First Saab 9-4X crossover enters production in Mexico
Saab has started series production of its new 9-4X SUV at the Ramos Arizpe plant, with the first unit destined for media duties before heading to the Saab museum.
Saab has begun series production of the 9-4X crossover at General Motors’ Ramos Arizpe facility in Mexico. The first customer-ready vehicle, finished in Ice Pearl metallic and built to Aero specification with a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6, rolled off the line in early 2011. Saab Automobile’s President and CEO Jan Åke Jonsson attended the event, which came three months after the model’s public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The 9-4X is Saab’s first entry into the premium crossover segment, aiming to broaden the brand’s appeal in the US and other key markets. The car shares its platform with the Cadillac SRX, but carries Saab’s own design and engineering, including the XWD all-wheel-drive system and adaptive chassis control. The initial production model, chassis number 00001, is earmarked for media test drives in the United States before being shipped to Sweden for permanent display at the Saab museum in Trollhättan.
Model details and launch timing
Saab will launch the 9-4X in the US market in May 2011, with European sales to follow from August and UK deliveries expected towards the end of the year. The 9-4X will be offered with a choice of engines, including the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 in Aero trim. Standard features include Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system, which has previously been used on the 9-3, and adaptive chassis technology aimed at improving handling and ride comfort.
- Saab 9-4X: Premium crossover targeting US, European and global markets
- Manufactured alongside Cadillac SRX at GM’s Mexican plant
- First production unit reserved for museum display after media use
Production context and future prospects
The 9-4X’s start of production comes as Saab seeks to expand its presence in the growing SUV segment, particularly in North America. The company hopes the new model will help secure its future by attracting buyers from rival brands. Saab’s move mirrors similar strategies by other premium manufacturers, such as Bentley and Maserati, who have also announced or begun production of SUVs in recent years. For more on SUV production trends, see Bentley Bentayga Sells Out First Year’s Production.
