Saab Automobile AB President, Jan-Åke Jonsson & Swedish Industry Minister, Maud Olofsson Debate On Sweden’s SVT Television

Posted on 23. Feb, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009

Photo Credit: SVT

Saab Automobile AB CEO, Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson, debates with Swedish Government’s Industry Minister, Maud Olofsson in what was quite a heated debate this past Sunday night on Sweden’s SVT television. The debate between the two went for about 4-5 minutes (11:00-14:30), but it was quite intense and rightfully so, this is an important issue as they were clearly illustrating with their strong positions.

In addition to the debate between the two, Mona Salin, the party leader in the Swedish Government also debates with Maud Olofsson as well.

The total debate spanned approximately 13 minutes, I would highly suggest you check it it out, please visit SVT’s website. It is in Swedish, but you can see the continue strong positions that the Swedish Government have on this matter.

I have also provided TTELA’s reflection of the televised debate in an English (translated) summary below.

It became rancorous atmosphere between Saab’s CEO Jan Ã…ke Jonsson and Industry Minister Maud Olofsson (C) when the two met on SVT’s Agenda on Sunday evening.
We get various clearances from the government, “said Jonsson.

Jonsson said the program to different stakeholders, both investors and automakers, have been in contact with Saab and shown interest in the car manufacturer.

But before they go further, there must be a clear answer from the government for government loan guarantees.

It is important for us to get a clearance from the government. I think the answer we get from the government are different, “said Jonsson.

As an example he stated that the government previously announced that Saab will apply for loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB), but that Maud Olofsson has said the application would be made by GM.

Maud Olofsson rejected the criticism and argued that the government always said that GM as the owner must apply for EIB loans.

Saab has, according to Dagens Industri, submitted a loan application for 500 million to the EIB. But before making any decisions want the bank to have information about it, some state loan guarantees. No guarantees, however, is to wait until Saab has presented a credible business plan.
The (business plan) is too optimistic, considered Olofsson.

Social Democratic party leader Mona Sahlin also participated in the program. She said, in argument with the Minister for Trade, that she is in favor of Saab’s business plan.
The effect on taxpayers if Saab does not have the opportunity to hear the plan is worse, “she said.

Tags: bank, car manufacturer, CEO, Industry Minister, leader, Minister, party leader, President, Social Democratic Party, Swedish Government