Saab Collects Top Design Trophy

London (ots) -

- Querverweis: Bild wird über obs versandt und ist unter
http://www.presseportal.de/galerie.htx?type=obs abrufbar -

- Saab Aero X design study named 'Concept of the Year' by Autocar
- Environmentally-friendly coupé praised for stylish design and
aircraft influences

The stunning Saab Aero X Concept has been crowned 'Concept Car of
the Year' by Britain's longest-established car magazine.

At the ceremony in London, the Saab Aero X was praised for its
dynamic stance and the designers' constant references to Saab's
aircraft heritage, including its innovative wraparound windscreen,
turbine wheels and canopy-style cockpit.

Presenting the award, Autocar editor Chas Hallett said: "The Aero
X takes familiar Saab design cues and shows how they can be
incorporated into modern architecture and plausibly extended even to
a 400bhp super-coupé.

"The fact that the car also proposes futuristic fascia and
interior elements, which are as plausible as they are original, and
demonstrates how much better a car can be without windscreen pillars,
just makes it better."

The award adds to the trophies won by the Aero X. When it was
first shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the concept
was awarded the coveted 'Best of Show' honour by US magazine
Autoweek, which is also widely seen as one of the world's most
influential titles.

"We are very proud of this award," said Bryan Nesbitt, executive
director of Design for General Motors Europe. "The Saab Aero X is
much more than just a concept car. It is a testament to the design
direction we're taking Saab in the future."

The Aero X is also a clear definition of Saab's commitment to
fossil-free propulsion. To make sure the Aero X has the performance
to match its looks, the concept is powered by a 400bhp turbocharged
V6 BioPower engine that can run entirely on pure E100 bioethanol. As
with the styling, the powertrain is a strong hint at what lies in the
future for Saab.

"We are delighted to receive this accolade," said Jan Åke Jonsson,
Saab Automobile's Managing Director "The Aero X is a bold affirmation
of the core qualities of our brand and it is gratifying to see that
the Autocar judges have recognized its significance as an inspiration
for exciting future products to come from Saab."

This is the second year in a row that GM Europe's design team has
garnered this award from Autocar. Last year, the Opel Antara GTC was
crowned the winner.

http://media.saab.com

Contact:
Christer Nilsson
GME Corporate Communications, Saab Automobile
Phone: + 46 (0) 520 - 854 86
Mobile: +46 (0) 70 - 603 24 12
E-mail: christer.u.nilsson@se.saab.com

Eric Geers
Director Communications, Saab Automobile
Phone: +46 (0) 520 - 851 10
Mobile: +46 (0) 703 - 205 490
E-mail: eric.geers@se.saab.com