Alas, production started again Friday, where an initial batch of 100 cars will roll off the line. By Monday, production will be back to 218 vehicles a day. On hand at the restart event were Victor Muller, CEO of Saab, as well as Mr. Pang Qinghua, Chairman and CEO of Pang Da Automobile, the Chinese distributor that has invested in Spyker Cars.

According to World Car Fans: “The deal brought Saab a much needed €30 million in cash up front, in exchange for 1,300 vehicles for a Chinese automaker to distribute in China. That firm, Pang Da Automobile,would receive a 24 percent stake in Dutch-based Spyker Cars and an additional batch of Saab vehicles to distribute in China should the €110 million deal be approved by various government parties.”

“This is a great day for our company and it is great to see the plant running again. We have gone through a rough patch in recent weeks, but Saab is back in action again,” added Muller.

The 9-5 SportCombi comes with dual exhaust and a pairing of blade-like 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels.

This new ride, which will make its official debut in Geneva starting from March 3rd, will arrive in dealerships this September. It will sport an improved versions of the 1.6 and 2.0-liter turbo gas motors, and the 2.0 TTiD engine, which is also available on the sedan and is mated with the XWD all-wheel-drive system.

This new partner for the 9-5 “Saloon” will offer an alternative choice in the large wagon market segment, still a small section for Saab in the US. It could actually sell even better than its four-door peer, since wagons and hatchbacks are making a huge comeback.

SOURCE: Auto Evolution

The new TTiD 1.9 diesel, another option of UK and possibly US buyers, brings in a total of 180 horsepower and lowers fuel consumption.

Other trim levels bring in newer alternatives in horsepower – 130 and 160 hp respectively, which gives values of consumption and emissions same as top diesel. Gas and diesel range will be assisted by a new automatic transmission with six cylinders.

Let’s not forget the new Saab 9-5, which receives an updated engine. The automaker, which was recently bought by Spyker, will introduce two new versions of the current 9-5 this fall – a gas and diesel counterpart. The diesel sedan gets a 2.0 TTiD powerplant with190 hp. The gas version gets a 1.6T with 180 hp. Diesel Saab can hit up to 60 mph in less than nine seconds.

With the new engines, Saab 9-5 offers customers a more generous color palette with 11 shades, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control.

Source

Going forward, Saab and Spyker will operate under the Spyker (AMS:SPYKR) umbrella, and Spyker will assume responsibility for Saab operations. The previously announced wind down of Saab operations has ended.

“This transaction represents the successful outcome of months of hard work and intense negotiations, all aimed at securing a sustainable future for this unique brand, and we are pleased with the positive outcome,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances. “This is a great day for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, and a great day for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide.”

“Throughout negotiations over the past year, GM has worked with many parties, including governments and investors, to find a solution for Saab,” said Nick Reilly, president, GM Europe. “I’m very pleased that we could come to a positive conclusion, one that presents a viable future for Saab and preserves jobs in Sweden and elsewhere.”

Via GM Press Release

Up until yesterday’s surprise announcement, the Koenigsegg deal had looked solid. The Swedish car maker had even announced it had struck a deal with a Chinese investor that was keen to expand the Saab line-up into China and other untapped markets.

via Sydney Herald

The vehicle will be outfitted with an all new Cross Wheel Drive for optimum handling and suspension. The all new SAAB 9-5 will have its public unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.