X concept car, sharper rear end styling, redesigned dashboard and instrument displays.
• Introduction of  191 kW 2.3 turbo engine.
• Sportier chassis dynamics through re-tuned  suspension and steering to give improved responses  and greater body control without sacrificing high  levels of ride comfort.

The sleeker lines and sportier stance of the distinctive new 2007 9-5 Sedan reinforces the Scandinavian brand’s premium position and showcases the introduction 191 kW turbo engine.

The exterior changes are also echoed by interior enhancements, including new instrumentation and infotainment system. And the increased driver appeal is underlined by careful re-tuning of the chassis and steering for sportier responses that do not compromise ride quality.

The new Saab 9-5 Sedan is focused on enhancements across three key dimensions:

Progressive Design

• Bold frontal styling and cleaner lines.
• All-new bodywork forward of the A-pillar.
• New grille with wing motif derived from Saab 9X.

Concept Car

• Previews future Saab design direction
• Sportier stance, new light assemblies, color-keyed bumper moldings and trim.
• Wider rear track and color-keyed exterior detailing enhances visual appeal.
• New projector-style headlamp units and rear light clusters add modernity
• New ‘Black Room’ interior design concept.
• Sportier ambience with all-black door cappings, front fascia and carpeting.
• Contrasting door inserts and trim.
• Enhanced, color co-ordinated interior décor.
• Matching look for main instrument panel and door trims.
• New black, burled wood-effect and metallic finishes for Linear, Arc, Vector, Aero.
• New main instrument dials, sports steering wheels and infotainment control panels.

Performance Uprated Aero engine

• 2.3 Turbo engine exclusive to Aero flagship now delivers 191 kW.
• Superboost function raises strong torque still higher, to 370 Nm. 

Driver Appeal      

• More responsive vehicle dynamics for sportier driving experience.
• Retuned dampers, springs and anti-roll bars deliver sharper handling.
• Improved body control and steering precision.
• Excellent ride quality maintained.
• Uprated sports chassis.
• Class-leading safety levels.
• Top ratings for 9-5 model in Swedish and US accident injury studies.
• Comprehensive safety equipment including Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR).
•  Stability control program, ESP® fitted as standard for all variants.
• Saab ComSense dynamic workload management helps prevent driver distraction.

The new Saab 9-5 Sedan is designed to reinforce the brand’s core appeal among discerning customers who seek a distinctive product in keeping with their own, more self-expressive values. Typically, such customers are independent-minded professionals who prioritize good aesthetic and original design that offers strong styling, performance and safety. The Saab 9-5 series has already established a strong, worldwide following and Saab expects the new model to attract more customers to the  brand.

Enhanced Aero engine

The new 9-5 Aero’s position at the top of the range is underlined by a 7 kW  increase in the 191 kW maximum output of its 2.3-liter turbocharged engine. Torque is maintained at an exceptionally strong 350 Nm between 1,900 and 4,000 rpm. The capacity of the 32-bit Trionic engine management system has also allowed the programming of a unique ‘superboost’ facility on engines with manual transmission, raising torque still higher, to 370 Nm, for up to 20 seconds. This feature is automatically engaged at full throttle openings for even swifter overtaking.

On the road, this level of power gives the new 9-5 Aero sedan searing acceleration. The zero to 100 kph dash is accomplished in just 6.9 seconds (Auto 8,2) and 80 to 120 kph in fifth gear in just 8.9 seconds.

The engine has an aluminum alloy cylinder head, chain-driven camshafts and a cast-iron block with a 90 mm bore, half-siamesed cylinders and five main bearings. Special jets spray cooling engine oil to the underside of the pistons at the bottom of their stroke, a feature more commonly seen in competition engines.

Five-speed ‘adaptive’ automatic transmission with steering wheel controls

Convenience and sporty performance are combined in the sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission, which incorporates Saab Sentronic manual gear selection via steering wheel buttons.

Manufactured by Aisin AW, the transmission constantly monitors its surroundings, adapting shift patterns to the prevailing conditions. For example, it can detect changes in altitude and engine performance, or if a trailer is being towed, and will optimizes its gear shifting patterns accordingly, staying within the engine’s ‘sweet spot’. This is facilitated by a high-speed databus connection which provides a continuous flow of information between the Trionic engine management system and the automatic transmission’s control module.

In addition to selecting ‘normal‘ or ‘sport’ modes, the driver can also enjoy close gear changing control akin to that of a manual transmission by using Saab Sentronic steering wheel buttons. With the selector lever in the ‘M’ for manual position, swift sequential changes can be executed via the buttons – the right one for ‘up’ changes and the left for ‘down’ changes.