Saab Car Company News - From Bankruptcy to Rebirth and Beyond

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Detailed shot of a Saab car taillight with BioPower emblem in San Antonio, TX.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed shot of a Saab car taillight with BioPower emblem in San Antonio, TX.

Saab, the Swedish car company, has been through its fair share of ups and downs. In 2011, Saab filed for bankruptcy due to financial difficulties.

The company's struggles began in the late 1990s, but it wasn't until 2011 that things took a turn for the worse. Saab's parent company, General Motors, had sold the brand to Dutch supercar maker Spyker in 2010, but the new ownership couldn't turn things around.

Saab's bankruptcy was a major blow to its employees, customers, and the entire automotive industry. The company's assets were put up for sale, and a new owner was eventually found in National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), a Chinese-backed company.

Saab's rebirth began in 2013, when NEVS acquired the company's assets and started producing new cars. The first car to roll out of the factory was the Saab 9-3, a sleek and modern sedan that marked a new beginning for the brand.

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Saab History

Credit: youtube.com, The TRAGIC Fall of Saab | A Classic Car Documentary

Saab has a rich history that spans over 70 years. The company was founded in 1947 by Swedish aircraft manufacturer Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (SAAB), which was established in 1937.

The first Saab car was the Saab 92, introduced in 1949. It was a small, two-stroke engine-powered vehicle that gained popularity for its fuel efficiency and reliability.

Saab's innovative approach to design led to the creation of the Saab 900, launched in 1978. This iconic car featured a unique design and a powerful engine, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.

Saab's focus on safety led to the development of the Saab 9-3, introduced in 1998. This car featured advanced safety features, including a robust body structure and multiple airbags.

Saab's partnership with General Motors (GM) in 1999 led to significant investments in research and development, allowing the company to produce more advanced vehicles.

Saab Bankruptcy and Rebirth

Saab filed for bankruptcy in 2011 after a three-year fight for survival.

Credit: youtube.com, Saab Cars: What Really Happened? [Untold Story Exposed]

The bankruptcy was due to a lack of funding, with Spyker CEO Victor Muller unable to cover the losses.

Several suppliers refused further deliveries to Saab's factory in Trollhättan on March 30, 2011.

GM announced on December 6, 2011, that it would not continue its licenses to GM patents and technology to Saab if the company was sold to Pang Da and Zhejiang Youngman.

Saab's assets were valued at $500m and the debt at $2,000m, leaving a debt of $1,500m after subtracting the asset value.

In 2012, a meeting on Saab's bankruptcy was held at the District Court of Vänersborg.

Saab's official receivers in charge of the liquidation valued the assets and debt, revealing a significant debt.

Saab found backing from two Asian companies, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), which secured funds to prevent bankruptcy.

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Saab Electric Vehicles

Saab Electric Vehicles were a reality, but with a twist. The Saab 9-3 EV built by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) wouldn't carry the Saab name.

The Chinese-backed company, NEVS, received an order for 150,000 electric cars based on the Saab 9-3 platform.

Saab's legacy lives on in electric form, even if it's not directly branded as such.

Saab Production and Models

Credit: youtube.com, Saab 9-3 comes back two years after bankruptcy - economy

Saab's production was a global effort, with vehicles produced in five countries, including Sweden, Austria, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, with a total of 89,143 vehicles produced in 2008.

The company's production declined sharply in 2009 due to financial problems, and production was suspended until late 2013. In 2014, NEVS launched a limited run of 2014 model year 9-3 sedans, with only 380 units produced.

Here's a breakdown of Saab's production volumes from 2012 to 2014:

Saab manufactured various models, including the 9-3 and 9-5, both of which were manufactured in Trollhättan, Sweden. The 9-7X was manufactured by GM until 2008, along with the Chevrolet Trailblazer and its platform-mates.

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Production

Saab's total world production in 2008 was 89,143 vehicles produced in five countries. This number declined sharply in 2009 due to the company's financial struggles.

Production was suspended until late 2013, when the new ownership launched a limited run of 2014 model year 9-3 sedans.

Saab's production volumes varied greatly over the years. Here's a breakdown of the numbers:

Saab manufactured various models at the Valmet Automotive plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland, between 1969 and 2003.

Models

Credit: youtube.com, All Saab Models | Full list of Saab Car Models & Vehicles

Saab's model numbers often featured the number 9, which became a common thread throughout their car types. The final models were the 9-3 and 9-5, both manufactured in Trollhättan, Sweden.

The 9-7X was an exception to this naming rule, as it was manufactured by GM along with the Chevrolet Trailblazer and its platform-mates until 2008.

9-3 Lives Again – New Turkish Made Car

The Saab 9-3 has been a beloved model for many, and it's hard to believe it's been revived once again. Saab manufactured various models at the Valmet Automotive plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland, between 1969 and 2003.

In 2013, production of the Saab 9-3 sedan was resumed by the new ownership, with convertible, station wagon, and electric models to follow. Production stopped in 2014, but it seems the 9-3 is back in the game.

