Smart Car History

• Current smart Models
• All smart Models

 Source: edmunds.com
Usually, Italian exotic sports cars are best at getting other motorists' attention when driving down the road. But the diminutive "Smart car," as many people refer to it, turns just as many heads. But in this case, a Smart is about fuel economy and efficiency, not performance.

Smart began in 1993 as a joint venture between Daimler-Benz and Swiss watchmaker Swatch, creating a company known as Micro Compact Car AG headquartered in Biel, Switzerland. (It would later move to Germany and be known simply as Smart.) Its "city cars" would feature the build quality and engineering expertise of Mercedes-Benz, while Swatch would contribute its funky design philosophy. The resulting two-passenger Smart City-Coupe was designed for a European urban environment, with a specific emphasis placed on fuel economy and parking ease. The City-Coupe could theoretically be able to park perpendicular in a parallel-parking spot. (The wheelbase is the width of most other cars, after all.)


Because it was such a tiny car, Smart created the "tridion" safety cell (the silver or black portion of the body) to assure the City-Coupe could withstand impacts from exponentially bigger vehicles. Made from three layers of steel reinforced at strategic points, the cell was designed to absorb and redistribute crash energy away from the vehicle's occupants. Side impacts are shielded by steel door beams and reinforced axles.

Daimler-Benz bought Swatch out shortly after the City-Coupe's introduction just as the Smart started to generate hype around the world for its revolutionary take on personal transportation. Initial sales began in nine continental European countries in 1998, and the car proved popular with consumers.

This success led to an eventual expansion of the Smart car brand with the introduction of additional Smart models, including the Roadster and Roadster-Coupe in 2003 and the Forfour sedan in 2004. Reaction to these model lines was lukewarm at best, however, as consumers found them to be overpriced. This failure led to a dramatic downturn in Smart's fortunes, eventually putting it on DaimlerChrysler's chopping block before CEO Dieter Zetsche saved it with a new business model built exclusively around the City-Coupe, which had been renamed Fortwo.

More than 770,000 units and 36 countries later, the second-generation Fortwo debuted in 2006. With only a slight size increase, the general look of the iconic city car remained, but the interior and often-criticized automanual transmission received significant changes and safety was improved. The biggest news, however, was that Smart would be expanding into the United States, where rising gas prices had shifted the market toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. While there is no mainstream vehicle that embodies those two criteria better than the Fortwo, only time will tell if Americans who once laughed at Smart will embrace it the way Europeans and others around the world have.

European Car

1. The Smart City-Coupe, a tiny car for only two passengers, was designed for use in the narrow streets of Europe's big cities. While Americans have historically favored larger cars, Europeans prefer much smaller cars like the Fiat and Mini-Cooper.

Innovation

2. The Smart Car was designed with fuel efficiency and ease of parking in mind. In theory, the Smart Car can be parked perpendicular to the curb in an urban parallel parking spot.

Safety

3. Despite its diminutive size, the Smart Car is quite safe. It employs the "tridion" safety cell, which is made from three layers of reinforced steel. It was designed to absorb energy in the event of a crash to protect the passengers. Its makers say the Smart Car can withstand crashes with much larger vehicles.

Popularity

4. The Smart Car debuted in 1998 in nine European countries and was instantly popular, leading to an expansion in models offered. The Roadster and Roadster-Coupe came out in 2003, followed by the Forfour Sedan in 2004. The new models did not do as well as expected, and Daimler considered discontinuing the brand entirely.

Rebirth

5. Instead, Daimler refocused on the original City-Coupe, which had been renamed Fortwo. In 2006 a new model, slightly larger in size, was introduced and took the world by storm. New safety features and a redesigned transmission helped boost sales in 36 countries.

American Debut

6. With skyrocketing fuel costs, the Smart Car was introduced in the United States in 2006. Looking for ways to cut costs, Americans began buying smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and hybrids. While the Smart Car is still considered a novelty in this country, sales are growing.

Current Models

7. The Smart Car comes in several different models today, including the Fortwo Pure, the sporty Fortwo Passion Coupe which features a "panorama roof" and the Fortwo Passion Cabriolet, a convertible option. There are also two BRABUS models with luxury trim options such as leather, stainless steel and brushed aluminum. The Smart Car is available in six colors: black, red and beige are base colors, and metallic blue, gray or silver are available for an additional cost. The tridion safety cell, visible on the outside of the car, comes in black but can be upgraded to silver.

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• Current Scion Models
• All Scion Models

Only a few years old, Scion is the youngest brand on the market -- a fact that seems appropriate, given that it's targeted at a very youthful demographic. Scion has quickly found a home in the hearts of buyers seeking its winning blend of value and style. The frosting on this cake is that Scion is part of the Toyota family, offering all the quality and reliability you'd expect from a marque with its parentage.

