Saab Brand Could Return in 2013

Saab Automobile AB's new owner says it is mulling plans to resume production of the brand's current-generation 9-3 sedan next summer.

National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB says the gasoline-powered 9-3 would be followed by an electric version in 2014.

The company, a consortium of Chinese and Japanese stakeholder, originally planned to relaunch the brand with the EV in 2014. But NEVS points out that offering a piston-powered model in 2013 would generate cash sooner and revive consumer awareness of the Saab brand.

Implementing the new strategy will depend upon the willingness and ability of the brand's former suppliers to gear up production again, NEVS points out.

Global demand for Saab cars peaked at 133,000 units in 2006. Sales plunged to 10,000 units in 2010 and only 12 vehicles last year as owner Spyker Cars NV struggled to finance the business. Saab production stopped in March 2011, and Spyker filed for bankruptcy last December.