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Saab Cars: A Legacy of Innovation and Engineering Excellence

Introduction to Saab Cars

Saab Automobile AB was a renowned Swedish car manufacturer established in 1945 by Saab AB, an aerospace and defense company. The goal was to create a small, efficient automobile, and by 1949, Saab debuted its first production model, the Saab 92. Over the years, Saab cars became synonymous with innovative engineering, safety, and Scandinavian design.

Key Milestones in Saab Cars History

1. The Saab 92 and Early Innovations

The launch of the Saab 92 in 1949 marked Saab’s entry into the automobile industry. Known for its aerodynamic design, the 92 set the tone for Saab’s commitment to engineering excellence. Over the next few decades, Saab continued to innovate, introducing various models with a focus on safety and performance.

2. The Merger with Scania-Vabis

In 1968, Saab merged with Scania-Vabis, further strengthening its position in the automotive market. A decade later, the iconic Saab 900 was launched, which quickly became the brand’s best-selling model. Known for its turbocharged engines and advanced safety features, the Saab 900 remains one of the most beloved Saab cars.

3. The 1980s and the Launch of the Saab 9000

During the mid-1980s, Saab introduced the Saab 9000, a larger, more luxurious vehicle. This model cemented Saab’s reputation for crafting vehicles that combined performance with comfort. By this time, Saab cars were recognized for their reliability and innovative features, including their emphasis on turbocharging and front-wheel drive.

Saab’s Partnership with General Motors

4. Restructuring and GM’s Involvement

In 1989, the automobile division of Saab-Scania was restructured into Saab Automobile AB, and American car manufacturer General Motors (GM) acquired a 50% stake in the company. This partnership led to the development of two key models: the Saab 9-3 and the Saab 9-5. These vehicles brought Saab’s distinctive style and engineering to a broader global audience. In 2000, GM exercised its option to acquire the remaining 50% of the company.

Saab’s Struggles and Bankruptcy

5. The Spyker Era

Despite its reputation for quality, Saab struggled to grow its customer base. After years of financial struggles, GM sold Saab Automobile AB to Dutch car manufacturer Spyker Cars N.V. in 2010. However, Saab’s financial troubles persisted, and the company was unable to avoid insolvency. In 2011, the company filed for bankruptcy after a failed acquisition by a Chinese consortium, with GM blocking the transfer of Saab’s technology and production rights to Chinese investors.

6. The NEVS Acquisition

In 2012, a new company, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), purchased the bankrupt Saab estate. NEVS initially restarted production of the Saab 9-3 in 2013, focusing on re-establishing Saab’s supply chain. However, NEVS lost its license to manufacture cars under the Saab name in 2014, and future production shifted towards electric vehicles under the NEVS brand, based on the Saab 9-3 platform.

Legacy and Future of Saab Cars

Though production of Saab cars under the original name has ceased, the brand’s legacy of innovation, safety, and engineering remains influential. Saab vehicles continue to have a devoted fan base, and their impact on the automotive industry is still felt today. NEVS’ ongoing work with electric vehicles serves as a continuation of Saab’s pioneering spirit, ensuring that the brand’s forward-thinking approach lives on.

Conclusion

Saab cars hold a unique place in automotive history, known for their innovation, commitment to safety, and distinctive Scandinavian design. From the early days of the Saab 92 to the last of the Saab 9-3 models, Saab left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Even as production has shifted, the legacy of Saab cars continues to inspire and influence the industry today.

Saab Models: An Overview of Classic, Cancelled, and Concept Cars

Overview of Saab Models

Saab cars have a distinctive naming tradition, with most Saab models featuring the number 9 in their names. Among the most iconic are the Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5, both of which were produced at the Trollhättan factory in Sweden. The Saab 9-7X, manufactured by General Motors until 2008, was an exception, sharing a platform with the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Another exception to this naming pattern was the Saab-Lancia 600, a re-badged Lancia Delta.

The Return of the Saab 9-3

In December 2013, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) announced the return of the Saab 9-3 sedan to regular production. Plans for convertible, station wagon, and electric versions were in place for the following year, but production ceased again in 2014.