When Toyota realized early in the 21st century that it was losing market share in the younger demographic due to a stodgy image, the company took a chance and decided to spin off a new brand called Scion (its name means "descendant" or "heir to"). The first Scions, the xA and xB models, were introduced for the 2004 model year. These edgy little cruisers were first available only in the California market; after a staggered rollout, Scion vehicles became available nationwide.


Both the xA and xB were immediate hits, snapped up by young (or young at heart) buyers looking for high-quality, fun and affordable wheels. The boxy yet funky styling of the Scions provided a lot of passenger and cargo room for the cars' small footprints, making them ideal choices for campus and urban residents alike. They also coddled the youth market with flashy sound systems; Scion's stereos are among the best in the economy-car segment.

The following year, the Scion brood grew to include the tC. This sport coupe offered more performance relative to its older siblings, thanks largely to a more powerful engine. The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.

In the interest of keeping things simple for buyers, Scions come in only one trim. However, buyers have the option of customizing their rides with a host of aftermarket accessories, such as a subwoofer, body kits and custom exhausts. Scion also offers no-haggle pricing, the same policy that has been offered by Saturn. Under this system, buyers pay the list (window sticker) price, thus streamlining the negotiation process.

So far, no-haggle pricing, a simple and well-equipped model lineup and a variety of dealer-added options have combined to make the Scion brand a surprise hit with American consumers. The economy-car segment isn't exactly the first place you'd look for stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles, but Scion has changed all that, offering cars rich with a seductive exuberance that belies their modest pricing.

source: edmunds.com

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Saturn History

Source: Saturn Corporation
Saturn Corporation was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors in January 1985. The Saturn concept began in 1982 as a response to increasing import competition and a traditional, adversarial relationship between union and management. The two would ultimately form a partnership to study and implement an innovative way to develop and market U.S. manufactured small cars. Together, this partnership created a distinct and clear mission, supported by a philosophy and set of shared values. Saturn’s mission, philosophy and values are all directed toward recapturing new customers and achieving world-class levels of quality and customer enthusiasm.


The "Different Kind of Company," currently produces a small sedan, wagon and coupe at its 4.6-million-square-foot manufacturing and assembly site in Spring Hill, Tenn. As a "green field" site, the auto plant balances people and technology with an advanced focus on ergonomics and environmental stewardship.

In 1999, Saturn added a second vehicle line, the midsize L-Series sedan and wagon, which are built in Wilmington, Del. A third vehicle, the VUE sport utility vehicle, will begin production in Spring Hill in 2001.

During the last 15 years, Saturn has reshaped the way automakers build and sell cars. How the Saturn vision became reality is a unique story, and these are the significant events in Saturn’s continuing development.

---

1982
JUNE - Alex C. Mair, then vice president of what is now GM's Advanced Engineering Staff, summons engineers Joe Joseph and Tom Ankeny to his office. They discuss a new, innovative, "small car project."
JULY - "Saturn" is selected code name for the project. Phil Garcia, chief designer - Advanced Studio -- GM Design Studio is credited with the selection of the "Saturn" name. (Saturn refers to the Saturn rocket that carried Americans to the moon during the space race with the USSR. The Saturn small car project's goal is to design an American vehicle that can beat the Japanese in the small-car race.)

1983
OCTOBER - Donald F. Ephlin, vice president and director of the United Auto Workers' General Motors Department, and Alfred A. Warren, Jr., vice president of GM's Industrial Relations staff, agree to pursue the concept of a GM-UAW Study Center to explore new approaches to building small cars in the United States.
NOVEMBER - Saturn project announced publicly by General Motors Chairman Roger B. Smith and General Motors President F. James McDonald.
DECEMBER - Ephlin and Warren hold joint press conference at Solidarity House (UAW Headquarters) in Detroit and announce the creation of a new GM-UAW Study Center to review new relationships and approaches to the operation of the Saturn project.

1984
FEBRUARY - The historic "Group of 99" is appointed. It comprised of 99 UAW members, GM managers and staff personnel from 55 plants in 17 GM divisions, and 14 of 16 UAW regions. The 99 immediately separated into research teams to study intricate aspects of what Saturn could be.
JULY - President Reagan visits the Saturn project at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Mich., and congratulates GM on an historic effort to help keep the United States prominent in the auto industry.
SEPTEMBER - First Saturn demonstration vehicle completed for evaluation.

1985
JANUARY - GM announces addition of new automotive operating unit -- Saturn Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary company -- to its passenger car divisions. Joseph J. Sanchez, Saturn president, dies at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mich.
FEBRUARY - William E. Hoglund appointed new Saturn president.
JULY - Historic new labor agreement for Saturn reached between GM and the UAW establishing the partnership. Selection of Spring Hill, Tenn., as site for Saturn's manufacturing facility finalized.

