Saab Automobile Appoints Distribution Partner for Russia
-Saab continues to expand distribution network with appointment of new importer in Russia
-Moscow-based Armand Import major player in Russian automotive sector
TROLLHATTAN, Sweden, March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Saab Automobile is continuing to expand its international distribution network with the appointment of a new importer and distributor for the highly important Russian market, Armand Import. Effective immediately, Armand Import will take over all marketing, sales and distribution responsibilities from GM CIS. Official sales are expected to start mid-2011.
Moscow-based Armand Import is a Russian company, part of the Armand Group, with many years experience in all areas of the automotive business and will be responsible for supplying and maintaining a national network of dealers in Russia. An initial dealer network will comprise 12 dealers, which are located in major Russian cities. This initial network will form the basis for further expansion.
Announcing the appointment, Saab Automobile President and CEO Jan Ake Jonsson said: "I am delighted to announce this agreement with Armand Import. The company has a good track record in the Russian market and is, just like us, committed to excellent customer service and a long term approach to business partnerships.
"The Russian market is an important growth market where we see a lot of sales potential for the Saab brand. As we are currently in the middle of the largest ever product offensive in Saab's history, this is a perfect time for Armand Import to team up with our organization."
Igor Gerts, CEO of Armand Import, said: "We are very happy to represent the Saab brand in Russia. Our company is proud to be associated with the Saab brand and its rich heritage, and we look forward to tapping the large potential in the Russian market for Saab vehicles."
Note to Editors:
Saab, or Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company), was founded in 1937 as an aircraft manufacturer and revealed its first prototype passenger car 10 years later after the formation of the Saab Car Division. In 1990, Saab Automobile AB was created as a separate company, jointly owned by the Saab Scania Group and General Motors, and became a wholly-owned GM subsidiary in 2000. In February 2010, Spyker Cars N.V. of the Netherlands, acquired the company from GM as an independently-run business.
Saab cars reflect the brand's unique Scandinavian design ethic, which is fused with its aircraft engineering heritage. The company is a global premium car maker with a distinguished history of innovation. It is recognized for its pioneering role in turbocharging, as well as occupant safety and the introduction of flex-fuel technology through Saab BioPower. Saab Automobile AB currently employs approximately 3,800 staff in Sweden, where it operates world-class production and technical development facilities at its headquarters in Trollhattan, 70 km north of Gothenburg.
SOURCE Saab Automobile
Share this article