Saab expanding in Americas - UPI.com LINKOPING, Sweden, June 20 (UPI) -- Saab Defense of Sweden is opening a new marketing division in the United States to strengthen its presence in the Americas region. Called Saab Americas, the unit will have headquarters in Washington and will be open for business in January. Earlier this year, the company created Saab North America as part of its strategy to more fully tap the international market. "In order to create profitable and long-term growth, Saab has placed clear focus on increasing its international presence and its sales outside Sweden," the company said. The expansion is directed at markets with strong demand and with the right conditions for profitable growth. The new marketing office will not only focus on North American business but also opportunities for the company in South America. "We are now building further on our success in North America, and through the formation of Saab Americas we are establishing Saab's presence on the whole American continent," said Saab President and Chief Executive Officer Hakan Buskhe. At the same time I can announce that we have chosen Jonas Hjelm to head the operation. Hjelm is the marketing director of Saab's Management Group.