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Enable javascript in your browser and get the flashplayer from Adobe here: Get Flash Here Non-Flash Content Saab 9-3x Overview Saab 9-3x Facts Saab 9-3x Overview Saab 9-5 Facts '; } || Test Drive Brochures/Price Guide Find a Dealer Build a Saab Used Cars Business About Saab Contact Saab Site Map Pricing Privacy Policy Rss start Cars 9-3sport-sedan overview 360-colors-wheels video pictures key-features facts equipment-levels aero turbo vector standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab 9-3sport-combi overview 360-colors-wheels video pictures key-features facts equipment-levels aero turbo vector standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab 9-3convertible overview 360-colors-wheels video key-features pictures facts equipment-levels aero linear vector standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab 9-3x overview 360-colors-wheels video pictures key-features facts equipment-levels aero standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab 9-5sedan overview 360-colors-wheels video pictures key-features facts equipment-levels aero vector standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab buy-own customize-your-saab build-your-saab saab-approved landing search-used-cars benefits offers landing saab-motability business landing saab-range info saab-9-3saloon saab-9-3sw saab-9-3convertible saab-9-5saloon tax-co2-emissions info company-car-tax vehicle-excise-duty co2-calculator test-drive contact-support ownership landing dealer-network warranties landing assured_warranty aa-assistance insurance seven-day annual-insurance aftersales introduction servicing landing tyres accessories service-club services international-diplomat info international-sales info diplomat-sales info ownership world news-and-events news-archive press-releases calendar saab-magazine media videos enthusiast-sites youniverse innovation turbo-history xwd recycling one two three four widget widget-download heritage saab-museum 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 history start Cars 9-3sport-sedan overview 360-colors-wheels video pictures key-features facts equipment-levels aero turbo vector standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab 9-3sport-combi overview 360-colors-wheels video pictures key-features facts equipment-levels aero turbo vector standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab 9-3convertible overview 360-colors-wheels video key-features pictures facts equipment-levels aero linear vector standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab 9-3x overview 360-colors-wheels video pictures key-features facts equipment-levels aero standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab 9-5sedan overview 360-colors-wheels video pictures key-features facts equipment-levels aero vector standard-options-features all audio-and-communication body-and-exterior-styling cabin-and-interior-styling packages performance practical-details safety-and-security technical-data brochures view-accessories build-your-saab buy-own customize-your-saab build-your-saab saab-approved landing search-used-cars benefits offers landing saab-motability business landing saab-range info saab-9-3saloon saab-9-3sw saab-9-3convertible saab-9-5saloon tax-co2-emissions info company-car-tax vehicle-excise-duty co2-calculator test-drive contact-support ownership landing dealer-network warranties landing assured_warranty aa-assistance insurance seven-day annual-insurance aftersales introduction servicing landing tyres accessories service-club services international-diplomat info international-sales info diplomat-sales info ownership world news-and-events news-archive press-releases calendar saab-magazine media videos enthusiast-sites youniverse innovation turbo-history xwd recycling one two three four widget widget-download heritage saab-museum 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 history Welcome to Saab.com! This site requires flash and javascript for an ultimate user experience! Enable javascript in your browser and get the flashplayer from Adobe here: Get Flash Here Non-Flash Content Saab 9-3x Overview Saab 9-3x Facts Saab 9-3x Overview Saab 9-5 Facts '; } || Saab Automobile From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search This article is about the car manufacturer. For the aerospace and defense company, see Saab . For other uses, see Saab (disambiguation) . Saab Automobile AB Type Aktiebolag Industry Automotive Founded Trollhättan, Sweden (1937) Founder(s) Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget Headquarters Trollhättan , Sweden Area served Worldwide Key people Jan-Åke Jonsson ( CEO ) Victor Muller ( Chairman ) Products Automobiles Revenue SEK 6.080 billion (2009) [ 1 ] Operating income SEK 3.670 billion (2009) [ 1 ] Net income SEK 3.929 billion (2009) [ 1 ] Employees 3,355 (2009) [ 2 ] [ 3 ] Parent Spyker Cars N.V. Website Saab.com Saab Automobile AB , better known as Saab ( English pronunciation:  /ˈsɑːb/ , or SAAB , an acronym for S venska A eroplan A ktie b olaget), [ 4 ] [ 5 ] is a Swedish car manufacturer owned by Dutch automobile manufacturer Spyker Cars NV . [ 6 ] It is the exclusive automobile Royal Warrant holder as appointed by the King of Sweden . [ 7 ] Since its inception, Saab has been known for innovation, pioneering significant advancements in ergonomics, green technology , safety and turbocharging . Originally the automobile manufacturing division of Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget ( English : Swedish Airplane Limited ), later known as Saab AB , Saab Automobile was acquired by General Motors in 1990 who sold it to Spyker Cars in 2010. Contents 1 Company history 1.1 Svenska Aeroplan AB (1948–1969) 1.2 Saab-Scania (1969–1989) 1.3 General Motors ownership (1989–2010) 1.4 Sale to Spyker (2010) 2 Production 3 Models 3.1 Current models 3.2 Future models 3.3 Historical models 3.4 Concepts and prototypes 4 Innovations 5 Safety 6 Endurance records 7 Marketing and ownership 7.1 Ownership and brand loyalty 7.2 Slogans 8 Literature and the arts 9 See also 10 References 11 External links [ edit ] Company history Saab 92001 Saab was originally a division of Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget ( English : Swedish Airplane Limited ), which had been created in 1937 in Linköping . The company had been established in 1937 for the express purpose of building aircraft for the Swedish Air Force to protect the country’s neutrality as Europe moved closer to war . As the war drew towards a close and the market for fighter planes evaporated, the company began looking for new markets in which to diversify. [ edit ] Svenska Aeroplan AB (1948–1969) Saab 92 Saab 93 B Saab 96 Saab 99 In 1944, Project 92 began, with the goal of creating the first Saab passenger car. The result, the Saab 92001 (or Ursaab), was unveiled three years later, with a design that highlighted the company’s roots in aviation. Notably, the car’s drag coefficient of 0.30 was the lowest of any production car of the time. Three years into Project 92, a company site in Trollhättan was converted to allow automobile assembly and the project moved there. The company has remained headquartered there since. In 1949, Saab was ready to bring the car to market, and the Saab 92 went into production, selling 20,000 examples through the mid-1950s. The 92 was thoroughly redesigned and reengineered in 1955, and accordingly was renamed the Saab 93 . The car’s engine gained a cylinder, going from two to three and its front fascia became the first to sport the first incarnation of Saab’s trademark trapezoidal radiator grill. A wagon variant, the Saab 95 , was added in 1959. The decade also saw Saab’s first foray into performance motoring with the Saab 94 , the first of the four Saab Sonetts . 1960 saw the third major revision to the 92’s platform in the Saab 96 . The 96 was an important model for Saab: it was the first Saab to be widely exported out of Sweden. It proved very popular, selling nearly 550,000 examples. Even more important to the company’s fortunes was 1968’s Saab 99 . The 99 was the first all-new Saab in 19 years, and unlike its predecessors, severed all ties with the 92. The 99 had many innovations and features that would come to define Saabs for decades: wraparound windscreen, self-repairing bumpers, headlamp washers and side-impact door beams. The design by Sixten Sason was no less revolutionary than the underlying technology, and elements like the Saab “hockey stick” profile graphic continue to influence Saab design. [ edit ] Saab-Scania (1969–1989) Saab 99 Saab 9000 Saab 900 In 1969, Saab merged with the Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania-Vabis AB to form Saab-Scania AB. The 99 range was expanded in 1973 with the addition of a combi coupe model, a body style which quickly became synonymous with Saab. Owing to its great success, the millionth Saab was produced in 1976. Saab entered into an agreement with Fiat in 1978 to sell a rebadged Lancia Delta as the Saab 600 and jointly develop a new platform. The agreement yielded 1985’s Saab 9000 , sister to the Alfa Romeo 164 , Fiat Croma and Lancia Thema ; all rode atop a common Type Four chassis . The 9000 was Saab’s first proper luxury car. 1978 also was the first year for the 99’s intended replacement: the Saab 900 . Nearly one million 900s would be produced, making it Saab’s best-selling model. A popular convertible version followed in 1986, all of which were made at the Saab-Valmet factory in Finland, making up nearly 20% of 900 sales. [ edit ] General Motors ownership (1989–2010) Saab 900 Saab 9-5 Saab 9-3 sport combi Saab Aero-X second generation Saab 9-5 second generation Saab 9-5 In 1989, the Saab car division of Saab-Scania was restructured into an independent company, Saab Automobile AB, headquartered in Sweden; General Motors and Investor AB controlled 50% each. GM’s investment of US $600 million gave them the option to acquire the remaining shares within a decade. GM’s involvement spurred the launch of a new 900 in 1994. The new car shared a platform with the Opel Vectra . Due in large part to its success, Saab earned a profit in 1995 for the first time in seven years. 