1986
JANUARY - Saturn's first concept car built in 100 work days by its Vehicle Concept Development (VCD) Team. A record for General Motors.
FEBRUARY - Richard G. "Skip" LeFauve named president of Saturn Corporation.
APRIL - Official dedication of the site for Saturn's manufacturing and assembly complex near Spring Hill, Tenn.
OCTOBER - First 4-door 3/8 scale plastic model completed.
NOVEMBER - First 4-door mule car completed by Chassis team.

1987
APRIL - Four-door clay released from Design Staff.
JUNE - The first of more than 275,000 cubic yards of concrete is poured at Saturn's new manufacturing and assembly complex.
JULY - First Saturn-intent vehicle built with all thermoplastic panels; excluding steel roof and hood.
OCTOBER - First SC coupe mule car completed by the Chassis Business Team.
DECEMBER - Saturn unveils its new corporate signature -- a stylized version of the ringed planet (bright red field with a neutral gray Saturn script).

1988
JUNE - First 4-door demonstration car completed.
SEPTEMBER - First SC coupe demonstration car completed.

1989
FEBRUARY - Saturn's first print advertisement appears in Automotive News announcing its first 26 dealer partners. The ad is the first public work from Hal Riney & Partners, Saturn's advertising agency.
MARCH - First 4-door pre-production vehicle completed.
NOVEMBER - First Saturn engine produced by powertrain team at Spring Hill complex. First SC coupe pre-production vehicle completed.

1990
JANUARY - SC coupe demonstration vehicle completed 100,000 mile test program at Lotus Millbrook Proving Grounds.
JULY - At exactly 10:57 a.m. CDT, General Motors Chairman Roger B. Smith and UAW President Owen Bieber drove a red metallic four door sedan off the final assembly line in Spring Hill. Smith and Bieber were joined by GM Executive Vice President Lloyd E. Reuss and UAW Region 8 Director George H. Smith.
OCTOBER - Saturn officially launched its new family of small cars by sending its first truckload of vehicles from Tennessee to California. Saturn President Richard G. "Skip" LeFauve announces that cars will go on sale in key markets in California, the south and southeastern United States on October 25, 1990.

1991
MAY - Saturn voluntarily replaces 1,836 cars due to improperly formulated coolant (antifreeze) supplied by Texaco Refining and Marketing, Inc. Due to Saturn's commitment to providing a superior level of customer satisfaction, the company chose to replace rather than repair these vehicles.
AUGUST - Start of production for 1992 model Saturns.
OCTOBER - Start of sales in Canada through approximately 70 Saturn-Saab-Isuzu retail facilities.

1992
JANUARY - Saturn unveils a sporty new wagon which will highlight the automaker's 1993 fall lineup at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
MARCH - Saturn sells its 100,000th car.
APRIL - Saturn received MotorWeek/PBS television’s "1992 Driver’s Choice Award for Best Small Car" for the second year in a row. First shipment of Saturn vehicles leaves California port bound for Taiwan.
AUGUST - Saturn sells it’s 200,000 car. Start of production for 1993 model Saturns.

1993
FEBRUARY - Saturn sells its 300,000th car.
MAY - Saturn produced its 400,000th car. Saturn has sold over 370,000 vehicles between the domestic and export markets.
SEPTEMBER - Saturn produces its 500,000th car.

1994
MAY - Saturn produces its 700,000th car.
JUNE - 44,000 Saturn owners and their families attend the Saturn Homecoming in Spring Hill. Throughout this weekend and summer, Saturn retailers also held regional Homecoming events attracting over 130,000 customers. In all, 1 of every 6 Saturn customers participated in the Homecoming.
JULY - Saturn’s 300th retail facility opens.
OCTOBER - Saturn produces its 800,000th car.

1995
FEBRUARY - Saturn produces its 900,000th car.
JUNE - Saturn’s One-Millionth vehicle (a Dark Green 1995 SC2 coupe) is produced at the Spring Hill, Tenn., manufacturing and assembly complex.

1996
NOVEMBER - Saturn’s right-hand-drive SL2 sedan, SW2 wagon and SC2 coupe models make their public debut at the Osaka Import Automobile Show in Osaka, Japan.
DECEMBER - The first GM EV1 electric vehicles are delivered to customers through Saturn’s 24 retailers serving Southern California and Arizona.

1997
JANUARY - A blue SC2 becomes the 1.5-millionth Saturn vehicle produced at its Spring Hill, Tenn., facility.
MARCH - Saturn announces that it will begin sales of right-hand-drive models (SL2, SW2 and SC2) in Japan on April 5, 1997. Pricing will be comparable with competitors and, like its U.S. philosophy, will use a no-haggle/no-hassle sales strategy. A Black-Gold SC2 Coupe is the first Saturn right-hand-drive vehicle to be unloaded at the Port of Toyohashi, Japan. A total of 220 Saturn sedans, wagons and coupes were carried aboard the cargo ship Turandot.
APRIL - Saturn begins its first day of sales in Japan through eight retailers.

