Saab to Use Port of Hueneme as Regional Hub

Expanding its reputation as one of the West Coast’s top spots for foreign auto makers, the Port of Hueneme expects to hit a record import total as Saab begins to use the facility as its new regional hub. Capping years of negotiations between the auto maker and Oxnard’s Pacific Vehicle Processors, Saab agreed to expand its operations from hubs in New Jersey and Georgia to include Hueneme. “Logistically, it’s perfect for us,” said Deborah Miles, logistics director at Norcross, Ga.-based Saab Cars U.S.A. “It’s a good match, and they already have a lot of cars.” The first shipment of 100 cars arrived last week. Officials said they expect about 7,000 cars a year through the facility, which will boost the port to a record 223,000 cars a year. Pacific Vehicle Processors will handle the inspection and final preparation of Saab imports for sale and probably will hire about 20 employees to handle the processing, said Jim Kilpatrick, general manager for marketing. The port already handles Jaguar, Volvo, Mitsubishi, BMW, Land Rover, Daewoo and Suzuki.