1997 marked Saab’s 50th anniversary as an automaker. The company used their jubilee owner’s convention to launch a replacement for the aging 9000: the Saab 9-5 . The 900 received a facelift and renaming complimentary to its new larger sibling: it would now be called the Saab 9-3 . The 9-5 was the first Saab without a combi coupe bodystyle option in twenty years. Filling that space was a wagon variant, introduced in 1999. GM exercised their option to acquire the remaining Saab shares in 2000, spending US $125 million to the turn the company into a wholly-owned subsidiary. The newly close relationship yielded its first product in 2003’s all-new 9-3. The new model, marketed as a sport sedan, dropped Saab’s iconic hatchback in favor of a more conventional four-door approach. The model shared a platform and components with the Vectra again, but the relationship was much closer than had been in the past. Under GM’s direction, the badge-engineered Saab 9-2X (based on the Subaru Impreza ) and Saab 9-7X (based on the Chevrolet Trailblazer ) were introduced in the American market in 2005 with the hope of increase sales. Both models were a critical and commercial failure and were scrapped a few years after production. GM also delayed the 9-3 wagon by three years, canceled a 9-5 replacement in 2005 and announced a planned shift of production away from Saab’s historic home in Trollhättan to Opel’s factory in Rüsselsheim . Owing to fading fortunes across their entire business, GM announced that the Saab brand was “under review” in December 2008, a process which included the possibility of selling or shuttering the carmaker. Reportedly, 27 potential buyers emerged, including BMW , Fiat , Geely , Hyundai , Magna , Renault and Tata Motors ; serious talks progressed with three bidders: Koenigsegg , Merbanco and Renco Group . As the talks progressed, GM’s support receded, and the company went into administration, the Swedish equivalent of America’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy . Saab’s managing director Jan-Åke Jonsson said that this was "the best way to create a truly independent entity that is ready for investment". [ 8 ] For its part, the Swedish government was reluctant to become involved, with Maud Olofsson , industry minister, saying: “The Swedish state and taxpayers in Sweden will not own car factories. Sometimes you get the impression that this is a small, small company but it is the world’s biggest automaker so we have a right to make demands.” [ 9 ] On June 16, 2009, Koenigsegg, the Swedish supercar maker, announced their intentions to purchase the brand from GM. [ 8 ] The bid was backed by a group of Norwegian investors and the Chinese carmaker BAIC. The following month, both parties announced that GM had consented to the deal. There were outstanding financial details, but a loan from the European Investment Bank was expected to cover them. The loan was approved in October, but on November 24, Koenigsegg announced that it had “come to the painful and difficult conclusion that it could no longer carry out the acquisition.” [ 10 ] It was announced on December 14 that the Chinese automaker would acquire the intellectual property rights and production equipment for the previous generation Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 in a deal worth about US$197 million, which was enough for the company to run for three months. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] BAIC has expressed their intent to create a new brand around the purchased technology and admitted to the purchase of "three overall vehicle platforms, two engine technologies and two transmission systems." [ 13 ] Following the collapse of talks with Koenigsegg, GM announced that the brand would be eliminated in 2010 if it failed to secure a buyer before the close of 2009. [ 14 ] As talks with several firms failed, including the Netherlands-based boutique supercar maker Spyker , GM formally announced their intention to wind down the Saab brand. [ 14 ] Undeterred, a new offer round materialized. Earlier bidders Spyker and Merbanco revised offers and were joined by a submission from Luxembourg-based Genii Capital , who boasted the support of F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone . [ 14 ] GM continued accepting bids until a self-imposed deadline of January 7, 2010. Acknowledging that the chances for reaching a deal with any party were very slim, they pledged to evaluate each offer with due diligence. [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ edit ] Sale to Spyker (2010) On January 26, 2010, General Motors confirmed that Spyker and General Motors had come to an agreement allowing Spyker to purchase Saab, [ 17 ] subject to regulatory and government approval; the sale was completed on February 23, 2010. [ 18 ] General Motors will continue to