National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB has started production of the Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan with a petrol engine. Sales are initially focused in China with a small number of vehicles being sold directly from Nevs to Swedish customers via the Nevs’ website.

The car that is produced is a high-spec Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan with a 220 hp 2.0-liter turbo, a previously recognized high-performance engine of the Saab cars.

Nevs’ customers will be offered a first class and engaging customer experience. They will also be offered the opportunity to come to the heart of the Saab car brand in Trollhättan to take delivery of their vehicles. While doing so, they will be invited to visit the factory with experienced and competent workers and the Saab Car Museum where they can get a flavor of brand and vehicles.

In less than a year, the purchasing organization has built partnerships with the suppliers to the Saab 9-3. Nevs now has partnerships with all around 400 suppliers needed for the Sedan model. All in all the Nevs’ start of production engage around 2,400 companies globally through the suppliers.

To ensure high quality and the supply chain functions, the production rate will be very modest, about ten cars a week initially, and then gradually the pace will be increased to meet customers’ demand.

The electric car based on the Saab 9-3 will be launched in spring 2014, with China as the first market. Nevs’ partner and part owner Qingdao has initially placed an order for a pilot fleet of 200 electric cars with delivery starting in spring 2014.

Sales in Sweden, via Nevs’ website, will start on Tuesday, December 10. The price is 279 000 SEK with manual transmission and 289 000 with automatic transmission. Additional specifications purchase and delivery conditions are presented when the sale starts.