Saab is confident of reaching its goal of 200,000 sales a year as it prepares to launch its vital new 9-3 range.

President Peter Augustsson says the company will be profitable at an annual sales figure of 140- 150,000 vehicles.

Saab has not made a profit for a decade. Last year it reached 126,000 sales.

The new 9-3 makes its debut as a sedan in September, and three other body styles join the range later – a convertible, a station wagon, and finally the 9-3x crossover vehicle, which will be available with four-wheel-drive.

This final car has won rave reviews as a concept car at recent motor shows, combining elements of coupe and estate styling.

The range does not include a hatchback - breaking with the current model.

Underpinning the car is GM's new Epsilon platform, which is a massive leap forward over the outgoing car's modified Opel Calibra chassis.

Under the nose at launch is a new 2.0-litre all-aluminium engine, or the current 125bhp diesel unit. For the future, there are rumours of a 250bhp range-topper.