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August 28, 2003
Saab Automobile's production of convertibles has now reached a landmark 200,000 units. The historic 200,000th car, a Saab 9-3 Convertible, was manufactured this week at the Magna Steyr plant near Graz, Austria.
Sales of the recently launched new Saab 9-3 Convertible begin in certain markets next month (Sept), while sales in Sweden are scheduled to start in November. Since 1986, when series convertible production began, Saab has established itself as a leader within the premium segment for sporty, open four-seater cars that can be driven all the year-round.
The sales target for the new Saab 9-3 Convertible is 22,000 to 25,000 cars next year. Approximately half of Saab's convertibles are sold in the US. Other important markets include Great Britain, Germany, Australia, Italy, Holland and Belgium.
The Saab Sonett 1, Saab's very first open car, made its debut in 1956. Only six were manufactured, however. Apart from a sports car prototype with a Targa roof that was designed in 1965, plans for an open top model were put on ice until the beginning of the 1980's.
At the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1983, Saab surprised the car world with a convertible that was developed from the two-door version of the Saab 900. The response exceeded all expectation and prompted Saab to announce plans for production of a Saab Convertible in 1984.
During the spring of 1986, a limited series of 400 cars was produced for the American market. The cars were sold out before many customers realised that sales had begun! The following 1987 model was also sold out long before production started 1994 marked the beginning of sales for the second generation of the Saab 900 Convertible. The following year resulted in a 95% sales increase, from 7,100 cars in 1994 to 13,800 in 1995.
Sales of the Saab 9-3 Convertible, which was introduced in 1998, reached an all-time high in 2000 with 18,741 convertibles sold. Sales of the newly-designed Saab 9-3 Convertible, which was introduced this year, are expected to increase even further.
1950 Sixten Sason, Saab's first designer, sketches a Saab 92-based convertible, although the concept never leaves the drawing board.
1956 Six examples of Saab's first open car, the Saab Sonett, are manufactured. The car was originally intended for racing but the market did not develop according to expectations.
1965 Sixten Sason designs "Catherina", a working prototype complete with Targa roof.
1978 The Saab 900 is launched.
1983 The prototype for the Saab 900 Convertible, developed from the 2-door Saab Sedan, is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The exhibition car has an automatic soft top, a unique rear spoiler and three-part plastic molding tocover the lowered roof.
1984 Saab announces that the first 900 Convertible, with a specially reinforced body, will be manufactured in Uusikaupunki, Finland.
1986 The first 400 Saab 900 Convertibles are produced for the US market during the spring.
1988 Production of the 900 Convertible exceeds 5,000 cars per year as it achieves cult status, particularly in the USA.
1992 Sales reach 10,800 units.
1993 The final first-generation Saab 900 Convertible leaves Uusikaupunki in September. A total of 48,888 were produced.
1994 The new Saab 900 Convertible is previewed at the Detroit Auto Show. Production starts in Finland.
1995 The first complete sales year for the second generation of the Saab 900 Convertible results in a 95% sales increase, from 7,100 cars in 1994 to 13,800 in 1995.
1996 Sales reach 14,200.
1997 Saab 900 Convertible no. 100,000 is produced and sales for the year are the highest ever.
1998 Saab 9-3 Convertible is presented. Special features include hydraulic soft top operation and a larger rear screen.
2000 Best-ever annual sales as 18,741 cars are sold. Compared to 1986 levels, average annual sales have now more than doubled..
2003 The all-new Saab 9-3 Convertible is launched and test driven by the press in Copenhagen in June. Sales start on some markets in September.
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