The Saab 9-4X Production Car rolls out of GM's plant in Mexico
The first production Saab 9-4X has rolled off the line in Mexico, destined for a US media event. First customer 9-4X in May in US and August in UK.
I seem to remember we did a similar headline to ‘Saab 9-4X Rolls Out’ almost exactly a year ago. But that headline – when Saab built 147 9-4X models at GM’s plant in Mexico – was for crash-testing and other pre-production requirements. This roll out of the 9-4X is the real deal.
Which would make you think that the time for the Saab 9-4X to turn up in a showroom near you is not far off. Well, that could be true. But that rather depends on where you live.
If you’re in the US then you can expect to see the first 9-4X in the flesh in May. But if you’re on the old world side of the Pond, you’ll have to wait until August.
It seems Saab are more keen to get the 9-4X in to North America than Europe, which may be partly explained by the fact that the 9-4X is actually a Cadillac SRX under the skin. Maybe Saab thinks the 9-4X will be an easier sale in the States, or that the market will be more receptive.
This first car – which actually gets the chassis #00001 – has an Ice Pearl paint job and is the Aero model with a 2.8 V6 petrol lump. It’s destined for a media even in the US before heading for Trollhatten and a place in the Saab Museum.
Still, whoever get the 9-4X first doesn’t matter. What matters is that the 9-4X is getting out to real customers and will be followed later this year by the Saab 9-5 SportCombi. And, hopefully, in 2012 with the new 9-3, which is what we believe the Saab Concept at Geneva will be.
It’s taking time, but it’s looking promising.
Bidande man får medvind. Possibly.
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