Saab Cars North America and Hirsch Performance AG Join Forces to Boost Performance of Saab 9-3 and 9-5

DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Saab Cars North America and Hirsch Performance AG of Switzerland announced today that Hirsch Performance aftermarket products will be available for the 2007-11 model year, Saab 9-3 and 2010-11 model year 9-5 cars through select Saab dealers in the US beginning in the spring of 2011.

John Anderson, director of aftermarket sales and new business for Saab Cars North America, said, "Saab has had a long relationship with Hirsch in Europe and now we can offer performance enhancements for Saab customers' vehicles in the US.  The advantage to Hirsch Performance parts is they are installed at authorized Saab dealers, do not affect the warranty or emission system performance of the vehicle and are high quality systems designed especially for Saab cars. Installation of the Hirsch Performance parts within 60 days of sale of the new vehicle will give the consumer the same warranty as a new vehicle, an advantage for our customers."

Manfred Lenherr, Sales & Marketing Director, Hirsch Performance AG, said, "Hirsch engineers worked hard to put together a performance engine calibration for the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 2.0L and 2.8L engines that provide an additional 30 horsepower for those who desire even more spirited performance from their cars.  Hirsch offers a wide range of performance products specific to the 9-3 and 9-5, including wheels, exhaust systems, aero kits and interior appointments to enhance the already pleasurable Saab experience.  The other advantage of Hirsch products is they only enhance the vehicle and do not affect sophisticated safety or emission systems."

Hirsch Performance aftermarket products include engine mapping performance upgrade, +30 hp, performance spring set, dual performance exhaust system, rear deck lid spoiler, carbon fiber aerodynamic ground effects kit (front splitter and diffuser), 4-piece grille set, Aluminum pedals, leather interior set and carbon instrument panel.  Some Hirsch components are restricted to specific Saab models.

Pricing information and participating dealers for the Hirsch Performance parts will be available on: http://www.SaabUSA.com and Hirsch-performance.com in the near future.

About Saab Cars North America

Saab, or Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company), was founded in 1937 as an aircraft manufacturer and revealed its first prototype passenger car 10 years later after the formation of the Saab Car Division. In 1990, Saab Automobile AB was created as a separate company, jointly owned by the Saab Scania Group and General Motors, and became a wholly-owned GM subsidiary in 2000. In February 2010, Spyker Cars N.V. of the Netherlands, acquired the company from GM as an independently-run business.

Saab cars reflect the brand's unique Scandinavian design ethic, which is fused with its aircraft engineering heritage. The company is a global premium car maker with a distinguished history of innovation. It is recognized for its pioneering role in turbocharging, as well as occupant safety and the introduction of flex-fuel technology through Saab BioPower. Saab Automobile AB currently employs approximately 3,800 staff in Sweden, where it operates world-class production and technical development facilities at its headquarters in Trollhattan, 70 km north of Gothenburg. http://media.saab.com

www.hirsch-performance.ch

SOURCE Saab Cars North America