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Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot mixes car with scooter to create the BB1 Concept

// September 14th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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Peugeot BB1 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

If a scooter is too small, dangerous and uncovered for your tastes but you’d still like to have as minimal an impact on your surroundings as possible, Peugeot has just the concept car for you. Called the BB1, the French automaker says of its Frankfurt Motor Show-bound machine, “Its mother is a scooter. Its father is a car.” Right.

So, the unholy offspring of a mini two-wheeler and a city car would look something like a cartoon car that’s straining to stop before smashing into a brick wall. Good to know. One thing is for certain: you won’t mistake the Peugeot BB1 for anything else on the road. With its exaggerated forward-pitched stance, solar cell-covered glass bubble roof and protruding head and tail lamps, this is one concept that stands apart from the rest of the crowd.

Amazingly, Peugeot has found a way to cram four human beings inside the BB1, and those occupants gain access to the cabin via a pair of reverse-hinged doors with mini roll-down windows. Driving the diminutive machine would surely be an experience, and the controls are more akin to those from a motorcycle than a car. See for yourself in our gallery below, and stay tuned for more details as the doors in Frankfurt officially swing open in the morning.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot mixes car with scooter to create the BB1 Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot BB1 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

If a scooter is too small, dangerous and uncovered for your tastes but you’d still like to have as minimal an impact on your surroundings as possible, Peugeot has just the concept car for you. Called the BB1, the French automaker says of its Frankfurt Motor Show-bound machine, “Its mother is a scooter. Its father is a car.” Right.

So, the unholy offspring of a mini two-wheeler and a city car would look something like a cartoon car that’s straining to stop before smashing into a brick wall. Good to know. One thing is for certain: you won’t mistake the Peugeot BB1 for anything else on the road. With its exaggerated forward-pitched stance, solar cell-covered glass bubble roof and protruding head and tail lamps, this is one concept that stands apart from the rest of the crowd.

Amazingly, Peugeot has found a way to cram four human beings inside the BB1, and those occupants gain access to the cabin via a pair of reverse-hinged doors with mini roll-down windows. Driving the diminutive machine would surely be an experience, and the controls are more akin to those from a motorcycle than a car. See for yourself in our gallery below, and stay tuned for more details as the doors in Frankfurt officially swing open in the morning.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot mixes car with scooter to create the BB1 Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder loses blades, gains lots of headroom

// September 14th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder – Click above for high-res gallery

Audi has officially dropped the lid on the new R8 Spyder and and this time around it’s opening fire with the big gun V10 engine. As we’ve already seen in previously leaked photos, the Spyder dispenses with the regular R8’s trademark side blades, instead featuring integrated air intakes on the flanks. Those new body sides and the cover for the soft top are now also made of carbon fiber, although the structure underneath remains Audi’s aluminum space frame.

In spite of going with a soft top that only weighs 66 pounds, the Spyder gains a significant 476 pounds over the coupe, which may explain why Audi opted for the more powerful engine right off the bat. The Spyder also gets a reinforced bulkhead, sills and center tunnel to maintain most of its structural integrity. The power top opens and closes in only 19 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph. Acceleration to 62 mph takes just 4.1 seconds and the terminal velocity is 194.5 mph. No U.S. launch date has been given, but we wouldn’t expect to see it until at least next spring. Follow the jump for Audi’s full press release.

Continue reading Officially Official: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder loses blades, gains lots of headroom

Officially Official: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder loses blades, gains lots of headroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder – Click above for high-res gallery

Audi has officially dropped the lid on the new R8 Spyder and and this time around it’s opening fire with the big gun V10 engine. As we’ve already seen in previously leaked photos, the Spyder dispenses with the regular R8’s trademark side blades, instead featuring integrated air intakes on the flanks. Those new body sides and the cover for the soft top are now also made of carbon fiber, although the structure underneath remains Audi’s aluminum space frame.

