Saab Euro Sales (By Model) : 2000-2015

The first Saab car was released in 1949 by Saab AB, an aerospace company. That was the 92, an aerodynamic shaped car as you would expect from a brand run by an aircraft company. We all know that Saab is no more but while it was around, Europe and North America were its main markets.

GM took a 50% share of the company in 1989 and in the year 2000 decided to take the remaining percentage. The data below starts form that point. How did things go under GM's control?

2000-04. Two models were the staple of the company, a medium sized 900 that became the 9-3 and the larger 9000 / 9-5. Both sold reasonably well through this period, with its home market Sweden taking a third of European sales. However, a range of just two cars is too limited in today's world.

Model / Year	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000
9-3 / 900	52,378	44,177	37,462	40,159	44,317
9-5 / 9000	28,743	29,885	35,179	34,179	35,511
Others	37	36	29	31	30
Total	81,158	74,098	72,670	74,369	79,858

2005-09. To widen the range, the 9-7 SUV was introduced and sold in some European markets but in minimal numbers. A 9-2 model (Subaru Impreza) was sold in North America. Neither were successful and GM decided to rid itself of Saab. The sales figures for the 9-7 from 2008 to 2020 are estimates on my part.

Model / Year	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005
9-3	21,385	52,135	64,343	63,160	58,400
9-5	5,097	12,576	19,234	26,066	23,144
9-7	70	135	244	513	2
Others	77	6	5	16	18
Total	26,559	64,852	83,826	89,755	81,564

2010-14. A Netherlands based company (Spyker) bought Saab but about a year later financial problems brought production to a halt. Efforts since to revive the brand in Europe have come to nothing. The NEVs brand was used briefly.

Model / Year	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010
9-3	272	78	1,109	10,137	15,793
9-5		45	319	3,244	5,605
9-7					60
Others	0	23	0	0	5
Total	272	146	1,428	13,381	21,463

2015. Just 137 NEVs were sold. Looking back on the company, I'm not sure why GM bought Saab and what it expected from the brand. Saab needed plenty of money to expand its range and also ensure it retained its unique character. Badge-engineering models is cost effective but needs to be done carefully. It was not handled well at all.

I would be interested in what others have to add to this subject. Please leave a comment below.

Picture source: Netcarshow.

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