Saab's Green Clothes Line

One of the hits of the Geneva Motor Show just two weeks ago, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept, made its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show. The 9-X provides a look at a future compact car from Saab in terms of both design and powertrain featuring a next-generation hybrid system.

Saab also ventured into the fashion world in New York, debuting the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection in partnership with the Swedish clothing design firm Reflective Circle. According to Saab, the clothing line reflects the same values as its vehicles, combining Scandinavian design principles of form and function with responsible performance.

Reflective Circle was formed in 2001 by Swedish designer Josefin Lassbo, dedicated to sustainable and ecological fashion. The Reflective Circle holistic design process values every phase of the production equally important, utilizing ecological materials, fabrics and processes while adhering to fair trade practices and ethical conduct toward employees.

The clothing in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection by Saab/Reflective is made from 100 percent ecological/organic cotton, certified by Skal International. Skal certifies to the consumer, through independent surveys and inspections that an "organic" product truly originates from an organic production process. The environmental impact of every step in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection's production process is taken into consideration, including fabric dyeing, printing and washing to ensure that it is done in an environmentally certified system.

The Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection by Saab/Reflective includes women's, men's and unisex apparel and accessories. The first collection features T-shirts, button-down shirts, jersey shirt, ladies shirt dress and tennis shirts and the line will expand to include caps, scarfs, belts, bags as well as pants and a business wear collection. All items in the first collection will be available for purchase in late May online at www.saabexpressions.com.

More than just an indication of upcoming Saab design, under the bold exterior styling of the 9-X Concept is an innovative 1.4-liter turbocharged flex-fuel engine that produces an impressive 200 horsepower using E85, a fuel made up of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

This is combined with GM's next-generation hybrid system utilizing an electric motor powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, with a solar panel built into the roof to help keep the batteries at full charge.

Fuel economy for the 9-X BioHybrid is estimated at 48 mpg using gasoline while with E85, CO2 emissions are reduced and fuel economy is still a respectable 37 mpg.

To further increase the efficiency, designers added a retractable rear spoiler and lower diffuser which extend at speeds above 45 mph. These are designed to make the car more aerodynamic.

Also on display was the Saab 9-4X which debuted earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show.

Like the 9-X Concept, the 9-4X represents a move by Saab into a new segment - in this case the small crossover segment - with distinct Saab styling as well as an innovative BioPower powerplant.