supply Saab with engines, transmissions and also completed vehicles in the shape of the new Saab 9-4x from GM's Mexican factory. [ 17 ] The deal includes a loan from the European Investment Bank, guaranteed by the Swedish government. It comprises $74m in cash up front, payable to GM by July 2010, and shares in Spyker to the tune of $320m (US). Saab announced that it was going to build its US headquarters in Royal Oak, Michigan. [ 19 ] A new Saab 9-3 was confirmed for 2012, [ 20 ] while production restarted at the Saab plant in Sweden in March 2010. [ 21 ] Victor Muller , CEO and founder of Spyker Cars stated in an interview that the take-over was financed solely by Vladimir Antonov with the knowledge of General Motors. [ 22 ] In October 2010, the Company revised its production target for the year to 30,000 to 35,000 vehicles from 45,000 vehicles as a result of longer time was needed to recover from plant shutdown for two months at the beginning of the year and reverse liquidation proceeding. It was reported that it was the second time forecast was cut in less than three months. [ 23 ] In July 2010, the Company expected to sell between 50,000 to 55,000 vehicles in 2010. [ 24 ] [ edit ] Production Saab's main production facilities in Trollhättan Saab's total world production in 2008 was 90,281 vehicles produced in 3 countries. [ 25 ] [ 26 ] Country Cars (2009) Cars (2008) Cars (2007) Models Sweden Trollhättan N/A 75,073 102,915 9-3 Sedan, Wagon, and Convertible, 9-5 Sedan and Wagon Mexico Ramos Arizpe 98 [ 27 ] 0 0 9-4x (Q1 2011) Total 20,791 89,086 125,397 Saab manufactured various models at the Valmet Automotive plant in Uusikaupunki , Finland , between 1969 and 2003, in a joint-venture established in 1968 together with Valmet . Since 2003, Saab no longer manufactures any cars in Finland as the production of the 9-3 Convertible was moved to Graz , Austria. And starting 2010 the 9-3 Convertible is produced in Trollhättan. [ edit ] Models A common feature of Saab car types is the use of the number 9 in the model numbers. Current models are the 9-3 and 9-5 , both of which are manufactured in Trollhättan , Sweden. Until 2008, the 9-7X was manufactured by General Motors along with the Chevrolet Trailblazer and its platform-mates. The exception to this naming rule is the Saab 600, which was a rebadged Lancia Delta . [ edit ] Current models Saab 9-3 SportSedan (2002–present) second generation Saab 9-3 SportCombi (2006–present) second generation Saab 9-3X (2009–present) Saab 9-5 Sedan (2010–present) second generation [ edit ] Future models Saab 9-4X (new model, planned release in April 2011) Saab 9-5 SportCombi (second generation, planned release in July 2011) Saab 9-3 (3rd Generation, planned for 2012) Small tear-drop shaped car , codename "92". Inspired by the classic Saab 92 . [ edit ] Historical models 1956 Saab Sonett I 1959 Saab 93 1975 Saab 96 1995 Saab 900SE NG convertible Saab 92 and descendants: Saab 92 (1949–1956) Saab 93 (1955–1960) Saab GT750 (1958–1960) Saab 94 Sonett I (1956) Saab 95 estate car (1959–1978) Saab 95 3 cylinder two-stroke (1960–1967) Saab 95 V4 (1967–1980) Saab 96 (1960–1980) Saab 96 3 cylinder two-stroke (1960–1968) Saab Sport 3 cylinder two-stroke (1962–1966) Saab Monte Carlo 850 3 cylinder two-stroke (1966–1967) Saab 96 V4 (1967–1980) Saab Monte Carlo V4 V4 (1967–1968) Saab 97 Sonett II (1966–1970) Sonett III (1970–1974) Saab Formula Junior single seat racing car (1960) SAABO caravan/camper/travel trailer (1964–1968) Saab 99 and descendents: Saab 99 (1968–1984) Saab 900 "Classic" (1979–1994) Saab 90 (1984–1987) Saab 600 (1985–1988) Saab 9000 (1985–1998) Saab 900 "New Generation" (1994–1998) Saab 9-3 first generation (1998–2002) Saab 9-2X (2005–2006) Saab 9-7X (2005–2009) Saab 9-5 first generation (1997–2010) [ edit ] Concepts and prototypes Saab 92 line: Saab 92001 or Ursaab the prototype for the first Saab production car (1946) Saab Monster (1959) Saab 60 (1962) Saab Quantum (1962) Saab Catherina (1964) Saab MFI13 (1965) Saab Toad (1966) Saab 98 (1974) Saab EV-1 (1985) Saab 9000 Cabriolet Saab 9XX Concept (1991) Saab 9-X (2001) Saab 9-3 X (2002) Saab 9-3 SportHatch (2003) Saab 9-5 Aero BioPower (2006) Saab Aero-X (2006) Saab 9-4X BioPower (2008) Saab 9-X Biohybrid (2008) Saab 9-X Air (2008) Saab 9-3 ePower sport wagon (2010) [ edit ] Innovations 1958: The GT 750 is the first car fitted with seatbelts as standard. [ 28 ] 1963: Saab becomes the first volume maker to offer diagonally-split dual brake circuits. 1969: Saab creates an ignition system near the gearstick - instead of behind the steering wheel like most cars - in an attempt to reduce the very common serious and permanent knee injuries during collisions, caused by the knee impacting the key. 1970: Saab introduces a world-first - headlamp wipers and washers. 1971: Heated front seats are introduced, the first time in the world they are fitted as standard. 1971: Saab develops the impact-absorbing, self-repairing bumper [ citation needed ] . 