The Swedish name Saab resonates deeply, often conjuring images of stylish and innovative automobiles. For many, Saab is synonymous with the distinctive cars that graced roads for decades. However, while Saab cars hold a special place in automotive history, they represent only a part of the Saab story. Today, Saab stands as a prominent global force in the defense and security industry, a legacy built over 80 years of innovation and engineering excellence.
Founded in 1937 in Trollhättan, Sweden, Saab’s initial purpose was far removed from passenger vehicles. Originally named Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aeroplane Company Limited), Saab was established as an aircraft manufacturer to bolster the Swedish Air Force as Europe braced for the Second World War. The acronym Saab quickly became the company’s recognized name. While the head office soon relocated to Linköping, now Saab’s largest operational hub, the seeds of diversification were sown in 1945, leading to the ambitious undertaking of developing motor cars.
How Aircraft Expertise Shaped Saab Car Design
Codenamed “Project 92,” the Saab car initiative directly leveraged Saab’s aeronautical heritage. Drawing upon their deep understanding of aerodynamics from aircraft design, Saab engineers believed they could create cars with superior performance compared to the German automobiles prevalent in Sweden at the time. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency became a defining characteristic of Saab cars.
The first Saab car prototype was unveiled in Linköping in June 1947. By 1949, production in Trollhättan commenced, and the uniquely styled, bottle-green Saab vehicles began to populate the roads. Over the subsequent years, each new Saab passenger car became celebrated for its distinctive design, inherent reliability, and pioneering safety features. Simultaneously, while the Saab car brand gained international recognition, Saab’s core business as a defense and security company continued to expand, providing cutting-edge products, services, and solutions to governments, authorities, and corporations worldwide, ranging from advanced military defense systems to comprehensive civil security solutions.
The Sunset of Saab Cars in 2011
In contrast to the steady global expansion of Saab’s defense and security operations, the trajectory of Saab passenger cars followed a more turbulent path. After a 20-year merger with Scania-Vabis concluded in 1989, American automotive giant General Motors (GM) acquired a 50 percent stake in the newly formed Saab Automobile. By 2000, GM had assumed full ownership, effectively marking the end of Saab Group’s direct involvement in automobile manufacturing. The fate of Saab cars became inextricably linked to the fortunes of General Motors.
When General Motors faced severe financial difficulties in 2008, its Swedish subsidiary, Saab Automobile, also suffered. Despite a change in ownership involving Dutch car manufacturer Spyker, the decline could not be reversed. Ultimately, Saab Automobile AB declared bankruptcy in December 2011, bringing an end to the era of Saab cars.
Saab Today: A Leader in Air, Land, Naval, Security, and Civil Aerospace
Despite the discontinuation of its car division, Saab remains a powerhouse in Swedish industry and a global leader in defense and security. Many still associate the name solely with automobiles, but Saab’s current reality is one of strength and innovation in its core sectors.
Today, Saab provides advanced solutions across air, land, naval, security, and civil aerospace domains. The company employs over 16,500 people and generates annual sales of approximately 31 billion Swedish kronor (around US$3.38 billion). Significantly, Saab reinvests about a quarter of its revenue into research and development, driving continuous innovation. Saab’s product portfolio is extensive, with iconic examples including the Gripen fighter system, the Gotland Class submarine from Saab Kockums, and the Carl-Gustaf weapon system.
While Saab cars are no longer in production, the Saab brand endures, stronger than ever, as a symbol of Swedish engineering prowess and a provider of critical defense and security solutions worldwide.
Classic Saab car, a symbol of Swedish automotive history, showcasing the brand's early vehicle design and iconic bottle green color.
Key Milestones in Saab’s Evolution
- 1937: Saab is established in Trollhättan, Sweden, initially as an aircraft manufacturer for the Swedish Air Force.
- 1946: Project 92, the Saab car initiative, is launched, marking Saab‘s diversification into automobiles.
- 1947: The first Saab car prototype is unveiled, showcasing Saab’s innovative design approach.
- 1949: Production of Saab cars begins in Trollhättan, introducing the iconic bottle green vehicles to the market.
- 1955: The Saab 93 car is launched, achieving significant commercial success and solidifying Saab‘s position in the automotive industry.
- 1967: The Saab 99 car is unveiled, representing a new generation of Saab design and engineering.
- 1989: Saab Automobile is established as a separate entity when General Motors acquires a 50% stake, signaling a shift in Saab car operations.
- 2000: General Motors assumes full ownership of Saab Automobile, ending Saab Group’s direct involvement in car manufacturing.
- 2011: Saab Automobile declares bankruptcy, marking the end of Saab car production after various unsuccessful rescue attempts.
- 1937 – Present Day: Saab continues to thrive as a leading global defense and security company, driving innovation and technological advancement.
Explore More About Saab
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Company in brief
Learn about Saab’s current operations and its role as a global provider of defense and security solutions.
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Over 400 years of history
Delve into the rich history of Saab, tracing its roots back centuries and understanding its evolution.
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Our approach
Discover Saab’s commitment to innovation and its approach to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technological leadership.
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