It's been a long time coming - having been in administration since the end of 2011 - but Saab has once again found a buyer. After attracting numerous bids from around the world, including Chinese maker Youngman and Indian manufacturer Mahindra, the new buyer has officially been revealed as National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS).

The firm, a Chinese, Swedish and Japanese consortium, plans to make all-electric vehicles at Saab's Trollhättan plant. However, it's not yet clear whether they will bear the Saab name, as it's still owned by Scania and Saab's defence division. One thing is for sure, we'll never see any more 9-5s or 9-4Xs built with a Saab badge. as NEVS has elected to only purchase the IP to the current 9-3.

It's expected that this will be adapted for full electrification and in 2014 be sold primarily in China. However, an all-new model will be developed in parallel, thought to be based on the Saab Phoenix platform, with global sales planned after an initial introduction to China - projected to be the biggest and most important EV market.

The deal doesn't include Saab Parts AB, though it's thought that there will be an option for NEVS to conclude a deal within three years if it wishes to do so. Current Saab owners needn't worry though, as the Swedish National Debt office intends to take over the department and continue to grow the business. Saab Parts UK has announced that its 88 authorised repairers will continue to offer genuine Saab parts, accessories and technical support.

Graeme Lambert - 15 Jun 2012