In spite of going with a soft top that only weighs 66 pounds, the Spyder gains a significant 476 pounds over the coupe, which may explain why Audi opted for the more powerful engine right off the bat. The Spyder also gets a reinforced bulkhead, sills and center tunnel to maintain most of its structural integrity. The power top opens and closes in only 19 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph. Acceleration to 62 mph takes just 4.1 seconds and the terminal velocity is 194.5 mph. No U.S. launch date has been given, but we wouldn’t expect to see it until at least next spring. Follow the jump for Audi’s full press release.

Continue reading Officially Official: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder loses blades, gains lots of headroom

Officially Official: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder loses blades, gains lots of headroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show, Day 2: Complete Wrap-Up, here’s what you missed

// March 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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2010 Mazdaspeed3 – grin and bear it
While much of the current model’s mechanical bits carry over to the redesigned 2010 model, any amount of stealth has been gobbled up by the new MPS’ gaping maw.
Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce
Its revised 6.5L V12 puts out 670 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque through its all-wheel-drive system, allowing the SV to rocket to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 212 mph.
Aston Martin revives Lagonda with crossover concept
The Aston Martin Lagonda caused a collective sigh from the Autoblog crew, perhaps largely because it takes the form of a crossover – something we weren’t really expecting.
Other news of import

Hyundai ix-onic concept
We’re not sure who came up with the moniker for Hyundai’s new ix-onic crossover concept, but it’s something of a shame because the labored name sounds more like an air purifier than the attractive vehicle it’s attached to.
Tata Nano Europa
Slated to come to Europe wearing the Nano Europa badge, it will arrive with more standard equipment and a higher base price than the target $2,500 USD it will sell for in India.

Geneva Motor Show, Day 2: Complete Wrap-Up, here’s what you missed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Mazdaspeed3 – grin and bear it
While much of the current model’s mechanical bits carry over to the redesigned 2010 model, any amount of stealth has been gobbled up by the new MPS’ gaping maw.
Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce
Its revised 6.5L V12 puts out 670 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque through its all-wheel-drive system, allowing the SV to rocket to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 212 mph.
Aston Martin revives Lagonda with crossover concept
The Aston Martin Lagonda caused a collective sigh from the Autoblog crew, perhaps largely because it takes the form of a crossover – something we weren’t really expecting.
Other news of import

Hyundai ix-onic concept
We’re not sure who came up with the moniker for Hyundai’s new ix-onic crossover concept, but it’s something of a shame because the labored name sounds more like an air purifier than the attractive vehicle it’s attached to.
Tata Nano Europa
Slated to come to Europe wearing the Nano Europa badge, it will arrive with more standard equipment and a higher base price than the target $2,500 USD it will sell for in India.

Geneva Motor Show, Day 2: Complete Wrap-Up, here’s what you missed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Swiss Misses keep standing in front of our cameras

// March 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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Click above for high-res gallery of this year’s Swiss Misses

Every year we board our flights to the Geneva Motor Show after telling our significant others (wives, fiances, imaginary girlfriends) that we’re going for the cars. We might even believe it when we say it, too, but then we get here and batting eyes, pouting lips and mile-long legs keep getting in the way of our cameras. We’d ask them to step out of the frame, but, well… that would just be rude and we were raised better than that. (Some of us were, anyway.) So it may not help us on the home front, but here is who we met at this year’s show. Bonus: follow the jump to see who we met at last year’s show.

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Swiss Misses keep standing in front of our cameras

Geneva 2009: Swiss Misses keep standing in front of our cameras originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of this year’s Swiss Misses

Every year we board our flights to the Geneva Motor Show after telling our significant others (wives, fiances, imaginary girlfriends) that we’re going for the cars. We might even believe it when we say it, too, but then we get here and batting eyes, pouting lips and mile-long legs keep getting in the way of our cameras. We’d ask them to step out of the frame, but, well… that would just be rude and we were raised better than that. (Some of us were, anyway.) So it may not help us on the home front, but here is who we met at this year’s show. Bonus: follow the jump to see who we met at last year’s show.

