SAAB is preparing to launch a wave of crucial new models next year following the recent debut of the 9-5 saloon. The Swedish manufacturer says business sales will be vital for its first diesel model launch in March, new V6 9-5 models are set to be launched in February or March, and the 9-5 estate will hit the market later in the year.

The estate 9-5 will be Saab's first load-lugger for 20 years. The rakish, sporty vehicle is expected to attack Volvo's domination of the large estate market. Along with saloon variants of the 9-5, the new additions represent a significant upturn in Saab's fleet offerings after a period with just the 900 and the ageing 9000. The 9000 will remain in production for the foreseeable future.

The upturn has prompted Saab GB to increase its targets for the next three years. It originally set a 1% goal for the year 2000, about 20,000 registrations. However, the company is now confident of achieving at least 25,000 sales.