Saabs No Longer Come from Sweden – They’re Born in Meppel

Meppel: The New Global Hub for Saab Restoration

While Saab production ended in Sweden over a decade ago, Meppel, a small Dutch town, has emerged as the global center for Saab restoration and sustainability. Saab Partners, led by Dirk Koppen, has built a thriving business around giving Saabs a second life. From acquiring rare engines to pioneering a circular economy model, this operation is ensuring that the legacy of Saab continues to inspire enthusiasts worldwide.

Five Truckloads of Engines: The Birth of a Saab Revolution

One of the most striking stories from “Saab Partners” is the day five trucks full of Saab engines arrived in Meppel. “You pause for a moment when something like that happens,” Koppen recalls. “Where do you even store them all?” These engines, including many Euro 5-compliant models, became the cornerstone of Saab Partners’ mission to refurbish and revive Saab vehicles.

This massive inventory has enabled them to restore over 300 cars, equipping them with brand-new engines, transmissions, and interiors. For Saab lovers, it’s like stepping back in time to when these cars rolled off the assembly line, except now they come with modern upgrades that reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance reliability.

The Refurbished Saab Market: Affordable and Reliable

Saab Partners’ expertise extends beyond restoration to tapping into the youngtimer market. In the Netherlands, cars over 15 years old benefit from lower tax rates, making them a popular choice for both individuals and companies. Saab Partners refurbishes these vehicles to near-new condition, making them attractive, reliable, and affordable.

“We see a lot of demand from Germany and Switzerland, where the climate is better and cars tend to age well,” Koppen explains. “But we’ll source cars from anywhere and make them look—and drive—like new.” Saab Partners even offers leasing options under the youngtimer tax scheme, ensuring these vehicles remain accessible.

Part of the current offer of Saab cars from the Dutch company saabpartners.com

Inside the Garage: Where the Magic Happens

At the heart of Saab Partners is a garage bustling with activity. Technicians work tirelessly on everything from routine maintenance to major restorations and even conversions for older Saabs. While Koppen no longer wrenches on the cars himself, his passion is evident in every detail of the operation.

“We’re constantly working on unique models,” he says. “Some have been waiting for years to be restored because we’ve been so busy.” With a team of 12 skilled employees, Saab Partners is always on the lookout for passionate mechanics to join their mission.

Circular Economy and Sustainability in Action

Saab Partners’ business model is a shining example of sustainability in the automotive world. Everything is preserved, from engines and transmissions to dashboards and bolts. Nothing goes to waste. The company has even begun experimenting with converting older Saabs into electric vehicles, though the high costs remain a barrier for now.

“We can fit Saabs with battery packs, but the market isn’t quite ready yet,” Koppen admits. “It’s expensive, and we’re not yet able to compete with electric vehicles from Asia. But we’re experimenting, so we’ll be ready when the demand rises.”

This commitment to sustainability extends to their approach to refurbishment. By extending the lifespan of cars instead of scrapping them, Saab Partners significantly reduces waste and promotes a circular economy. For every Saab restored, the carbon footprint is dramatically lowered compared to manufacturing a new vehicle.

The New Saab Capital: Meppel

Saabs may no longer come from Trollhättan, Sweden, but they have found a new home in Meppel. With three businesses in the town dedicated to Saab restoration, it’s no surprise that enthusiasts now see Meppel as the new Saab capital.

“This is unique,” Koppen says proudly. “There’s nowhere else like it. We’ve truly become the heart of the Saab world.”

A Bright Future for Saab Enthusiasts

Saab Partners in Meppel is more than a business—it’s a mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of one of the automotive world’s most iconic brands. From restoring rare models to pioneering sustainable practices, they are proving that Saab’s story is far from over.

For enthusiasts, Meppel is now a must-visit destination, offering everything from refurbished Saabs to rare parts and innovative upgrades. With its dedication to quality, sustainability, and the Saab community, Saab Partners is ensuring that these legendary cars remain a beloved part of automotive history.

The Other Half of Meppel’s Saab Story: Inside Saab Specials

If Saab Partners shows how forgotten Saabs can be reborn, then Saab Specials reveals how passion and scale keep the brand alive. With over 100 Saabs under one roof and a 52-year family legacy, it’s Europe’s largest Saab hub. Meet Cassandra and Wim Timmer in our full feature about Saab Specials in Meppel.

Update – december 2025: Meppel Under Pressure: When Policy Starts to Threaten Saab Ownership

Meppel has become one of Europe’s most important strongholds for Saab – home to specialists, restorers, and a community that keeps the brand alive long after production ended. But this ecosystem does not exist in a vacuum. A recent tax decision in the Netherlands is now putting serious pressure on Saab ownership, particularly for youngtimers that form the backbone of today’s usable Saab fleet.

In a Dutch regional media report, Dirk Koppen of Saab Partners in Meppel openly warned that the sudden change in youngtimer taxation could make business use of well-maintained Saabs financially unviable overnight, with direct consequences for owners, dealers, and specialist workshops. We take a closer look at what this means for the Dutch Saab community – and why enthusiasts across Europe should pay attention – in our in-depth analysis of the new Dutch youngtimer tax rules.