Saab The Innovator (Mark Chatterton)

Author: Mark Chatterton, Hardbound, 160 Pages, ISBN: 9780715379455, First Edition, 1980 - **Second-Hand book in excellent condition !

The first official history of the Swedish motor car manufacturer SAAB covers the development from drawing board to showroom of all SAAB cars.

SAAB came into being in 1937 as manufacturers of aircraft, but by 1945 they realised that they would have to diversify their interests. After considering various alternatives, they decided to go into car production. The project was named SAAB 92, projects 90 and 91 being designated for aircraft.

Lacking previous experience in this field, SAAB had to design and build a prototype from scratch. Their lack of experience was to prove an advantage since they brought a fresh approach to each problem. Their expertise in aircraft production techniques enabled them to build a car of light-weight construction that proved to be virtually indestructible.
SAAB's commitment to rallying as a method of getting into export markets was an unqualified success. From the outset, they blended innovation with reliability and safety. In 1962 the SAAB 96's strength of construction was spectacularly demonstrated by driving it off a ski jump at Oslo.

In the field of labour relations SAAB also pioneered new methods, abandoning the impersonal aspects of production line manufacturing and introducing greater worker involvement in all aspects of the business.
This detailed history of SAAB cars from the 92 to the recent 900 Turbo provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of a successful company and its cars.

The Author

Mark Chatterton was born in Plymouth in 1959. At present studying law at Liverpool University, he is a member of the SAAB Owners Club and owns a 1962 SAAB which he has restored. During the course of researching this book he travelled to Sweden to interview members of the original SAAB design and production team.