Saab's antipodean venture

Saab has released a statement overnight, announcing the formation of Saab Australia to distribute its product range in Australia and New Zealand.

The Carsales Network first brought you news of this from the Paris motor show last week and now it's officially official. Saab will assume full responsibility for the sales and distribution of its own product range, including the 9-3, 9-4X and 9-5, from GM Holden, the company previously charged with supporting the brand's dealer network in Australia.

Sales and service of the Saab product range have been in limbo following the acquisition of the manufacturer by Dutch firm Spyker Cars NV back in March. In the immediate short term, according to the press release, the existing dealer network will continue to look after the interests of existing and prospective Saab customers.

"We are delighted to make this announcement, which represents the start of a new chapter for Saab as an independent car manufacturer in the Australian and New Zealand markets," Executive Director of Sales Adrian Hallmark was quoted as saying in the press release.

"After evaluating a number of different business models, we believe that having a Saab-owned subsidiary is the best way for Saab to optimise its great sales potential and to best cater for current and future customers in these markets."

"Australia and New Zealand are vital to Saab's representation in the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to relaunching the Saab brand in Australasia next year with exciting new products like the new 9-5 Sedan, 9-4X and 9-5 SportCombi. Our new organisation will ensure we get the right infrastructure in place."

The 9-5 SportCombi is the wagon version of the 9-5, seen already in spy pics undergoing testing, but as we reported last week, it's the 9-4X that holds out the greatest hope for the Swedish brand in Australia.

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