Despite uncertainty over the future of General Motors’ Swedish unit, word came today that the Saab 9-5 ′s redesign is moving full-speed ahead on schedule. According to a Saab dealer, the replacement for the seemingly evergreen performance sedan is back on schedule after being delayed back in November.
The Epsilon II-based 9-5 should be in European dealers this fall, with North American sales coming about a year from now – following Saab tradition, according to enthusiast site Trollhattan Saab.
A seemingly reputable site user said that GM told its U.S. Saab dealers at a meeting prior to this week’s auto show in Detroit that the 9-5 is back on track. The current 9-5, while still boasting an efficient and powerful turbo four-cylinder, has only been subject to two facelifts since its 1999 model-year introduction in North America.
Yesterday, Saab’s executive director, Steve Shannon, told Motor Trend that the next-generation 9-5 is “about a year-ish away.”
We’ll be certain to press Saab executives for more details at the North American International Auto Show early next week since the 9-5 redesign is likely indicative of the brand’s future.
