DETROIT — Late Tuesday, Saab Cars North America selected the place that will serve as its new headquarters. Where will the newly independent automaker set up shop?

The new headquarters will be in Royal Oak, Mich., which means Saab is keeping about 2,000 jobs in North America.

The automaker plans to invest $2.4 million to enhance its U.S. sales and marketing operations under the guidance of Dutch company Spyker Cars NV, which purchased Saab in late February.

Saab executives highlighted the efforts of the Michigan Economic Development Council and the city of Royal Oak to secure the project. The company received the approval of a state tax credit from Gov. Jennifer Granholm, along with local contributions by Royal Oak, for a total benefit of $1.4 million over five years.

"Saab Cars North America appreciates the assistance and cooperation of the city of Royal Oak and the governor's office in helping make the company's decision a reality during tough economic times," stressed Mike Colleran, president and chief operating officer of Saab Cars North America.

"As a direct result in acquiring local and state assistance, we look forward to renewing our U.S. presence as an independent, premium luxury automotive brand with Swedish heritage while maintaining our loyal following and potentially attracting new customers," Colleran added.

Granholm emphasized that Saab's decision further cultivates a recovering economy in Michigan.

"From advanced batteries to homeland security and life sciences to building materials, companies across all industry sectors are choosing Michigan for their growth plans because our state is a great state in which to do business," Granholm pointed out.

The community where Saab plans to do business also is elated with the automaker's decision.

"This is tremendous news for Oakland County. While the county continues to transform into a knowledge-based economy through my Emerging Sectors, Medical Main Street and Automation Alley initiatives, the automobile industry still employs a large segment of our work force," stated Brooks Patterson, an Oakland County executive.

"This affirms that we remain the global center of the auto industry. Credit is due to the Michigan Economic Development Corp., my Economic Development Department and Royal Oak," Patterson added.