Saab's Jan Åke Jonsson retires, 2010 earnings & deals in Russia & China

Saab's CEO Jan Ake Jonsson to retire after almost 40 years with Saab

Saab boss Jan Åke Jonsson is to step down in May, Saab appoints distributors in China & Russia and reports losses of €140 million for 2010

It’s been a difficult period at Saab, what with trying to survive as GM came close to closing the Swedish car maker down in the absence of a ‘suitable’ buyer, through being taken over by Spyker and then trying to replace their entire range. And it’s taken its toll on Saab boss Jan Åke Jonsson.

It’s been announced that – after nearly 40 years with Saab – 59-year old Jan Åke will step down from his job in May and hand the reins over – temporarily – to Spyker’s Victor Muller until a replacement can be found.

Although Jonsson isn’t leaving Saab in the strongest shape, his legacy will be to have saved Saab from being condemned to the history books, and given them a chance of a real future with Victor Muller and Spyker. We wish him well. Whether or not he’ll soon get bored playing at home…

In related news, Jonsson said in his retirement statement that ‘…the entire Saab line-up will have been replaced by October 2012.’ Which we take as a clear indication that the new Saab 9-3 - previewed at Geneva by the Saab PhoeniX Concept, will be with us in 2012.

Saab also announced it’s 2010 results, with a loss of €140 million on sales of 32,058 units. Which sounds quite horrible, but is an increase in cars produced of over 50% from 2009. More losses are predicted for 2011 with a return to profit in 2012. They hope.

And finally, Saab has announced deals to export to two major emerging markets. Saab has tied up with China Automobile Trading Co. LTD (CATC) regarding the sale of Saabs in China and Armand Import will take over all marketing, sales and distribution responsibilities for Saab in Russia.

All of which bodes well for a proper Saab future.