Saab's sales deal with Holden

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Luxury General Motors marque Saab is turning to Holden in an effort to boost sales of its 9-3 and 9-5 executive models in Australia and New Zealand.

The Swedish carmaker will become integrated into the GM-owned Holden dealer network to take advantage of Holden's widespread resources in both countries.

Saab Automobile Australia will remain a factory-owned operation. Saab's outlets in New Zealand will come under the umbrella of Holden New Zealand but will retain Saab staff and dedicated premises.

Saab already co-operates with Holden in areas such as finance and advertising.

The move isn't unexpected. Saab has integrated some of its fully owned national sales companies with GM-owned Opel's structure in Europe.

It is part of a larger plan designed to cut costs at Saab, which has been losing money since GM bought 50 per cent of Saab back in 1990. GM took 100 per cent a couple of years ago.

Paul Ellis, Saab Automobile Australia's public affairs manager, wouldn't comment on when the planned new structure would be put into place.

"There have been talks about making better use within the GM family of Holden's reach but nothing has been finalised."

Saab Australia's managing director Tony Jennett confirmed earlier this year that integration discussions were under way. "We are looking at a range of areas where we may have greater access to Holden resources. But by the same token there still needs to be brand separation and a group of people responsible for sales, marketing, network development and the representation of Saab," he said.

Jennett stressed it would be vital that integration of Saab Automobile Australia into Holden did not damage the brand's image with the public and dealer network.

Saab, meantime, will unveil a new five-door sports hatchback at next week's Frankfurt motor show.

The car is based on the 9-3 model platform and was inspired by the Saab 9-3X cross-over coupe concept that broke cover last year.

It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 184kW (247bhp) and signals Saab's intention to enter the mid-size sports wagon segment.

Said Saab design chief Michael Mauer: "Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupe meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and wagon.

"It is the sort of vehicle that should come from Saab and our customers will be able to buy a car very much like this."