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What company is Saab made by?


Saab, a brand synonymous with innovation and Scandinavian design, has a storied history in the automotive world. If you're a car enthusiast or simply curious about the origins of this unique brand, understanding who manufactures Saab is key to appreciating its legacy.


The Origins of Saab


Saab, short for "Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget" (Swedish Aeroplane Company), was originally founded in 1937 as an aircraft manufacturer. The company transitioned into automobile production in 1945, with its first car, the Saab 92, debuting in 1949. Saab quickly gained a reputation for producing safe, reliable, and innovative vehicles.


Who Manufactured Saab Cars?


For most of its history, Saab was an independent Swedish company. However, in 1989, General Motors (GM) acquired a 50% stake in Saab Automobile, later taking full ownership in 2000. Under GM's ownership, Saab continued to produce vehicles with its signature style and engineering, but financial struggles eventually led to GM selling the brand.


The Decline and Sale of Saab


In 2010, Saab was sold to Spyker Cars, a Dutch sports car manufacturer, in an attempt to revive the brand. Unfortunately, financial difficulties persisted, and Saab filed for bankruptcy in 2011. This marked the end of Saab as a traditional car manufacturer.


What Happened to Saab After Bankruptcy?


After Saab's bankruptcy, its assets were acquired by a company called National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) in 2012. NEVS initially planned to produce electric vehicles under the Saab name, but due to licensing issues with the Saab trademark, the company eventually stopped using the Saab brand. Today, NEVS focuses on sustainable mobility solutions, but Saab-branded cars are no longer in production.


Key Takeaways



  • Saab was originally a Swedish company founded in 1937, transitioning to car production in 1945.

  • General Motors owned Saab from 1989 to 2010, during which time the brand faced financial challenges.

  • Spyker Cars acquired Saab in 2010, but the brand filed for bankruptcy in 2011.

  • National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) acquired Saab's assets in 2012 but no longer produces cars under the Saab name.


While Saab cars are no longer being manufactured, the brand's legacy lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. Known for their innovative engineering and unique design, Saab vehicles remain a symbol of Swedish ingenuity and automotive excellence.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are Volvo and Saab the same company?


They are headquartered just 50 miles apart (Saab in Trollhättan, Volvo in Gothenburg), and they were both part of giant Swedish truck makers – with strong aeronautical interests – before being sold to American multinationals (Volvo to Ford, Saab to GM).



Who is Saab owned by?


Saab Automobile was sold to Spyker Cars N.V. in 2010 after a deal between Spyker and then-current owner General Motors.



Is Saab made by Chevy?


Saab eventually met its demise in 2012, two years after GM sold it to Swedish supercar maker Spyker, which itself fell on hard financial times after the acquisition.



Are Subaru and Saab the same company?


(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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.