Saab continued to build on their success throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s. By the end of the 1970s Saab had introduced the 99 Turbo – the forerunner to Saab’s turbo technology. This innovation would help define Saab for the foreseeable future. In addition, Saab was the first auto manufacturer to introduce a cabin air-filter in a vehicle (the Saab 9000).
Saab’s popularity accelerated throughout the 1980s. The turbo technology proved popular with American buyers, and the company introduced the 900 Turbo and several variations, including a convertible and the 900 Turbo Aero. In the 1990s Saab introduced a redesigned 900 which featured several safety and technological innovations.
By the turn of the millennium Saab sold half of their automotive division to General Motors. This led to the use of several GM platforms for Saab vehicles, which resulted in a dip in popularity for the Swedish auto manufacturer. The 9-5, introduced in the 1990s, remained Saab’s most popular vehicle and the company’s best seller.
Unfortunately General Motor’s financial difficulties and bankruptcy led to the company discarding the Saab brand. Several attempts were made to sell-off the brand to other auto manufacturers, but every deal fell through. In 2011 Saab began to downsize and lower its production line, leaving the company in a state of uncertainty.
