Who owns SAAB now
After 9 years of cooperation with General Motors (2000-2009), SAAB was put up for sale. After several suggestions from different companies(Swedish Konegseg, Formula 1, Dutch Spiker, Chinese) this concern is still partially bought out by the Chinese, namely the company National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), which was specially created for the purchase of SAAB. This company is not directly related to the automotive industry and belongs to the Japanese-Chinese energy corporation National Modern Energy Holdings Ltd. (Source - www.gazeta.ru). In 2015, the production of the SAAB 9-3 model 2002 model year may be established in Turkey. The Turkish side was sold all the technical documentation and equipment for the production of this model. However, the "Turkish" SAAB will be produced under the national (Turkish) brand, whose name is still unknown.
SAAB history.
Saab (Saab, Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget) is a Swedish company specializing in
production of passenger cars and trucks. The headquarters is in Trollhättan.
The company was founded in April 1937 to manufacture military aircraft. The idea to produce cars was born after the war, when a small team of aeronautical engineers led by Gunnar Ljungström was attached to the laboratory. technical design Sixten Sason, one of the subdivisions of Saab. The concept of G. Linstrem formed the basis of the first prototype car (Saab 92.001),
released by the end of 1946 and belonging to the small class. Here immediately appeared hallmarks"Saabs" - a magnificent aerodynamic body (affinity with aircraft affected), independent suspension wheels. The first cars were equipped with two-piston engines of the DKW type, which were later replaced by more powerful engines. Three years later, the first the lineup large sports Saabs, consisting of two modifications: Saab Standart 92 and 92 DeLuxe. In 1955 the new Saab models 93 appear tubeless tires and a new 3-cylinder engine. From the following year, 1956, the Saab Sonett sports car appeared in the Saab range, which was designed as an open two-seat car of the highest class. Its body was made of fiberglass.
The successful 1959 Saab 95 station wagon marked the beginning of the company's resounding commercial success, and the 1960 Saab 96 sold well throughout the 60s. The fame of the company at that time was also brought by victories in international competitions: Eric Carlsson (Carlsson) three years in a row - in 1960, 1961 and 1962 - won the Saab 96 model in the British round of the World Rally Championship, and in 1962 and 1963 - in the rally in Monte Carlo.
The company was a pioneer in many endeavors related to car safety: there were seat belts (1962), ventilated brake discs, impact-resistant door beams. Caring for all kinds of comfort for drivers and passengers is also a top priority for the company: the 99 model is equipped with headlight wipers, heated seats and self-healing bumpers.
Since 1968, Saab has merged with the truck manufacturer Scania-Vabis (Scania-Vabis).
After 1971, when Stig Blomqvist won two World Rally Championships in the same Saab 99, the company's interest in producing sports cars vanished and, with the exception of the Saab Sonett II, a two-seat modification exclusively for the American market, the company did not produce a single sports car. The company focused its efforts on improving the 99th model, which, starting with the 900, introduced in 1978, is now among the prestigious and very expensive cars. Since 1979, Saab has been collaborating with the designers of the Lancia company. The Saab 9000, whose concept development ended in 1984, marked a new, third milestone change in the company's history. In 1989, General Motors acquires a controlling (50%) stake in Saab,
giving corporations one more exit to the European market.
In 1997 at the North American international motor show presented in Detroit a new version models Saab 9000 - Saab 9-3. Also in 1997, the company introduced a completely new Saab 9-5, work on which began in 1993. Modern cars"Saab" is an example of "Scandinavian design" with its elegant simplicity. The aerodynamic lines make the company's cars recognizable in the modern "crowd". Other distinguishing feature these "smart" machines - maximum convenience and ease of operation. Although each time it seems that there are more amenities in mass car it is impossible to come up with, the company's designers stun the consumer every time.
