Despite being home to two of the world’s best-known and largest trucks (Volvo AB and Scania AB), the Swedish automotive industry is focused on passenger transportation. It is distinguished by unrivaled quality and exceptional safety in passenger cars and buses. At the same time, the Swedish automotive industry is heavily dependent on foreign supply, as 95% of heavy equipment and 85% of passenger cars are sold in other countries worldwide. There are some exclusive brands among them. For example, Forbes magazine named the Koenigsegg CCXR supercar the most beautiful worldwide. The Volvo concern received the status of the manufacturer of the safest cars.
What are Swedish car brands?
There are not many car brands in Sweden, but they are quite famous: Koenigsegg, Volvo, NEVS, Scania AB, Uniti Sweden AB, Polestar, and Caresto. Previously, this list also included Saab, Jösse Car, and Scania-Vabis.
Major Swedish Car Companies
There aren’t many, but they are great! That is how one can exclaim when looking at Swedish cars of any class. Manufacturers pay a lot of attention to them since most products are exported. And there are really few brands related to mechanical engineering in Sweden. The most famous among them are Volvo (premium cars), Koenigsegg (luxury supercars), Saab (universal models), Scania (heavy cars), and others.
Koenigsegg
The Koenigsegg Group automobile company was founded by Christian von Koenigsegg in 1994 and produces world-class supercars. Its headquarters are located in the town of Engelholm in Scania County. It will soon take over another Swedish brand, Saab Automobile, which is up for sale to General Motors. Written confirmation has already been received, and the deal is being negotiated.
This manufacturer has many technical merits that give it the right to call itself the best in its country. It pioneered the CC8S model, a sports car adapted for driving on ordinary roads, released in 2002. Another Koenigsegg car has attracted everyone’s attention. This is a representative of the CCXR series. Forbes marked it as the most attractive car in the world.
Volvo
It is one of the oldest companies in the country. It grew from a ball-bearing factory into a major automobile site. The company produces station wagons, SUVs, sedans of several types, hatchbacks, and luxury cars. Its founders are industrialists Gustav Larson and Assar Gabrielsson, who founded it in 1927 in Gothenburg.
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, the parent company of the Geely Automobile brand, currently owns the Swedish brand. The transition occurred on the condition that Volvo would manage resources as before. However, talks of a full business merger began in 2020.
NEVS
This automaker was founded in 2012. It emerged from the assets and industrial plants of the bankrupt Saab. Evergrande Group owns the company and has several localizations: the head office is located in Trollhättan (Sweden), and production sites are in Guangzhou (China) and Toronto (Ontario, Canada). The company’s name is an abbreviation of the phrase National Electric Vehicle Sweden. Its main specialization is electric vehicles.
Scania AB
This company, founded in 1891 by Gustaf Ericsson at the end of the nineteenth century, was formerly known as AB Scania-Vabis. Its parent organization is the Volkswagen Group, located in Södertälje. The company manufactures heavy vehicles, buses, and diesel engines for trucks and marine vehicles.
Uniti Sweden AB
In the winter of 2016, Lewis Horn started Uniti, a company dedicated to implementing green technology and sustainability in the automotive industry. At first, it was a project started within Lund University, and then it turned into a business startup promoting the concept of high-tech urban transportation. Funds for the creation of the two-seater electric car were raised through crowdfunding. In 2019, the technical specifications of the first low-cost production electric car with a 12 kW or 24 kW battery were presented.
Polestar
Founded in 1996, Volvo Cars and its parent company, Geely, currently own the brand. The company is based in Gothenburg, Sweden. Electric cars and heavy-duty engines are produced under this brand. It is also a laboratory and design office that implements experimental technologies. The cars are produced mainly in China.
Caresto
This car brand appeared on Leif Tufvesson’s initiative and was officially registered in 2004. The company is located in the south of Sweden, in Ängelholm. It presents four models of the Hot Rod sports car developed by the company’s owner. Tufvesson worked at Volvo Concept Center for six years, designing for Koenigsegg. In 2004, he was honored with the Hot Rod of the Year Award and the American Most Innovative Car Award.
Defunct Car Brands
Saab
The full name of this Swedish company is Saab Automobile AB. It was founded in 1937. The company’s head office is located in the city of Trollhättan. This manufacturer’s branded cars were known for turbocharging, safety, and “green” technologies. Currently, the brand is mothballed and put up for sale. But since no one wanted to buy it outright, the entire property, including the intellectual property, is being sold as separate assets.
Jösse Car
The Swedish company, Jösse Car founders, originally wanted to assemble cars from Saab and Volvo parts. The first model hit the market in 1996. It was a high-speed supercar, which appeared to be a mixture of Corvette and MGB. The manufacturer planned to produce 500 copies yearly but went bankrupt due to a lack of funds in 1999. Now, the brand Jösse Car belongs to Braun Holding AB. Its emblem is a rectangular blue shield with a white horse and black inscription “JC.”
