Swedish car maker Saab, known for its safe and reliable cars, was saved from bankruptcy back in the 2012 by National Electric Vehicle Sweden consortium (NEVS). It seems, however, the name Saab is still going away, says Automotive News.
Saab vehicle fans were pleased to hear that this particular brand of vehicles remains on the market, under the umbrella of a new owner – a NEVS consortium (National Electric Vehicle Sweden), which has a lot of Chinese capital.
The use of the name Saab is not allowed
New Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan
In the latest chapter in the story of Saab the new turnaround happened. It foresees the prohibition of use of the name Saab. The name is expected to disappear along with the production of new car models. Swedish aviation company Saab AB, which has founded the brand name Saab has the right to use the name. And the new owner does not allow the use of the original name and logo.
NEVS took over Saab Automobile in 2012, and despite the financial problems started and again stopped the production. They continue to have ambitious plans in the company on the production of electric cars. Although the cars will not wear the name and logo of the famous mark, the distinctive design of the former Swedish car manufacturer will stay. NEVS has been using the name Saab in the last four years for a promotion of their vehicles, so the latest changes are somehow surprise for all.
Saab AB claims that from now there will be no more surprises and added that NEVS did not get the rights to use the name Saab by buying the car company. “We have forbidden them to use the Saab name. For us, the debate is closed,” was clear Vice President of Saab AB Sebastian Carlsson.
The plan: electric cars
According to preliminary plans NEWS is expected to present a refurbished Saab 9-3 in 2017. In 2018 we can expect four new models – all with electric drive. NEVS is also building a new factory in China, production is expected to start in 2020.
In December last year the NEWS consortium reported that a contract worth just under 11 billion euros is signed with the Chinese leasing company Panda New Energy. The agreement foresees that by the end of the year 150,000 electric models of 9-3 will be produced. How will the ban on the use of the Saab name and logo affect the agreement is not yet known.
Image credit: Saab
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