1998
OCTOBER - Saturn unveils its 1999 3-Door Coupes at the New England International Auto Show in Boston. The driver’s side rear access door will become a standard feature on all SC1 and SC2 models beginning in early November 1998.
NOVEMBER - Production of the "world’s first" 3-Door Coupe rolls off the Spring Hill assembly line.
DECEMBER - Saturn announces two new mid-size Saturns will join its product lineup in 1999 when the all-new L-Series sedan and wagon debut at Saturn retailers in the U.S. and Canada. The LS and LW will compete with mid-size imports such as Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

1999
JANUARY - Saturn’s Two-Millionth vehicle (a Red 1999 three-door SC2 coupe) is produced at the Spring Hill, Tenn., manufacturing and assembly complex.
MARCH - The Saturn L-Series sedan and wagon are unveiled to the media at the 1999 New York auto show.
AUGUST - The re-designed Saturn S-series coupe and sedan go on sale at Saturn retailers across North America.

2000
APRIL - GM $1.5 billion capital investment in Saturn announced. Saturn’s plan includes the potential for four new products over the next four years. Saturn announces a series of strategic moves to aggressively grow the brand. GM approved Saturn’s sport utility vehicle (SUV), which will go into production at Saturn’s Spring Hill, Tenn. Facility in late 2001. GM will make a $1 billion capital investment in Saturn’s Spring Hill manufacturing facility through 2002. Saturn’s SUV and next generation small cars will include GM’s new global four-cylinder engine. Spring Hill was awarded GM’s third production module for this engine, including strategic machining and assembly. One of Saturn’s undisclosed future models will include a high-tech V6 engine from GM’s recent agreement with Honda.
OCTOBER - Saturn unveils the 2002 Saturn VUE sports utility vehicle at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami.

2001
OCTOBER - Saturn announces ION as the name for its new small car line that will replace the current S-Series. IOPN is the first car of the Delta platform and features a coupe and sedan.
NOVEMBER - Saturn’s Spring Hill Manufacturing Complex begins saleable production of the Saturn VUE.

2002
AUGUST - Saturn unveils SKY concept car in Pebble Beach, California. The SKY is a compact convertible, fresh, versatile open-air roadster. SKY is a four-season vehicle spacious enough to move people and cargo comfortably through traffic without abandoning the coziness of a classic roadster.
MARCH - Saturn unveils the ION sedan and coupe at the New York Auto Show. The ION is the first of GM’s Delta cars and replaces the Saturn S-Series.

Compact Cars

1. The S-Series made its debut in 1991 with a sedan (SL) and a coupe (SC). A wagon option (SW) was introduced in 1992. The S-Series racked up several car awards during its production run, including overall value recognitions from automobile publication IntelliChoice in 1993, 1997 and 2000. The Ion, which replaced the S-Series in 2003, was noticeably larger than its predecessor (indeed, the longest compact car sold in the United States). However, the Ion was never as successful, and it ceased production in 2007. The Astra, essentially a foreign-built vehicle stamped with the Saturn nameplate, replaced it in 2008.

Midsize Cars

2. The L-Series made its debut in May 1999 as a 2000 model, designated as either an LS (sedan) or LW (wagon), with four-cylinder and V6 engine options. Like its compact-car counterpart, the Ion, the L-Series experienced sluggish sales. Saturn pulled the plug on the line in 2005, replacing it two years later with the Aura, a vehicle that has garnered healthy reviews and sales.

Sports Cars

3. For about three years, 2006 to 2009, Saturn manufactured and sold the Sky, a two-door roadster that gained much attention for its slick styling---a daring departure from conventional Saturn designs. However, General Motors closed the car's Wilmington, Delaware-based plant in July 2009, thus ending its production run.

SUVs

4. The Vue is Saturn's entry into the compact SUV market. Making its debut in 2002, it shares space with the Outlook, which is its full-size counterpart that replaced the Relay in 2007. The Relay was never a big seller for Saturn in its two-year run, being basically a re-badged Chevrolet or Pontiac van.

Today

5. As of September 2009, the only new Saturn vehicles sold are the Vue, the Aura and the Outlook. Production of the Astra ended in 2009 with the sale of the Saturn company to Penske Automotive Group.

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Saab History

SAAB, Svenska Aeroplan Aktie Bolag (Swedish Airplane Corporation)
Source: Swedish Airplane Corporation
In 1938, the Saab factory was built in Trollhattan Sweden. At this time, they were not an automobile manufacturer. With World War II on the horizon, the Royal Swedish Air Force was in need of aircraft. On September 1, 1939 war broke out and Saab built bombers and fighters.
The Saab factory was prepared for the task with two previous years of modernizing their production methods. These airplanes were mainly copies of German and American design. Saabs first in-house designed aircraft rolled off the line in 1941, the Saab 17. It was far from perfect, but the bugs were worked out quickly. A Bomber, Saab 18 was also produced.