Cancelled Saab Models

  • Saab 98 – A combi-coupé version of the Saab 96.
  • Saab 9-2 – Inspired by the classic Saab 92, this model was slated for production in 2014 but never materialized.

Historical Saab Models

Saab’s rich history includes many legendary models that left a lasting impact on the automotive world. Below are some of the most notable Saab models through the years:

Saab 92 and its Successors

Saab 97: The Sonett Series

Other Iconic Historical Models

Saab Models of the 2000s

Concept and Prototype Saab Models

Saab 92 Line

Saab 900 Line

Saab 9000 Line

Saab 9-X Line and Other Concepts

Conclusion

The wide range of Saab models, from classic production vehicles to experimental prototypes, shows the brand’s commitment to innovation and engineering. Though some Saab models were never produced, they continue to influence automotive design and technology, and the legacy of Saab’s inventive spirit endures.

Saab Innovations, Safety, and Endurance Records

  • 1958: The Saab GT 750 becomes the first car in the lineup to feature seatbelts as standard.
  • 1963: Saab pioneers diagonally split dual brake circuits, a major advancement in safety.
  • 1969: Saab introduces an innovative ignition system near the gearstick, designed to reduce knee injuries during collisions, often caused by the knee striking the steering wheel key.
  • 1970: Saab sets another automotive first with headlamp wipers and washers.
  • 1971: Heated front seats are introduced as standard, marking another global innovation. Saab also develops impact-absorbing, self-repairing bumpers.
  • 1976: Saab is the first to introduce a turbo engine with a wastegate to regulate boost pressure.
  • 1978: Saab launches the world’s first passenger compartment air filter (pollen filter).
  • 1980: Introduction of Automatic Performance Control (APC) and an anti-knock sensor, allowing better fuel economy and use of lower-grade fuel without damaging the engine.
  • 1981: Saab innovates the split-field side mirror, reducing blind spots for drivers.
  • 1982: Saab moves forward with the introduction of asbestos-free brake pads.
  • 1983: The company introduces its 16-valve turbocharged engine.
  • 1985: Direct ignition is pioneered by Saab, eliminating the need for a distributor and spark plug wires.
  • 1991: Saab is first to market with CFC-free air conditioning and the launch of its “light-pressure” turbo.
  • 1991: The Trionic engine management system is introduced, featuring a 32-bit microprocessor.
  • 1993: Saab debuts the Sensonic clutch and the Black Panel (later Night Panel), enhancing driving comfort. They also develop the Safeseat system for rear passenger protection.
  • 1994: Saab rolls out the advanced Trionic T5.5 engine management system.
  • 1995: The company introduces an asymmetrically turbocharged V6 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
  • 1996: Saab debuts active head restraints (SAHR) to minimize whiplash risk.
  • 1997: Innovations include Electronic Brake-force Distribution, ventilated front seats in the Saab 9-5, and ComSense, a feature delaying non-essential alerts during critical driving moments.
  • 2000: Saab introduces its Variable Compression (SVC) engine, where compression ratios adjust based on cylinder head movement.
  • 2002: Saab develops an independent multi-link rear suspension system for the new Saab 9-3, known as “ReAxs,” offering improved steering feedback and stability.
  • 2002: SAHR2, an enhanced version of the Active Head-Restraint system, debuts in the second-generation Saab 9-3 sedan.
  • 2003: Saab unveils CargoSET, a system for automating soft-top retraction in convertibles.
  • 2008: The brand introduces XWD (Cross-wheel Drive), a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD).

Saab’s Commitment to Safety

Safety has always been a high priority for Saab, with cars rigorously tested in the Älgtest (elk test), a standard practice in Sweden due to frequent elk-related accidents. Saab’s safety innovations are informed by real-life accident data, with over 6,100 Saab crash events recorded since 1948.

Endurance Records

  • 1986: In October, Saab’s Long Run took place at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, where three standard Saab 9000 Turbos set two world records and 21 international records. They covered 100,000 km at an average speed of 213.299 km/h (132.537 mph) and 50,000 miles at 213.686 km/h (132.778 mph).
  • 1996: A decade later, three standard Saab 900 (NG) Turbos and two naturally aspirated Saab 900s set new endurance records at the same speedway, driven by factory test drivers and automotive journalists.
  • 2006: In December, a Wisconsin traveling salesman donated his 1989 Saab 900 SPG to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum after accumulating 1,001,385 miles (1,611,573 km) on its original engine, verified by Saab.

