Saab - Swedish car company producing passenger cars and trucks. However, the history of the Saab brand, like many others, did not begin with cars at all.
In 1937, Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Airplane Company, SAAB for short) was formed to produce bombers and fighters. The memory of this was preserved in the history of Saab for a long time: when the company switched to the production of cars, the aircraft became the first symbol of the brand. Only in 1968 did he give way to the crowned griffin.
The first Saab car entered production under the name 92, as the last aircraft swedish brand had index 91
At the beginning of 2013, Saab, following global trends, changed the logo to a simpler, text-based one. There are 2 options - gray and multi-colored. In the second version, each letter symbolizes one of the seasons, emphasizing the versatility of Swedish cars. It is noteworthy that for trucks and buses the logo remained the same.
Milestones in the history of Saab
At the end of the Second World War, Saab's developments in the field of aircraft construction turned out to be unclaimed, so it was decided to direct the freed up resources to the production of cars. The first prototype was presented in 1946, later, in 1949, it was put into mass production under the name Saab 92 (the last Saab aircraft had the index 91).
Of the 16 people who built the first Saab, none had ever worked on cars before. Moreover, only two of this group had a driver's license!
However, real commercial success did not come to the brand immediately, but only 10 years later, with the appearance on the market of the Saab 95 station wagon. In the 60s Saab model 96 only consolidated this success.
In 1968, the company merged with the manufacturer Scania trucks– Vabis. This merger resulted in new logo Saab (the griffin on the Scania nameplate has existed since 1900), as well as increased production facilities.
No less significant for Saab was 1989, when a controlling stake in the company passed to the American concern General Motors. In 2000, Saab Automobile AB became wholly owned by GM. At the beginning of the 21st century, the General Motors concern, which is experiencing serious financial difficulties, gets rid of the least profitable divisions. As a result, the new owner Saab brand turns out to be Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker.
However, under the wing of Spyker, the automaker also failed to succeed: in 2011, the Swedish court officially declared Saab bankrupt. Another "lifeline" for the brand was the company National Electric Vehicle Sweden, half of the shares in which belong to the Sino-Japanese energy consortium.
Saab achievements and victories
Saab brand cars have always stood out from their "brothers". The aviation past left its mark on the first projects of Saab: the cars were not very pretty, but with excellent aerodynamics. The first Saab 92 model with a rear-engine layout looked like a frog, but it had a very good coefficient drag - 0,35.
Author Kurt Vonnegut believed that Saab cars were the reason why he was never awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
It is interesting, by the way, that of the 16 specialists who created the Saab 92 model, no one had ever dealt with cars before. Moreover, only two of this group had a driver's license!
Later, it was in the depths of the Swedish company that the idea was born to "squeeze" out of the engine more power. As a result, in 1976, turbocharging technology appeared, which then spread throughout the world. In addition, in 1978, the Swedes were the first to come up with the idea of filtering the air entering the car interior.
The biography of the famous writer Kurt Vonnegut is associated with the Saab brand. In the 1950s, he was a sales representative for the brand in the US state of Massachusetts. However, his success as a salesman was not great, and he later joked: "My failure with car sales explains why the Swedes never awarded me the Nobel Prize in Literature!"
If we talk about the sporting achievements of the brand, then the first Saab victory was very unexpected: in 1949, as part of testing a new model with an index of 92, the Swedes decided to send a novelty to local winter sports competitions. A complete triumph came as a surprise to everyone, and Saab specialists thought about the release of sports cars. The series of the most high-profile victories of the brand is associated with the name of Eric Carlson, who won the British stage of the World Rally Championship three times (in 1960, 1961 and 1962), and also became the champion of the Monte Carlo Rally twice (1962 and 1963).
Key models in the history of the Saab brand
The first model to appear on foreign markets, became the Saab 93, introduced in 1954. Subsequently, it was on its basis that the sports Sonett was created - a roadster with plastic body and a 57-horsepower engine, which, in fact, opened the way for Saab to the world of motorsport.
Another one legendary model- Saab 96 - appeared in 1960. For 20 years, this car has been a real bestseller and has sold about 550,000 copies.
In 1968, the "big brother" Saab 96 entered the market - model 99. Then it did not exist yet, but the novelty, in fact, belonged to it. The English magazine Car called her a model of solidity and the most safe car in Europe.
Even stronger to gain a foothold in business class. She appeared in 1984 and received the title of "Best big car" in USA.
The first joint project between Saab and General Motors. The machine was built with the most modern requirements security.
In 1997, Saab decided to go back to double-digit "names". , .
In 2011, under the index 9-4, a mid-size crossover was introduced. From 2005 to 2008, an SUV was produced under the name Saab 9-7x, which was nicknamed "Trollblazer".
Another example of successful badge engineering is the 9-2X model, which was produced from 2003 to 2006 and was a slightly modified Subaru Impreza.
By the way, the aviation history of Saab also continues to this day: the Saab AB division has been producing fighters and civil aircraft for many years.
History of Saab in Russia
It would seem that Saab cars created in Scandinavia should be close Russian buyers, because they were developed for the same climatic conditions, which is what we have. However, in the Russian market, Saab has always been considered a "privileged" niche brand - the level of sales of Swedish cars in our country was low.
