Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car has inspired the development of an innovative ‘Aero’ ski range from Salomon, leaders in freedom action sports equipment. The new ski line consists of four different models, with the ‘top-of-the-line’ Aero X design bringing a completely new dimension to the performance of carving skis. The Saab Aero X concept car will be displayed at the launch of the new ski line at the ISPO fair in Munich in February 2007.

The Saab Aero X concept, which won instant acclaim when it first was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006, makes a unique statement in performance car design. Featuring an aircraft-style cockpit canopy, instead of doors, and innovative instrumentation, it draws on Saab’s rich aviation and Scandinavian brand heritage, previewing an exciting design language for future Saab products. The Saab Aero X was awarded the “Best in Show” honor by US magazine Autoweek, and in November 2006 the British car magazine Autocar named it “Concept Car of the Year”.

This unique sports coupé concept from Saab has now inspired the high performance design of the Salomon Aero ski range, which combines full control for demanding skiers in extreme turns with a consistent high speed capability.

Saab and Salomon are two innovative companies associated with quality products that are bought by active individualists making their own independent-minded decisions. The Saab Salomon partnership started in early 2001, and recently a contract was signed for a continuation of the partnership to the year 2009. Saab and Salomon have together made exciting new additions to the fast-growing field of action and outdoor sports, sponsoring international championships and teams in the Raid Series, Crossmax skiing, In-line skating and Freeriding. This has made Saab visible to a younger and very active target group. A Saab Salomon website has been launched to provide information about all the ongoing events around the world every year (www.saabsalomon.com). In 2007 both Saab and Salomon will celebrate their 60 year anniversaries as the companies were established in 1947.

“The fact that Salomon has developed a new ski line based on the qualities of our Aero X concept is a great compliment to the power of its design”, says Irene Haslebrekk, Saab Salomon Event Project Manager at Saab Automobile. “Since our partnership began we have inspired and learnt from each other, developing new and innovative products for our customers. We are now preparing for more exciting projects for the near future.”

The Salomon Aero ski line represents the ultimate expression of Salomon’s current technology. It features a unique combination of aerodynamic technology, harnessing Salomon’s expertise to offer a new approach for the skiers in the Performance and Carving segment. The hybrid technology of the Salomon Aero X ski allows separate behavior for the front and rear parts of the ski through the adoption of different reinforcing layers in its construction. A multi-radius design also allows the skier to fully carve on the edge of the skis – irrespective of the length of the turn. It means the skier always has 100 percent control.

Salomon’s Aero ski line will be presented at “ISPO Winter 07”, the international trade fair for sports and fashion. The appearance of Saab’s concept car at the Salomon stand will be visible confirmation that both the Aero X ski and the Saab Aero X concept share the same philosophy.