Saab has established a new subsidy with ZF that will build advanced front sub-frames and complete rear axles for future Saab vehicles. Dubbed ZF Sverige AB, the new joint-venture will setup shop just two miles from Saab’s Trollhättan plant.
Per the terms of the agreement, the plant will be run by ZF. Sub-frame stampings will be produced at Saab’s Trollhättan plant and then sent down the road to the ZF facility where they will be welded together and fitted with chassis mountings. Suspension and brake components will also be fitted to the rear sub-frames to form complete rear axle assemblies. The finished units will then be shipped back to the Trollhättan for final assembly. The ZF Sverige plant is expected to employ about 50 workers.
“This is a significant step in the development of our engineering capabilities,” said Mats Fägerhag, Saab Automobile’s Vice President Vehicle Product Development. “It gives us close access to ZF’s world-class engineering expertise, which will become an integral part of our product development program. It is a win/win situation for us from both a business and an engineering perspective.”
Although no grand opening date was announced, the next-generation Saab 9-3 will be the first model to source parts from the ZF plant. The all-new 9-3 is expected to launch during the second half of 2012.
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