 
In 1944, seeing the close of World War II Saab began work on non-military aircraft. The Saab 90 and the Saab 91 were introduced, the 90 was a passenger plane seating 25-30, and the 91 was a small plane for private use. The rest of our timeline will outline only Saab's automotive history. However, Saab to this date still makes the highest quality civilian and military aircraft not to mention trucks, buses, spacecraft and the famous jet fighter Viggen and the latest innovation Gripen.
1940 - 1960

The Swedish Ur best translates as original and Ursaab was the Saab's first prototype automobile.

Project 92, so-called as numbers 90 and 91 had already been assigned to civilian aircraft, was agreed in 1945. Saab had decided that, with the Second World War ending, there would be a need to diversify away from military aircraft. Ideas included motorcycles, cars, commercial vehicles and even fitted kitchens! Other Swedish companies, however, had the motorcycle market sewn up, Volvo already produced cars, and trucks were manufactured by Scania-Vabis. A Saab had to be the right size, type, construction and price - a small, affordable car. Thus, Saab had found its niche.

A 1:10 scale model Ursaab was tested in a wind tunnel by the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology and gave a drag coefficient of 0.32, an impressive figure even by today's standards. Sister cars 92.002 and 92.003 were driven on every possible type of road surface and with 92.001; they have clocked up over 530,000km (approx 331,000 miles) - equivalent to 13 journeys around the world and typical of Saab's commitment to thorough testing.

Full-scale production of the Saab 92 commenced in December 1949, 700 of which were made. The engine was a 750cc two-cylinder two-stroke, transversely mounted ahead of the front axle. Saab engineers also created a safety cage for the passengers, to protect them in case of accident, one of the first cars ever designed for safety.

Production cost was critical to Saab at the time and only 17% of the cost was from imported materials, hence the Henry Ford principle of any color you like as long as it's… green in Saab's case!

Saab entered two cars in the 1950 Monte Carlo rally. Both finished the rigorous event. Saab continued active in rallying until 1980, when some factories began to spend so much on the sport that little Saab could no longer be competitive.

The Saab 93 was announced in August 1955 in response to press speculation regarding the development of a three-cylinder two-stroke engine. The Saab 93 was the first model to be officially exported, primarily to the United States. 
At the New York Automobile Show of April 1958, Saab exhibited a car that they called the Gran Turismo 750, a sporty and luxurious model that was pitched specifically at the growing US market.
The GT750 had twin carburetors and the engine had been tuned to develop 50hp. It was the first model to have factory fitted seat belts.



The Saab Sonett was unofficially known as the Saab 94, even though this number had already been assigned to an aircraft project. Only six Sonett were built, the cars being intended as either experimental or competition cars. The Sonett was much in demand by dealers and was shipped to the United States for the Saab introduction in April 1956.
Saab unveiled the Saab 95 Station Wagon in May 1959. The early 95 had the two-stroke engine, but later models carried the Ford V4 engine (the V4 was an instant success). It was equipped with a four-speed gearbox. The last Saab 95 was manufactured in 1978.The Ford 1.5 Liter V4 engine delivered 65hp at 4,700rpm and saw 100 Km/h from rest in just 16 seconds.

1960 - 1970

The new Saab 96 was revealed at a Stockholm press conference in February 1960. This model lived on until 1980 equipped with the V4 engine. The Saab 96 was for Swedes what the VW beetle was for Germans.
Diagonally divided brake system with double brake circuits was introduced on all Saabs of 1964 models.

Formula Junior was an international class for single-seat racers with engines from standard road cars. In 1960, some enthusiasts at Saab's combined testing and competition department decided to have a go at Formula Junior, even though the engine was well below the permitted displacement of 1100cc.Taking an approach that was different to the conventional was not unusual for Saab and this case was no different. The engineers at Saab constructed an advanced monocoque car in contrast to the space frame designs of their competitors.

The Saab 97 project based upon the MFI 13 made good progress. By the winter of 1966, it was on display earlier than expected, and in Stockholm, rather than New York as had been anticipated.

The Saab Sonett II suffered increasing criticism of its awkward lines by both customers and within Saab itself. After just two years of production, Saab contracted the Italian stylist Sergio Coggiola to redesign the Sonett II. Coggiola had a tough task, forbidden by Saab to redesign the complicated central section.
Saab board passed a resolution in April 1964, to develop a new and larger Saab. The Saab 99 was on its way. Despite widespread enthusiasm within Saab for the two-stroke engine, it was decided that a four-stroke unit was the only real choice. Without the means to embark on its own costly development, a contract was signed for Triumph to deliver a 1.5-liter (later 1.7 liter), engine to Saab. The joint engine design was to be inclined at 45° since Triumph was planning a V8 from the same basic engine design. The Saab engine was essentially half of a V8.

