 | |
| 2003-02-04 | |
| CONTACTS | |
Saab increases sales in the USA and Sweden Saab Automobile achieved a 24 per cent increase in worldwide sales, to 8,485 units, for the first month of the year. Its two largest markets, the USA and Sweden, recorded 62 per cent and 54 per cent increases respectively, compared to the same month last year. In Sweden, 1,829 cars were sold, 54 per more than in January last year. “We have a strong order intake for both the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 models, and we expect to take a higher market share in the domestic market”, says Hans Karlander, responsible for Global Sales Management at Saab Automobile. Forecasts for the total market in Sweden indicate little change compared to 2002, although there are many uncertainties. The threat of war, the EMU referendum and the uncertain economic outlook are just some of the factors which can influence customer perspectives on new car purchasing. In the USA, Saab benefited from its second-best January sales performance in 15 years, with 2,551 cars sold, 979 more than during the same month last year, a 62 per cent increase. By model, 1,427 new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedans were sold, 80 per cent up on sales of the previous model. . Saab 9-5 volume was also up by 42 per cent. “Sales in the USA look like being positive for February and March too”, adds Karlander. In Italy, Saab sales have increased by 70 per cent, from 230 cars sold in January last year to 400 this year. “The new Saab 9-3 has had a successful start in Italy, and the coming months look good too”, adds Hans Karlander. Great Britain and Germany are showing a downturn in sales compared with the previous year, but Holland and Finland have both beaten last year’s January performance, exceeding internal forecasts. For more information, contact Christer Nilsson, Saab Automobiles press-spokesman, +46 52 08 54 86. CONTACTS: | |
| |