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• Saab was originally founded to create domestic military aircraft within Sweden. The Saab company split in 1990 and while Saab AB continues to manufacture jets in Sweden, Saab automobile is now based in Detroit and is entirely owned by General MotorsSaabGroup: History

  On February 20, 2009, reports said Saab had filed for bankruptcy protection. The move came after financially troubled parent company GM said wanted to sever ties with Saab by 2010.The Huffington Post: Saab Bankruptcy Filing (February 20, 2009) The New York Times: Saab Moves to Separate Itself From G.M. (February 20, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Saab is an abbreviation for "Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget", which translates to "Swedish Aircraft Company"SaabUSA: About
  2. The current headquarters for Saab automobiles is in Detroit, MichiganSaabUSA: Contact Us
  3. The current headquarters for Saab AB is in Stockholm, Sweden
  4. Saab/Saab AB built the J29 Tunnan fighter, Lansen, Draken, Viggen and Gripen military aircraftSaabGroup: History
  5. Several models have been recommended by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety over the yearsAutomotive.com: Saab 9-3 Wins IIHS Safety Award for Third Year (November 27, 2006)
  6. Current models are equipped with OnStar
  7. Noted for their unique center console ignition key location in all modelsSaab: News (April 24, 2008)
  8. Competitors in the luxury car market include Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Audi and BMW
  9. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety recommended both the Saab 9-3 and the 9-3 convertible as 2008 Top Safety Picks.IIHS: Top Safety Picks 2008

• Swedish Bailout?

  By January 2009, Saab, like many other automobile manufacturer's in the world, was suffering from a loss of sales. The Swedish government had promised a possible 25 billion Swedish kronor to bail out the ailing automotive industries. But reports said any aid to Swedish-based, American-owned Saab and Volvo (owned by Ford) would be spent in Sweden and would include setting the two brands apart for potential sale. CNN Money: Saab, Volvo Must Be 'Carved Out' To Win Aid-Swedish Official (January 12, 2009)

  General Motors asked Sweden to help with a bailout for Saab, but Sweden ultimately refused.Forbes: Saab: No Rescue From Sweden (February 20, 2009)

• Saab Timeline

  1. 1937: Saab was originally founded to build domestic military aircraft within SwedenSaabGroup: History
  2. 1949: Began manufacturing automobilesTime.com: High-Flying Saab (April 30, 2965)
  3. 1969: Saab and Scania merged to form Saab-Scania, a company combining aircraft and defense systems with the manufacture of automobiles, trucks and busesSaabGroup: History
  4. 1989: General Motors (GM) announced they would pay $500 million for 50% of Saab's automobile manufacturing assetsNew York Times: GM to Buy Half of Saab Car Unit (December 16, 1989)
  5. 1990: Saab AB, military aircraft manufacturers, separated from Saab automobileSaabUSA: Saab History
  6. 1996: GM announced that it had obtained an option to buy the other 50% of SaabNew York Times: GM Takes Option to Buy Rest of Saab (June 25, 1996)
  7. 2000: General Motors completed its purchase to own 100% of SaabSaabGroup: History

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Cars | General Motors | Volvo | Chevrolet | Saab 9-3 | Saab 9-5 | Saab 9-7X | Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept | Saab Turbo X | Automaker Bailout | Mercedes-Benz | BMW | Audi | Lexus

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