As I picked up the keys to the 2010 Kia Forte, I happened to notice Kia’s company slogan “The Power to Surprise” on license plate frame, and with this all-new compact car, the phrase applies.

The Forte’s role is to replace the outgoing Spectra, while gaining market share in a segment dominated by the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic- no easy task considering their pedigrees. The Corolla and Civic names both date back to the late 60’s/early 70’s and its hard for any brand to compete with their name recognition, but Kia has gone to great lengths to reinvent its image from that of the bargain basement brand, to a true competitor in some major market segments. So does this new compact sedan have what it takes to match mechanicals with such well known stalwarts as the Corolla and Civic? (more…)

There has been speculation and rumors, but now its official- supercar-maker Koenigsegg will bring the Saab brand back to Sweden. Koenigsegg, maker of the ridiculously fast CCR and CCX supercars will have some time to develop original product, as GM will continue to produce cars for Saab for the next 5-6+ years. This means we will see the forthcoming updates to the 9-3 and 9-5, as well as the unveiling of the 9-4X crossover and the presumably compact 9-1.

This seems like a fully appropriate marriage, as both brands have a reputation as being quirky, and are obviously from the same country. For Saab, this is the brands best chance for success. As a brand who’s niche was quirkiness, it could not run away from the homogenized design methods of GM. Sure the cars had still had the key start in the center console, but that’s where the originality that made Saab popular. These were still just up-fitted Chevy’s. That works if you are selling Buick’s, but not supposed competitors with high-powered European luxury cars. This could spell a major comeback for Saab- being put in the hands of another quirky automaker, will hopefully bring Saab back to its roots.

Saab won’t have to feel embarrassed every time a “Born from jets” commercial airs, as they are finally in the hands of a company who’s super car is closer to jet speeds than anything the General has to offer.