1970 - 1980

1970 A milestone is passed in February when Saab turns out Car No. 500,000

The Sonett III, the product of the Swedish-Italian cooperation, was unveiled in spring 1970.

Two unique Saab innovations are presented on the 1972 models: an electrically heated driving seat and self-repairing (up to 8 Km/h, 5 mph) bumpers.
The Saab 98 project began just two years after the production of the Saab 99 started. A new concept termed by Saab as Combi Coupé. Saab 98 never went into production, but the Combi Coupe did as a 99.
1976 The one-millionth Saab car comes off the line at Trollhättan in January. Catalytic converter and a lambda sensor are introduced on cars for the US. 
The first Saab 99 Turbo goes on sale as a 1978 model.

This particular Turbo had great success in the Swedish Rally with Stig Blomquist behind the wheel.



In 1979 the new 900 is released.

Yet another world "first" is introduced with the 1979 Saab 900: the unique compartment air/pollen filter.


1980 - 1990
Beginning with the 1983 models, Saab fits all its cars with asbestos-free brake linings.
The Saab 900 was a model that spanned the entire 1980s, being in production for some fifteen years! During its lifetime over 900,000 units were produced, almost 50,000 of which were the successful and stylish 900 convertible.

Despite being an evolution of the 99, the 900 was not merely a facelift. It had been given a new front section and Saab wanted to exploit new market sectors. This was especially true of the United States.

Another product of the small but perfectly formed design department at Trollhättan, the EV-1 was a sport Coupé based on the 900 Turbo 16. The EV-1, or Experimental Vehicle Number One, was never destined for production.

The front and rear sections of the EV-1 were constructed from Aramid reinforced fiberglass and had the ability to resume their original shape after impact.
The toughest safety standards are satisfied with the lightweight carbon fiber side impact protection within the doors. Continuing the lightweight theme, the front seats are half the weight of conventional seats but retain electronic functionality including the ability to adjust the side supports. With the 0-100 Km/h in just 5.9 seconds, the performance of the EV-1 is comparable to some of the best sports cars.
The Saab 9000 of the 1987 model becomes the first front-wheel-drive car to offer ABS brakes.

Styled by Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro, the 9000, a front-wheel drive with a transversely mounted engine meant that the interior was more spacious than the Saab 900 despite a slightly shorter external length.

The combination of the folding rear seat and the estate/saloon opening rear hatch made for superb load-lugging characteristics. The Saab 9000 was the only imported car, bar the Rolls Royce, to be classified by the United States authorities as a "large car".
1986 On 7 October, three Saab 9000 Turbo 16s in guaranteed standard condition get off the mark on the world's fastest racetrack, the Alabama International Motor Speedway in Talladega, U.S.A. 31 drivers take turns at the controls of the three cars, with stops only for refueling and service. In nearly twenty days of uninterrupted driving they break 2 world records and 21 international speed records. The fastest car covers 100,000 km at an average speed of 213 Km/h, the other 2 average around 210 and 208 Km/h.

1987 The two-millionth Saab is manufactured.
1989 At a press conference on 15 December, GM announces that it is buying 50% of Saab's car operation.
1990 to 2000
The new Saab 900 made its debut in front of the press and 35,000 residents of Trollhättan, in the town's main square, in July 1993. The new 900 was the first completely new model since GM (General Motors) took a 50% stake in Saab Automobile AB in 1990.

Saab is the first carmaker to present a Freon-free (CFC-free) air-conditioning system.
In 1994, Saab introduces the first V6 engine in its 900 SE model.
1996 Ten years later Saab returns to Talladega, this time with six Saab 900s, absolut standard cars, powered by different engines: a 2-litre turbo, a 2.5-litre V6 and a 2-litre injection engine. They clock up 40 new international speed records. The fastest car, a 900 Turbo, turns in an average speed of 226 Km/h.
The Saab 9-3 was launched in 1998 essentially as a re badge Saab 900. There was very little to tell them apart externally, except for a redesigned grill and the relocation of the third brake light from the boot ridge to the top of the rear screen.

Internally, the 9-3 acquired the innovative SAHR or Saab Active Head Restraint system - as introduced as an industry first on the Saab 9-5.

It was under the body that the changes had been made on the 9-3. Over 1,100 changes including suspension, in an attempt to tighten up the handling characteristics of its predecessor, the Saab 900.

1997, The new Saab 9-5 is presented in Trollhättan, and the three-millionth Saab is produced that summer.

The development of the Saab 9-5 retained existing Saabisms such as its world famous attention to safety, the curved C-pillar and the ergonomics of the vehicle - especially in respect of the driver. Saab set out to exceed the already high safety standards of the Saab 9000 and design the safest car possible.
Data from Saabs own tests and surveys from Folksam (the Swedish insurer), Euro NCAP and American HLDI all show that the Saab 9-5 is indeed the safest car that you can drive to date.

