Rearview mirror. Turbo fortress Saab factory.

The driveway to the main gate was re-tarred, the green areas were partially redesigned. Anyone who knows the Saab factory from the past will see the changes in Trollhättan at first glance. In the past few years, GM has only invested what was necessary to keep operations running and then nothing at all under Spyker, the current activities are tangible and visible.

If some things can still be classified as cosmetic surgery, other improvements in the area of ​​safety must be sought. New fences, privacy screens in the lines of sight and - for the first time in many, many years - a completely opaque space for the test and inspection vehicles. The access to the test track and the north gate can now be completely blocked by two barriers. Saab 2.0 closes, that's clear. So far, the issue of security has been handled more “liberally”. Those days are over !

In recent years, one could, if you had it on it, look around relatively easily in some parts of the business. A new access system, which probably meets the new security requirements, puts an end to this. NEVS invests a lot of money, and only someone who wants to settle for a long time in Sweden will do so. Currently, 150 is creating new jobs directly at Saab 2.0 and, as you can be sure, more at the companies that have their home in the haze of the plant.

The Saab Parts AB branch moved months ago from the north gate into the technology area, where it employs 50 distribution and engineering specialists, some of whom work for NEVS. In the core area of ​​the plant, NEVS is alone, because Vicura and Semcon are also at home in adjacent technology complexes. This guarantees short distances and a close connection, almost across the parking lot, to Saab 2.0. Who wonders if the old Saab mind is still alive, gets a positive answer. More than 70% of the previous Saab engineers are still working in the plant's catchment area, mostly directly or indirectly for Saab 2.0.

The new edition of the brand goes its way and works on nothing more exciting than the rebirth of a legend. It's clear that you will not be able to set any records with the production of the classic 9-3 or win comparative tests. That's not what I was talking about. The brand should be revived, should show presence. The dealer network should be protected and secured against the threat of erosion. What happens behind the fortress walls therefore makes sense. The restart with the Saab 9-3 as a classic is not a romantic, but a logical thing. Because nothing is worse than a cold, dead car factory. The production of the 9-3 in realistic low volume in single-shift operation is the first step. A finger exercise to keep you warm before it gets really serious. With a proven production team, the introduction of the successor, based on the Phoenix platform, the ensuing bang.

In autumn it should be ready. The tapes should run, the first cars roll on the markets. Electric cars from Trollhättan then go mostly to China. Lower volumes remain with us, which will certainly do the image of the Swedish brand as an innovative, small manufacturer. Conventional drive vehicles are likely to remain in Europe and the US. Which engines will be under the hood, is a big mystery. A few weeks ago appeared in Trollhattan suddenly and only for a brief moment unusually talkative. But only very briefly, then the drawbridge was pulled up again before essential things came out.

Nothing is currently penetrating the thick walls, and speculation has accordingly blossomed at the festival in the past few days. A few examples: The old Saab engines are coming back. Unlikely, because it does not achieve the applicable exhaust gas values. Engines from japan? Probably not, the next guess is more realistic. The most credible rumor has it that the engines for the classic 9-3 come from a European manufacturer. The origin is not really important at the moment. It is crucial that the new owners stand by Saab DNA, which they have insured several times. Saab has a long tradition with third-party engines, and if the turbo under the hood is fun to drive and fits the brand - why not?

If you listen carefully, you notice that the language has changed slightly. Months ago, it was called a turbo engine. Now we speak of engines, and it can be assumed that the fraction of diesel pilots is served as well as the gasoline fraction.

So far, everything has been done right behind the fences of the Saab factory. Even if less - than we, the fans, hoped - gets out. Saab 2.0 invests a lot of money in the factory and in the future of the brand. Long term, it seems. Autumn begins on September 22nd. The Swedish summer vacation will be history for a month, maybe also the long period of patience. The new start of the cult brand could be a unique, exciting story!

Text: tom@saabblog.net

Pictures: saabblog.net