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Swiss Misses keep standing in front of our cameras

Geneva 2009: Swiss Misses keep standing in front of our cameras originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knight Rider: The Liveblog – Season 1, Episode 17

// March 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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Welcome to the Series Finale of Knight Rider. No, that’s not official, but it may as well be. Counseling will be made available to those in denial. Okay, it won’t. Part of me might actually miss Knight Rider, because making fun of it has been such a blast. Nevertheless, it’s over. I probably should have taped plastic up like they do in the locker rooms of playoff teams about to clinch the title. That way I can keep the champagne spray off my A/V receiver.

Via KR Online, here’s the synopsis:

“I Love the Knight Life”

STRONGER THAN IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE–Mike (Justin Bruening) and KITT (voiced by Val Kilmer) are trying to track down a stolen serum that maximizes the recipient’s physicality before it gets into the wrong hands. With the help of the lab’s research assistant, Billy (Paul Campbell) learns some information about the serum that will help Mike when he takes on the now powerful thief. Meanwhile, Sarah (Deanna Russo) is overwhelmed with her new duties and quickly learns how much work it will take to reinstitute the Foundation for Law and Government.

So, KITT battles Alex Rodriguez or something.

See you after the jump.

Continue reading Knight Rider: The Liveblog – Season 1, Episode 17

Knight Rider: The Liveblog – Season 1, Episode 17 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to the Series Finale of Knight Rider. No, that’s not official, but it may as well be. Counseling will be made available to those in denial. Okay, it won’t. Part of me might actually miss Knight Rider, because making fun of it has been such a blast. Nevertheless, it’s over. I probably should have taped plastic up like they do in the locker rooms of playoff teams about to clinch the title. That way I can keep the champagne spray off my A/V receiver.

Via KR Online, here’s the synopsis:

“I Love the Knight Life”

STRONGER THAN IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE–Mike (Justin Bruening) and KITT (voiced by Val Kilmer) are trying to track down a stolen serum that maximizes the recipient’s physicality before it gets into the wrong hands. With the help of the lab’s research assistant, Billy (Paul Campbell) learns some information about the serum that will help Mike when he takes on the now powerful thief. Meanwhile, Sarah (Deanna Russo) is overwhelmed with her new duties and quickly learns how much work it will take to reinstitute the Foundation for Law and Government.

So, KITT battles Alex Rodriguez or something.

See you after the jump.

Continue reading Knight Rider: The Liveblog – Season 1, Episode 17

Knight Rider: The Liveblog – Season 1, Episode 17 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #118

// March 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Join us for Episode #118 of the Autoblog Podcast, where Johnathon Ramsey makes his first ever ‘cast appearance. Chris, Dan and JR cover the Opel Ampera and Volkswagen Polo, both vehicles we’ve sent our Geneva Dreadnoughts after. Attention then turns to the Ford iosis MAX concept before moving to the ridonkulous side of the street where the Ferrari 599XX and Lamborghini Murcielago Super Veloce are parked. Before it all wraps up, we go over P1, a video endeavor unlike anything before it. It’s just a few ticks over an hour this week, and very soon we’ll be putting together an all-questions show from your submissions to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Next week, we’ll recap Geneva, so drop us a line with any show-related questions or comments.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #118

Autoblog Podcast #118 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Join us for Episode #118 of the Autoblog Podcast, where Johnathon Ramsey makes his first ever ‘cast appearance. Chris, Dan and JR cover the Opel Ampera and Volkswagen Polo, both vehicles we’ve sent our Geneva Dreadnoughts after. Attention then turns to the Ford iosis MAX concept before moving to the ridonkulous side of the street where the Ferrari 599XX and Lamborghini Murcielago Super Veloce are parked. Before it all wraps up, we go over P1, a video endeavor unlike anything before it. It’s just a few ticks over an hour this week, and very soon we’ll be putting together an all-questions show from your submissions to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Next week, we’ll recap Geneva, so drop us a line with any show-related questions or comments.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #118

Autoblog Podcast #118 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Toyota Prius: The steering wheel wants your Touch (Tracer Display)

