How One Saab Expert is Resurrecting the Brand Piece by Piece

Saab enthusiasts know that preserving these iconic vehicles isn’t just a hobby – it’s a mission. At the heart of this mission is Stemeck, a name synonymous with Saab expertise in Sweden. But behind the brand stands a man whose dedication to the Saab legacy spans decades – Stefan Molin, a key figure leading the charge to secure parts and ensure Saab vehicles continue to grace the roads.

The Saab Legacy in Safe Hands

Stefan Molin’s story with Saab began over 30 years ago. Once a mechanic working on Saab’s technical development team, Molin has now returned to the industry as the CEO of Svenska Saabklubben Reservdelar AB. His goal? To track down suppliers, foster partnerships, and ensure a steady stream of high-quality replacement parts for Saab vehicles.

The task is daunting. After Saab’s bankruptcy in 2011, sourcing parts became increasingly difficult, particularly for both classic and newer Saab models. Yet, Molin’s expertise and deep connections within the automotive community are proving invaluable in revitalizing the parts supply chain.

One of the standout initiatives is the collaboration with AQ Techroi Prototyp to manufacture essential components like brake shields directly in Trollhättan. This partnership is not only helping to bridge the gap but also ensures that the new parts are as close to the original factory specifications as possible.

The Evolution of Stemeck: More Than Just a Parts Supplier

Stemeck has grown to become a pillar of the Saab community, offering far more than just replacement parts. The company’s storefront and service center reflect this commitment, serving as a hub for Saab owners seeking maintenance, tuning, and restoration services.

With Stemeck, customers are not just buying parts – they are investing in a legacy. From lighting components to engine parts and body panels, Stemeck stocks a diverse array of essential pieces to keep Saab vehicles running. The shop’s collaboration with Svenska Saabklubben ensures that hard-to-find items can often be sourced or reproduced.

Molin’s dedication shines through in his efforts to reach out to smaller manufacturers capable of producing limited runs of niche parts, essential for maintaining Saabs that are gradually disappearing from the roads.

A Return to Trollhättan: Back Where It All Began

In a fitting twist of fate, Molin’s return as CEO has brought him back to the same facility in Trollhättan where he once worked on Saab prototypes. Standing amidst shelves stocked with bumpers, fenders, and engine components, Molin describes the experience as “a thrilling homecoming.”

His workspace now serves as the operational center for Saab’s spare parts supply chain, ensuring that vehicles like the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 continue to receive the care they deserve. According to Molin, “When I started, the warehouse was empty. Today, it’s filling up with essential parts that will keep Saabs alive for years to come.”

Overcoming Supply Challenges in the Saab World

One of Molin’s greatest challenges is sourcing parts for the newest generation of Saab vehicles, such as the Saab 9-5 NG. Components like tail lights and body panels are becoming increasingly rare and costly on the secondary market.

A recent example Molin highlighted involved tracking down rear lamps for the 2010-2011 Saab 9-5 NG. With no new stock available, used parts on the market can fetch upwards of 8,000 SEK per piece. Molin’s mission is to locate suppliers capable of reproducing these parts at scale, ensuring more affordable solutions for Saab enthusiasts.

Building for the Future: New Hires and Expanding the Team

As Svenska Saabklubben Reservdelar AB continues to grow, Molin envisions expanding the team. Currently, the parts operation is run by two full-time employees at a satellite facility in Skattkärr, with plans to create additional positions in Trollhättan. Molin believes that by next year, the company could have one or two more full-time employees, focusing on order management and inventory handling.

The long-term goal is to consolidate parts for Saab models produced after 1994 in Trollhättan while maintaining the Skattkärr site for classic parts.

Saab Enthusiasts: The Heart of the Community

Despite the challenges, Molin’s passion for Saab remains unwavering. As he puts it, “I want to be the guy who keeps these cars running. We need to reach out to Saab owners who still use their cars as daily drivers – they’re the next generation of enthusiasts.”

From humble beginnings as a Saab mechanic to spearheading Saab’s parts revival, Stefan Molin’s journey is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the global Saab community. As long as enthusiasts like Molin persist, Saabs will continue to thrive on roads around the world.