A £8.5 billion deal was signed in 2015 for the delivery of 150,000 electric Saab 9-3 cars, demonstrating the model's continued popularity. The production numbers for the 9-3 are quite impressive, with a total of 89,143 vehicles produced in 2008 alone.

Credit: youtube.com, Turkish Saab 9-3 will be on the Road before 2020

The Saab 9-3 is set to live again as Turkey buys up the rights to the 9-3 to develop a new national car to be made in Turkey and debut by 2020. This new development is a testament to the model's enduring appeal.

Here's a brief overview of the Saab 9-3's production history in the last few years:

It's clear that the Saab 9-3 has a rich history and a bright future ahead.

Saab Innovations and Safety

Saab has a long history of innovation and prioritizing safety in their car designs. In 1958, the GT 750 became the first Saab car to feature seatbelts as standard.

The company's commitment to safety has led to numerous groundbreaking features. Saab introduced diagonally split dual brake circuits in 1963, a world-first at the time. This innovation improved the overall safety of their vehicles.

Saab's engineers have also focused on reducing the risk of injury in the event of a collision. In 1969, they created an ignition system near the gearstick, rather than behind the steering wheel, to prevent knee injuries caused by the key.

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Credit: youtube.com, Electric power saves Saab

Here's a list of some of Saab's notable safety features:

  • 1963: Diagonally split dual brake circuits
  • 1970: Headlamp wipers and washers
  • 1971: Heated front seats
  • 1971: Impact-absorbing, self-repairing bumper
  • 1976: Turbo engine with wastegate to control boost
  • 1978: Passenger compartment air filter (pollen filter)
  • 1981: Split-field side mirror
  • 1982: Asbestos-free brake pads
  • 1991: CFC-free air-conditioning
  • 1996: Active head restraints (SAHR)
  • 1997: Electronic Brake-force Distribution

Saab's dedication to safety has earned them a reputation as a leader in the industry.

Saab Marketing and Motorsport

Saab's marketing efforts have been quite creative over the years, with one notable example being the "Born From Jets" ad campaign, which evokes the company's history of producing both aircraft and automobiles.

Saab's advertising campaigns have also featured some impressive stunts, such as the 1987 TV advertisement "Saab suite" (also known as "Ballet in 3 acts for 8 Saab 9000 Turbos"), which showcased stunt drivers performing incredible driving maneuvers on a closed airport runway.

One of the most memorable Saab ads is the 1983 commercial featuring a Saab 900 Turbo racing a Saab 37 Viggen fighter jet, highlighting the company's dual expertise in both aircraft and automobiles.

Saab's Performance Team was formed in 1987 to commemorate the company's 40th anniversary, with the team consisting of five members who held regular jobs at Saab and had previously competed in rallies.

Marketing and Ownership

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Saab has a rich history dating back to 1937, when it was founded as Svenska Aeroplan AB (Saab), creating airplanes and introducing its first car, the Saab 92001, in 1947.

The company is now separate from Saab Automobile and is best known for its fighter aircraft, such as the Saab 37 Viggen and its successor, the JAS 39 Gripen.

Saab is imported into many countries, with each having a president of the subsidiary or importer. In the US, the first president was Mr. R. Millet.

A memorable advertisement from 1983 featured a Saab 900 Turbo racing a Saab 37 Viggen fighter jet, showcasing the brand's unique heritage.

Saab created a TV advertisement called "Saab suite" in 1987, featuring stunt drivers performing incredible driving stunts with stock cars on a closed airport runway.

The company formed a Performance Team in 1987 to commemorate its 40th anniversary, which showcased automobile acrobatics and formation driving with Saab 9000s and later models like the Saab 900 (NG).

In Motorsport

Credit: youtube.com, SAABCARE MOTORSPORTS ( FIRST START EVER !! )

Saab competed in the Trans Am Series in 1966, entering a 96 and an 850. They also entered their 9-3 in the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship.

Saab had a factory rally team with successful drivers, including Erik "On-the-Roof" Carlsson, Tom Trana, Simo Lampinen, Stig Blomqvist, and Per Eklund. The team stopped competing in 1980.

In 2012, a new Saab rally team took part in the classic historic Midnattssolsrallyt (Rally to the Midnight Sun).

Saab Concepts and Decline

Saab experimented with electric vehicles as early as 1985 with the Saab EV-1. This innovative concept showcased the brand's commitment to exploring alternative power sources.

The Saab 9XX Concept, introduced in 1991, hinted at a possible future direction for the brand. Unfortunately, it never made it to production.

Saab's decline began in the 1990s, with the original 900 ending its run in 1993. This marked the beginning of a period of significant change for the brand.

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Cancelled Models

Credit: youtube.com, Ranking All of Saab's Concept Cars

The Saab 98, a combi-coupé version of the Saab 96, was one of the models that didn't make it to production.

Saab had plans to revive the classic design of the Saab 92 with the Saab 9-2, but unfortunately, production was cancelled in 2014.

Concepts and Prototypes

Saab has a rich history of innovative concepts and prototypes that showcased their vision for the future of automotive design. Saab 92 line was one of the early concepts that laid the foundation for their future models.