// March 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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There is one aspect of the 2010 Prius that AutoblogGreen didn’t highlight in its recent info overload post on the 2010 Toyota Prius: the Touch Tracer Display. There is usually nothing in front of the speedometer in most cars; we want a clear view of how fast we’re going, right? But there are also a lot of buttons on the steering wheel and constantly shifting our view from the road to the volume or temperature controls isn’t exactly a safe way to drive. To combat furtive downward glances, Toyota has come up with the TTD, which goes into action when you push the circular buttons on the steering wheel. Doing so causes little orange lights to appear on a screen that looks as if it’s hovering on top of the speedometer. The effect is definitely neat and kind of surprising the first time it happens. Once you learn to expect it, however, the feature is a great visual cue to go along with the wheel-mounted controls. Toyota says this is the “the first display system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.” We doubt it’ll be the last.

[Source: Toyota]

2010 Toyota Prius: The steering wheel wants your Touch (Tracer Display) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There is one aspect of the 2010 Prius that AutoblogGreen didn’t highlight in its recent info overload post on the 2010 Toyota Prius: the Touch Tracer Display. There is usually nothing in front of the speedometer in most cars; we want a clear view of how fast we’re going, right? But there are also a lot of buttons on the steering wheel and constantly shifting our view from the road to the volume or temperature controls isn’t exactly a safe way to drive. To combat furtive downward glances, Toyota has come up with the TTD, which goes into action when you push the circular buttons on the steering wheel. Doing so causes little orange lights to appear on a screen that looks as if it’s hovering on top of the speedometer. The effect is definitely neat and kind of surprising the first time it happens. Once you learn to expect it, however, the feature is a great visual cue to go along with the wheel-mounted controls. Toyota says this is the “the first display system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.” We doubt it’ll be the last.

[Source: Toyota]

2010 Toyota Prius: The steering wheel wants your Touch (Tracer Display) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM rebuts Carnegie Mellon Chevrolet Volt slight

// March 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

Time to get out the popcorn and sit back for a good argument. Remember Carnegie Mellon’s recent study on the merits of plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt? According to the University, a PHEV with a 3kWh battery pack would provide the best compromise between price, performance and environmental benefits by allowing for an electric-only range of around 7 miles. The Volt will use a 16kWh lithium ion battery pack and be able to travel 40 miles on electricity before its gas engine kicks in to keep the party moving. If General Motors’ calculations are correct, nearly 80% of all American drivers could drive the Volt to work and back without ever using a drop of gasoline, recharging every night using off-peak electricity from the grid.

In response to CMU’s report, Jon Lauckner, GM’s Vice President Global Program Management, has published a post on GM’s Fastlane Blog offering a few good reasons why CMU’s data may be skewed. For starters, GM says the cost of its battery pack is quite a bit less than CMU is estimating. Plus, the Volt will be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit due to its high energy storage capacity that the study fails to recognize.

According to Lauckner, GM is not about to make the mistake of delaying the introduction of plug-in hybrid vehicles after missing the boat on conventional hybrids a few years back, and we agree that they should definitely move ahead with the car’s introduction. The idea of offering smaller capacity packs for drivers who don’t often drive 40 miles in a day, though, could have merit. We’ll see how it all plays out in late 2010 when the Volt is scheduled to go on sale.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: GM Fastlane]

GM rebuts Carnegie Mellon Chevrolet Volt slight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

Time to get out the popcorn and sit back for a good argument. Remember Carnegie Mellon’s recent study on the merits of plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt? According to the University, a PHEV with a 3kWh battery pack would provide the best compromise between price, performance and environmental benefits by allowing for an electric-only range of around 7 miles. The Volt will use a 16kWh lithium ion battery pack and be able to travel 40 miles on electricity before its gas engine kicks in to keep the party moving. If General Motors’ calculations are correct, nearly 80% of all American drivers could drive the Volt to work and back without ever using a drop of gasoline, recharging every night using off-peak electricity from the grid.

