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Milestones
1937 - 1952 | 1953 - 1963 | 1964 - 1969 | 1970 - 1975 | 1976 - 1984 | 1985 - 1991 | 1992 - 1997 | 1998 - 2000 | 2001 - 2003 | 2004 - 2005
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1976 Saab reveals its innovative Turbo Concept to the press in August. Some 100 pre-series cars built for field testing and press testing to build up awareness. Emission control system with 3-way catalyst and Lambda sensor introduced. One millionth Saab car leaves assembly line in Trollhättan |
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| 1977 IAA motor show in Frankfurt sees the market launch of the Saab 99 Turbo initially available as a three-door hatchback and easily recognized by unique "Inca" wheels and distinctive rear spoiler. Instant market success and enormous media attention increases interest in the Saab brand. Saab Turbo quickly becomes new "cult car". |
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| 1978 Launch of the Saab 900, based on 99 platform but with longer wheel-base and 21 cm longer body, new front and all new interior. Initially only as 3- or 5-door hatchback. Cabin ventilation air filter - another world first from Saab - highly acclaimed by pollen-sufferers. Both Saab 96 and Saab 99 remain in production and for a brief period Saab has three model lines. |
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| 1979 Work starts on Project X-29 (code name for the 9000) in co-operation with Lancia and later Fiat. | |||
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| 1980 Saab 96 production discontinued in January 1980 (the 95 already February 1978). Thus ended 30 years production of the 92-93-95-96 family, with a total of 730,607 cars. | |||
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| 1980 Saab 99 Turbo: the first turbocharged car to win a world championship rally event: Stig Blomqvist, Swedish Rally 1980. Four-door version of Saab 900 introduced (MY 1981). |
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| 1981 Patented APC System (for Automatic Performance Control) introduced to control turbo boost pressure and enable safe running on varying octane ratings. An innovation that strengthens Saab engineering repute and confidence in turbocharged cars. First side mirror with split field (introduced on MY 1982 cars) to cover blind angle earns Automobilclub von Deutschland award as safety improvement of the year. |
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| 1982 Asbestos-free brakes: Saab first car manufacturer in the world with this development (MY83). | |||
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1983 Saab 900 Convertible design study shown at IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt. |
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| 1984 First four-valve turbo engine car appears in the Saab 900 Aero. 16-valve Engine Concept (with 4 valves per cylinder) was revealed a year earlier at the 1983 Geneva Motor Show. |
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1984 Saab 9000 press launch in May. Only third all-new model in Saab's history. Initially planned as large 5-door luxury car with a sedan profile but with the practicality and flexibility of a hatchback. Vast interior space gains EPA rating as a "Large Car" in US alongside Cadillac, Lincoln etc. |
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