As the industry turns its gaze to the coming year, bleak outlooks predominate. Some makers are actually making headway, increasing sales in January compared to last year. Most are seeing sales slip away. Saab is one of the makers that doesn't see loss in its future, but neither does it see increase.

Last year sales of the Swedish brand sank to just 125,000 units worldwide. Similar numbers are expected for 2008, although the corporate goal is to sell 150,000 to 200,000 units per year - but that will require better market conditions and the introduction of a new model, according to the German Auto Motor & Sport. The coming 9-5 and 9-4X - due in 2009 - are carrying the companies hopes.

The two models are expected to boost annual sales by 35,000 to 40,000 units, which would put the company near its break-even point of 180,000 vehicles. Because the new models won't hit the road until mid-2009, however, parent company GM doesn't expect Saab to reach such numbers until 2010.