And if before the crisis of 2009 the demand for this brand was still growing (from 383 copies in 2006 to 1,269 in 2008), then sales declined sharply. In 2009, Saab sales were only 268 units. In September 2010, the sale of Saab brand cars in Russia was officially terminated.
In 2011, after getting out of the control of General Motors, Saab began to reorganize its dealer networks and decided to return to Russian market. Models 9-3 (Sport Sedan, Sport Combi and Convertible) and 9-5 (Sport Sedan and Sport Combi) were officially presented in our country. Saab has set itself the goal of improving the pre-crisis level of sales, but experts immediately said that at the current price level, it will continue to be an "image" brand.
By the way, in 2010, when the Dutch company Spyker bought Saab, there was a possibility that the production of Swedish cars would be established in Russia. Banker Vladimir Antonov, who at that time owned a 29% stake in Spyker, announced his desire to create a "Saab at a price Ford Focus"and to establish its production in our country. However, then one of the terms of the deal was the "exit from the game" of the Russian shareholder.
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 brand Lancia Delta (Saab 600) and, in addition, to jointly develop a 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.
Saab (Saab, Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget) is a Swedish company specializing in the production of cars and trucks. The headquarters is in Trollhättan. Belongs to the concern "General Motors".
The company was founded in April 1937 for the production of 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 of the car (Saab 92.001), released by the end of 1946 and belonging to the small class. Here, the distinctive signs of "Saabs" immediately appeared - 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 93 model has 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-seater. upper 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 sports cars faded and, with the exception of the Saab Sonett II, a two-seat version exclusively for the American market, the company did not produce no one sports car. The company focused its efforts on improving the 99th model, which, starting with the 900 model introduced in 1978, is now among the prestigious and highly 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 the corporation another entry into the European market.
In 1997, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a new version of the Saab 9000 model, the Saab 9-3, was introduced. 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.
The history of Saab as an automaker began in 1947, before that the Swedish company was engaged in the development and production of aircraft and aircraft engines.
First Saab 92, resembling an airplane inside with a fenced off driver's seat and numerous devices, toggle switches and buttons, was released in 1949. In addition, the car had a very decent aerodynamics, which even on modern level looks good. The body of the 92nd Saab was made from a single sheet of metal, openings for doors and windows in which were cut out. Under the hood is a 2-cylinder 794 cc engine that could develop up to 25 Horse power. The first generation was painted exclusively in dark green color, and only in 1953, when it came out second generation, Saab brand cars also received green, black, gray or blue-gray coloring at the choice of the buyer. Saab 92 it turned out to be a very worthy car - from the beginning of production, the model regularly participated in racing races, taking prizes (often first) places.
In 1978, the company released Saab 900, which has become the most successful model stamps. The first generation was in production until 1993, and became a classic of the brand, and since 1994 the second generation has appeared on sale. The car received many titles and awards, and was produced in many variations - sedan, 3 and 5-door hatchback, convertible, and others. This model also used whole line original developments of the company, which gave the cars an unusual character in driving and became a kind of chip " saaba". One of them was the use of turbocharging in the engine in mass production, other manufacturers began to use it much later. An excellent view to the driver was provided by a concave windshield - this was inherited by the model from aircraft of the same brand. And since 1987, it became possible to buy a Saab 900 in a sports configuration with a rigid suspension and shock absorbers, leather-upholstered seats, an audio system and air conditioning were installed in the cabin.
In 1990 " general motor» bought back 50% of the shares « Saab". This was perceived by fans as the end of the uniqueness of the brand's cars, however, these expectations concern " GM” did not justify, retaining the original style of the brand.
In 1994 the company Saab" governed by " General Motors» released new version his best model on the base Opel Vectra . Despite the new chassis, the car retained its distinctiveness and the firm's sales grew, allowing it to finally turn a profit after 7 years of losses. Machine safety has also been improved by new system protect passengers from side impacts.
In 1997, a new Saab model was released - 9-3, designed for the 50th anniversary of the company. She got turbocharged diesel engine and improved air suspension. And the most successful car the brand was renamed from 900 to 9-5 and acquired a sedan-type body.
In 2000 " Saab»completely becomes the property of « General Motors". The following year was a landmark for the brand, at the Frankfurt Motor Show the company demonstrated a new concept car, in the design of which there were features of a coupe, pickup truck, roadster and station wagon at the same time. Technical filling The car consisted of an all-wheel drive chassis with an aluminum 3-liter turbo engine capable of delivering 300 horsepower. However, things did not go further than the concept, and the project was curtailed before reaching production.
With the onset of the economic crisis, the concern GM"decided to sell the company" Saab”, as there was practically no profit from it. Despite the start of production quite perspective model crossover 9-4X, first introduced in 2010 in Los Angeles. In 2011, the company went bankrupt and stopped car production. And a year later, the brand Saab"was bought out by the consortium" National Electric Vehicle Sweden", which decided to use already famous brand for the production of electric cars under this name.
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.
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Why did Saab start having problems?
Any fan of the Swedish marque will tell you that the bad times started way 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, the Saab 900 of 1994, its restyled version called 9-3, as well as the Saab 9-5 were built on the basis of the 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 based on the Subaru Impreza and the second was based on the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Saabaru and Trollblazer (as they were nicknamed) sold poorly, and GM wondered if they even needed the Saab brand.
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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. The Saab brand was bought by 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 one of major automakers will buy only the brand and reimagine it on its 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?
