Saab is a Swedish Car, currently owned by General Motors well been known for its key elements being adaptation to technology, consumer safety and speed. Today, it is one of the few car companies which are also very eco friendly.
Saab started in 1937 as a passenger car. At that time the large car was deemed to be very gas inefficient because of the awkward exterior body and large engine. The car underwent extensive revisions over the next 20 years and by 1955, the 93 was quite popular in Scandinavia. This next generation continued to be clean, fuel efficient and had superb exterior design which attracted younger people. In the 80s, like all car companies Saab underwent severe financial crises and had several investors including GM. Losses continued all the way into the 90s.
The 900 and 9-5 models improved in sales but only at home. The major problem with Saab was that that this family car was slightly more expensive to buy and service. Consumers had many more choices of cars in the 90s and Saab suffered on the international market. On the rally circuit, the performance versions have always done well, but the cost of racing has limited its entrance into many Formula one series competitions.
Current models of Saab 9-3 and 9-5 are made in several countries including Germany and Sweden. The 9-7X SUV is being manufactured in Ohio but sales have been abysmal. Saab even tried to manufacture the Saab 9-2X in Japan but failed to compete with Japanese automakers and was discontinued.
In 2008, GM itself was undergoing downsizing and was on the brink of bankruptcy. Potential buyers for Saab include Tata or BMW, but all car manufacturers have been hit by the recession and the future of the company remains uncertain. Even though the Saab 9-4X is planned for 2009. The release dates are pending.
