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Saab is an aviation and defence concern based in Sweden, founded 1937 in Linköping. Its name was originally an acronym for "Svenska Aeroplan AB," where "AB" stands for "aktiebolaget" ("limited company"), thus written as 'SAAB'. Since the changes in company ownership, in the 1990s, the company name is now Saab AB.

Originally manufacturing airplanes, the company sought ways in which to diversify its business and in the late 1940s started also to manufacture Saab Automobiles. The automobile division was based in the city of Trollhättan. The first car was the Saab 92001 on June 10, 1947. The company soon developed a reputation for tough, 'quirky' but reliable automobiles, with a notable competition history. The cars had a name for safety and crash-resistance.

In the late 1950s SAAB 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. In a throwback to the days of Saab-Scania, Saab Automobile's current advertising campaign is themed "Born From Jets".

Ownership

Since 1998 British aerospace giant BAE Systems have 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.

BAE designed an improved wing, which they then manufactured and are set to produce 45% of currently planned export airframes. Saab Military Aircraft is responsible for the overall 'aircraft system' including basic aircraft development and production, and testing and delivery.

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Saab".

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