Saab, Volvo and representatives from other automobile and supply companies will be meeting in Sweden to discuss how to strengthen the country’s relationship with the auto industry.

“Sweden spearheads research in hybrid technology for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Over a five-year period, some $40 million will be invested in a joint venture between Volvo, SAAB, energy company Vattenfall, the Swedish State and the Swedish Energy Agency to develop next-generation plug-in hybrid vehicles that will reduce fuel consumption and emissions.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The country wants to be the driving force behind the creation of more green and efficient vehicles. In addition to looking at the efficiency of vehicles, the country would like to continue with its stringent safety regulations and look at new technology that improves data on road conditions.

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Filed Under: Europe, Saab, Volvo

On Monday, the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Convertible Concept made its North American debut at the LA Auto Show. “Running on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/ 15% gasoline), the engine delivers a sporty 200 hp (147 kW), giving zero to 100 kph (62 mph) acceleration in 8.1 seconds and projected CO2 tailpipe emissions of just 107 g/km over the combined cycle. Compared to gasoline, the overall environmental impact on a source-to-wheel basis of using E85 is even more beneficial.” (Source: Saab Media Site)

The release of this concept coincides with the 25th anniversary of Saab Convertibles. The very first Saab convertible was premiered at the 1983 Frankfurt Auto Show. In addition to the concept, the 2009 Saab 9-3 2.0T Special Edition Convertible, which will be available in January 2009, was created to commemorate this anniversary.

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Filed Under: Auto Shows, Saab

The Paris Motor Show is underway and the awards are already starting to pile up. AutoWeek announced its pick for Best in Show, Most Significant, Best Concept and Most Fun vehicles at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The Honda Insight was named as the Most Significant and was a top contender for the Best Concept vehicle.

In an October 3, 2008 AutoWeek Press Release, AutoWeek Editor Dutch Mandel had this to say of the 2009 Honda Insight:

“This hybrid car will be cheaper than the Prius, have high fuel economy and seating for five. Honda has officially returned to the game they used to own.”

The Best Concept vehicle of the 2008 Paris Motor Show, as named by AutoWeek, was the Peugeot RC HyMotion4. The official name of the Peugeot was not released until the start of the show but details and picture of the Peugeot RC have been floating around the Internet for weeks. Speaking about the RC HyMotion, Mandel says, “If the French automakers were to come to the U.S., this is the car Americans would want. Here is an electric sports car we can love.”

Other contenders for Best Concept were the Mercedes-Benz FASCINATION, Audi A1 Sportback and the Saab 9-X Air.

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Filed Under: Auto Shows, Mercedes, Peugeot, Saab, electric vehicles, honda

The convertible Saab’s history is long, dating back 25 years when Saab introduced the first four-seat convertible car to the market. Fast forward to 2008 and Saab will be revealing its newest convertible concept at the 2008 Paris Motorshow – the Saab 9-X Air. Designed alongside the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, the 9-X Air is a flex fuel concept running on E85.

“Running on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/15% petrol), the engine delivers a sporty 200 hp (147 kW), giving zero to 62 mph acceleration in 8.1 seconds and projected CO2 tailpipe emissions of just 107 g/km over the combined cycle. Compared to normal petrol, the overall environmental impact on a source-to-wheel basis of using E85 is even more beneficial” (Source: Newspress.)

Personally, I love the lines of this concept car. Infiniti is coming out with a convertible G37 in the summer of 2009 and although it is not a green car, it is definitely a car I am excited to see. However, this Saab is equally as attractive as the G37 convertible but the green aspect is highly desirable. I hope that this concept makes it to production.

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Filed Under: Auto Shows, Europe, Flex Fuel, Saab