Stockholm  - Saab Automobile posted a loss for 2007, but the group owned by US automotive giant General Motors reduced its losses compared to 2006, Swedish financial daily Dagens Industri reported Wednesday.

The Swedish-based carmaker sold some 125,000 cars in 2007, roughly 7,800 fewer cars than in 2006, the report said.

Saab Automobile's loss for 2007 was 2.2 billion kronor (360 million kronor) compared to a loss of 2.9 billion kronor in 2006, the daily reported, citing the group's annual report filed in Sweden.

Turnover, not including sales of spare parts, was 21.7 billion kronor, down from 24 billion kronor in 2006.

However, Saab Automobile chief executive Jan-Ake Jonsson said the group earned money on its sales in Europe but not in the US.

"I am satisfied that we managed to improve the result despite a drop in sales," Jonsson added, citing higher margins and cost-cuts.

Jonsson said Saab kept its aim to report a profit in 2009 or 2010, citing benefits from new models due to be launched.

General Motor's interest in Saab - one of Europe's smallest carmakers - dates back to the early 1990s, and the concern took full control in 2000. (dpa)