Saab plans AWD vehicles

Even though every Saab in its history has been front-wheel drive, the Swedish carmaker is eyeing all-wheel drive to respond to growing demand, says Dan Chasins, president of Saab Cars USA. It could manifest itself in Saab's first cross/utility vehicle (CUV) that could come off a GM platform, but not the current Rendezvous architecture. Saab also is working on a vehicle architecture it would share with Alfa Romeo and another GM unit. And the carmaker is studying U.S.-based production, where it has 30% of its sales. Saab plans to introduce one new model during each of the next six years: replacements for current models and additional variations, especially AWD models. Under consideration is the 9X concept car shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show.