Saab's first electric car, the Saab EV-1, was introduced in 1985, a pioneering effort in the field of electric vehicles. This was a bold move, considering the technology at the time.

The Saab 900 line was another significant concept that gained popularity for its sleek design. The Saab 9000 line followed, building on the success of the 900 series.

Saab's design team experimented with futuristic concepts, such as the Saab 9XX Concept, unveiled in 1991. This concept hinted at the company's desire to push boundaries in automotive design.

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Credit: youtube.com, Top 5 Saab Concepts of All Time!

Saab's 9-X line was another series of concepts that explored new ideas in car design. The Saab Aero-X, showcased in 2006, was a sleek and aerodynamic concept that caught the attention of many.

The Saab PhoeniX, introduced in 2011, was a more recent concept that highlighted the company's commitment to innovation.

Decline and Fall

The Saab brand had a long and storied history, but it ultimately met its demise in the early 2010s. The original 900 ended its run in 1993.

Saab's second-generation 1994 900 was a rebadged model, which alienated loyal fans who felt the brand was losing its uniqueness. Sales did recover throughout the '90s, but the damage was done.

GM's influence on Saab was evident, and it wasn't well-received by fans. A version of Subaru's WRX called the Saab 9-2X Aero did garner critical praise, however.

The 2009 economic crash and GM's bankruptcy spelled doom for Saab. A sale to Koenigsegg fell through at the last minute, and Dutch carmaker Spyker acquired Saab in 2010.

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Credit: youtube.com, The TRAGIC Fall of Saab | A Classic Car Documentary

GM retained over $300 million in preferred shares in Saab, which would later come into play. A Chinese manufacturer's offer to become Saab's largest investor was blocked by GM.

Here's a brief timeline of Saab's decline:

  • 1993: The original 900 ends its run.
  • 2000: GM buys out Saab Automobile completely.
  • 2009: The economic crash and GM's bankruptcy spell doom for Saab.
  • 2010: Dutch carmaker Spyker acquires Saab.
  • 2011: Saab Automobile declares bankruptcy in December.

In the end, Saab's unique blend of style and practicality couldn't save the brand from its financial struggles.

Saab Rebirth and Restructuring

The Saab brand remains in defense and aviation solutions, and its cars live on through enthusiasts, collectors, and pop culture references.

In 2012, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) acquired Saab, but the deal was met with financial woes in 2014, forcing NEVS to seek creditor protection.

NEVS lost the right to use the Saab name, a decision made by Saab AB, a Swedish aerospace business that owns the name and logo.

Will Come Back

Saab's car production may be over, but the brand still lives on in other areas, such as defense and aviation solutions.

Credit: youtube.com, A Far Too Brief History of SAAB

The Saab brand was acquired by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) in 2012, a company with majority Chinese ownership. NEVS intended to revive the brand, but it ran into financial woes in 2014.

Saab's cars are still being kept running by enthusiasts, and you can find them on auction sites or even in pop culture, like the 900 Turbo in the 2021 movie Drive My Car.

NEVS, the company that bought out Saab Automobile, was not allowed to use the Saab logo, and it planned to revive the brand anyway. Saab AB, the Swedish aerospace business with ownership of the name, withdrew NEVS' right to the name and logo two years ago.

NEVS had been planning to release five new Saabs in 2018, but those cars won't bear the famous name. The company has since secured deals to supply 150,000 9-3 electric sedans to a Chinese leasing firm, but they'll be sold under a different brand name.

Saab AB reaffirmed that NEVS will not be allowed to use the Saab name, and NEVS is now planning to sell its vehicles under a different brand name designed to suit the Chinese market.

Nevs Retains Name Rights with Creditor Protection

Vintage Saab 900 parked on an urban street in Keswick, UK, beside a stone wall and cemetery.
Credit: pexels.com, Vintage Saab 900 parked on an urban street in Keswick, UK, beside a stone wall and cemetery.

National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) received an order for 150,000 electric Saab 9-3 cars as part of a £8.5 billion deal in December 2015.

The company had been struggling, but creditor protection granted by the Swedish court in September 2014 helped NEVS stay afloat.

Just a few weeks before receiving the large order, NEVS was facing financial difficulties, with an unpaid supplier filing for bankruptcy.

The creditor protection allowed NEVS to continue operating and fulfill large orders, including the £8.5 billion deal for electric Saab 9-3 cars.

However, this protection came with a cost, as NEVS lost the right to use the Saab name in September 2014.

The loss of the Saab name was a significant blow to the company, but it didn't hold back the order for 150,000 electric Saab 9-3 cars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a 2025 Saab?

Yes, there is a 2025 Saab, specifically the all-electric Saab 93, which marks a reboot of the classic Saab name.

Caroline Cruickshank

Senior Writer

Caroline Cruickshank is a skilled writer with a diverse portfolio of articles across various categories. Her expertise spans topics such as living individuals, business leaders, and notable figures in the venture capital industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Caroline crafts engaging and informative content that captivates her readers.

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