Last weekend, Friday 25th till Sunday 28th was Saab Independence weekend. The weekend was to celebrate one year of Saab being an independently run company. I popped into my local Saab dealer to see what was happening, and yes, I did see the flagship model of the 9-5 range -the 2.8t Aero, and the new 9-3 Griffins, and yes, they did have cake. But to be honest, the celebrations were geared towards people interested in buying Saabs or current owners as a result enthusiasts in Scotland were sorely missed out by Saab; down in England local clubs organised meetings, but up here, nothing. In Trollhattan, Saab’s hometown the celebrations had a huge turnout. Not surprisingly really as they had Victor Muller, Jan Ake Jonsson, drink, car meets, lunch and a festive to keep them entertained.
However, even Trollhattan’s efforts were overshadowed by the Geneva Motor Show. Here, Saab had a major celebration. They exhibited the new 9-4x crucial for American market success, the eagerly awaited 9-5 Sportwagon, plus the 9-3 Sportcombi “Independence” special edition which is VERY orange and the final facelift to the 9-3; called the “Griffin”. The facelift means new interior materials, fuel injection, twin scroll turbochargers and a newer grille. Finally, the Jason Castriona designed concept was shown. It is called the “PhoeniX” and shows Saabs future design language. A future which is rumoured to have a Rally competitor as well.
Saab 9-3 ‘Independence Edition’
All new Saab 9-5 Sportswagon
The Independence weekend showed that the rejuvenated Saab has a bright and prosperous future and that enthusiasts need not worry; the Swedish Griffin has roared back from the ashes, and came off better as a result. In Victor we trust.
