According to recent reports, Saab’s old factory in Trollhättan is set to resume car production, but the new Swedish electric vehicle, known as Nevs Emily GT, will not be allowed to bear the Saab brand. Mattias Rådström, the press manager for the defense conglomerate Saab, stated in an interview with Carup that Saab fully owns the Saab brand, and therefore, it is not feasible for any other entity to use the brand for automobiles.
A week ago, news emerged that the new Swedish-developed electric car, Nevs Emily GT, with a Saab-inspired design and led by former Saab engineers, will begin production in the old Saab factory in Trollhättan. Two Swedish companies are reportedly investing heavily in the project, and the new owner of the old Saab factory, Svante Andersson, confirmed these reports, expressing optimism about creating numerous job opportunities at the factory.
There were hopes that Saab, as a co-owner of the Saab museum in Trollhättan and the sole owner of the Saab brand for automobiles, might be involved in the project and potentially mark the return of the Saab brand. A brand expert even suggested that such a move could have great chances of success. However, Saab has now denied all such speculations and aspirations.
Mattias Rådström clarified that Saab has no intentions of re-entering the development or production of automobiles. The uncertain global situation has, in fact, led to greater success for the defense conglomerate Saab. Since August 2014, Saab Group withdrew Nevs’ right to use the Saab brand on cars. Though Saab did not confirm whether they received any new inquiries from the Swedish car project, they were adamant that the new car would not be allowed to carry the Saab name.
The Nevs Emily GT electric car was secretly developed within just ten months by Saab engineers at Nevs in Trollhättan. However, Nevs, as a company, is currently in a state of uncertainty, and it remains unclear if the Nevs brand will be used for the car. The project’s name, Emily GT, was chosen because it coincided with Emily’s name day when the project commenced. The project will likely be taken over by another company, which will have to find a new brand name for the vehicle.
In relation to the potential investment, P4 Väst has obtained information that the Nevs Emily GT project’s potential buyer could create around 1500 to 2000 new jobs in Trollhättan if the deal is finalized. The parties involved, including representatives from the municipality, Nevs, Stenhaga Invest, and the potential buyer, are expected to meet in Trollhättan soon to discuss the matter.
Svante Andersson, the purchaser of the Saab factory from Nevs, is optimistic about the secretive investor who has shown interest in acquiring the Emily and Pons projects and manufacturing cars in the Stallbacka factory. He believes that this investment will bring significant benefits to the region and expects a meeting with the investor in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Saab AB is resolute in its decision not to permit any other entity to use the Saab brand for cars. While the potential production of the Nevs Emily GT electric car in Trollhättan could create thousands of new jobs for the local community, Saab remains focused on its defense-related activities and has no plans to re-enter the automotive industry. At least for now, but it is possible that in some negotiations with the buyer of the Emily GT project, they will change their mind.
I would have liked to have paired my 2010 SAAB 9-5 NG with a new 2023/2024 SAAB however this is not to be. Oh well,…I will continue to enjoy my SAAB and drive it for the rest of my life. I was never hopeful that there would be a resurrection of SAAB automobiles. The founding of the original SAAB was a unique situation that is highly unlikely to be repeated. I am pleased to hear that some of the former SAAB automotive engineers are employed and are working on automobiles once again but I have minimum interest in buying a NEV. Thanks for the story.
I didn’t think that would happen unless they were part investors…So be it.
Saab cars need a new beginning, resurrected from the ashes. I like the name Phoenix. Viking or Nordic sound good to me too. No more acronyms unless it’s very creative and sounds good (NEVS does not sound good as a spoken name)…maybe models that hint on old Saab car models or not, whatever sounds good and tell a story. Anyway, keep it Swedish or Scandinavian.
I love SAAB cars and anything with the SAAB name. I am all in on maintaining, renewing and improving on making old SAAB cars new again….so keep making parts and renewing the cars (internal and external) and driving them around to show them off. They are uniquely sweet! So, keep enjoying the ride, I know I will!!!
However, This new car is what SAAB cars should be doing (If they were still a car company). They need a new innovative respected vehicle that is extremely competitive. From what I’ve seen they need to buy back Protean, lock that in and be one step ahead of a very competitive world.
You can’t move forward while dragging the past along…it will hold you down (The future is electric and if that changes, then modify). So far from reviews and all that I’ve seen it is indeed moving forward, whatever it’s named.
Very exciting! Week 32 is this coming week, so let’s see what happens.
That will be Saab ABs loss, all other EV brands get great publicity.
Hello saabplanet.com owner, You always provide clear explanations and step-by-step instructions.
…It’s like this. Though I own 2 SAAB 9-5’s, an inline 4 & 6 turbos, if the Swedish populace and government “really” wanted the SAAB brand to be revived….they, the government of Sweden would purchase the factory, employed many (job creation!!), and produce the damn cars as “The pride of Sweden”. But they won’t. WHY, it beats the hell out of me. Take ownership of SAAB ok Swedish govt and start production of the best car ever made….and you like I know it!!
Cam A., Sacramento CA, USA
The new investors must do whatever is necessary to get that name back on the cars, especially if it involves former engineers of the automobile division. As a former employee of the US company, without that. Are you stand virtually no chance of making inroads here in the States, nevermind elsewhere.
The Swedish way of solving problems and innovation is not what the rest of the world does, especially how Saab did it in the past. That tradition must carry forward.
Saablar seems like a great name replacement if Saab AB doesn’t want to cooperate.