Official website: www.saab.com
Headquarters: Sweden
During World War II, the Swedish Aviation joint-stock company» (Svenska Aeroplan AB), SAAB for short, produced aircraft for the Swedish Air Force. After the onset of peace, military orders dried up, and in the fall of 1945, the company began developing a mini-car passenger car. The release of the first Saab-92 model began in 1949. The first-born was equipped with a sufficiently perfect aerodynamic carrier body. The car had front-wheel drive from a transversely located 2-cylinder two-stroke DKW (DKW) engine with a working volume of 764 cm3 with a power of 25 hp, as well as a fully independent spring suspension all wheels. B/
In 1952 appearance improved the first model. The upgraded version received the designation "92V". In 1955, the Saab-93 appeared with a 3-cylinder and also two-stroke engine in 748 cm3 with a power of 33 hp. In the suspension, the springs were replaced with torsion bars. Saab-750GT variant with 45-55 hp engine. was intended for export. Introduced in 1959, the Saab-95 received a 38-horsepower engine with a displacement of 841 cm3. A year later, the same type Saab-96 appeared on the market, but with more modern design body. Based on it, several sports variants were developed that brought Saab fame in motorsport (victories in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 and 1963, in the British Automobile Club Cup in 1960, 1961 and 1962).
In the mid-1950s, the company launched a program to produce sports models. The first was "Sonett Super Sport" (Sonett Super Sport) with a coupe body. In 1966, the Sonett-I car appeared with a 3-cylinder 60-horsepower engine and a fiberglass body, which, however, did not receive recognition on the market. A similar fate awaited the Sonette-1I with a 4-stroke 1.5-liter Ford V4 engine, which since 1966 has been installed on the Saab-96GL model. In 1967, the Saab-99 was born with a 4-cylinder Triumph engine with a working volume of 1709 cm3 and a completely new body.
In 1968, the automotive division of Saab merged with the truck manufacturer Scania-Vabis. In 1972, the Scania plant in Södertälje of the Saab-Scania AB group began production of a new 4-cylinder engine with a working volume of 1985 cm3 with two overhead camshafts designed for cars of the 99 series. Later, a fuel injection system and a turbocharger were installed on it, which increased power by 1.5 times. B /
In May 1978, the 900 series appeared. The cars included in it were produced in numerous versions with 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-door bodies, equipped with a 2-liter engine that developed power from 100 to 185 hp in various versions.
In 1984, the equally famous Saab-9000 appeared with a 5-door hatchback body. It was developed jointly with FIAT specialists. Four years later, a 4-door version of the 9000CD was released with a new 2.3-liter engine. In 1992, the Saab-9000 Aero (Aero) was born with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine with a capacity of 225 hp. In 1994, the 9000 series received a new 3-liter 24-valve V6 engine.
In the early 1990s, the American concern General Motors ( General Motors) acquired half of the shares of the new company SAAB Automobiles (SAAB Automobile AB). Since that time, all models of the Swedish company have become structurally similar to Opel cars. For example, the second generation of the 900 models shown in 1993 has much in common with cars of the same class Opel Vectra (Vectra), including a unified power unit with a 2.5 liter V6 engine. The similarity of the model programs of the two companies in 1997 is even more noticeable. Saab introduced the new "9-3" and "9-5" series, replacing the "900" and "9000" cars. New cars have improved appearance, increased comfort and safety, are equipped with new, more environmentally friendly and economical engines.
Since January 2000, Saab Automobile AB has been fully owned by General Motors Corporation.
Saab Automobile AB is a Swedish car manufacturer. Saab is the exclusive car supplier for the royal court, appointed by the King of Sweden. The entire range of Saab.
Story
The company was formed in 1945 when Saab AB started designing its first car. In 1949, the first industrial model, the Saab 92, was shown.
1960 saw the third major revision of the 92nd platform in the Saab 96. It was milestone in the development of the company - the first car that was widely exported. It proved to be very popular and sold nearly 550,000 copies.
Even more significant in the history of the company was released in 1968 in the Saab 99, the first completely new model for 19 years, having lost all ties with the 92 model. The 99 had many innovations and features that come to define Saab for decades: a panoramic windshield, energy-absorbing bumpers, headlight and door washers, and side-impact energy-absorbing doors. Sixten Sasone's design was no less revolutionary.
