Company overview
Saleen Automotive, Inc., operating as Saleen, is an American manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports cars and automotive parts. Established in 1983, the company initially focused on modifying Mustangs before developing its own vehicles. The S7, introduced in 2000, remains Saleen’s only production car not based on an existing design. In 2017, Saleen formed a joint venture with Jiangsu, China, to produce and distribute vehicles in the Chinese market. The company has produced a range of models including the 302 (based on the Mustang), Sportruck and Sportruck XR (based on the F-150), BIG OLY (based on the Bronco), and the S1. Saleen has a history of developing supercharger systems, including the Series I through VI, and other performance parts such as headlamps and scenic roofs. In 2019, the company introduced the Maimai, a low-speed electric vehicle in China. However, the Chinese operations faced significant challenges, including allegations of embezzlement and ultimately led to the company’s closure in 2022. Saleen has also operated under various names, including Saleen Autosport and SMS, and has experienced periods of financial difficulty.
