Saab

Saab’s automotive identity grew directly out of its origins as an aircraft manufacturer (Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, founded 1937), and that aviation heritage strongly influenced early branding and logo choices. Historic Saab car badges commonly incorporated aviation-inspired wordmarks and, later, a stylized griffin head drawn from the coat of arms of the Swedish region of Scania (Skåne), reflecting ties to the Scania-Vabis group and regional heraldry. Over time the marque evolved toward a circular badge featuring the red griffin on a field (often shown on a deep blue background) with the SAAB wordmark, emphasizing both regional symbolism and the engineering/aviation roots of the company. After Saab Automobile AB’s bankruptcy in 2011, the Saab name and automotive assets passed through various owners and licensing arrangements, while the historic griffin-themed badge remains the best-known emblem of Saab cars.