Bye-bye B9, we'll (eventually) build our own - Saab

GENERAL MOTORS’ decision to sell its stake in Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries has delayed the introduction of Saab’s vital mid-sized 4WD, which was to have been based on Subaru's forthcoming B9 Tribeca.

"We’re working on alternatives but timing-wise it’s not as close as we would like it to be," Saab’s global boss Jan Ake Jonsson has told GoAuto.

He also said there were difficulties turning the Japanese product into a credible Saab.

"The architecture Subaru was using was so far away from our ideal vehicle that it was a lot of work to make sure you get a Saab," he said.

"Not only in the general performance issue but also a diesel engine, crashworthiness (up to Saab standards), cockpit feel, the key down to wherewe typically have it ... we had a lot of work and a lot of challenges.

"I would say personally, even though we were working hard on it, it was probably the best bet that we separated."