Saab CEO Jan Ake Jonsson retires

The 59-year-old Jonsson has been with Saab for over 40 years, and became CEO of the Swedish carmaker in 2005, when it was still under the control of General Motors. Jonsson played a key role in keeping Saab alive when GM considered plans to shut down the company.

"I have been with Saab Automobile for almost my entire career of 40 years, of which almost six years as the head of Saab Automobile," said Jonsson in a statement. "The last three years have of course been very demanding and forced me to focus on one thing only - my work. Now it is time for me to also spend some time on other things that had to stand back for my duties to Saab Automobile."

Jonsson leaves Saab at a period of transition, with the carmaker currently working on a new range of models based on a new platform it is developing, called Phoenix. The first car to be spun off the Phoenix platform will be the all-new 9-3, which is set to be launched next year.

"We have already accomplished so many things that many thought were impossible and I am convinced that Saab Automobile is on the right track towards replacing the entire product portfolio by October 2012 - when the next generation 9-3 will be launched - as well as creating a stand-alone company with a financially sound business model," Jonsson said.

Spyker Cars' CEO Victor Muller, who will be the interim President and CEO of Saab when Jonsson retires on 19 May until a successor is found, expressed his appreciation of Jonsson's efforts in keeping the Saab brand alive. Muller said, "I am really sad to see him leave, but understand and respect his rationale. He has had one of the toughest jobs in Sweden in recent years and I am grateful that he has transferred his knowledge and experience to the Managements of Saab Automobile and Spyker Cars N.V."