In response to CMU’s report, Jon Lauckner, GM’s Vice President Global Program Management, has published a post on GM’s Fastlane Blog offering a few good reasons why CMU’s data may be skewed. For starters, GM says the cost of its battery pack is quite a bit less than CMU is estimating. Plus, the Volt will be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit due to its high energy storage capacity that the study fails to recognize.

According to Lauckner, GM is not about to make the mistake of delaying the introduction of plug-in hybrid vehicles after missing the boat on conventional hybrids a few years back, and we agree that they should definitely move ahead with the car’s introduction. The idea of offering smaller capacity packs for drivers who don’t often drive 40 miles in a day, though, could have merit. We’ll see how it all plays out in late 2010 when the Volt is scheduled to go on sale.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: GM Fastlane]

GM rebuts Carnegie Mellon Chevrolet Volt slight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Euro Ford Ranger taunts American light-truck buyers

// March 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro Ford Ranger

The U.S. edition of the Ford Ranger has gotten by with little more than cosmetic changes and minor mechanical upgrades since its last redesign in 1993. In Europe, there is another Ford Ranger all together with four full-sized doors, a choice of 2.5L or 3.0L Duratorq diesel engines and styling that comes from the 21st century. We caught a glimpse of the Winning Blue Ranger four-door at the Geneva Motor Show, and we’re guessing this mid-size pickup would look much better in a Ford showroom than what we have today. Fortunately, Ford is looking to introduce an all-new U.S. market Ford Ranger in 2011 and the Euro model could be an indicator of things to come.

Geneva 2009: Euro Ford Ranger taunts American light-truck buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro Ford Ranger

The U.S. edition of the Ford Ranger has gotten by with little more than cosmetic changes and minor mechanical upgrades since its last redesign in 1993. In Europe, there is another Ford Ranger all together with four full-sized doors, a choice of 2.5L or 3.0L Duratorq diesel engines and styling that comes from the 21st century. We caught a glimpse of the Winning Blue Ranger four-door at the Geneva Motor Show, and we’re guessing this mid-size pickup would look much better in a Ford showroom than what we have today. Fortunately, Ford is looking to introduce an all-new U.S. market Ford Ranger in 2011 and the Euro model could be an indicator of things to come.

Geneva 2009: Euro Ford Ranger taunts American light-truck buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab head says five possible buyers identified

// March 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // automotive musings, motorsports

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Two months. That’s how long the world will have to wait for Saab to identify its new owner, according to Managing Director Jan-Ake Jonsson. Although he didn’t specifically mention candidates, Jonsson told Automotive News Europe that, “There are about five we want to talk to. There are a couple more we are also looking into.” Possible suitors include China’s Geely Automotive and Dongfeng Motor Company, although there has been no official word from either. Private equity firms and representatives of retired Swedish workers have also expressed interest. Sweden’s government, with an obvious stake in the company’s future, has reportedly considered loan guarantees to the right successor.

General Motors said it will end ownership of the brand on January 1, 2010. GM bought 50% of the company in 1990 for about $700 million, and paid another $125 million for the balance in 2000. With sales down 35% in 2008 (and a loss of $340 million during the period), Saab’s market price is expected to be a basement bargain.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd | Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty]

Saab head says five possible buyers identified originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two months. That’s how long the world will have to wait for Saab to identify its new owner, according to Managing Director Jan-Ake Jonsson. Although he didn’t specifically mention candidates, Jonsson told Automotive News Europe that, “There are about five we want to talk to. There are a couple more we are also looking into.” Possible suitors include China’s Geely Automotive and Dongfeng Motor Company, although there has been no official word from either. Private equity firms and representatives of retired Swedish workers have also expressed interest. Sweden’s government, with an obvious stake in the company’s future, has reportedly considered loan guarantees to the right successor.

General Motors said it will end ownership of the brand on January 1, 2010. GM bought 50% of the company in 1990 for about $700 million, and paid another $125 million for the balance in 2000. With sales down 35% in 2008 (and a loss of $340 million during the period), Saab’s market price is expected to be a basement bargain.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd | Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty]

Saab head says five possible buyers identified originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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