Saab, short for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company), was founded in 1937 as an aircraft manufacturer. The company was established to build military aircraft for the Swedish Air Force. After World War II, the demand for military aircraft declined, and Saab shifted its focus to civilian aircraft and then to automobiles.
Saab Automobile AB was established in 1945 as a subsidiary of Saab AB, with the aim of designing and building a small car for the Swedish market. The first production model, the Saab 92, was launched in 1949. Over the years, Saab developed a reputation for engineering quality and advanced design features, and it gained a loyal following among enthusiasts.
In 1968, Saab AB merged with Scania-Vabis to form Saab-Scania AB, and Saab Automobile became a part of the new company. Ten years later, Saab launched the Saab 900, which became the company's best-selling model. In 1989, Saab-Scania AB restructured, and Saab Automobile became an independent company. General Motors (GM) took 50% ownership of the company in 1990 and acquired the remaining 50% in 2000.
Saab struggled to expand its customer base beyond its niche following, and after struggling to avoid insolvency for several years, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2011. National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) acquired Saab Automobile's assets in 2012, and NEVS initially produced petrol-powered Saab 9-3 sedans before transitioning to electric cars under the NEVS brand. Saab AB still exists as a separate company and continues to design and manufacture military aircraft and other defense systems.