In 1968, the parent company merged with Scania-Vabis to form Saab-Scania AB. The 99 range was expanded in 1973 with the addition of the combi coupe body style, a body style that became the company's hallmark.
The millionth production car was produced in 1976. 1978 was the year the 99 was replaced by the Saab 900. Nearly one million 900s were produced, making it the most legendary car brand.
In the same year, the company entered into an agreement with Fiat to sell under the Lancia Delta brand (Saab 600) and, in addition, to jointly develop new platform. The agreement led to the appearance in the mid-80s of the Saab 9000, which has much in common with such cars as Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Lancia Thema. 9000 was the first real luxury car Saab, but failed to achieve the planned sales volume.
In 1989 automotive division Saab-Scania was restructured into an independent company, Saab Automobile AB and General Motors Corporation acquired half of the company's shares. Eleven years later, the remaining 50% was bought out, turning the Swedish automaker into a GM subsidiary.
The involvement of General Motors spawned the launch of the updated 900 in 1994. New car shared a platform with the Opel Vectra. Due in large part to his success, the company turned a profit for the first time in seven years in 1995. Saab celebrated its 50th anniversary by replacing the aging 9000 with the Saab 9-5. The 900 was also redesigned and renamed the Saab 9-3. And the 9-5 was the first non-combi coupe Saab in 20 years.
Bankruptcy
In 2010, GM sold Saab Automobile AB to Dutch automaker Spyker Cars NV. However, this did not solve the financial difficulties of the brand. At the beginning of 2011, the company lost the ability to pay bills, and suppliers refused to continue deliveries.
On June 13, 2012, it was announced that a newly formed company called National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) had bought the bankruptcy estate of Saab Automobile. The first Nevs Saab 9-3 rolled off the assembly line on September 19, 2013, and full power production started December 2nd. It was the same 9-3 Aero sedan with gasoline engine, which was produced by Saab before bankruptcy.
However, on August 28, 2014, NEVS itself filed for bankruptcy. Saab announced the recall the next day. license agreement, which allows NEVS to own the Saab brand. Nevs' financial problems were cited as the reason. A spokesman for NEVS said the company plans to renew the agreement once the company's financial problems are resolved.
Two years ago the world automotive market left a prominent player - a car manufacturer from Sweden, Saab. IN last years the company experienced a number of problems, especially financial ones, everything ended with a declaration of bankruptcy, which even skeptics among market analysts could not imagine.
In the memory of motorists, Saab is imprinted in the image of a manufacturer of fast, comfortable and well driven cars. Behind the scenes, many famous brands were equal to this brand. This remarkable auto corporation is also interesting for its history.
The world first learned about Saab more than 70 years ago, in 1937. Company name is an abbreviation full name — Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, which translates to "Swedish Aircraft Company".
Already from the name it is clear that the company was engaged in the construction of military aircraft at that time. Aviation specialists and historians believe that Saab bombers not only performed well in World War II, but were also among the fastest in their class.
After the end of the Second World War, Saab, like many enterprises working on weapons, faced the problem of repurposing. It took several years for Saab to release its first child, already in 1949 the first car with the unusual name “92” rolled off the assembly line. At the same time, the company continued to produce aircraft - military and civil aircraft.
First successes
Experience in the production of aircraft found application in the production of cars. The firstborn Saab had a very original design body, because the technologies used in the design of aircraft were used. Automobile brands Saab"92" quickly gained popularity throughout Europe and was produced until 1956.
Over the next twenty years, the company developed and produced several more models of cars, with each model providing the highest comfort, elegance and high class technical performance.
Among the new products of the company was a sports car named Sonett, which accelerated to a speed of 160 km / h. Its light weight (slightly more than half a ton) allowed it to outperform rivals without much effort.