Saab Marketing, Ownership, and Motorsport

Saab’s history dates back to 1937 when Svenska Aeroplan AB (Saab) started by creating airplanes. The company’s first car, the Saab 92001, was introduced in 1947. Today, Saab AB, best known for its fighter aircraft like the Saab 37 Viggen and the JAS 39 Gripen, is separate from Saab Automobile. This connection between aviation and automobiles inspired the “Born From Jets” advertising campaign, emphasizing Saab’s aircraft roots. Saab vehicles are imported into many countries, with a president overseeing each subsidiary or importer. In the US, the first president was Mr. R. Millet.

In 1983, British commercial director Tony Scott produced an iconic ad featuring a Saab 900 Turbo racing a Saab 37 Viggen fighter jet. By 1987, Saab had created the “Saab Suite,” a TV commercial showcasing the stunning capabilities of the Saab 9000 Turbo, including impressive stunts like burnouts, slaloms, two-wheel driving, and jumps. These stunts, performed on an airport runway to classical music, highlighted the precision and power of the Saab.

To mark its 40th anniversary, Saab formed the Saab Performance Team in 1987, known for exhibitions of precision driving and automobile acrobatics. Initially using Saab 9000s and later the Saab 900 (NG), the team performed complex routines. What made the team unique was that all members had competed in rallies and were full-time Saab employees, including engineers, a quality controller, and a photo studio head. These vehicles were displayed during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Saab Aircraft Company in Linköping in 1997.

Saab’s unique appeal even extended to the tech world, with a Hewlett-Packard CPU-support chip featuring an etching of a Saab 900 Turbo 16 Cabriolet on its surface.

Ownership and Brand Loyalty

Saab’s offbeat image attracted a loyal fan base of intellectuals and enthusiasts. Professor Albert Muniz from DePaul University found that Saab owners, often referred to as “Snaabs,” displayed a sense of camaraderie and a strong preference for pre-GM Saab models. Writer John Crace humorously described a “Snaab” as a creative advertising executive with distinctive large spectacles and asymmetric hairstyles. Research by psychologist Rüdiger Hossiep revealed that Saab owners were ten times more passionate about their cars compared to Volkswagen owners.

Saab’s largest markets included Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In these regions, the brand cultivated a unique reputation, characterized by its aviation heritage, design innovation, and quirkiness.

Slogans

  • The Swedish Car with Aircraft Quality
  • Go Swift – Go Safe – Go Saab
  • The Most Intelligent Cars Ever Built
  • Find Your Own Road
  • A Saab Will Surrender Its Own Life to Save Yours
  • Welcome to the State of Independence
  • Born From Jets
  • Move Your Mind
  • People Who Test Drive a Saab, Usually Buy One
  • It’s a Pity Other Cars Aren’t Built This Way
  • We Don’t Make Compromises. We Make Saabs.
  • Saab. It’s What a Car Should Be.
  • Beyond the Conventional
  • The Command Performance Car
  • The Well-Built Swede

Saab in Motorsport

Saab competed in the Trans Am Series in 1966 with entries like the Saab 96 and the Saab 850. In later years, the Saab 9-3 participated in the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship.

Saab’s factory rally team, featuring legendary drivers such as Erik “On-the-Roof” Carlsson, Tom Trana, Simo Lampinen, Stig Blomqvist, and Per Eklund, enjoyed success until the team stopped competing in 1980. However, in 2012, the S2AB Historic Rally Team returned to the Midnattssolsrallyt (Rally to the Midnight Sun) with four Saab 99 Turbos driven by ex-champions Ola Strömberg, Erik Uppsäll, Travis Decker, and Jörgen Trued.

S2AB (Swedish Advanced Automotive Business), led by former Saab chassis manager Magnus Roland, continued Saab’s legacy of performance and innovation in motorsport.