SAAB's BioPower cars not just talk

[Flybrian]

Saab Takes Pole Position in Environmental Class
7.9.07

Saab continues to enjoy great success with its environmentally-friendly BioPower model range. It is now clearly the leading supplier of bioethanol (E85) ‘flex-fuel’ cars in the Swedish, as well as to the European market.

During the first five months of the year, Saab delivered some 6,800 9-3 and 9-5 BioPower models to Swedish customers. And the sales pace was maintained last month (June), when the Saab 9-3 BioPower, launched in early spring, came top of the Swedish sales charts, giving Saab a 38% market share in the segment for environmentally-friendly cars.

“It is very satisfying that our customers appreciate our BioPower offer,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “BioPower shows it is possible to choose an environmentally friendly and safe car, without sacrificing comfort, driveability or power.”

Saab is firmly established as a technology leader in realizing the full potential of bioethanol (E85) as a fuel. This expertise leverages Saab’s unrivalled experience in turbocharging, making it possible to deliver enhanced performance as well as greatly reduced fossil CO emissions.

Saab will continue its R&D efforts to bring new products and solutions to the market that focus on both high performance and energy saving, as seen, for example, with the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept premiered at the Stockholm Motor Show last year.

“There is huge international interest in what is happening in Sweden regarding the technology and infrastructure for use of bioethanol,” adds Jan Åke Jonsson. “Countries such as Norway, Ireland and France are following Sweden’s example by investing in a bioethanol infrastructure. Everyday we receive requests for more information regarding our environmental efforts.”

Jan Åke Jonsson and Saab’s technical expert, Kjell ac Bergström, are to participate in the Swedish political event “Almedalsveckan”, where they will meet, among others, Andreas Carlgren, the Swedish minister for environmental affairs. The EU Commission has also invited Jonsson to a top-level international conference on environmental issues, where he will represent the auto industry.