Was Saab owned by Subaru?

No. Saab Automobile was never owned by Subaru. In its modern history, Saab was controlled by General Motors for much of the 1990s and 2000s, then passed to Spyker briefly, and later to National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) after bankruptcy proceedings. Subaru, however, did participate in a product-sharing arrangement with Saab, notably the Saab 9-2X, rather than owning the brand.

This article explores Saab’s ownership history, clarifies Subaru’s role, and separates collaboration from ownership to address common myths about the two automakers.

Ownership history of Saab Automobile AB

Here is a concise timeline of the major owners who controlled Saab Automobile AB over the years.

• General Motors owned Saab for much of the 1990s through 2010, integrating Saab into GM's global portfolio.


• In 2010–2011, Saab was purchased by the Dutch sports-car maker Spyker Cars, marking a dramatic change in ownership and a move toward restructuring.


• From 2012 onward, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) acquired Saab's core assets after Saab Automobile AB filed for bankruptcy, and NEVS continued to use the Saab brand under license and development plans that faced subsequent changes.

These entries show the common ownership path of Saab and clarify that Subaru never held ownership during Saab's corporate history.

The Subaru connection

To understand the relationship, it helps to distinguish ownership from collaboration. Subaru’s link to Saab is best known for a specific model collaboration rather than a change in who owned Saab.

• Saab 9-2X (2004–2006): A compact car built by Subaru for Saab, effectively a rebadged Subaru Impreza, designed to offer Saab’s styling and features with Subaru’s drivetrain and platform.


• Non-ownership relationship: Subaru never held Saab’s stock or voting rights, and Saab continued to be owned by GM, Spyker, or NEVS during different periods.


• Broader corporate context: The 9-2X arrangement was part of GM's broader platform-sharing strategy, not a transfer of ownership to Subaru.

In summary, Subaru contributed to Saab's product lineup but did not own Saab at any point in the company's history.

Summary

Saab was never owned by Subaru. The brand’s ownership history runs from General Motors to Spyker, and then to NEVS after Saab filed for bankruptcy, while Subaru’s involvement was limited to collaboration on at least one model (the 9-2X). Understanding this distinction helps separate manufacturing partnerships from corporate ownership in the automotive industry.

What Saab has a Subaru engine?

The Saab model that has a Subaru engine is the Saab 9-2X, which was produced from 2005 to 2006. It is essentially a re-badged Subaru Impreza wagon with a Subaru boxer engine, earning it the nickname "Saabaroo". 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Saab 9-2X: 58sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Feb 9, 2015

• Engine options: The standard engine was a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four, while the performance-oriented Aero trim came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine from the Subaru WRX. 
• Collaboration: The car was a result of a collaboration between Saab and Subaru, a move made during a time when General Motors, Saab's parent company, also held a stake in Subaru. 
• Underlying structure: The Saab 9-2X shares its underlying platform with the Subaru Impreza, and many parts are interchangeable. 
• Exterior and interior: While the front end was restyled to have a Saab appearance, the car's rear and interior design are largely identical to the Subaru Impreza wagon of that era. 

This video explains the "Saabaroo" concept in more detail: 41sCar WizardYouTube · Mar 27, 2025

Who is Saab owned by?

The original car company, Saab Automobile AB, went bankrupt and was broken up. Today, the separate entity Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defense company owned by its shareholders, with its largest shareholder being Investor AB. The assets of the bankrupt Saab Automobile were acquired by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) in 2012, a company that is now owned by Chinese entities and produces electric vehicles under a new license, but it does not own the original Saab name. 
Saab AB (Defense and aerospace)

• Largest shareholder: Investor AB holds the largest single stake, at 30.16%. 
• Other shareholders: Other investors hold the remaining shares, including treasury shares. 
• What they do: Saab AB is a high-tech company specializing in defense, aviation, and aerospace, such as airplanes, missiles, and defense electronics. 

Saab Automobile AB (Defunct car company) 

• Bankruptcy: The original company went bankrupt in 2011 and its assets were sold in 2012. 
• Asset acquisition: National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) purchased the assets of the bankrupt Saab Automobile in 2012. 
• What they do: NEVS produces electric vehicles based on the technology it acquired, but it does not own the Saab name. 

Is Saab owned by Subaru?

(FHI), a Japanese auto manufacturer known for Subaru, and Swedish automaker Saab Automobile AB (Saab), a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), announced today their collaboration on the development of a new Saab vehicle and on the distribution of Saab vehicles in the Japanese market.

What company owns Subaru?

Subaru is owned by Subaru Corporation, a Japanese multinational company that is the parent company of the Subaru automotive brand. While Subaru Corporation is the owner, Toyota holds a significant minority stake of over 20% and has a close partnership with Subaru, which includes shared technology and collaborative vehicle development. 

• Subaru Corporation: The parent company, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, operates the automotive division that makes Subaru vehicles and other industrial products. 
• Toyota: The Japanese automaker owns just over 20% of Subaru Corporation, but Subaru remains an independent company with its own separate operations and branding. 
• Partnership: The relationship between the two companies goes beyond ownership and includes collaborative projects, such as the development of the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86/GR86 sports cars. They also share technology, particularly in hybrid and electric powertrains.