 |
| Saab also produces a 9-5 SportWagon, the Aero model is shown. (Photo: Saab) |
Once more, where there is creation there must be "restructuring." AB CEO Peter Augustsson told employees at the assembly plant in Trollhattan, Sweden that downsizing will occur, therefore, some 800 jobs will be eliminated, including one 9-5 shift.
New Saab product development, as a percentage of revenue, is twice as high as other GM branches. Part of Viggen's goal is to also fold Saab's independent product development and product manufacturing operations into Opel. In the end, the total number of restructuring job losses will total 1400, approximately 14% of its labor force. Ideally Saab would like to reduce its annual break-even point by 10,000, from 140,000 to 130,000.
 |
| Peter Augustsson, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Saab Automobile AB stands in front of the 9 3 X concept. (Photo: Saab) |
Saab Automobile AB CEO Peter Augustsson commented that Saab desires to sell 135,000 vehicles annually worldwide for 2003. Last year, Saab sold 120,800 units. They are targeting 200,000 vehicles in future years. Saab only sold about 37,805 vehicles in the United States in 2002. Statistically this number is ahead of Mini sales but below Land Rover, itself a niche brand. Saab's top selling year in the U.S. occurred in 1986 when 48,181 vehicles were purchased.