Saab Continues Aggressive Price/Value Strategy
15 April 1998
Saab Continues Aggressive Price/Value Strategy With 1999 Saab 9-3 Pricing Announcement
NORCROSS, Ga., April 15 -- Saab continues the aggressive
pricing strategy it introduced with the 1999 Saab 9-5 with the debut of the
new 1999 Saab 9-3 series. On sale May 1, 1998, every Saab 9-3 Coupe, five-
door and Convertible combines a competitive manufacturers suggested retail
price -- in most cases lower than the 1998 Saab 900 model it replaces -- with
a long list of standard equipment and over 1,100 technical and styling
changes. Prices start at $25,500 for a well-equipped 1999 Saab 9-3 Coupe and
range to $41,500 for the top-of-the-line Saab 9-3 SE four-passenger
Convertible.
All Saab 9-3 models include a lengthy list of standard equipment,
including a wide range of performance and safety features. Standard on every
1999 Saab 9-3 is the world-first Saab Active Head Restraint System (SAHR),
next generation front airbags, seat-mounted head/thorax side airbags, and a
potent 2.0L, 185 hp, multi-valve, turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The lowest priced Saab 9-3 is the 9-3 Coupe, with a base price of just
$25,500. Priced equally attractively is the sporty Saab 9-3 five-door, which
is available for a full $955 less than the 1998 model 900 it replaces. At
just $26,000, the 1999 Saab 9-3 five-door not only costs less than its
predecessor, but features significantly more standard equipment. Both the
Saab 9-3 Coupe and 9-3 five-door offer such standard features as an engine-
immobilizing alarm system, cruise control, air conditioning with electrostatic
cabin air filter, front and rear fog lights, front cornering lights, power
windows/locks/antenna, 15-inch light-alloy wheels, and an 80-watt
AM/FM/cassette stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls. An optional in-
dash single-disk AM/FM/CD player is available for just $100.
With so many standard features, the Saab 9-3 Coupe and five-door available
options list is short. Customers can add an electronically controlled 4-speed
automatic transmission ($1,110), a power glass sunroof ($1,110), heated front
seats ($350) or leather upholstery ($1,315). The five-door model with velour
upholstery offers an integrated child seat (in rear seat) for $270.
The Saab 9-3 SE five-door is priced at $31,500 (also priced lower than the
1998 Saab 900 SE it replaces) and includes an even longer list of standard
equipment, such as leather upholstery, power glass sunroof, power front seats
with driver-side memory, walnut-trimmed dash panel, automatic climate control,
16-inch light-alloy wheels, hands-free telephone preparation kit, and 160-watt
stereo. Options include heated front and rear seats ($500), automatic
transmission, and in-dash CD player.
For fans of open-top motoring, the Saab 9-3 Convertible features a
completely new hydraulically actuated power top with a simple-to-operate,
single front latch handle. The Saab Convertible top also integrates a larger
heated glass rear window for better visibility, as well as all the performance
and safety innovations found in the Saab 9-3 Coupe and five-door. The
Saab 9-3 Convertible is priced at $36,500, while the Saab 9-3 SE Convertible
is $41,500. Both feature a sporty leather interior and room for four. The
only available options on the luxuriously equipped Saab 9-3 Convertibles are
heated front seats ($350), an automatic transmission, and an in-dash CD
player.
Saab offers excellent warranty protection on all 1999 models: Bumper-to-
bumper protection with 24-hour roadside assistance is provided for four
years/50,000 miles. Perforation coverage extends for six years with no
mileage limit. Saab's first maintenance service is performed free of charge.
SOURCE Saab Cars USA
