The expert IVehE judging panel singled out the Saab 9-3, stating: "Engineering judges who understand the special challenges of designing a good soft top car were impressed by the fine detail of the model and its well-tailored hood, putting it in first place."
Fadi Ghosn, Regional Divisional Marketing Manager for GM Premium Brands in the Middle East commented: "This is excellent news. The Saab 9-3 Convertible has already attracted significant consumer interest both in the region and around the world. Recognition by key industry bodies such as the Institute of Vehicle Engineers in the UK only confirms our confidence in the ongoing success of this vehicle."
Thirty-five IVehE judges, drawn from a range of automotive design, engineering and manufacturing experts from the Institute's membership, assessed all the eligible vehicles from a pure design and quality standpoint, placing each vehicle in the context of its intended market sector.
The award was presented at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live 2004, a prominent motor show sponsored by The Sunday Times newspaper. The
PAGE 2 SAAB 9-3 Convertible Takes Top Open Cars Design Award show caused quite a sensation this year, combining traditional displays and stands from the world's leading automotive and accessory manufacturers with a Live Action Arena to see the year's hottest vehicles in action, a test drive programme for interested buyers and a dedicated '4x4 Experience' driving course spanning 70 acres.
The Saab 9-3 Convertible, which was the hero car of the Live Action Arena at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live, represents the most significant advance Saab has made in two decades of designing four-seater, four season, soft tops. It has advanced automatic soft top operation, a stiffened body structure and "DynaCage" rollover protection with pop-up roll bars.
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SAAB 9-3 Convertible takes Top Open Cars Award
- United Arab Emirates: Monday, August 02 - 2004 at 11:22
- PRESS RELEASE
The new Saab 9-3 Convertible recently drove away with the prestigious Sporting Open Top Award from the Institute of Vehicle Engineers (IVehE) in the United Kingdom.
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About SaabSaab is a division of General Motors Corporation, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 1937 in Sweden, the Saab brand was bought out in full by GM in 2000 and today markets and sells cars to more than 60 countries around the world. Saab has long been a trusted manufacturer of vehicles that seamlessly combine high performance, first class safety, distinctive design and state-of-the art technology.
The models sold in the Middle East by Saab today - the Saab 9-3 sedan and convertible and the Saab 9-5 sedan and wagon - provide a very special driving experience, combining turbocharged power, total safety and sophisticated design. Saab continues to expand its portfolio, developing state-of-the-art concept cars such as the no-compromise Saab 9-3x all-wheel drive sports car, the comprehensive Saab 9x and the progressive Saab 9-3 Sports Hatch, each providing a tantalising glimpse of the future of the Saab driving experience.
About GM
General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, was founded in 1908 and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today employs 342,000 people and has manufacturing operations in 32 countries. Its vehicles are sold in more than 192 countries. In 2003, GM sold more than 8.6 million cars and trucks, nearly 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM's global headquarters is in Detroit.
PAGE 3 SAAB 9-3 Convertible Takes Top Open Cars Design Award
GM has been operating in the Middle East since the early 1940's. GM's vehicle brands sold in the region are Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Opel and Saab supported by a unique set of customer focused services. GM parts and accessories are sold under the GM Parts and ACDelco brands. The regional office in Dubai covers the company's operations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
In 2003, GM sold around 60,000 vehicles in the Middle East and the company continues to introduce pioneering programs in the region.
Posted by Christine H. Andersen, Assistant News EditorMonday, August 02 - 2004 at 11:22 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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