Industrial giant Saab AB, which owns the rights to the name Saab Automobile, is not interested in releasing the license for 'the world's most missed car brand,' says its press officer.
Saab will never be resurrected as a car brand. The company that owns the rights to the Saab name refuses to release the license.
– It is not relevant that any other actor should be allowed to use the brand for cars, says Mattias Rådström, press manager at Saab AB.
Despite the bankruptcy 13 years ago, Saab lives on in the minds of many.
A study by Hippo Leasing shows that Saab is the most missed car brand on the internet, closely followed by Oldsmobile and Pontiac. Many dream of a revival of the iconic Swedish brand, but that dream will not come true.
Saab AB, which currently focuses on defense and aircraft technology, has no plans to license the name for car production.
– Saab owns the Saab brand in full, and therefore it is not relevant that any other actor should use the brand for cars, states Mattias Rådström.
Although the car brand still has some value, it is not part of Saab's future plans, the press manager tells Carup.
In doing so, the industrial giant is simply repeating a position that is also stated in the Danish part of Saab's website.
" A change of ownership that included the Dutch car manufacturer Spyker could not halt the decline, and Saab car production ceased forever when Saab Automobile AB filed for bankruptcy in December 2011. "
– Saab also has no plans to start developing or producing cars again or to license the brand to others, says Mattias Rådström.
The bankruptcy in December 2011 marked the end of an era for Saab enthusiasts. The car brand had a unique character, but lost momentum in recent decades and succumbed to global competition.
Since its bankruptcy, Saab AB has moved in a completely different direction. The company is now a significant player in the defense industry with a solid international reputation.
"Saab today has a strong global brand as a leading manufacturer of products and solutions in the defense and security area. That is our focus today and has been since we sold the passenger car division," says Mattias Rådström.
Today, there are many indications that the remains of Saab Automobile, which Chinese-owned NEVS bought after the bankruptcy in 2011, will not be revived either. On the contrary, everything at the factory will be sold. Read more about it here .
