Saab GB has been working on improving its models’ attractiveness to business motorists.

With around three quarters of the Swedish brand’s business being generated from contract hire sales, it is a key area for growth in 2011.

Saab ended 2010 with almost 6,000 UK registrations, some 2,000 short of its goal and winning just a 0.3% share of the annual market.

It aims to recover to around 15,000 sales by 2013.

The Saab 9-3 has seen a rise in popularity with company car user-choosers as it offers a twin-turbo diesel engine with 119g/km CO2 emissions and 180bhp, giving the vehicle more power than many of its rivals and low benefit-in-kind costs to business motorists.

Residual values have also improved by about £400 in the last 12 months.

“We are creating more sales opportunities by creating cars that the drivers will want, the 9-3 delivers lower CO2 emissions, good mpg and power behind it.

“We are starting to see some momentum building as the brand recovers,” said Paul Adler, general manager at Saab GB.

“I think these movements reflect the actual values achieved by Saab used cars in the market and the growing confidence that the motor industry has in Saab’s future as we manage our business in line with the expectations of a premium brand.”

Looking to 2011, Saab is looking to continue building trust within the fleet market and improving its range; the new 9-3 is due for release early 2012.