Two Options For GM Powertrain Says Kjell ac Bergström

Posted on 22. Apr, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009

Two Options For GM Powertrain; Stand On Own Feet, Or Integrate With Saab Automobile.

Kjell ac Bergström, CEO of GM Powertain Sweden, whom Saab History interviewed back in January of 2008 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit says that there are two options for GM Powertain when it comes to separating from General Motors.

According to TTELA, Kjell ac Bergström who sits on the Saab Automobile AB Management board, is extremely optimistic about Saab Automobile and GM Powertrain Sweden, which from what I understand, is a separate company. He wants to know if it’s the right thing for GM Powertrain to continue to stand on its own feet, or integrate with Saab Automobile. According to his interview below, it will have to be determined by the end of this year.

Kjell ac Bergström is a very knowledgeable and open minded person as I have found after interviewing him and listening to one of his BioPower seminars back in 2007 during the Saab Festival. I trust his decision to postpone his retirement in order to ensure the success of GM Powertrain and Saab Automobile AB’s needs is a good one.

Here is the piece from TTELA:

Two routes for Powertrain CEO Kjell ac Bergström favor of separation from GM

Trollhättan Crisis of GM have had mild effects on the GM Powertrain Sweden. The company, which has 380 employees in Trollhättan, are faced with two possible options when Saab is broken off from GM.

Kjell ac Bergström, CEO GM Powertrain Sweden, is extremely optimistic about the future, both for own company and for Saab.

Provides GM with engines and gearboxes, but operates as a separate company.

Has around 50 000 employees worldwide, spread over 20 development centers and 60-century factories. In Trollhättan work currently 380 people on Powertrain, the company GM Powertrain Sweden.

Development of the manual gearbox is a development center by specialized areas.

- Should we still stand on its own feet, or fully integrated in the Saab? We know this when the end of the year, “says Kjell ac Bergström, CEO GM Powertrain Sweden.

For one thing is clear. Kjell ac Bergström deleted cold from Saab, a continued life with a new owner.

- It makes me not to lie SLEEPLESS night, so to speak. We look very positively on this.

Do you prefer the new owner is a car manufacturer or a financier?

- The advantage of an automotive group is that you get access to their technology, but with a financier, we on the other hand, more freedom to talk with several players on the cooperation agreement.

Resulting reconstruction

GM Powertrain Sweden is legally a separate company and are therefore not included in the Saab’s reorganization. But you still participate in the discussions because the company in one way or another will be part of the future of Saab.

- Saab takes is us. And we also contribute material to the presentations to the new owners.

GM Powertrain Sweden has managed the crisis without notice. However, the prospective recruitment of 100 engineers to Trollhättan put on hold.

Need, TTELA talked about last year, due both to a new type of manual gearboxes will be presented.

- We have instead made use of consultants, “says Bergstrom.

Manual gearbox is one of the company’s responsibilities. Hybrids and turbo charging are two other areas where the Swedish part of GM Powertrain have special skills.
Similarly sit Powertrain other companies within the GM with other special skills.

- In the short term, we will not do without their skills. Therefore, a number of transition service will be created (with GM).

Transitional period of five years

Kjell ac Bergström know what aborted collaboration means. It is not long ago, GM and Fiat went separate ways in Powertrain.

- I’ve been through a few divorces and know that the transition period usually be around five years.

Simultaneously, the requirements are changing the Powertrain in Trollhättan.

- We need to get a broader skills and it is not done overnight. But we will not be able to afford to invest in a new engine or växellådsfabrik (Södertälje factory is sold to Scania, the photographer for Weigl), but will buy in different skill levels.

Kjell ac Bergström is in favor of change. So positive that he is willing to postpone retirement, which actually takes place next year.

- I think it’s so fun to work now if this goes in the lock, I am open for a continuation, “says Bergstrom with a smile.

Tags: automotive, car manufacturer, CEO, financier, General Motors, GM Powertain Sweden, GM Powertrain Sweden, photographer, Powertrain, Saab Automobile AB Management