History of Saab

It makes us different. Saab's unique heritage of building high-performance aircraft dates back to 1937 when the first plane rolled out of a hanger in Trollhattan, Sweden before World War 2. The name SAAB is short for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget. For 10 years the company manufactured aircraft, before adding car production.

For 10 years the company manufactured aircraft

In 1947, the company started building cars as well. Because of this, Saab naturally applied many of the skills and principles learned in aircraft production to building cars.

The very first Saab - The Saab 92 Introduced in December 1949

This ability to think laterally, explored new possibilities and apply ideas from one business to another is a classic part of Saab's engineering tradition. Today, we are inspired by this heritage. echoes of it can be found in our vehicles - in the efficient use of materials, aerodynamic forms and state-of-the-art technology. Our philosophy of building the car around the driver, like a cockpit, also comes out of our aircraft heritage.

Innovative car concepts

For more then 50 years, Saab has offered sporty, yet functional cars for drivers who are looking for an alternative to the mainstream, mass-marketed brands. Progressively designed and packed with clever features, Saab cars have longer been associated with an intelligent, innovative approach.

Thinking differently

When others have claimed that something is impossible, Saab has dared to differ. And, as it turns out, the creative spark - combined with a resourceful, inventive way of thinking - has proven the impossible to be possible. Over the years, this "what if" approach has led to a number of industry firsts in terms of safety, control, handling, design and turbocharged performance.