Confirmed: 2009 Saab 9-3x and 9-5 Still Alive

There were a lot of rumors claiming that GM's Swedish brand Saab may bite the dust due to the economic downturn which slashed its sales on most markets. There were also some reports saying that General Motors plans to sell Saab as the Swedish carmaker is no longer a viable company capable of helping the US manufacturer follow the restructuring plan proposed to the government. However, Saab is still alive and will remain in business in 2009, according to a General Motors press statement.

The new Saab 9-3x and 9-5 will be officially unveiled in 2009, GM said yesterday when it officially published the 2008 financial results. “Important launches for GM this year in the region include the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer and Astra; Chevrolet Cruze; and the new Saab 9-3X and 9-5,” it said, pointing that Saab will remain in GM's global lineup in 2009.

There are only a few details at this time, but we do know the upcoming 9-3X will be higher than the 9-3 wagon, according to a report published by Autoblog.

Aside from the Saab's continuation in the automotive industry, General Motors has also confirmed that emerging markets played a very important role in its 2008 evolution and explained that the company will continue to rely on these sectors of the industry.

"GM's 2008 sales performance shows that we are continuing to take advantage of new emerging market opportunities and are meeting customer needs with fuel-efficient products that offer compelling design and great value – such as the award-winning Opel/Vauxhall Insignia in Europe, the Buick Excelle in China and the Corsa in Latin America," Jonathan Browning, vice president of global sales, service and marketing, said in the press statement.