Saab cuts prices

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Swedish carmaker Saab has slashed the price of its cars by up to 9.2 per cent to grab a bigger chunk of the prestige market.

The realigned prices are part of new Melbourne-based managing director Tony Jennett's plans to restructure Saab's role in New Zealand.

Saab's new look will include a corporate badge, a showroom in Auckland and a factory-backed finance service.

"We cannot expect to be a genuine force in New Zealand unless we take this affirmative action," said Jennett, until recently an executive with BMW Australia.

The 9-3 models are reduced on average by 7.4 per cent, with prices now starting at $49,900 instead of $54,500.

The bigger 9-5 range brings savings of at least $6000 on all models, with the entry-level sedan down from $73,200 to $66,900 and the estate (pictured) from $76,200 to $69,900.

The top-range V6 Griffin has been reduced from $104,000 to $96,900 and now comes with a three-year service schedule, in addition to the three-year roadside help and warranty on all new Saabs.

The limited-edition, high-performance Viggen models are between $7800 and $8700 more affordable.

"New Zealand is an important market for Saab," said Jennett. "It is also a hugely competitive market and for Saab to be taken seriously we need to improve our competitive position.

"The repositioning underlines our commitment to grow Saab in New Zealand and create greater opportunity for the franchise and dealer network."

The new badge will appear on Saabs from next year. It is a development of the original corporate symbol produced in the mid-80s and consists of a round navy blue plate with a golden-crowned Griffin head in red, under which the name Saab is written in silver.

The mythical Griffin - half-lion, half-eagle - is the symbol of vigilance.