Bartek Sikorski

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Saab officials are encouraged about the future of the brand, and shared some upcoming product plans with Inside Line earlier this week. Steve Shannon, general manager of Saab Automobile USA, said, "In the 2009-2012 time frame, Saab will introduce an all-new 9-5 based on the long-wheelbase version of GM's Epsilon platform, with front- and all-wheel-drive configurations and a range of turbo engines."

Around the same time, Saab will also debut the midsize 9-4X crossover SUV, expected to fit between the BMW X3 and X5 in size, and it will replace the truck-based 9-7X.

Later, Saab will launch a premium compact below the 9-3 called the 9-1. Shannon said it's not yet been determined if the 9-1 will be a three-door or five-door hatchback, but the 9-1 will draw styling cues from the Aero X concept. We're guessing it to be a direct competitor to the new Volvo C30.

The bulk of the design work for new Saabs (Aero X concept included) is happening at GM Europe's design center in Germany, the same studio that pens the Opel designs.

The U.S. is Saab's biggest market, with the U.K. ranked as number two and Sweden in third place. GM is planning to encourage more Cadillac-Saab-Hummer multibrand dealerships, as the brands are regarded as complementing one another with minimal overlap in buyers.

What this means to you: Saab is expecting a bright future. Let's hope that its growing product lineup doesn't disappoint.
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