1976: Saab was the first manufacturer to produce a turbo engine with wastegate to control boost. 1978: Saab introduces another 'world-first,' the passenger compartment air filter (pollen filter). 1980: Saab introduces Automatic Performance Control (APC), and an anti- knock sensor that allowed higher fuel economy and the use of lower grade fuel without engine damage. 1981: Saab introduces the split-field side mirror. This reduces the drivers blind spot. 1982: Saab introduces asbestos -free brake pads. 1983: Saab introduces the 16- valve turbocharged engine 1985: Saab pioneers direct ignition , eliminating the distributor and spark plug wires. 1991: Saab introduces a 'light-pressure' turbo. 1991: Saab is the first manufacturer to offer CFC-free air-conditioning. 1991: Saab develops its ' Trionic ' engine management system, equipped with a 32-bit micro-processor. 1993: Saab introduces the ' Sensonic clutch ' and the ' Black Panel ', later to be called the 'Night Panel'. 1993: Saab develops the 'Safeseat' rear passenger protection system. 1994: Saab introduces the ' Trionic T5.5 ' engine management system, its processor is a Motorola 68332 . 1995: Saab presents an asymmetrically turbocharged V6 at the Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main , Germany. 1996: Saab introduces active head restraints (SAHR), which help minimize the risk of whiplash . 1997: Saab introduces Electronic Brake-force Distribution 1997: Saab fits ventilated front seats to their new 9-5 . 1997: Saab introduces ComSense; an alert delay feature that reduces the risk of distraction by briefly postponing lower priority alerts when the brakes or indicators are activated 2000: Saab introduces SVC ; a Variable Compression , an engine in which the compression ratio is varied by tilting the cylinder head in relation to the pistons. 2002: Saab developed ReAxs System provides crisp steering feedback and contributes to enhanced driving stability in curves 2003: Saab introduces CargoSET; automatic storage well retraction for the convertible , a two-step tonneau action for quicker soft-top deployment 2008: Saab introduces Cross-wheel drive , an advanced all-wheel drive system with eLSD. [ edit ] Safety Safety has a high priority in the design of Saab cars. The cars are subjected to the Älgtest (elk test) as elk are a common cause of accidents in Sweden. Saab have compiled a database containing over 6,100 real-life accidents with Saabs. The first recorded event was in 1948 where Julian Shermis had an accident. [ 29 ] All modern Saabs (except the 9000 and 9-2X ) have a floor-mounted ignition. This is for many reasons, some of which follow: Saab believes this is a safer position in case of an accident. The driver's knee often jerks upward in a collision; the compact and dense ignition module on the steering column of many other cars has shattered many kneecaps. Saabs have bolstered dashboards for both front seat occupants. Also, the floor-mounted position yields more space, allowing modern Saabs to have a metal bar that rotates over and up into the ignition when the key is turned to the "Lock" position. This makes Saabs very challenging to hotwire. Ergonomically, the ignition's location next to the parking brake lever, gearshift, and seatbelt, saves time. Last of all, the ignition is located on the floor because, in the aircraft that inspired Saab automobiles, the throttle controls were all located on the floor. Originally Saabs also had the key located on the right side of the steering column, but when they changed from a column shifter to a floor shifter, the ignition key followed along, except in the Sonett III and 9000. [ edit ] Endurance records In October 1986 the Saab Long Run took place. Three standard Saab 9000 Turbos set 2 world records and 21 international records at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama , USA. 100,000 km (62,137 miles) were covered with an average speed of 213.299 km/h (132.537 mph) and 50,000 miles (80,467 km) with an average speed of 213.686 km/h (132.778 mph). Ten years later, in 1996, three standard Saab 900 (NG) Turbos driven by factory test drivers and two standard naturally aspirated Saab 900s driven by journalists set new world records on the same speedway. In early December 2006, a Wisconsin traveling salesman donated his 1989 Saab 900 SPG (Special Performance Group) to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum after amassing 1,001,385 miles (1,611,573 km) on the original factory engine. This mileage was verified by Saab. [ 30 ] [ edit ] Marketing and ownership Saab Performance Team at Linköping, in 1997 (Saab 91 Safirs in background) Dating back to 1937, Svenska Aeroplan AB (SAAB) created airplanes, introducing their first car, the Saab 92001 , in 1947. Currently, Saab AB is separate from Saab Automobile (which is owned by Spyker Cars ), and is probably best known for its Saab 37 Viggen (the Viggen badge would be shared by a 9-3 ). This has led to a ad campaign, "Born From Jets," evoking the days when Saab produced both aircraft and automobiles. In 1987, Saab