NEW products are poised to play a critical role in driving Saab to its goal of achieving a 1% share of Britain's new car market after the next 18 months. The Swedish maker is on course to win 20,000 sales this year, but further growth will be spearheaded by the recently-launched 9-3 diesel model and the long-awaited 9-5 estate, due to make its UK debut at the Birmingham International Motor Show in October.

'Our sales are on an upward trend as more people come to recognise the brand stands for good value as well as quality engineering, but the new cars will play a big part in taking us to 25,000 annual registrations by 2000,' said corporate sales manager Margaret Small. 'The five-door diesel will contribute 1,000 sales, but we expect the biggest increase to come from the estate. This will be Saab's first holdall model for 20 years and should give us an extra 3,500 registrations next year.'