The petrol sedan model is being produced in the high-spec Aero trim with the 220PS 2.0-litre turbo engine and is being produced at an initially ‘modest’ production rate of about ten cars a week, with the pace being ramped up to meet demand.

Saab owners National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS) said that sales are initially focused in China with a small number of vehicles being sold directly from NEVS to Swedish customers via the Nevs’ website. It added that: ‘Over time we will develop our customer base to expand into more markets where we see potential for growth and profitability.’

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.

NEVs said: ‘The pace of change towards cars powered by fossil free fuels will increase and China currently has the most ambitious efforts for electrification of the vehicle fleet.’

‘It is truly a complex mission to start a car production process which has been still for two and a half years. It is very pleasing that we have embarked on a journey where we want to and will make a difference with our partners and customers. Our electric car will be launched next year, and already today we can offer Saab cars with continued high, proven performance and quality,’ said NEVS president Mattias Bergman.

‘Swedish expertise along with Japanese technology around batteries and new lightweight materials and our Chinese group’s focus on green technology is our strength for the future,’ added Kai Johan Jiang, NEVS founder and main owner.

Customers will be offered the opportunity to come to Trollhättan to take delivery of their vehicles and also visit the factory and the Saab Car Museum.

Service and parts distribution is being offered in partnership with Orio AB (formerly known as Saab Automobile Parts AB).

Sales of the petrol model start in Sweden, via Nevs’ website, Tuesday 10th December. The price is 279,000 SEK (€31,534) with manual transmission and 289,000 SEK (€32,664) with automatic transmission.