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4.3.2003
GME at Geneva: World Première - Saab 9-3 Convertible

The new Saab 9-3 Convertible, unveiled today, brings a stylish, open-top dimension to the 9-3 range.

With the debut of the new 9-3 Convertible, Saab brings a stylish, open-top dimension to the new 9-3 range. Saab is a leader in sales of premium convertibles in Europe and the United States with 4 out of every 10 premium soft-tops sold being a Saab.

Sales for convertibles have increased by more than 50% since 1998 Saab's biggest markets, Europe and the US, and are expected to expand still further. Saab is already in the front line of such growth and has been a prominent driving force behind this growing segment since unveiling its first convertible model almost 20 years ago.

The new 9-3 Convertible builds on this leadership position. The level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement clearly positions it at the very top of its class.

Functional design
The new convertible's soft-top mechanism is hydraulically-powered and its unique two-step cycle allows it to deploy fully in just 20 seconds, making the fastest in its class.

The new 9-3 Convertible also offers surprising functional features:

  • CargoWing accessory rear spoiler, which folds out to carry skis or a snowboard
  • CargoSET Self-Expanding Trunk, which automatically increases the capacity of the trunk when the roof is raised
  • DynaCage' rollover protection with pop-up- roll bars, integrated front seat-belts, SAHR, head side airbags

In addition to its functional qualities and distinctive Scandinavian design, the new convertible offers a greatly improved driving appeal through incorporating the widely acclaimed chassis dynamics of the 9-3 Sport Sedan.

More than a Convertible
The new Saab 9-3 Convertible's innovative product features further develop the Saab concept that an open-top car should be 'more than a Convertible'. In addition to its functional qualities, the new 9-3 Convertible improves the widely-acclaimed chassis dynamics of the Sport Sedan. By combining such sporty and functional characteristics, it symbolizes the core appeal of the Saab brand.

Revealing the car at the Geneva Motor Show, Peter Augustsson, Saab Automobile's President and CEO says: "Saab is launching the 9-3 Convertible from a position of strength, as we are already established as a market leader in the segment. This new model is well placed to open up new opportunities for us."

Saab appeal
The Saab 9-3 Convertible is positioned to appeal to customers who refuse to make compromises in their choice of careers, family life or challenging leisure activities. These people want some freedom and excitement, as well as practical solutions. In other words, their choice of car must satisfy both emotional wants and rational needs.

In many ways, the Saab 9-3 Convertible's appeal goes right to the heart of the Saab brand by fully expressing Saab's well known attributes of design, performance, control, safety and versatility in a focused package. It is a sporty, yet surprisingly practical car.

The new 9-3 Convertible is, without doubt, the biggest advance Saab has made in 20 years of designing four seater, four season, soft tops and is poised to re-affirm Saab's leading role in the premium convertible segment.