Test Drive a Saab to Help Make a Child's Wish Come True

ROYAL OAK, Mich., Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Test driving a Saab before January 3 can help make a wish come true for a child with a life-threatening medical condition thanks to the Saab Drive to Give program and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Saab Cars North America will donate $50 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation each time one of its vehicles, including the all-new 9-5 sedan or iconic 9-3 sedan or sport combi models are sampled, thus helping enrich the lives of children facing life-threatening illnesses, their families and those who love them.

"The Saab brand has always been about social responsibility, both to the environment and the communities in which we live," said Michael Colleran, President of SCNA.  "This is a natural partnership for us, our dealers and our family of Saab owners.

"Obviously, we are thrilled to help these children and their families. We are also excited because the rewards extend to those who take advantage of the offer – how often can you have the enjoyment of driving one our unique Scandinavian cars and know that you are truly helping someone in need and not having to pay anything for the experience?"

The process is simple: a licensed driver comes to a Saab dealership, completes a simple registration form and test drives an all-new Saab vehicle.

The Saab Drive to Give marketing campaign, including television commercial, print ads, online spots and point-of-sale materials provides national and regional support for the program.

"The Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfilled the wishes and dreams of nearly 200,000 children since its 1980 inception," said Colleran. "And a wish experience is often more than a dream come true. It's the catalyst that can rekindle a child's belief in themself and the promise of their future."

On December 21, 2010, a local Saab dealer located in Troy, Michigan will match any Drive to Give test drives and will host the granting of a wish to the Make-A-Wish Foundation from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

"The event at Saab of Troy is wonderful for the Michigan chapter to be a part of. The excitement for great cars in the Motor City and courageous wish kids, is a natural partnership. We can't thank Saab enough for shining a light on our Michigan children," said Laura Varon Brown, Director of Communications for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Michigan.

For a list of local dealers in your area, please refer to SaabUSA.com

About Saab Cars North America:

Saab, or Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company), was founded in 1937 as an aircraft manufacturer and revealed its first prototype passenger car 10 years later after the formation of the Saab Car Division. In 1990, Saab Automobile AB was created as a separate company, jointly owned by the Saab Scania Group and General Motors, and became a wholly-owned GM subsidiary in 2000. In February 2010, Spyker Cars N.V. of the Netherlands, acquired the company from GM as an independently-run business.

Saab cars reflect the brand's unique Scandinavian design ethic, which is fused with its aircraft engineering heritage. The company is a global premium car maker with a distinguished history of innovation. It is recognized for its pioneering role in turbocharging, as well as occupant safety and the introduction of flex-fuel technology through Saab BioPower. Saab Automobile AB currently employs approximately 3,800 staff in Sweden, where it operates world-class production and technical development facilities at its headquarters in Trollhattan, 70 km north of Gothenburg.  For more information visit http://media.saab.com

ABOUT THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF MICHIGAN:

Since its inception in 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Michigan -- a chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America -- has brought joy into the lives of thousands of people in our Michigan community through its important wish-granting mission. There are more than 500 medically eligible Michigan kids awaiting their true wishes. Be a part of this magic and Bring Joy in your community. The Foundation has granted more than 6,400 wishes in its 27-year history. More than 80% of the Foundation's expenditures are directly related to program services (wish granting) and the Foundation has offices in Detroit, Brighton and Grand Rapids. For more information, call 734.994.8620 or visit www.wishmich.org.

SOURCE Saab Cars North America