12 years after the release of the first sports car, Saab merged with the truck company Scania-Vabis. Joint activities continued until 1989 and during this period, a lot has been achieved. By releasing cars with advanced filling, the Swedes are ahead of many competitors. Specialists noted the first turbocharger in the history of the automotive industry, installed in 1977 on the engine of a family-class car.
Two year Saab pleased with the world's first filter system that purifies the air entering the cabin.
In 1989, a division was spun off from the company Saab Automobile AB, which received the status of an independent car company. Other divisions of Saab continued to produce aircraft.
Shortly thereafter, Saab Automobile AB ceased joint work with Scania-Vabis and began cooperation with the GM concern from the USA, which bought out a controlling stake. In return for these 50% shares, the Swedes received a wide entry into the European automotive market.
The result of Swedish-American cooperation was released in 1993 luxury sedan Saab 900, which took pride of place among the most safe cars in the world.
Sunset of the Swedish car industry
Later, GM bought out all 100% of the shares, and this led many experts to accuse him of wanting to become a monopoly on the European car market. In 2008, experiencing enormous financial difficulties, GM has announced the sale of Saab. Among the contenders for the purchase were 27 major automakers from Germany, Korea, India.
Automakers from China, who have long been looking for an entry into the European market, did not stand aside - Geely also negotiated.
The new owner of Saab is the sports car manufacturer Spyker.
A series of proceedings had a bad effect on both the image and the results of the company.
Attempts to cooperate with automakers from China followed. But the deals were forbidden by General Motors, which owned many patents and licenses. At the end of 2011, the company was declared bankrupt, then completely abolished.
History often brings surprises, so it is possible that a powerful automaker will acquire the assets and technologies of a once famous company, and we will see new cars with the Saab logo on the roads.
Already in September, the fourth owner of the Saab brand may become bankrupt. It is likely that this is the end of the history of the long-suffering brand. We recall what Saab was like, what it could be and what new models it managed to release in series in recent years.
What was Saab famous for?
It is not obvious to everyone today why the old Saabs were so good that today they are so sad about the decline of the brand's history. There were many reasons to appreciate Saab. First, the design with aviation motifs. Initially, the concern began with the production of aircraft (now it is a separate division), and the auto industry became a side business. Curved glazing, like in a fighter jet, a “fasten seat belts” light, an ignition lock between the seats… The list of “aviation gadgets” can be continued.
Secondly, in the 70s and 80s, the Saabs were at the forefront technical progress. Turbo engines, excellent in terms of chassis handling, disc brakes, safety interior trim ... Much that was in these machines 30 years ago has become familiar only now. Thirdly, the Saabs were reliable. The old 900 and 9000 models in caring hands nursed both 500 and 700,000 kilometers without any problems. Some of them delight the owners to this day.
1 / 4
2 / 4
3 / 4
4 / 4
Why did Saab start having problems?
Any fan swedish brand will tell you that the bad times began back in 1989, when Saab was spun off from Scania and sold half of its shares to the Americans from General Motors, leaving the other half to the Swedish company Investor AB. All new models began to be made on global GM platforms. So, Saab 900 1994, his restyled version called 9-3, as well as Saab 9-5 were built on the basis of Opel Vectra. Many connoisseurs of the brand complained that the new "Saabs" became less reliable and maintainable and lost some of the original Swedish charm. The scale of new products was crushed: if in 1978 the Saab 99 was one of the first production models with a turbine, then in 1998 the Saab 9-5 boasted ventilation for the front seats. However, all this sold well, and there was no cause for concern - in 1995, the brand became profitable for the first time in seven years. And Saab, after all, was not the only brand affected by globalization.
In 2000, GM bought the second half of Saab Automobile's shares, and at first nothing boded ill. In 2002, the new Saab 9-3 based on the Opel Vectra C came out and sold relatively well. But then jiam made a marketing mistake and tried to sell on American market Saab 9-2X and Saab 9-7X. The first model was made on the basis Subaru Impreza, and the second one is based on Chevrolet Trailblazer. Saabaru and Trollblazer (as they were nicknamed) sold poorly, and GM wondered if they even needed the Saab brand.
