|
Milestones
1937 - 1952 | 1953 - 1963 | 1964 - 1969 | 1970 - 1975 | 1976 - 1984 | 1985 - 1991 | 1992 - 1997 | 1998 - 2000 | 2001 - 2003 | 2004 - 2005
|
| 1985 Saab reveals revolutionary Saab Direct Ignition at the Stockholm Motor Show. Saab DI System is an advanced engine management concept, featuring unique cylinder head with one coil mounted on each spark plug (and thus no distributor or other moving parts). |
|||
 | |||
 |
1986 Saab 900 Convertible launched on the US market as MY 86 and on other markets as MY 87. |
||
| |||
| 1986 Two world and 21 international speed records set by three completely standard production Saab 9000s driven 100,000 km, non-stop for 21 days at the Talladega Speedway in USA. Fastest car averaged 213.229 kph. |
|||
| |||
| 1987 The 2 millionth Saab produced. ABS brakes introduced on the Saab 9000, the first front-wheel drive car to have this feature. |
|||
| |||
| 1988 Four-door version of Saab 9000 designated "CD" launched in early '88. The Saab 9000 CD was the launch car for the patented Saab Direct Ignition System. Driver's side airbag, Saab Traction Control and optimized emission controls with pre-heated Lambda sensor. |
|||
| |||
| 1989 Inauguration of new plant in Malmö which featured parallel assembly. Plastic components code-marked to facilitate re-cycling. Light pressure turbo engine introduced in 900 series (MY 90). December 15: Surprise announcement that GM was to buy 50 per cent of Saab-Scania's passenger car business following establishment of new entity: Saab Automobile AB. |
|||
| |||
| 1990 Saab Automobile AB officially formed March 15 (but operates as such as of Jan. 1). David J. Herman appointed first President and CEO. Head Office officially transferred to Trollhättan. Component plants in Kristinehamn, Kramfors, Halden and Nyköping closed or sold off. Saab 9000 ranked Safest Car in Sweden by Folksam (first time this biennial award is given and subsequently twice again awarded to Saab for 9000 in '92 and '94). The Saab 9000 is hailed as Sweden's safest car by the Folksam Insurance Company. The distinction is awarded every other year, and Saab receives it again in 1992 and 1994. | |||
| |||
 |
1991 Major facelift and upgrade of the Saab 9000. The 5-door version designated 9000 CS, with new front and rear design. Other changes include completely new inner body-structure with higher levels of crash resistance including advanced side protection and stiffer body for improved ride and roadholding. CFC-free air conditioning - another Saab first. Investor buys all shares in Saab-Scania AB and thereby becomes joint owner of Saab Automobile AB. |
||
| |||