SAAB TAKES TO THE AIR WITH NEW MODEL ESTATE

Saab is a prestige car company with a proud aircraft heritage - and the company took to the air with its new 9-5 Estate. Literally.

Saab Automobile Australia conducted a dramatic demonstration of the safety and strength of its first station wagon in more than 20 years - craning it metres into the air, attached only to two luggage mounts running along the Cargo Tracks^TM in the floor of the load area.

The managing director of Saab Automobile Australia, Mr Bob Maron, showed his faith in Saab's claims of leading-edge safety and strength by sitting in the driver's seat for the demonstration. The car ended up vertical with its front bumper pointing to the ground.

The entire weight of the car and Mr Maron - a total of more than 1750 kilos - was supported only by the Cargo Tracks^TM and luggage mounts which are standard equipment in the new Saab 9-5 Estate.

"The Cargo Tracks^TM and luggage mounts are designed to keep heavy luggage in place," Mr Maron said. "In the event of a sudden stop, poorly restrained luggage can pose a hazard to the passengers in the car.

This demonstration proves the safety and strength of the Cargo Tracks^TM which are similar to the tracks that secure seats on aircraft. True to Saab's claim, they are strong enough to support the weight of the car.

"It's just one of the unique advanced features of this new model which follows the Saab history of providing safe and reliable motor cars."

Saab has carved a reputation in the car industry for finding clever and unique solutions to everyday motoring challenges. The Cargo Tracks ^TM and luggage mounts are further proof of Saab innovation.

Saab's 9-5 Estate went on sale in May.