Saab reintroduced for the 9-5, the return of the floor mounted ignition and reverse gear lock that was absent from its predecessor, the Saab 9000.

Yet, another Saab innovation: ventilated front seats. It is the first time a passenger car, the new Saab 9-5, is offered with this feature.

2000, GM buys the reminder of Saab.
In 2003, the completely redesigned 9-3 SS is released in US.
The new Saab convertible is scheduled to be introduced to the US market in the Fall of 2003 (Swedes have to wait until Feb 2004). It's manufactured at the Magna-Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. It have automatic rollover bars that pops up from behind the rear seat, and the whole convertible frame is built out of Magnesium.


What the future holds may be within what  concept car 9-3 and prototype 9X shows, or the rumors of a 9-2 based on Subaru Impreza.






First official photo of the new 9-2X planned for release on the US and Canadien market early 2004. The 9-2X is built by Fuji Heavy Industries, Japan; which GM holds a 20 percent stake in.

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Pontiac History

Source: General Motors Corporation
In 1907, the Oakland Motor Car Co., predecessor to Pontiac Motor, is founded by Edward M. Murphy on August 28, 1907 in Pontiac, Michigan.

In 1909, General Motors purchases a half interest in Oakland Motor Car Co. on January 20, 1909. When its founder, Edward Murphy, passes away the following summer, his company comes under the full control of General Motors. In 1932, the Oakland name is dropped from the vehicle line and Pontiac becomes the name of the division.

In 1926, the first Pontiac car is introduced by Oakland. The 'Chief of the Sixes,' a 6-cylinder car, is launched at the 1926 New York Auto Show.

In 1932, Pontiac Motor Division is established, replacing Oakland.

B-O-P Sales Company is established, consolidating the wholesale sales forces of Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. It is disbanded the following year.

In 1937, Pontiac introduces the industry's first column-mounted gearshift.

Linden Division, Linden, NJ, is established to assemble Buicks, Oldsmobiles and Pontiacs closer to the points of sale in the eastern U.S.

In 1945, The Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac Assembly Division is organized. It later becomes General Motors Assembly Division (GMAD) in 1965.

In 1957, the Bonneville model, with Pontiac's first fuel injection engine, is introduced.

Chevrolet introduces the F-body Camaro as a 1967 model. The following January, Pontiac introduces the Firebird, its third line of cars, as a 1967 model.

In 1976, GM introduces its downsized Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac full-size and luxury cars in September.

In 1979, GM introduces newly designed front-wheel-drive compact cars, the Buick Skylark, Chevrolet Citation, Oldsmobile Omega and Pontiac Phoenix X-body models.

In 1984, a new organizational structure for GM's North American Passenger Car Operations is formed. Two integrated car groups, Chevrolet, Pontiac, GM of Canada (C-P-C) and Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac (B-O-C), each have complete responsibility for their respective products, including engineering, manufacturing, assembly and marketing.

In 1988, GM introduces its 'GM10' family of newly redesigned midsize cars -- the Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Pontiac Grand Prix.

In 1989, four-door sedan versions of the 'GM 10' Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme are introduced.

The Pontiac Trans Sport and Oldsmobile Silhouette all-purpose vehicles debut. These models feature the largest plastic panels ever put on any vehicle.

In 1996, Pontiac and GMC marketing divisions are merged to form Pontiac-GMC Division.

In 2001, Pontiac celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary.

General Motors announces that its Ste. Therese, Quebec plant, which builds the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, will close in September 2002 in conjunction with discontinuation of the Camaro and Firebird models.

In 2004, GM announces plans to produce the sporty Pontiac Solstice roadster, first shown to the world at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, at its Wilmington, Del., assembly plant. The Solstice is to go on sale as a 2006

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Panoz History

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Panoz is an automobile manufacturer whose sexy sports cars are exotics in the truest sense of the word. The company's cars are drop-dead gorgeous and come with steep price tags; additionally, given the fact that a relatively small number of Panoz cars are made each year, a Panoz offers more exclusivity than your typical Ferrari or Bentley. Panoz makes only sports cars and its current lineup consists of just one model, the Esperante, available in both roadster and coupe body styles. Introduced in 2001 and relatively unchanged since then, the Esperante is hand-built and made mostly of aluminum.

The Panoz story begins with Eugene Panunzio, a champion boxer who emigrated to the U.S. from Italy in the early 1900s. He shortened his last name to Panoz and settled in West Virginia. In 1960 his son Donald started the Mylan Laboratories pharmaceutical company; nine years later, Donald and his family moved to Ireland where he started another drug company, called Elan Pharmaceuticals. Donald's 26-year-old car-enthusiast son, Daniel, ended up working for the Thompson Motor Company (TMC) in 1988. TMC went out of business that same year and Donald bought the rights to one of its chassis, which was designed by Frank Costin, an engineer who'd made a name for himself building racecar chassis for Maserati and Lotus.

