DETROIT — To align itself with the market, Saab Cars North America said late last week that it is trimming down the MSRP on all of its 2010 model-year 9-3 units, which are the first 2010 models the automaker built for the U.S. market.

The models are slated to begin arriving in stores in April. This news comes not long after a final agreement was reached between Spyker and GM, giving Spyker new ownership.

Prior to the Spyker deal completion, GM had discussed winding down the Saab business and did not send any new vehicles to dealers. Thus, inventory throughout the nation is reportedly low. The announcement of 2010 models coming out will likely bolster this back up and allow dealers to better serve potential customers.

Specifically, the MSRP of all 2010 variants of the 9-3 are seeing reductions ranging from 4 percent to 12 percent versus the lineup in 2009.

"This pricing action allows Saab to be in line with the market and maintains accessibility of Saab's rich Swedish heritage, innovation and responsible performance for our many loyal owners, enthusiasts and potential new customers," stated Mike Colleran, president and chief operating officer of Saab Cars North America.

In particular, what Saab spotlighted as "topping the list" of this year's models is the 9-3X premium crossover model.

The model is available in automatic or six-speed and includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that gets 20 miles per gallon (city)/29 mpg (highway) for manual-transmission models and 17 mpg/27mpg for the automatic models.

It also features standard cross-wheel drive (XRD) and electronic limited slip differential, as well as a raised chassis.

It starts with an MSRP of $37,800.

The automaker also highlighted its 9-3 Sport Sedan, which is available in the 2.0T (MSRP $29,725 and Aero ($38,940) trim level; the 9-3 SportCombi ($31,155 for 2.0T, $37845 Aero); and the 9.3 Convertible ($40,815 for 2.0T, $45,905 for Aero).

Officials pointed out that all body styles feature newly available colors such as glacier silver metallic and arctic white.

"Saab Cars North America is committed to bringing customers options they need to enhance their active lifestyles by providing appealing design, sporty driving attributes, reliability and safety — all at an affordable price," Colleran stated.