Saabs

Saab refers to two related Swedish entities: Saab AB, a defense and aerospace company, and Saab Automobile AB, a former car manufacturer that operated under various owners from the mid-20th century until the 2010s. The name itself originates from Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, founded in 1937 to produce aircraft for the Swedish armed forces.

The automotive division began as part of the Saab group after World War II, with the first passenger car, the Saab 92, appearing in 1949. Saab cars became known for features such as turbocharged engines, strong safety emphasis, and a distinctive design language. Notable models over the years included the 93, 95, 96, 99, 900, 9000, and later the 9-3 and 9-5, which aimed to blend performance with practicality and Scandinavian engineering.

In 1969 Saab merged with Scania-Vabis to form Saab-Scania AB, a corporate arrangement that encompassed both aviation-related activities and automotive manufacturing. The car division remained part of the Saab group and later as a subsidiary within Saab AB, continuing to develop automobiles alongside the company’s aerospace and defense work. In the 1990s and 2000s Saab Automobile received investment and development support from General Motors, which helped fund new models and platforms.

Financial difficulties culminated in 2011 when Saab Automobile AB filed for bankruptcy. In 2012 the assets were acquired by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), and production of new Saab cars effectively ceased, with ongoing attempts to revive the brand facing licensing and financial challenges. The Saab name today remains strongly associated with the former automobile heritage, while Saab AB continues to operate as a Swedish defense and aerospace company, supplying technologies and services to government and commercial customers worldwide.