Scania-Vabis
The Scania-Vabis automobile brand was created in 1911 by two Swedish companies that wanted to strengthen their position in a competitive market. Their first joint project was a bus. Then, cars and trucks were added to the range. In time, the company was completely reoriented to creating heavy-duty vehicles, but the Second World War prevented the realization of ambitious plans. In 1969, Scania-Vabis ceased to exist as it merged with Saab Automobile AB, becoming a subsidiary. During the years of independence, it used a blue emblem in the form of a stylized wheel with a red griffin head and the gold inscription “SCANIA VABIS.”
FAQ
What is the former Swedish car company?
Saab Automobile, a former Swedish automobile company, was founded by Saab AB. The brand quickly became known for its innovative designs and technologies. Originally an aircraft manufacturer, Saab AB influenced the design and aerodynamics of Saab vehicles, giving them a unique appearance and advanced technology.
Over the decades, Saab produced various vehicles, including the iconic Saab 900 and Saab 9-3. These models’ performance, safety features, and distinctive styling built a loyal following.
In the 2000s, Saab faced financial problems. In 2010, Dutch sports car manufacturer Spyker Cars bought the brand to revive it. This attempt failed, and Saab declared bankruptcy in 2011. Production stopped in 2012, and by 2016, Saab Automobile was no longer existing.
What brands of cars are made in Sweden?
Sweden produces several well-known car brands:
- Volvo Cars: Produces premium passenger cars renowned for their safety and innovative design. Popular models include the Volvo XC90, XC60, and S60.
- Scania AB: Specializes in heavy trucks and buses.
- AB Volvo: Produces commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment.
- Koenigsegg: Produces high-performance luxury sports cars.
- Saab Automobile AB: Produced versatile models with unique designs and characteristics. The company went bankrupt and ceased production, but its legacy remains significant.
The Swedish automotive industry continues to thrive, producing high-quality and innovative vehicles.
What luxury cars are made in Sweden?
Sweden produces two luxury car brands: Volvo and Koenigsegg. Each brand has unique characteristics and caters to different aspects of the luxury car market.
Volvo produces premium passenger cars known for their safety and design. Popular models include:
- Volvo XC90: A luxury SUV with space and advanced safety features.
- Volvo XC60: A mid-size SUV with a sleek design and advanced technology.
- Volvo S90: A stylish luxury sedan with a smooth, powerful ride and the latest safety features.
Koenigsegg specializes in hypercars that are renowned for their speed, engineering, and exclusivity. Known models include:
- Koenigsegg Jesko: A hypercar with a powerful engine and improved aerodynamics for extreme performance.
- Koenigsegg Regera: A luxury hybrid hypercar that combines electric power and a combustion engine.
- Koenigsegg Gemera: A four-seat hypercar with a powerful hybrid engine and advanced technology.
What car is popular in Sweden?
Several car models were very popular in Sweden in 2021. Volvo had best-selling models such as the S/V60, XC60, and XC40.
- Volvo S/V60: This stylish and safe model is available in sedan (S60) and station wagon (V60) body styles. It offers comfort and reliability, making it a favorite among Swedish drivers.
- Volvo XC60: A mid-size SUV that is luxurious, powerful, and safe. It has a spacious interior, advanced technology, and smooth ride, making it popular among families and individuals.
- Volvo XC40: A compact SUV with modern design and versatility. It is ideal for urban environments while providing comfort and safety.
Two cars from the South Korean brand Kia turned out to be favorites:
- Kia Ceed: Reliable, affordable, and practical, this compact car appeals to many drivers. It is efficient and user-friendly.
- Kia Niro: A hybrid SUV known for its fuel efficiency and eco-friendly design. It combines SUV practicality with hybrid technology, making it popular with environmentally conscious drivers.
What are Swedish cars called?
Swedish cars are known for their quality, innovation, and design. Some of the most famous names in the Swedish automotive industry include:
- Koenigsegg: Known for its high-performance hypercars, Koenigsegg is synonymous with speed and cutting-edge technology.
- Scania: Specializing in trucks and buses, Scania is the market leader in commercial vehicles.
- Volvo: A household name, Volvo produces many cars, from sedans to SUVs.
- Saab: Although Saab is no longer in production, it remains an important part of Swedish automotive history.
- Polestar: A new brand specializing in electric vehicles, Polestar is a subsidiary of Volvo. Models such as the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2 demonstrate the future of electric mobility.
Other famous Swedish brands include:
- Caresto: Known for custom car manufacturing and unique automotive designs.
- Uniti Sweden AB: A company focused on environmentally friendly electric vehicles, it aims to revolutionize urban transport.
- NEVS (National Electric Vehicle of Sweden): Acquired part of Saab’s assets and continues to work on the development of electric vehicles.
- Scania-Vabis: An old company in the industry that was known for producing commercial vehicles before becoming part of Scania.
- Jösse Car: Produced sports cars such as the Indigo 3000, a lesser-known but notable part of the Swedish automobile industry.