1 / 6
2 / 6
3 / 6
4 / 6
5 / 6
6 / 6
Chronicles of the disease
2008 GM has announced that it wants to either sell the brand or bury it altogether. BMW, Fiat, Geely, Hyundai, Magna, Renault and Tata Motors lined up to buy.
2009–2010 After a long selection, GM has focused on a group of investors from Koenigsegg and the Chinese concern Beijing Automotive Industry Holding. Negotiations ended in nothing.
Summer 2010. Saab Automobile sold Dutch company Spyker. GM has agreed to continue to supply its components for already developed and ready for serial production Saab 9-4X based Cadillac SRX and Saab 9-5 based on the Opel Insignia.
Spring-summer 2011. Spyker realized that alone and with Jim's technology, they could not revive the Saab brand. After a series of negotiations, they chose Chinese companies Pang Da and Youngman as partners. The deal, however, was blocked by General Motors, as it did not want to transfer its technology into the hands of the Chinese.
December 2011 Saab Automobile files for bankruptcy.
Summer 2012. Saab brand bought National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), wholly owned by Chinese investors, but based in Sweden. It was decided to start production of electric vehicles, as well as a new generation of Saab 9-3 on the Phoenix platform, developed during the era of Spyker ownership.
February 2013. 22% of the shares of NEVS was bought by another Chinese company, Qingdao Qingbo Investment.
Summer 2013. The Saab plant in Trollhättan has reopened.
September 2013. The first one came off the assembly line after long break an old Saab 9-3 built in 2002.
May 2014. The assembly line at Trollhättan was stopped again as Qingdao Qingbo stopped financing production.
July 13, 2014. One of the NEVS suppliers, Labo Test, has filed for bankruptcy protection against the Swedish-Chinese manufacturer. The court will consider the appeal on September 8. The total debt to all suppliers is more than 5.5 million euros.
Why is Saab on the verge of bankruptcy again?
It is impossible to say for sure, although it is possible to make assumptions. There are three main reasons:
- It was impossible to make serious money selling a 2002 Saab 9-3. Years spent in litigation were not in vain, and now no one needs the old Vectra in the Swedish “suit”.
- General Motors did everything to prevent its current developments from falling into the hands of strong competitors. Building cars on their own platforms is now affordable only for small-scale manufacturers of luxury supercars. The Phoenix platform is closer to a sketch than to a production-ready car.
- The prospects for electric vehicles are very vague. The luxury segment, unexpectedly for everyone, was completely occupied by enterprising Americans from Tesla. You won't surprise anyone with a hybrid now. It would be possible to earn money on government orders, since European officials often buy electric cars for political reasons ... But this market is too small.
What will happen now?
Hope certainly dies last, but the outlook is far from bright. Saab has already tried twice to bring back to life, and anyone understands that this task is overwhelming. Spyker itself was on the verge of bankruptcy because of this, and only miraculously saved its assets from being sold.
Now Saab is nothing but memories of its former greatness. Most likely, the brand will be closed. However, aviation style is an interesting thing. Perhaps some of the major automakers will buy only the brand and rethink it on their own global platform.
What could he be?
In these shots, you can see the 2011 PhoeniX concept showcased by Spyker at Geneva Motor Show, as well as sketches of the serial Saab 9-3, which was supposed to be released in 2014 based on it.
What is left of him?
Those wishing to profitably invest money can be advised to buy one of the rarest Saab models of the “era of decline”. It will take another 20-25 years, and these cars will become desirable in the garages of serious collectors.
For a short time in 2011, the 9-5 and 9-4X models made on Jim's platforms were sold. There are practically none in Russia, but you can find them on European online sites. The most dedicated fans can still look for one-off copies of the latest Saab 9-3s, released already in the NEVS era in 2013-2014. These cars are easy to identify by the nameplate without a branded griffin. The Scania concern did not allow the use of a stylized image of the beast on the revived Saabs. Maybe that's what killed him?
