Saab, a small Swedish car manufacturer, made a significant impact on the automotive industry in the late 1960s with the introduction of the Saab 99. Prior to this model, Saab was known for the 96, with its unique 2-stroke engine and aerodynamic design. While the 96 had a loyal following, it was small and lacked interior space. The Saab 99, on the other hand, was larger, more modern, and had better features.
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600,000 produced
Saab introduced the two-door sedan model 99 in late November 1967, and it was an instant sensation. The car went into production a year later, in the fall of 1968, as a 1969 model. The Saab 99 was the company’s biggest success, with nearly 600,000 units produced. The car was especially popular in the mid-1970s when approximately 73,000 units were sold in 1976 alone.
The Saab 99 was a game-changer for the company. It marked a shift from being a small niche producer, to becoming a provider of a full-fledged family car. The car’s design was more modern than its predecessor, with a brighter and more spacious interior. It also had more storage space, which made it more practical for families.
A game-changer
The Saab 99 had a reputation for being a reliable winter car. It was known for its excellent handling, and its front-wheel-drive system made it easier to navigate through snow and ice. The car had a robust heater, which made it comfortable to drive in cold weather. Its predictable handling made it easy to drive, and the driver’s seat was comfortable, which was essential for long drives.
Saab positioned the 99 as a premium car, and it came with a higher price tag than its competitors. However, Saab customers felt that they were getting their money’s worth, as the car was considered to be one of the best in its class. The Saab 99 was a popular choice for people in “free” professions, such as doctors, lawyers, and architects. These customers appreciated the car’s quality, reliability, and unique design.
“Small Car Producer”
Despite the success of the Saab 99, the company faced financial difficulties. Saab was a small car manufacturer that couldn’t compete with larger companies in terms of production capacity and R&D budgets. This led to Saab’s eventual bankruptcy in 2011. The Saab 99 played an essential role in the company’s history, and it helped to establish Saab’s reputation as a car manufacturer that produced reliable and innovative cars.
Saab had always struggled to break out of the “small car producer” category, despite launching new models such as the Saab 900 in 1978 and the Saab 90 in 1985. The Saab 900 was updated in 1993, but the new model was based mainly on Opel Vectra technology and failed to impress longtime Saab enthusiasts. In 1998, the Saab 900 was replaced by the 9-3, which was essentially a facelifted version of the 900. A new generation of the Saab 9-3 was released in 2002 and remained in production until Saab’s bankruptcy in December 2011.
One of Saab’s notable achievements was the launch of the 99 Turbo in the 1970s, which was the world’s first mass-produced family car with a turbocharged engine. The Saab 9000, a collaboration with Fiat, was launched in 1984 and marked Saab’s entry into the large car segment. The Saab 9000 was in production until it was replaced by the 9-5 in 1997.
Despite being acquired by General Motors (GM) in 1990, Saab continued to struggle with model development and market interest. GM’s decision to abandon Saab in December 2011 ultimately led to the company’s bankruptcy.
In conclusion, the Saab 99 was a significant milestone in Saab’s history. It marked a shift from being a small niche producer to becoming a provider of a full-fledged family car. The car’s modern design, spacious interior, and reliable performance made it popular with customers.
The Saab 99 helped to establish Saab’s reputation as a car manufacturer that produced reliable and innovative cars. While Saab faced financial difficulties in later years, the legacy of the Saab 99 lives on as a testament to the company’s success in the automotive industry.
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