Saab sets new European sales record

Last year was a record-breaking year for Saab, with European sales already ahead of the previous year's all-time high. As a result of this impressive performance, no other European premium brand has increased car sales at a faster rate in the region.

In the first 11 months of the year, 82,133 Saabs were registered, compared to a record 81,401 units for all 2005. Year-to-date growth of 11.3% cent is unsurpassed by any other European competitor.

All Saab's top ten European markets, except Germany, have recorded year-to-date volume increases, including Sweden (up 27%), Spain (up 26%), Italy (up 18%), Belgium (up 20%), Holland (up 27%), France (up 9%), Norway (up 20%) and Switzerland (up 33%). The UK, Saab's largest European market, also recorded a small 1% increase, having achieved record volumes for the last two years.

Global sales are also tracking at near record levels, with Canada and Australia up 18% and 10% for the first 11 months of the year.

The successful introduction of the Saab 9-3 SportCombi has boosted sales of the Saab 9-3 range, up 10% in Europe and 7% globally. And the revised Saab 9-5 range, up 13% in Europe and 6% globally, has also contributed to Saab's success.

In Sweden, Saab's home market, buoyant sales of the Saab 9-5 BioPower have been the main driving force behind the growth. It is the only flex-fuel car in the world able to offer enhanced performance, as well as reduced fossil CO2 emissions, and is clearly established as Sweden's most popular environment friendly vehicle.

"Strong growth, setting sales benchmarks in Europe two years running, shows that Saab is very much a brand on the move," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's managing director.

"We have benefited from the introduction of the new Saab 9-3 SportCombi, as well as highly competitive diesel engines. Exciting concept cars, such as the Saab Aero X, and our leading position in Europe's emerging flex-fuel segment, have also focused attention on the brand."