Saab Cars

Saab is a Swedish auto maker that began building cars in 1949, and it was originally known as the Svenska Aircraft Company. The car maker's earliest designs put high emphasis on aerodynamics, giving lie to its heritage as an aircraft builder. The first Saab model to enter production, the 92, had lower drag than many cars built today, and 1955's 93 had a 33-horse engine and the fastback that made the first Saabs the most recognizable cars on the roads of the time. By the end of the fifties, the lineup expanded to include the 95 wagon (which could seat seven) and the 93/750 Gran Turismo, Saab's first sportscar.

Saab began the 1960s with the debut of the 96 model, which had a twenty year production run. The car made Saab an internationally recognized presence, and the 60s also saw the Sport coupe's launch. That car had many rally series wins, and its track success brought about a name change (it was later known as the Monte Carlo 850). Saab's Sonett II, with its plastic/fiberglass body, also was launched during that time, and the 99 model was the first to have a wraparound windshield.

In 1973, Saab launched the 99 Combi coupe. That car came to define the Saab brand, with its folding rear seat and its hatch back. By the end of the 1970s, Saab launched the 99 Turbo, which was a pioneer in the use of turbo technology for production-car purposes. Another model, the Saab 900, was the first car to ever offer an air filter for the cabin.

During the 80s, Saab's cars gained popularity among American "yuppies". The 80s also saw the launch of the 900 turbo model, the Turbo Aero, and the 900 convertible. In 1990, GM bought a half-share in Saab's auto division, and then a revitalized 900 was launched. The car offered safety features such as 3-point seatbelts in the rear, as well as side impact protection. By the end of the 90s, Saab had launched the 9-5, which was its first 4-door sedan. That car offered technology like vented seats, and it was also the first to offer an active head restraint system.

By the beginning of the 2000s, GM bought the other part of Saab Auto. Despite the Saab brand's reputation for safety, its popularity in the US and worldwide decreased as its line became too reliant on GM for design and components. Newer models like the 9-2X and the 9-7X were heavily based on Chevrolet and Subaru platforms.

In the middle of GM's financial troubles and its bankruptcy, Saab was regarded as a dispensable asset and it was discarded. With the help of a bank in Europe, as well as that of the Swedish government, car maker Koenigsegg bought Saab, planning to rebuild the brand and keep it in Sweden. Despite the change in ownership, GM will still be instrumental in Saab's success, as new models will be reliant on some GM parts.