Saab CEO Jan Åke Jonsson has announced that he will retire from the company effective May 19th. The 59-year-old CEO, who has lead the Swedish automaker for six years, will be available to assist the automaker through September.

Jonsson isn't exactly leaving Saab when the company is the best of health, with soft sales and a meager balance sheet. Jonsson's true legacy with the company is his dogged determination to keep the automaker afloat through its tumultuous sale from General Motors. After fighting to keep the brand alive, Jonsson then went to work on reviving an aging product lineup.

Jonsson's announcement also included a bit of news. "I am convinced that Saab is on the right track toward replacing the entire product portfolio by October 2012," adding that the new 9-3 will go on sale around that time. Saab chairman Victor Muller will take over as CEO until a suitable replacement is found.

Alongside this news, Saab officially announced its 2010 earnings. The automaker lost €140 million for the year, or $197 million USD based on current exchange rates. However, Saab did manage to sell 32,048 units in 2010, an increase of 53 percent compared to the 20,905 moved produced in 2009.

Saab also announced deals with Russian and Chinese exporters, giving the automaker the ability to increase sales volume due to access in a pair of emerging markets. Hit the jump for Saab's prolific press blast.



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