The Auto Writer

Saab’s sale to Spyker does little to ensure that the Swedish brand will be around for many years to come. True, Saab is now owned by a company interested in making the brand work, but Spyker doesn’t exactly have the technological base from which to build future Saab models. That means Spyker will need to find a partner to help it advance Saab or risk seeing its investment evaporate.

Saab Financing

One area where Saab won’t have to worry about for now is new car financing as GMAC Financial Services, once known as the General Motors Acceptance Corporation and current primary financier of GM vehicles, has been chosen by Saab Automobile AB. Specifically, GMAC has been selected by Saab as the “preferred provider of wholesale and retail financial services for qualified Saab dealers and customers in many different countries around the world.”

Jan Ake Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news for the Saab organization as a whole and also for Saab’s customers. It not only makes available competitive financing, but also provides valuable continuity for the dealer network which already uses GMAC services.”

Bill Muir, GMAC President said: “We are delighted to be able to build on our strong relationships with Saab dealers and customers, and we look forward to working with Saab as it begins a new chapter in its history.”

2010 Models

GM’s sale of Saab has delayed the introduction of the brand’s 2010 model year vehicles, expected to arrive in North American showrooms in April. Currently, Saab dealers are still selling 2008 and 2009 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles. Prices for the 2010 9-3 are being pegged some 4 to 12 percent lower than the sticker price of 2009 models. In any case if you want a deal on a “new” 2008 or 2009 model, you can probably find a terrific deal.

Included with the 9-3 will be an all new 9-3X crossover model. Standard engine is a 2.0L turbocharged I4 paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 9-3 will also be sold as a sedan and convertible.

GM announced the sale of Saab to Dutch supercar maker Spyker in January, closing the deal on February 23. This summer an all new 9-5 goes on sale and is expected to be joined by the 9-4X crossover in 2011 with an all new 9-3 line due in 2012. Each of these new models has been in the planning pipeline for months if not years, with Spyker only needing to complete each project and bring these models to market.

Automotive Promotional Items Atlanta Auto Accident Attorney

I have been expecting this sort of announcement from Ford for some time, especially as Carbon Motors continues to work toward building their own dedicated police cruiser. Today, Ford told the world that it will be replacing its aged rear wheel driven Crown Victoria with a new model, a front wheel drive sedan based on the same platform now underpinning the Ford Taurus.

The Crown Victoria, Chevy Impala and Dodge Charger are the reasons why upstart Carbon Motors is getting going—a diesel powered cop car like none other. Carbon expects to begin building its cars in 2012, having secured an Indiana plant for production.

Profitable Business

Ford, GM and Chrysler stand to lose a huge amount of profitable business unless they come up with something new and desired by police departments and law enforcement personnel. The Carbon Motors E7 model, if it lives up to the hype, will be a real game changer, incorporating a number of safety features security personnel want as standard equipment.

The new Ford police pursuit vehicle will be built to pass 75 mph rear end crash testing, the same threshold Carbon Motors plans to meet. In addition, Ford is going the fuel efficiency route, choosing to stick its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under the hood. This will allow the interceptor to get V8 equivalent power while achieving V6 fuel economy. In these coming days of higher fuel prices, a more economical cop car is also much more desirable.

That EcoBoost will be optional as a standard engine of the same size will also be offered. Both engines will be paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Look for all wheel drive to be offered as well.

Safety Features

Among the safety features being incorporated in the new police interceptor will be blind spot information system, to detect vehicles on either side of the Ford; Ford SYNC; rear view camera system; a safety canopy system with side curtain airbags and rollover protection. The police cruiser will also feature more robust brakes, larger alternator, heavy-duty alternator and 18 inch wheels.

In addition to the new sedan, Ford says it will put a new police interceptor utility vehicle into service next year. The Crown Victoria will be produced until late 2011 when the unnamed new sedan takes over. That’s good too as Vickie has been doing full size sedan duty for more than 30 years running.

“This vehicle is pursuit-ready,” said Carl Widmann, Ford vehicle engineering manager. “It’s no nonsense, through and through.”

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

Auto Insurance Quick Auto Insurance

I love kids and I love cars so when the two come together good things usually happen. Especially when a car auction is being conducted with the proceeds from it benefiting children.

Word is out from Charity Buzz–do good, live well–that a 2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe will be auctioned off with the funds used to help the Music for America Project, an organization whose mission is to provide ways for kids to reach their musical dreams.

The winning bidder will be able to create their own Vantage Coupe, a model that will be made available this summer–just 3000 copies will be produced! For an extra cost you can select customizable features to personalize your Aston Martin in any way that you like.

So what’s so special about this model besides it rock solid good looks? Well, the 2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe features an updated exterior design and performance technology that should help give the Vantage a distinct advantage.

Among the standard features are its Otto cycle 4.7 L V8, 2 door coupe with tailgate, multipoint sequential fuel injection, 6-speed automated manual transmission, axle ration 3:91, 420 maximum horsepower, rear wheel drive and so much more. Bidding for this item ends Monday, March 29, 2010.

Charitybuzz regularly auctions VIP experiences and luxury goods on its web site in a bid to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits all around the globe.  A-list celebrities and elite luxury brands work together to attract a global audience, bidders excited to nab exclusive opportunities that also give back to those in need.

Interested in placing and following the bid? Visit Charity Buzz to track its progress. Follow Music For America Project on Facebook too.

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