Saab

Saab is an aircraft and automobile concern based in Sweden, founded 1937 in Linköping. Its name is an acronym for "Svenska Aeroplan AB," where "AB" stands for "aktiebolaget" ("limited company"). more...

Originally manufacturing aeroplanes, the company sought ways in which to diversify its business and in the late 1940s started to manufacture Saab Automobile, based in the city Trollhättan. The first car was the Saab 92001 on June 10, 1947. In the late 1950s SAAB then ventured into the computer market with Datasaab.

In 1969 Saab merged with the truck maker Scania-Vabis, and between 1969 and 1995 the company was called Saab-Scania AB. General Motors bought 51 percent of the automobile division Saab Automobile in 1990, and acquired the rest a decade later. Saab Automobile has not generated a profit since the complete GM takeover.

Ownership

Since 1998 BAE Systems has been the largest shareholder in Saab following its acquisition of a 35% stake from Investor AB by its predecessor, British Aerospace. From January 2005 BAE reduced its shareholding to 20%, which it views as a long term interest. Investor AB also maintains a 20% share.

Aircraft

Currently, the main focus of the aircraft production is fighter aircraft, with the recent JAS 39 Gripen as the flagship model. Saab has been making airplanes since the 1930s, and predecessors to the Gripen were among others the Lansen, the Draken and the Viggen. The last civilian models made by Saab were the Saab 340 and Saab 2000. Both were mid-range, turboprop powered, passenger planes. The development and the manufacturing of these aeroplanes has all been made in Linköping, Sweden.

In 1995 Saab Military Aircraft and British Aerospace (now BAE Systems) formed the joint venture company Saab-BAe Gripen AB, with the goal of adapting, manufacturing, marketing and supporting Gripen internationally. This co-operation was extended in 2001 with the formation of Gripen International for the same purpose.

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