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The Saab Automobile factory echoed to the sound of loud cheers and spontaneous applause today (23 February) as almost 4,000 employees, dealers and suppliers held a giant party to celebrate the first anniversary of Saab’s rebirth as an independent carmaker
Production was halted for the afternoon and part of the state-of-the-art plant was converted into an entertainment arena lined with hot dog stalls and refreshment stands. A wall was covered with a 25 meter long montage of photos and birthday messages from thousands of Saab fans on Facebook. Everyone in the audience had a slice from more than 350 birthday cakes specially baked for the occasion, while entertainment included live music sessions, video shows, presentations, awards for top suppliers and a photo competition for staff on the theme of ‘Independence.’
The party also saw the unveiling of a special Independence Edition Saab Convertible, of which just 366 will be produced, and previews of the 9-5 SportCombi and new 9-3 Griffin range ahead of their public premieres at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.
Leading the festivities were Saab Automobile Chairman Victor Muller and Saab President & CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. “No other carmaker has such a loyal workforce, such a loyal dealer network or such a loyal customer following,” said Jonsson amid loud cheers from the audience.
“We have come a long way in just 12 months and, with exciting new products on sale and in the pipeline, I believe we have all the ingredients in place for a successful future.”
“Nobody thought we would survive, but they were wrong, very wrong”, Victor Muller told the audience. “Here we are today celebrating the first birthday of our new company and seeing you all makes me very proud. We have achieved great things together. We’re independent, we’re free to make our own decisions and we have a wonderful future to look forward to.”
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Gregory RupertAs the proud owner of a black, 89 900T SPG, complete with Chastain's hatchback "Shadow" louvers, I was pleased to make a small contribution to the Cause Celeb, by participating in the Save Saab Convoy down the Avenues of Manahattan, 3 lanes abreast!# 1February 23, 2011
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Neil PlucknettThe words of Victor Muller are inspiring and give every hope that Saab will still be making quality vehicles when my grandchildren are ready to drive!
We've owned Saabs since '88 and have no regrets!# 2February 23, 2011 -
Curt jonsson StrömsundBravo - kul. Men när kommer flygmaskinen som går att köra på väg.
# 3February 24, 2011 -
Jeremiah PajeI am a Filipino citizen but I am currently working here in Qatar. I own a Saab 9-5 2006 sedan. I am hoping that you'll have future events here soon. I know SAAB can be number ONE. Congrats to all!# 4February 24, 2011
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Nicolas LaRocqeMy Firts car is my 9-5 hot aero 5 speed
and all my next car WILL be Saab they are so perfect to drive :)
continue Saab you are doing the best and the new 9-5 is perfect :) :)# 5February 24, 2011 -
RomanWe all from SAAB CLUB SLOVAKIA are very proud to be a member of a big SAAB family. We'll keep supporting our iconic brand and we believe to see a bright future of SAAB. Keep going together!# 6February 24, 2011
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Rickard26 års SAAB ägande och det finns inga planer på nåt annat, säger väl allt. En av världens bästa och säkraste bilar :) ♫# 7February 24, 2011
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NicolaI celebrate independence day, driving my new 9-5 2.0T Aero! :)# 8February 25, 2011
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Frank NyeMy wife purchased our first SAAB in 1959. My first was a 1960 GT a real banger and the car that saved my life when hit broadside by a huge Pontiac. Since then we have had thirteen SAAB's .# 9March 1, 2011
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jeff savageI am very glad that Saab has survived. Kudos to Mr. Muller for buying the company and to Mr. Jan Ake Jonsson for seeing it through such a difficult year. I wish everyone at Saab all my best for the future.# 10March 2, 2011
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JaccoFormer 900 classic driver being still in love with the brand. Now driving the Swedish Volvo V50...but looking forward to the new 2012 Saab 93 so I can return to driving the Saab again and feel the sportive, classic and independant way of driving again!! Give it up for Saab!!# 11March 3, 2011
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jason gallagherBought my fist saab. It is an 04 9-3 4door. I love it my mom wants a saab now to. You have 2 more loyalists we will be buying more saabs. I love saab keep up the great work.# 12March 10, 2011
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Bruce BaglienStill enjoying my Saab 9 3, it is the third Saab I have owned!
Thank you for thinking out of the box.# 13March 17, 2011 -
ТатьянаЯ живу в России. У меня СААБ 9.5 2008 года. Я его обожаю, и у меня день рождения тоже 23 февраля# 14March 19, 2011
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Carlos Huetasas a very proud owner of a Saab 9 3, 2004 with standard transmission is the most fun car i ever drive and i have driven many cars but saab makes it fun. i'm so happy that this great car maker is now an independent companny and i'm looking forward to see what they have coming for us in the future. i hope they come out soon whit a new saab 9 3 linear sedan but this time only design by them, because i like what they did with the 9 5 and i like it.
good job guys... happy birthday ;)# 15March 22, 2011 -
Abel MjuzaI look forward to own this superb car one day. Is there still a dealer or an agent in South Africa?# 16March 22, 2011
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LynseyVery true! Makes a canhge to see someone spell it out like that. :)# 17April 22, 2011
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