SAAB-SCANIA AKTIEBOLAG

major Swedish manufacturer of motor vehicles and industrial equipment. Headquarters are in Linkping. The company was incorporated in 1937 as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget. The company began around the turn of the century as a manufacturer of bicycles and vacuum cleaners. In the early 20th century it engaged primarily in automobile production; later it began to manufacture aircraft. In 1965 the name was changed to Saab Aktiebolag, and a few years later the present name was adopted. The company is best known for its manufacture of Saab automobiles and Scania trucks and buses, which are exported throughout the world. The company also manufactures Scania diesel engines for marine and industrial use. Other products include missiles, aviation electronics, computer systems, medical equipment, control and instrument systems, and power-plant equipment, including valves, boilers, and pipe systems. The company has major subsidiaries in Scandinavia, the United States, South America, France, and Germany, and it operates marketing subsidiaries throughout the world.