Saab's current owner will manufacture Saab brand gasoline-powered vehicles and new energy vehicles in a 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) project that started Monday in China's eastern city of Qingdao, Shandong province.

State Power Group Co Ltd, National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB, and Qingdao Qingbo Investment Co Ltd reached an investment agreement to set up a vehicle plant in Qingdao, Qingdao Daily reported Tuesday.

Four billion yuan is to be invested in the first phase, with a production target of 200,000 vehicles. The project, designed to produce 400,000 vehicles a year, is expected to output 120 billion yuan annually.

National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB has finalized its acquisition of the main assets of Saab Automobile AB, Saab Automobile Powertrain AB and Saab Automobile Tools AB, effective Aug 31, 2012.

National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB is wholly owned by National Modern Energy Holdings Ltd, the majority owner of State Power Group.

Saab has a history of more than 70 years. It is a leading enterprise in scientific innovation in the world's automobile industry.

State Power Group Co Ltd is one of the leaders in the global new energy industry, with nearly 350 invention patents.