Automotive Recyclers Association - Archive

Online Resources:

• Saab.com
• Saab Cars Blog

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Saab Cars

Sixty-two years of history as a carmaker, Saab, originally a Swedish aircraft manufacturer, is known for its unique designs, and innovative processes regarding aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and engine technology. Although well-recognizable to the public as a car marque, the brand is nonetheless rather small in comparison to other names. With varied ownership, and what some believe to be the secondary priority of its owners, at the time of this writing, it remains to be seen whether the Saab name will continue. Recent negotiations, however, between General Motors Co. and Koenigsegg Group (the Swedish “perfect sports car” company) may prove to be successful for the brand.

SAAB is actually an acronym for the original airplane company “Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget”. The automotive division started production in 1949 with the model “92”. As a result of the ending war, the company in Trollhättan needed ways to utilize their manufacturing facilities, while at the same time carry on with their name. Again, because of their expertise with aircraft aerodynamics, their cars were equally as innovative, causing the popularity of the name to rise very quickly. The cars were tested in aircraft wind tunnels and the 92 models were said to have much lower coefficient drag than other cars. By 1956, more than twenty thousand had been built.

One issue that was unique to Saab right from the very beginning was safety. When the 1947 prototype was built, it featured a safety cage, and even to this day, users comment about “how Saabs seem to be built around the driver, as if they were more the cockpit of a plane”. Given the fact that the first cars were built by sixteen aircraft engineers, it is no wonder the car was revolutionary. The car proved to be “clean, aerodynamic, efficient and functional”.

Interesting points about SAAB:

• The true spirit of Saab is found in promotion material which asks, “Isn't making the road disappear and the sky open up before you what driving should be all about?”
• The cars are still built in Trollhättan, Sweden.
• Models are already announced for 2010 and 2012 and will be shown at the Frankfurt show. Of course, the actual production depends on the ownership of Saab, as GM has expressed no interest in the brand as of January 2010.
• In 1955, the redesigned Saab is introduced. It is the 93 and sports tubeless tires, three-cylinder engine, and a new transmission.
• Saab's first sports car is produced but only six are built as the Sonett is considered too advanced for its time.
• The Saab 99 is launched in 1967 boasting new innovations such as “the wraparound windscreen, headlamp cleaning, self-repairing bumpers, and side-impact door beams”.
• In 1969, Saab merges with truck manufacturer Scania-Vabis AB to become Saab Scania AB.
• Another innovation is released in 1976 with the 99 Turbo, an everyday vehicle using turbo technology.
• In an effort to make Saab cars more comfortable, the 900 introduced in 1978 features a cabin air filter which was expected to help those with allergies.
• Always searching for higher efficiency, in 1980, Saab unveils the Automatic Performance Control (APC) System which adjusts the engine to perform better on different grades of fuel.
• Another safety innovation, Saab announces the new Traction Control System in 1988 to aid in the prevention of skidding.
• The company is again restructured in 1990 so that it is solely an automobile division at which time Investor AB, an industrial holding company, and GM each acquire fifty percent ownership. General Motors gains one hundred percent ownership in 2000.
• With the release of the 9000 CS in 1991, the company becomes the first in the world to offer the environmentally friendly CFC-free air conditioning (no chlorofluorocarbons).
• The company continues to produce “firsts” such as rear, loaded retention beam, three shoulder-style seatbelts in the rear seats instead of the customary middle lap belt and side shoulder belts, rear side-impact protection, ventilated seats, Active Head Restraints, turbo diesel engine, side airbags, and the Alcokey Concept, an Alcohol-Lockout Key-Fob to prevent potential drunk drivers from starting the car.
• In 2010, Saab was bought by Spyker.


Models and Years Released:

1947 92001 prototype
1949 Saab 92
1955 93
1956 Sonett
1958 93 750 Gran Turismo
1959 95 Station Wagon
1960 96
1962 Sport – later nicknamed “Saab Monte Carlo 850”
1966 97 - Sonett II
1967 99
1970 Sonett III
1973 99 Combi Coupé Hatchback
1976 99 Turbo
1978 900
1980 Turbo Sedan
1983 900Turbo I6S
1984 9000 Turbo
1986 900 Convertible
1988 9000 CD
1991 9000 CS
1993 900
1994 Four Season 900 Convertible
1997 9-5
1998 9-3
1999 9-5 Wagon
1999 9-3 Viggen
2001 9X Concept Car
2002 9-3 Sport Sedan
2002 9-3X Concept Car
2003 9-3 Convertible
2003 9-3 Sport Hatch Concept Car
2004 9-2X
2005 9-7X
2006 Aero X Concept Car
2009 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition
2010 Saab 9-4X
2012 Saab 9-5