For Release: July 1, 2003

SAAB NEW PRODUCT MOMENTUM CONTINUES FOR 2004

For the 2002 model year, the 9-5 was extensively restyled and repackaged. For 2003, it was the 9-3 Sport Sedan's turn to take center stage. New from the ground up, the 9-3 Sport Sedan marked the official first arrival of the new Saab family. This year, Saab is introducing the reengineered and redesigned 9-3 Convertible.

"In many ways, our Convertible's appeal goes right to the heart of the Saab brand. It expresses our brand pillars - design, performance, control, safety and versatility - in a focused package. It's a sporty, yet surprisingly practical car," said Saab Automobile President and CEO Peter Augustsson.

To some degree, calling Saab's latest offering simply "a convertible" falls well short of the essence of this vehicle. Saab engineers developed the architecture for the 9-3 Convertible and Sport Sedan concurrently, enabling them to incorporate their demanding requirements for an open-top car from the very start. The result is a premium convertible with a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that positions it at the top of its class.

9-3
All Saab 9-3 models for 2004 are equipped with a four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that - depending on the application - delivers either 175 horsepower (131 kw) or 210 horsepower 157 kw). Putting that power to the pavement are a choice of five- and six-speed manual transmissions or a five-speed automatic.

Among changes for 2004 are features designed to further enhance the 9-3's sporting character - such as the Sport Package and Sport Wheel Package options. Some previously packaged features are now stand-alone options, giving Saab customers an opportunity to order their 9-3 just the way they want it.

9-5
Value is also part of the 9-5 story for 2004. Some of the lineup's content has been repackaged to provide an even better value for 9-5 owners. Other 9-5 changes for 2004 include the availability of the 9-5 Linear exclusively as a SportWagon, the addition of a more powerful engine for Arc models, the availability of 17-inch wheels on Arc models and a new, sportier exterior package for Aero models.

9-2 coming in 2004
And the product news doesn't end with the 9-3 and 9-5 lineups, because in the spring of 2004 Saab will introduce the newest Saab: the 9-2. The 9-2 will be Saab's entry offer and will help attract new, younger customers to the brand.

The 9-2 is targeted at customers looking for a distinctive, fun-to-drive car with the versatility to support an active lifestyle. As customers would expect from Saab, the 9-2 will feature excellent driving dynamics with its a sophisticated all-wheel drive system and turbo performance, not to mention great versatility with its hatchback body style.

Designed to address an emerging segment (replace "segment" with "demand") for a premium, small car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, the base Saab 9-2 will be equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine. The Aero version, meanwhile, will feature a high performance, 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

"The Saab 9-2 is a result of collaboration between two like-minded brands. Both Saab and Fuji Heavy Industries have a special aircraft heritage and a successful history in rallying. Our cars are known as dynamic, safe and fun-to-drive. It makes a lot of sense for us to combine our strengths in creating the next Saab and bringing it to the market quickly," Augustsson added.

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