NEVS Cars

NEVS and the Emily GT: The Battle to Keep Saab’s Legacy Alive

Against all odds, NEVS fights to keep the Saab engineering legacy alive through the Emily GT – but is the industry ready to embrace it?

The NEVS Emily GT prototype, captured during last week's visit to NEVS by industry consultant Kenneth Pellas, stands as a testament to Saab's enduring engineering legacy.

The Emily GT: A Dream on the Edge of Reality

For years, NEVS has been a company in limbo—operating without employees, without clear direction, yet still clinging to the dream of bringing the Emily GT to production. This is not just another electric car; it is a vehicle developed by former Saab engineers, infused with the spirit of Swedish innovation and performance. The question remains: will this high-tech prototype ever see the light of day, or will it remain an ambitious dream frozen in time?

Despite the lack of active operations, NEVS continues to search for investors willing to back the Emily GT. Nina Selander, the determined CEO, remains the torchbearer for this vision, alongside Saab veteran Frank Smit, who has tirelessly championed the project even after leaving NEVS. Their efforts have recently gained attention from industry consultants and automotive insiders, reigniting interest in what could be the most advanced Saab-related car since the brand’s demise.

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The Emily GT prototype, a beacon of EV Electra's innovation, poised in Trollhättan's historic Saab factory.

A Prototype That Stirs Emotions

Automotive consultant Alex Andersson recently visited NEVS headquarters and was granted a close look at the Emily GT. He described the experience as an eye-opener, offering insights into the vehicle’s advanced technology and refined driving dynamics. His upcoming article series, “Sagan om Emily,” promises to provide in-depth details about his time with the car, including firsthand impressions from a ride inside the prototype.

The Emily GT’s appeal is not just about nostalgia for Saab enthusiasts; it represents a bold step into the future of electric mobility. With in-wheel motors providing precise handling and an all-electric powertrain delivering impressive performance, the car is a testament to the engineering prowess that once defined Saab. Yet, without financial backing, this technological marvel remains in stasis, waiting for a lifeline.

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Passion That Refuses to Fade

NEVS has become synonymous with resilience, and consultant Kenneth Pellas‘ recent visit only reinforced this notion. His emotional LinkedIn post painted a vivid picture of a company driven by sheer passion, comparing its spirit to that of James Bond in “No Time to Die.Despite setbacks, the people behind NEVS are unwilling to let go of their mission, believing in their product with the same intensity as Saab engineers once did.

NEVS Emily GT: A glimpse into the future of Saab's electric revival, as negotiations unfold for this iconic legacy in the world of electric mobility.

Pellas was struck by the unwavering dedication of those still fighting to bring the Emily GT to life. “If there were a Nobel Prize for the best car-building team, NEVS would win it,” he wrote, highlighting the undying enthusiasm within the walls of Stallbacka. This is not just about a car; it is about preserving a legacy, proving that Swedish innovation still has a place in the global automotive industry.

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Frank Smit’s Vision: Sonett IV, V, and VI?

Few people have been as vocal about the Emily GT’s potential as Frank Smit. In a recent LinkedIn post, he described the project as “a thread of silk—fragile, yet still a connection to hope and possibility.” His vision extends beyond the Emily GT itself, imagining a future where a sporty Shooting Brake variant (Sonett V) and an electric convertible (Sonett VI) could also become reality.

Emily GT Shooting Brake
Emily GT Shooting Brake

This ambition echoes the core philosophy of Saab: creating cars that stand apart from the crowd, blending practicality with performance and innovation. But for any of this to happen, NEVS needs serious investment. Smit’s words, “Show me the money, and we will make it happen!” underscore the pressing reality that without financial backing, these dreams will remain just that—dreams.

Emily GT Convertible
Emily GT Convertible

What’s Next for NEVS and the Emily GT?

The future of NEVS remains uncertain, but the interest surrounding the Emily GT proves that the legacy of Saab still resonates with enthusiasts and industry experts alike. The coming weeks will be crucial, as Alex Andersson’s articles provide a deeper look into the vehicle and the people fighting for its survival. Will a serious investor finally step forward to breathe life into the project? Or will NEVS remain a ghost of what could have been?

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One thing is clear: the spirit of Saab is not easily extinguished. Whether it’s through NEVS, another company, or a passionate group of investors, the dream of seeing a Swedish-engineered electric car on the roads is not over yet. For now, the Emily GT remains a symbol of hope—a car waiting for its moment to shine.

Goran Aničić
the authorGoran Aničić
For over 15 years, Goran Aničić has been passionately focused on Saab automobiles and everything related to them. His initial encounter with Saab cars took place back in 2003 when the first Saab 9-3 and sedan version were introduced. At that moment, he was captivated by the car's Scandinavian design logic and top-notch engineering, and everything that followed stemmed from that first encounter. Later on, through his work at the editorial team of the Serbian automotive magazines "Autostart" and later "AutoBild," he had the opportunity to engage more closely with Saab vehicles. In 2008, he tested the latest Saab cars of that time, such as the Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero and Saab 9-3 Turbo X. In 2010, as the sole blogger from the region, he participated in the Saab 9-5ng presentation in Trollhättan, Sweden. Alongside journalists from around the world, he got a firsthand experience of the pinnacle of technological offerings from Saab at that time. Currently, Goran owns two Saabs: a 2008 Saab 9-3 Vector Sportcombi with a manual transmission, and a Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin Sport Sedan from the last generation, which rolled off the production line in Trollhättan in December 2011.

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