Saab’s DNA Isn’t Dead—It Just Changed Its Name

Saab Roots Run Deep in Trollhattan

For many car enthusiasts, Trollhattan is forever linked to Saab—a place where innovative minds built some of the most iconic Scandinavian vehicles. Even after Saab’s final production days, the spirit of engineering resilience has never fully faded. That resilience is now taking a new form through a company called Trollhattan Mobility, spearheaded by four former colleagues from Saab and NEVS: Frank Smit, Peter Dahl, Felix Andlauer, and Martin Nordin.

These four men, shaped by the highs and lows of Sweden’s auto industry, aren’t just reminiscing about the past—they’re actively engineering the next chapter in the very place where Saab once thrived. The company is now operating from leased spaces within NEVS’s old Stallbacka plant, which has been partly converted into a co-working and industrial innovation space named The Factory.

A Rapid Takeoff, Powered by Familiar Grit

The new company didn’t start with funding, offices, or even equipment. But what it lacked in resources, it made up for with experience, credibility, and an iron will. As Frank Smit explains, the first contract landed unexpectedly last August when a contact at PWR Group was looking for an experienced project manager.

PWR Group, a name familiar in European motorsports and racing circles, recognized Trollhattan Mobility’s unique capabilities right away. Not long after the first handshake, they did more than assign a project—they bought a 60% stake in the company, giving the Trollhattan crew not only a mission but also the financial fuel to begin development work.

Saab fans may recall that PWR once operated a successful Saab racing team, competing in various Swedish and Scandinavian series with notable victories. More on their motorsport heritage can be found in our archive: PWR Racing Team on SaabPlanet.

What Are They Building? A Mystery with Familiar Curves

The project Trollhattan Mobility is currently working on remains under wraps. However, one clue comes in the form of a carcass from a scrapped vehicle, which now lies tucked away in a building near their office. Smit confirmed that this will form the base structure for the prototype they are developing.

While it’s not yet clear whether this is a road-going car, a race-spec chassis, or something in between, expect Saab-inspired design philosophies to resurface: function-driven engineering, robust safety principles, and smart packaging. And judging by the visual inspiration around the office—black-and-white prints of Saab 900s and 9000s, concept drawings, and interior mockups—there’s little doubt these engineers still carry their Saab DNA.

From Credibility to Capability: The Core Advantage

What makes Trollhattan Mobility instantly credible isn’t just nostalgia—it’s the fact that this team has built entire vehicles before. From the electric NEVS 9-3 prototypes to the astonishing Emily GT, developed in just ten months, they have a proven ability to deliver under pressure. This track record helps them attract both clients and collaborators, even in the absence of large-scale infrastructure.

As Smit notes, “We can pick up the phone and call some of the best engineers and suppliers in Sweden. We just need to offer them a sense of stability.”

Trollhattan Mobility’s Vision: Small Series, Big Impact

When asked if vehicle production could return to Stallbacka, Smit is cautiously optimistic. The idea isn’t about recreating the scale of old Saab assembly lines. Rather, the future may lie in small-series production, building under 100 vehicles per year for niche applications or performance-focused segments.

This aligns with trends in both the electric vehicle (EV) space and motorsport-derived vehicles—fields where bespoke development and engineering precision matter more than mass production.

Emily GT: Still the Benchmark

Though not directly involved in Emily GT’s potential future, Smit sees the car as the ultimate expression of Trollhattan’s remaining engineering talent. The EV grand tourer—developed by NEVS engineers, including some of Trollhattan Mobility’s founding team—remains a showcase of what can be done with tight timelines and the right vision.

The hope remains that Emily GT—or its underlying platform—might find a second life through new partnerships or investors. Whether it carries the NEVS badge or something new, Trollhattan Mobility stands ready to be part of that journey.

A New Kind of Automotive Incubator

The leased NEVS facility now branded The Factory is more than just an office; it’s becoming a start-up ecosystem for automotive innovation. Trollhattan Mobility is its first major tenant, and their success could serve as a template for other engineering-led ventures that tap into the town’s legacy and existing infrastructure.

With access to former production halls, test rigs, and a local talent pool shaped by Saab and NEVS, the conditions are ripe for lean, fast-paced vehicle development.

Looking Forward: More Talent Needed

As demand increases, Trollhattan Mobility is already planning to expand its team. Smit confirmed that he’s looking to hire a new project manager, and likely more engineers will follow. In true Saab fashion, he remains pragmatic but quietly ambitious.

“We’ve been through enough to know things won’t be easy. But we’re not giving up. Trollhattan still has something to prove.”

Saab’s Legacy in Safe Hands

It’s tempting to look at Trollhattan Mobility as a footnote in the post-Saab era. But that would be missing the point. This is not a nostalgia project. It’s an evolution of everything that made Saab special, translated for a different era.

By leveraging credibility, rapid prototyping expertise, and deep engineering roots, this new company may not only revive some of Saab’s unfinished dreams but also create new benchmarks in agile vehicle development.

For those watching from the outside, particularly long-time Saab fans, this development is more than encouraging. It’s a sign that the Saab spirit never really died—it just evolved, and it’s now designing its future from the same soil where it once made history.