At the 79th International Motor Show in Geneva, Saab announced that their innovative new EcoPower technology will feature on the popular 9-3 Saloon and SportWagon diesel models to improve fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions to just 137g/km, putting them in the 18% diesel Benefit-in-Kind tax band.

Saab EcoPower Technology combines the dynamic driving experience with an efficient use of resources to achieve responsible performance. The new Saab 9-3X petrol models and 9-3 diesel models with lower CO2 are the latest steps in this development strategy, which embraces turbocharging, Saab BioPower, aerodynamic performance and weight-saving design.

EcoPower delivers improved environmental efficiency^*1

EcoPower technology will reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy on selected diesel engines with a manual gearbox on Saloon and SportWagon models. In particular, the Saloon's 1.9TiD (150PS) engine now produces just 137g/km with combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg. Likewise, the Saloon Vector Sport 1.9TTiD (180PS) Twin Turbo engine, now produces 139g/km CO2 and has an impressive combined fuel consumption figure of 53.3mpg. The SportWagon's figures are also improved to 144g/km and 51.4mpg. In terms of CO2 grams per horsepower, the Twin Turbo models (badged 1.9TTiD) are now among the top performers in their class.

# Please note: EcoPower technology does not apply to Aero TTiD models

EcoPower is no compromise on performance

The efficiency gains, averaging 7%, have been achieved by a series of fine-tuning measures including: the use of wider gear ratios, a longer final drive, idle and low engine speed remapping, and an optimised tyre and wheel choice. 0-60mph acceleration is unchanged, while fifth gear 50-80mph times are increased by less than one second.

Cost Efficient for Fleet Decision Makers

EcoPower models are now greener and altogether more tax efficient. Not only does this new technology provide improved fuel consumption together with the great drivability you expect from a Saab, but you'll be pleased to hear that as a Fleet Decision Maker, your balance sheet will benefit from VED savings, and as a result, reduced OTR prices. Plus, over a typical 60,000 miles, the fuel cost would reduce by nearly £500 for the 1.9TiD (150PS) model versus the previous model.*²

The tables below detail revised VED and pricing information:*³

Vehicle Excise Duty	Engine	Current VED	EcoPower VED
9-3 SALOON	1.9TiD (150PS)	£145 (Band D)	£120 (Band C)
	1.9TTiD (180PS)#	£120 (Band C)	£120 (Band C)
9-3 SPORTWAGON	1.9TiD (150PS)	£145 (Band D)	£120 (Band C)
	1.9TTiD (180PS)#	£145 (Band D)	£120 (Band C)

 # Please note: EcoPower technology does not apply to Aero TTiD models

You will find the revised Saab Price Guide (March 2009, Issue 5) which includes all EcoPower environmental data and reduced prices by clicking on the link below

>>SAAB Price Guide (March 2009, Issue 5)

Tax Efficient for your drivers*⁴

Your Company Car Drivers will also welcome a reduced Benefit-in-Kind tax liability as a result from P11D band reductions and the improved VED.  As the table below highlights, drivers can save up to £300 compared to the original emission variants thanks to EcoPower technology.

	Engine	Current BiK Tax Band	EcoPower BiK Tax Band	BiK Saving (08/09 Tax Year 40% Tax Payer)
9-3 SALOON	1.9TiD (150PS) Airflow	21%	18%	£244
	1.9TiD (150PS) Linear SE	21%	18%	£267
	1.9TiD (150PS) Vector Sport	21%	18%	£286
	1.9TTiD (180PS) Vector Sport	20%	18%	£201
9-3 SPORTWAGON	1.9TiD (150PS) Airflow	22%	19%	£257
	1.9TiD (150PS) Linear SE	22%	19%	£267
	1.9TiD (150PS) Vector Sport	22%	19%	£300
	1.9TTiD (180PS)	21%	19%	£212

Class beating too*⁴

Not only do EcoPower models offer savings over the current 9-3 diesel engines, but as the tables below demonstrate, Saab EcoPower models now comprehensively undercut key Audi rivals when it comes to BiK tax. Fact is, a 40% tax payer driving the 9-3 SportWagon Vector Sport 1.9TTiD over the Audi A4 equivalent, will see their annual tax bill reduced by £269. That's a £807 saving over a typical 3-year lifetime of the car with no compromise on performance.

Benefit-in-Kind Tax*4	Saab 9-3 Saloon 1.9TiD (150PS) Vector Sport	Audi A4 Saloon 2.0TDI (143PS) S-Line
On-the-road RRP	£24,071	£26,345
P11D Value	£23,896	£26,170
CO2 Output (g/km)	137g/km	139g/km
% of car price to be taxed (2008/09 tax year)	18%	18%
BiK Taxation - 40% Tax Payer (£)	£1,721	£1,885
Projected Saab advantage - 40% Tax Payer per annum (£)	-	£164

EcoPower Revised Wheel Offer

To help achieve the reduced CO2 emissions on Vector Sport Saloon and SportWagon models, the standard wheel is now changed to the 17" ALU59 alloy wheel illustrated below. Please note that the 1.9TiD (150PS) and 1.9TTiD (180PS) engines are not available with any optional wheels.

We would like to advise you that all models benefiting from the new Saab EcoPower technology are now available to order. If you would like more information on Saab or any other brand in the GM UK Fleet line-up, please email gmukfleet@gm.com or contact our Information Centre on 0870 010 0651.*⁵

To register for a 3 Day Test Drive*⁶ of any GM UK model please click on the link below or access the site directly via The Hub.

Yours sincerely

Maurice Howkins
Fleet Sales Director