Founder of Saab's U.S. Business Dies

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. December 24, 2002; The AP reported that Ralph T. Millet, who helped bring the first Saabs to the United States and later became president of the Swedish car maker's U.S. import business, has died. He was 85.

Millet, of Old Saybrook, Conn., died at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, according to his minister and a Saab statement. Millet died Friday from lung problems and other ailments, said the Rev. Charles L. Hoffman of Grace Episcopal Church.

Millet began the Swedish automaker's import business in 1956 when the head of Saab urged Millet, who was a Saab purchasing agent, to push for imports to compete against Volkswagen sales in the United States.

The first shipment of cars to dealers arrived in late 1956 at Hingham, Mass. Fifteen dealers were signed the first year, and sales reached 2,200 in 1958. Sales slumped the following year when the three dominant U.S. automakers introduced their own small cars.

Saab is now owned by General Motors Corp.

In the late 1960s, Millet became one of the first representatives of the auto industry to be appointed to the Highway Traffic Safety Advisory Council of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Millet was a Boston native. He is survived by his wife, Gunlog, and four children.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday in Old Saybrook.