Saab's Revival: NEVS Emily GT - A Glimpse of Hope for the Ill-Fated Manufacturer

In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, some stories remain etched in the hearts of enthusiasts. One such tale is that of Saab, a once-iconic brand that faced a tragic fall from grace in the early 2010s. However, just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of light appeared on the horizon. An unknown investor has stepped forward to purchase the NEVS Emily GT project, potentially heralding the revival of the spirit of Saab.

Let's take a journey back in time to understand the roots of this remarkable development. When Saab's financial troubles pushed it into bankruptcy, New Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) emerged as a savior and acquired the automaker's assets. With a vision of embracing electrification, NEVS set its sights on developing an electric version of the beloved Saab 9-3, aptly named the 9-3EV. Boasting an impressive power output of around 175 bhp and a range of 190 miles, the NEVS 9-3EV showcased great promise. However, despite several deliveries in 2018, the model faced hurdles that prevented it from reaching mass production.

Amidst the turbulence, a new chapter in Saab's story was about to unfold. The China-based Evergrande Group emerged as a major player, acquiring a majority stake in NEVS and eventually taking full control. Unfortunately, the conglomerate faced its share of financial woes, leading to a desire to offload the recently acquired automaker to prevent bankruptcy. Consequently, NEVS found itself at a critical juncture and made the difficult decision to enter "hibernation mode," resulting in the unfortunate layoff of 95% of its employees.

But even in the darkest times, innovation and determination can shine through. In a move to showcase the potential that lay dormant within the company, NEVS unveiled the Emily GT in early 2023. This magnificent creation is a Model S-sized sports saloon, powered by a colossal 175-kilowatt-hour battery pack and targeting an impressive range of 600 miles. Equipped with four in-wheel electric motors enabling true torque vectoring, the Emily GT was a testament to the technological prowess of NEVS.

The unveiling of the Emily GT was not just a display of automotive excellence; it was a strategic move to attract investors and save the company from its troubled state. And the gamble paid off. In a recent report by Saab Planet, the team's efforts bore fruit as an unidentified investor signed a purchase intent letter for the Emily project. This development breathed new life into the prospects of Saab's revival.

With the purchase agreement in place, the iconic assembly facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, will once again roar to life, paving the way for a reimagined future. While details about the new brand are yet to be unveiled, it is speculated that the Saab name may not be retained due to legalities. Nonetheless, the legacy and vision of Saab are beautifully captured in the design of the Emily GT. From its signature floating roofline to its muscular proportions, this electric sedan stands as a modern embodiment of Saab's iconic 9-5 Aero successor.

As the wheels of progress continue to turn, enthusiasts and industry watchers eagerly await further announcements from the revived automaker. With the NEVS Emily GT project shining as a beacon of hope, the world holds its breath for the next chapter in Saab's storied history. Will this elusive phoenix finally rise from the ashes and reclaim its place among the automotive greats? Only time will tell, but for now, Saab's spirit has been granted a second lease on life, and the possibilities seem boundless.