The next year saw the birth of the Panoz Automotive Development Company. A small, renovated salt storage shed located near Atlanta was the site of company headquarters. In 1990, Panoz brought out its first car, a powerful, cycle-fendered roadster called simply the Panoz Roadster. Initially, the Panoz cars were only produced to order, and hence not many were made. By 1996, the Roadster, now called the AIV Roadster, saw full production. The following year Panoz introduced the Esperante racecar, which saw success in USRRC and American Le Mans racing series. By the end of the decade, the Panoz family empire had grown to include racing venues, the American Le Mans series and a racing school.

In 2001, the Esperante became available as a street car and is now the sole model offered by Panoz. On its hood is the company's crest. Created by Daniel Panoz himself, its red, white and blue coloring references the fact that the company is based in the U.S. Its swirls are a nod to the Japanese yin-yang symbol, and at the center is a shamrock, which points to the roots of the first chassis Panoz developed.

The marque is a worthy choice for well-heeled buyers looking for exotic sports cars that offer supreme exclusivity and world-class handling.

Source: Edmunds.com

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Mitsubishi History

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Mitsubishi has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan. Its current selection of vehicles, which include cars, trucks and SUVs, tend to offer above-average performance and style.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car. However, in the years that led up to World War II, the division responsible for transportation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was focused mainly on producing ships and vehicles for the war effort.


It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the line wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name; reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company, Colts were sold in North America under the Dodge marque. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year, and its lineup had grown to include vehicles like the Galant and the Lancer. In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name.

Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the sport-oriented Eclipse and 3000GT in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world. In the years since Chrysler's initial investment in the company, Mitsubishi platforms have been widely used by the American automaker. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. Rebadged versions of the Eclipse were sold in Plymouth and Eagle dealerships as well. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has not been particularly good for Mitsubishi. Sales have wavered and the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects; the resulting furor led to the resignation and arrest of one of the automaker's former presidents. The brand has done much to turn itself around since then, streamlining its vehicle roster and improving quality.

Source: Edmunds.com

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MINI History

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Few cars are as instantly recognizable as the Mini. Loved for its diminutive dimensions and cheerful good looks, the British-born car has inspired passionate devotion both in the U.S. and abroad. The brand was briefly discontinued, but was revived in 2002 with help from BMW. Successfully paying homage to the original Mini Cooper of the 1960s, the reincarnated Cooper combines an athletic, BMW-engineered chassis with a space-efficient interior and a generous standard features list.

The history of the Mini make began in 1959. The original Mini motorcar was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in England and its mission was to be a lightweight, agile four-passenger car that took up minimal space. In a sense, the brand was born out of necessity. The United Kingdom was subject to fuel rationing in the wake of the Suez crisis, and British consumers clamored for vehicles that offered optimum fuel efficiency.


The car was originally sold under BMC's Austin and Morris brands; the Mini name didn't make an appearance until 1961. Although it had just 34 horsepower, the Mini was the ideal urban car and proved popular in crowded European cities. In 1961, John Cooper, a man who built Formula One racecars, put his magic hands on the Mini and the result was the ferocious Mini Cooper. His Cooper S model had (at 76 horsepower) more than double the output of the standard Mini. That infusion of power, along with suspension tweaks and some really good driving, had Mini winning the Monte Carlo Rally four years in a row (1964-'67). The marque landed on American shores in 1962.

The '60s truly was the decade of the Mini motorcar. New variations on the car's theme came with the introduction of vehicles like the Mini Pickup and the Mini Moke, a vehicle that resembled a quirky cross between a Mini and a Jeep. The car's abbreviated proportions are even rumored to have played a part in sparking a fashion trend; the miniskirt raised hemlines and became emblematic of an era. Mini motorcars tore up the asphalt on the silver screen, with the brand's appearance in the 1969 film, The Italian Job. By the end of the decade, more than 2 million Mini motorcars had been produced. Sadly, the vehicle was pulled from the United States in 1968, in the wake of strict new emissions regulations.

Though no longer available in the U.S., Mini remained in production in Europe through the '70s and '80s. By the mid-'80s, more than 5 million Minis had been produced worldwide. In 1994, the brand was acquired by the BMW Group. The marque went on hiatus in 2000, but was resurrected (and brought back to American shores) in 2002 with the launch of the entry-level, front-drive Mini Cooper hatchback. Thoroughly modern in every way, right down to its BMW-engineered suspension, steering and brakes, the Mini Cooper has become one of America's most desirable small cars and is available as a hatchback, convertible or the specialized Clubman.

Source: Edmunds.com

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