Saab

saab
History

A brief history about saab: Before building cars, Saab built airplanes, and that legacy of precision engineering shaped everything the company ever produced. In aviation, there is no room for error, and that mindset carried directly into Saab’s approach to automotive design. Founded in 1937 as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aeroplane Company), Saab was originally dedicated to producing aircraft for the Swedish Air Force. When World War II ended and demand for military planes declined, the company sought a new market where its engineering expertise could thrive — and the automotive world became its next frontier.

In 1944, Saab launched Project 92, its first car development program, with the goal of creating a small, aerodynamic vehicle that reflected its aerospace roots. The result was the Saab 92, introduced in 1949, featuring a remarkable drag coefficient of just 0.31, a figure that even many modern cars struggle to achieve. Its sleek, teardrop-shaped body was a direct result of aeronautical design principles, making it one of the most advanced small cars of its time.

Saab continued to refine its engineering over the next decade. The Saab 93, introduced in 1955, brought a more powerful three-cylinder engine and a distinctive trapezoidal grille that would become a brand signature. A few years later, in 1959, Saab introduced the 95 station wagon, expanding its lineup to meet growing family demand while maintaining its reputation for safety and practicality.

The 1960s marked a period of bold innovation. The company introduced the Saab 99, which became one of its most important models and helped establish Saab’s identity as a maker of advanced, driver-focused cars. The 99 was among the first production cars to feature a turbocharged engine, a technology that became synonymous with the brand in the following decades. By the end of the 1960s, Saab celebrated the production of its one-millionth car, a milestone that reflected its growing influence beyond Scandinavia.

In the late 1970s, Saab sought collaboration to modernize its lineup and share development costs. A partnership with Fiat Group resulted in the Type Four platform, which also underpinned the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema, and Saab 9000. This platform-sharing strategy allowed Saab to introduce larger and more sophisticated models without compromising its commitment to innovation and safety.

By the mid-1980s, financial challenges began to take their toll. Saab was forced to close its plant in Arlöv in 1987 and continued to face mounting losses. In 1990, General Motors purchased a 50% stake in the company, providing much-needed capital and stability. The collaboration bore fruit with the Saab 900 (second generation), launched in 1993, which became a commercial success and marked Saab’s first profitable year in nearly a decade.

Following this recovery, GM acquired full ownership of Saab, integrating it more deeply into its global network. New models such as the Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 were developed using Opel platforms but retained the brand’s unique personality, including its driver-oriented cockpits and distinctive styling. Saab also expanded into new segments, producing its first SUV, the 9-7X, in the United States, and later announcing the 9-4X crossover as part of its strategy to reach broader markets.

Throughout its history, Saab maintained a reputation for safety, innovation, and aerodynamic efficiency. Whether in the form of the classic 900 Turbo or the refined 9-5 Aero, Saab’s cars reflected a deep connection to its aeronautical heritage and a dedication to building vehicles that were as intelligent as they were distinctive. Even after its struggles under GM ownership, Saab remains one of the most beloved and iconic Scandinavian automakers, celebrated for its unconventional engineering and timeless design.