created a TV advertisement called "Saab suite" (subtitled Ballet in 3 acts for 8 Saab 9000 Turbos ). In the film, stunt drivers show incredible driving with stock cars, such as one-wheeled burnouts, bumper-to-bumper driving through a slalom, cars slaloming from opposite directions on the same course, two-wheel driving, sliding in full speed, and jumping over passing cars—all on a closed airport runway with classical music playing in the background. Click Here to view the video . To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Saab formed a Performance Team in 1987, which laid on exhibitions of automobile acrobatics and formation driving. Initially this was done with Saab 9000s, as above, then later models, such as the Saab 900 (NG) were used. All of the team's members have previously competed in rallies, but what's unusual is that all 5 Performance Team members hold regular jobs at Saab: there are two engineers, a quality controller, a technician and the head of Saab's photo studio. The picture shows these vehicles on display at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Saab Aircraft Company , at Linköping , in 1997. Click here to view one of their videos A Hewlett-Packard CPU-support chip features a Saab 900 Turbo 16 Cabriolet etched into its structure. [ 31 ] [ edit ] Ownership and brand loyalty As the brand has an unusual image in most markets, Saab owners tend to be correspondingly offbeat: intellectuals and enthusiasts. [ 32 ] [ 33 ] In his studies of brand communities, Albert Muniz, professor of marketing at DePaul University in Chicago , found significant characteristics of Saab owners which he called Snaabery . [ 34 ] These included ownership of an original, pre-GM Saab; camaraderie with other Saab drivers and contempt for other brands such as BMW . Writer John Crace characterised the typical " Snaab " as a creative advertising executive with large spectacles and an asymmetric hairstyle . [ 35 ] Rüdiger Hossiep, a psychologist at Ruhr University Bochum , found that Saab drivers have the highest level of psychological involvement with their cars, being over 10 times more passionate than the average Volkswagen driver. [ 34 ] Saab's main three markets are Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. [ 35 ] [ edit ] Slogans Built by Trolls in Trollhatan (Decal - 1960s/70s Works 96 Rally Cars - side windows) [ citation needed ] Go Swift - Go Safe - Go Saab (Advertisement Page - 1970s FIA Year Book) [ citation needed ] The most intelligent cars ever built. (1980s) [ 36 ] Find your own road. (1990s) [ citation needed ] Welcome to the State of Independence (early 2000s; United States) [ citation needed ] Born From Jets. (2007–09; United States, Canada) [ citation needed ] Move Your Mind. (Current Global Slogan) [ citation needed ] People Who Test Drive a SAAB, Usually Buy One [ citation needed ] We don’t make compromises. We make Saabs. [ citation needed ] Saab. It's what a car should be. [ citation needed ] The Command Performance Car. [ citation needed ] The Well-Built Swede [ 37 ] [ edit ] Literature and the arts The Saab 900 Turbo was James Bond 's vehicle of choice in many of the John Gardner Bond novels of the 1980s, beginning with Licence Renewed . In the second novel, For Special Services , the 900 was dubbed the " Silver Beast ". [ 38 ] The car is Bond's private vehicle that he had outfitted with various gadgets by the real-life company Communication Control Systems, Ltd. (CCS). In conjunction with the release of Licence Renewed , Saab had a real "Silver Beast" created that was virtually identical to the specifications in the book. The car is currently located at the Saab Museum in Trollhättan , Sweden. In an essay originally published in In These Times in November, 2004 entitled Have I Got A Car For You , writer Kurt Vonnegut recounts his experiences as the owner/operator of a Saab dealership in West Barnstable, Massachusetts and humorously claims that his criticism of Swedish engineering is the reason he was never awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature . The essay also appeared in the 2005 anthology A Man Without A Country . [ edit ] See also Saab , airplanes. Talbot Horizon - This vehicle replaced the Saab 96 on the Valmet line and used many of the same parts, especially in the interior Saab Turbo Mobil Challenge Barber Saab Pro Series Trionic 8 Saab hockey stick Saab XWD Spyker Cars Saab Spyker Automobiles [ edit ] References ^ a b c "Bokslut & Nyckeltal - SAAB Automobile Aktiebolag" . Allabolag . http://www.allabolag.se/5562588912/bokslut . Retrieved 2010-08-13 .   ^ "Saab Data Sheet" . Saab Automobile AB . http://www.saab.com/global/en/start#/home/?/information/about/company . Retrieved 2010-08-31 .   ^ "Factbox - Key facts about Saab" . Reuters . 2009-05-19 . http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSLJ61068320090519 . Retrieved 2009-05-19 .   ^ "Saab | History and Background: Timeline, Video" . Saabusa.com. 1980-01-01 . http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/about/heritage.jsp . Retrieved 2009-02-11 .   ^ "The History of Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget or SAAB" . http://www.saabhistory.com/1969/01/01/the-history-of-svenska-aeroplan-aktiebolaget-or-saab/ . Retrieved 2010-01-30 .   ^ Spyker Cars N.V. (2010-02-23). "Spyker Cars finalizes the purchase of Saab" (PDF). Press release . http://www.spykercars.nl/download/investor/closure_SAAB_Feb_230210_final.pdf .   ^ "Saab Automobile AB by appointment to His Majesty the King of Sweden" . Trollhattan Saab. 2008-02-01 . http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/02/saab-automobile-ab-by-appointment-to-his-majesty-the-king-of-sweden.html .   ^ a b "Saab requests creditor protection" . BBC . 2009-02-20 . http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7901027.stm . Retrieved 2009-02-20 .   ^ Pagnamenta, Robin (2009-02-18). "Saab may go bust in 10 days, warns GM" . Times Online (London) . http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/article5757562.ece . Retrieved 2009-02-18 .   ^ "Saabaffären avbryts | Dagens Nyheter" . dn.se . http://www.dn.se/ekonomi/forsaljningen-av-saab-avbryts-1.1001491 . Retrieved 2009-11-24 .   ^ Schwartz, Nelson D. (2009-12-14). "Chinese Company Seeks to Make Old Saab Models" . nytimes.com . http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/14/business/global/14saab.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&fta=y&adxnnlx=1264683735-klBHZSxkj3IFz79enPtTRQ . Retrieved 2010-01-28 .   ^ "BAIC paid $197 mln for Saab assets - paper" . www.reuters.com . 2009-12-14 . http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE5BD2E920091214 . Retrieved 2010-01-28 .   ^ "UPDATE 3-BAIC in overdrive to develop brand with Saab tech" . Reuters. 2009-12-10 . http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTOE5BM00Z20091223?type=marketsNews . Retrieved 2009-12-23 .   ^ a b c "/ Companies / Automobiles - Dutch sports car maker in Saab talks" . Ft.com . http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ef4cd388-df2f-11de-be8e-00144feab49a.html . Retrieved 2009-12-05 .   ^ "Spyker makes a new offer for Saab; General Motors will evaluate" . Autoweek.com . http://www.autoweek.com/article/20091220/CARNEWS/912209998 . Retrieved 2009-12-28 .   ^ "Saab wind-up begins, GM still reviewing bids" . reuters.com . 2010-01-08 . http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSAT00829120100108 . Retrieved 2010-01-09 .   ^ a b "Spyker buys Saab" . autocar.co.uk . http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/246896/ . Retrieved 2010-01-26 .   ^ "Spyker Cars finalizes the purchase of Saab" . SaabsUnited.com . http://www.saabsunited.com/2010/02/spyker-cars-finalizes-the-purchase-of-saab.html . Retrieved 2010-02-23 .   ^ By KATHY BARKS HOFFMAN (AP) – 6 days ago. "The Associated Press: Saab to locate North American HQ in Royal Oak" . Google.com . http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jSBDdjlxUy3K2QvFuXMJO5YglUNQD9EFUD100 . Retrieved 2010-03-22 .   ^ 02 February 2010 (2010-02-02). "New Saab 9-3 confirmed for 2012" . Autocar.co.uk . http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Saab-9-3/247260/ . Retrieved 2010-03-22 .   ^ 22 March 2010. "Saab production resumes" . Autocar.co.uk . http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/248400/ . Retrieved 2010-03-22 .   ^ NRC Handelsblad 22 May 2010, page 17 English translation"[..]Antonov financed me for hundred percent. I borrowed from him $74 million that we had to pay in cash to GM for the acquisition. The Americans knew about this too.", Dutch original:"[..]Antonov heeft mij voor honderd procent gefinancierd. Ik leende van hem de 74 miljoen dollar die wij voor de overname contant aan GM moesten betalen. Dat wisten de Amerikanen overigens ook." ^ Ola Kinnander (2010-10-29). "Spyker Drops as Saab Production Goal Cut, Loss Widens" . http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-10-29/spyker-drops-as-saab-production-goal-cut-loss-widens.html .   ^ Johan Nylander (2010-07-28). "Swedish carmaker Saab swings to profit" . The Swedish Wire . http://www.swedishwire.com/business/5572-swedish-carmaker-saab-swings-to-profit .   ^ "WORLD MOTOR VEHICLE PRODUCTION" (PDF). oica.net . http://oica.net/wp-content/uploads/gm.pdf . Retrieved 2009-12-19 .   ^ "Saab Company Snapshot 2009" . saabsunited.com . http://www.saabsunited.com/2009/03/saab-company-snapshot-2009.html . Retrieved 2009-12-19 .   ^ Saab starts 9-4x production ^ "Saab Innovations" . Saab Museum . http://www.saabmuseum.com/innovations/index.html . Retrieved 2009-06-19 .   ^ "Saab" . Saab Sverige . http://www.saabsverige.com/main/SE/sv/pressreleases/11/index.shtml . Retrieved 2009-08-01 .   ^ "This Saab story is one in a million" . jsonline.com . http://www.jsonline.com/business/29181064.html . Retrieved 2009-12-18 .   ^ "Saab 900 Turbo 16 Cabriolet" . microscopy.fsu.edu . http://www.microscopy.fsu.edu/creatures/pages/saab.html . Retrieved 2009-12-19 .   ^ L Einar (1987), "Working with Advertising Agencies—The Saab-Scania Experience", Industrial Management & Data Systems   ^ Jay P. Pederson (2007), International directory of company histories , 83 , p. 337   ^ a b Sam Knight (July 25, 2009), Why the Saab inspires intense feelings , Financial Times , http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/3ba64a08-74ea-11de-9ed5-00144feabdc0.html   ^ a b John Crace (2010-01-22), The end of my Swedish love affair , London: The Guardian , http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jan/22/go-wrong-saab-john-crace   ^ "Saab Advertising Campaign – “The Most Intelligent Cars Ever Built”" . Saab History. 2006-10-11 . http://www.saabhistory.com/2006/10/11/saab-advertising-campaign-the-most-intelligent-cars-ever-built/ . Retrieved 2010-01-04 .   ^ What Is Your Favorite Saab Advertising Slogan? , September 18, 2007 , http://www.saabhistory.com/2007/09/18/what-is-your-favorite-saab-campaign-slogan/   ^ "“THE SILVER BEAST” The Definitive History of James Bond's Saab 900 Turbo" . commanderbond.net . http://commanderbond.net/2284/the-silver-beast.html . Retrieved 2009-12-19 .   [ edit ] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Saab vehicles Official website Saab's heritage and history Saab's innovations Saabs United (enthusiast blog) Saab history (enthusiast blog) SaabWorld (Saab forum) Saab at the Open Directory Project v   •   d   •   e Current owner Spyker Cars N.V. Previous owners Saab (1947–1969)  • Saab-Scania (1969–1989)  • General Motors (1989-2010) Current models Saab 9-3  • Saab 9-3X  • Saab 9-5 Future models Saab 9-4X  • Saab 9-1X Cancelled Saab 9-6X Historic Saab 92  • Saab 93  • Saab Sonett  • Saab GT750  • Saab Sport  • Saab Formula Junior  • Saab 95  • Saab 96  • Saab Sonett  • Saab 600  • Saab 99  • Saab 90  • Saab 900  • Saab 9000  • Saab 900 (NG)  • Saab 9-2X  • Saab 9-7X Concept cars Historic: Saab Quantum  • Saab 98  • Saab EV-1 Recent: Saab 9-X  • Saab 9-3X  • Saab Sport Hatch  • Saab Aero-X  • Saab 9-X Biohybrid  • Saab 9-X Air Prototypes Historic: Saab 92001  • Saab Toad  • Saab Catherina  • Saab Daihatsu Recent: Saab 900 Aero  • Saab 9-5 Aero BioPower  • Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Convertible Engines Saab two-stroke  • Ford Taunus V4 engine  • Triumph Slant-4  • Saab B engine  • Saab H engine  • Saab V8 v   •   d   •   e Saab , road car timeline, 1950–1979 — next » Type 1950s 1960s 1970s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Compact 92 93 95 / 96 99 Mid-size 900 GT GT Sport Sport 94 97/Sonett v   •   d   •   e « previous — Saab , road car timeline, 1980s–present Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Compact 600 * 99 90 9-2X Mid-size 900 900 9-3 9-3 Convertible 900 900 9-3 9-3 Executive 9000 9-5 9-5 SUV 9-7X 9-4X *Rebadged Lancia model v   •   d   •   e Spyker Cars N.V. Companies: Spyker Cars (2000-present) • Spyker F1 (2006-2007) • Saab Automobile (2010-present) Cars (2000-present) C8 • C12 Zagato • D8 • D12 • E8 • E12 || Home About Us All New 9-5 Saloon New Cars Used Cars Aftersales Finance News Offers The 9-5 Estate is no longer in production. Please ask one of our sales personnel on product availability. Reading 0118 950 9000 Sales Hotline: 0844 372 2096 Newbury 01635 529595 Soton 023 8078 9363 Sales Hotline: 0844 372 2044 Contact us Reading, Newbury and Southampton Saab all form part of the Whitequay Group , a privately owned dynamic automotive company encompassing the franchises of Saab, SEAT, Skoda, Suzuki and Alfa Romeo with a tradition of expertise in Saab.� Additionally, Reading and Southampton have been appointed Authorised Repairers for Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer. Sales across the group have grown to well in excess of 2000 new and used cars each year. 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Contract hire by ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Saab Contract Hire,Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. || Ursaab | 92 | 92B | 93 | 93B | 93F | GT750 | Monster | 94 | 95 | 96 | Formula Junior | Catherina | MFI13 | Sonett II/V4 | 95V4 96V4 | Toad | Sonett III | 98 | 99 | 900 | 90 | EV-1 | 9000 | GM900 | 9-3 | 9-5 | Marque | Rally | Innovations | Milestones Visit the Saab parts blog | click here to buy Saab parts online Saabmuseum.com, at over 200 pages of Saab information, is the most comprehensive history of the Saab marque that is currently available, in one place, on the internet. Browse the pages and learn how the marque has evolved from the experimental Ursaab of 1947 to the similarly shaped 96 that was still in production some 33 years later. Discover Saab's long list of innovations, many of which have since become industry standard. Read about the turbo-charged 99 and how turbo-charging technology has become standard on all Saab production models. Ursaab --> Ursaab | 92 | 92B | 93 | 93B | 93F | GT750 | Monster | 94 | 95 | 96 | Formula Junior | Catherina | MFI13 | Sonett II/V4 | 95V4 96V4 | Toad | Sonett III | 98 | 99 | 900 | 90 | EV-1 | 9000 | GM900 | 9-3 | 9-5 | Marque | Rally | Innovations | Milestones