Saab returned a strong global sales performance last year, achieving growth of 5.4% compared to 2005 and setting best-ever volumes for both worldwide and European sales.

Global sales increased to 133,167 cars, exceeding the previous record set in 2000. And for the second year running, European sales strengthened with an increase of 11.1% establishing a new volume record for 88,859 units for the region ahead of the previous benchmark set in 2005.

Saab 9-3 sales, stimulated by the successful introduction of the 9-3 SportCombi were up seven per cent globally, while the revised Saab 9-5 range, including the popular Saab 9-5 BioPower model, was also six per cent up. Best-ever sales volumes were achieved in Spain, Belgium and Canada.

“These strong results show that interest in the Saab brand has increased substantially,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “Exciting concept cars, such as the Saab Aero X and the Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid, were shown last year to indicate the future direction of the brand and, as we enter our 60th anniversary year in 2007, we look forward to building on our strong sales momentum.”

In Sweden, Saab’s home market, buoyant sales of the Saab 9-5 BioPower have been the main driving force behind growth. It is the only flex-fuel car in the world able to offer enhanced performance, as well as reduced fossil CO2 emissions, and is clearly established as Sweden’s most popular environmentally-friendly vehicle.

Saab is represented locally by United Automobiles Ltd, Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex.