The recent news marked a need to communicate the eras of ownership for SAAB, Saab-Scania & GM/Saab so we can see that there is a bright future for Saab, with the next era of Saab Spyker Automobiles.
This ownership began in 1947 when SAAB began an automotive manufacturing facility to offload the facilities and continue the SAAB company after the War.
The SAAB Era 1947-1969
The SAAB era, or Svenska Aeroplan Aktie Bologet had just over 20 years from 1947 until 1969.
The products produced at this time included the SAAB 92A, SAAB 92B, SAAB 93, SAAB 93B, SAAB 93F, SAAB 93 GT750, SAAB 94 (Sonett I), SAAB 95, SAAB 96, SAAB 96 MC850 and SAAB 97 (Sonett II)
The Saab-Scania Era 1969-1989
The Saab-Scania era began in 1969 and went until December of 1989.
The products produced at this time included the Saab 97 (Sonett III), Saab 99, Saab 99 Combi Coupe, Saab 90, Saab 900 , 900 Notchback, 900 Convertible, Saab 600, Saab 9000 CC, and Saab 9000 CD.
The GM/Saab Era 1989 – 2010
The GM/Saab era began on December 15th, 1989 in Stockholm, Sweden and effectively went until January 25th, 2010
The products produced at this time included the Saab 9000 CS, Saab 900 NG, Saab NG Convertible, , Saab 9-5 Sedan, Saab 9-5 Wagon, Saab 9-3, Saab 9-3 Convertible, Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, Saab 9-3 SS Convertible, the Saab 9-2x, Saab 9-7x, Saab 9-3 Sport Combi, Saab 9-3X Cross-Combi.
The New Era For Saab Spyker Automobiles 2010 – ?
The new era for Saab Spyker began on January 26th which took place at the Cafe Opera in Stockholm, Sweden.
The first product of this new era will be the all new Saab 9-5, followed by the Saab 9-4x, Saab 9-5 NG Wagon, and then the All new 9-3 and more.
The products possible during this time could be infinite but should reflect their heritage in aircraft design and small car philosophy while being safe and very capable. These products could include a full range of BioPower/ Hybrids, Fully Electric Vehicles, along with true hatchbacks and others just to start, with the recent partnerships announced.
Ironically, if we look back at all of these eras, we see basically a twenty-year ownership cycle. During these twenty year cycles, we’ve seen a noticeable trend in global sales as illustrated here as well. I believe from what we know about Saab Spyker plans, they will meet and exceed these previous sales figures in the peak years during their first 2-3 years alone.
We’ve been urging GM to sell Saab for over a year now, and over the past three weeks with the global SAVE SAAB campaign they finally have. While we look forward to the fourth era for the Saab Automobile brand, let’s hope that a deal closing on February 15th becomes another good milestone for the ongoing history of Saab.
Saab is well positioned today to continue as a leader in just about every category that consumers need and want, so here’s hoping that the new owners/investors make certain that Saab returns to the top, beginning with an immediate global PR campaign leveraging the help of the entire dealer network and the loyal owners and enthusiasts alike.
This is good news for Saab Automobile & Spyker Cars, so here is to a bright future ahead.