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ROYAL OAK, Mich. — Officials from the Saab Club of North America expect this year's Saab Owners Convention to be even more memorable since the brand did not disappear thanks to its sale to Spyker Cars.

The nameplate's annual enthusiast gathering in Aurora, Ohio, is scheduled to begin Thursday, culminating with a Saturday night banquet that includes a pair of keynote speakers. Those individuals are the brand's top two executives — Victor Muller, chief executive officer of Spyker Cars NV and chairman of Saab Automobile AB, and Jan Ake Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB.

"We applaud the members of the Saab Club for their continued loyalty to the Saab brand throughout an extended sales process," stated Mike Colleran, president and chief operating officer of Saab Cars North America.

"Saab is back and back to stay — we thank the Saab Club for their efforts in helping to save Saab," Colleran declared.

Besides the brand's survival, club leadership also is gearing up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Saab's victory at the legendary Longest Day at Nelson Ledges, a 24-hour race.

Festivities are to commence with Track Day on Thursday at the Nelson Ledges Road Course, which is the course on which Saab used its turbocharged 900 engine to prevail in the race back in 1980.

The automaker plans to show off the all new Saab 9-5 Aero Sedan as well as the 9-3 Aero Convertible.

The rest of the activities are set to take place at the Bertram Inn and Conference Center in Aurora. The schedule includes technical and historical seminars, banquets and a charity auction.

Self-directed scenic drives through the surrounding area, such as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, will be available to provide participants a view of Northeast Ohio's most picturesque venues. Also, a wide selection of Saab parts and accessories will be available for purchase on site.

Organizers emphasized that a highlight of each Saab Owners Convention is the opportunity for Saab enthusiasts to participate in a variety of competitions and vie for various awards. For example, they explained there is the time-honored tradition of showing off the "best of the best" Saab vehicles in the Concours d'Saab and People's Choice competition.

Additionally, convention planners mentioned a few Saab enthusiasts will win bragging rights to the 2010 Best Saab Fleet in North America Award. They indicated this category is open to Saab owners across the country, even if they cannot attend the event.

"Members of the Saab Club sincerely extend their gratitude to Mr. Muller for his tenacious efforts to save Saab and Jan Ake Jonsson for his continued loyalty to Saab," noted Ian Glenday, president of Saab Club North America.

Officials recounted that Saab entered the industry in 1949 with the first model '92. They highlighted its aerodynamic shape and advanced technology drew from the company's roots as an aircraft maker and helped create what was to become a loyal and passionate customer base.

Spyker Cars NV purchased Saab Automobile AB from General Motors on Feb. 23.

The Saab Club of North America was founded more than 25 years ago as a way for Saab owners and fans of the brand to come together and celebrate this vehicle from Scandinavia. The primary mission of the Saab Club of North America is to gather Saab owners once a year to honor Saabs and the history of this brand.