The Saab-Saturn Dealership Distribution Plan In Canada

Posted on 26. Aug, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009

Here’s the official word that while GM Canada will no longer distribute Saab Automobiles in Canada as of December 31st, 2009.

While, GM has taken the initiative to work together with the Penske group who is purchasing Saturn from them, there is no clarity on the future of Saab dealerships in Canada, even though these two separate entities share facilities together.

For those of you who haven’t read the history of Saab Canada, please read the piece I received from them a year ago where they now need to add a new chapter to it.

I have gone ahead and asked the folks who are formulating the operations plan in Canada for Saab about whether or not they will be launching a new “Saab Automobile Canada” office separate from GM. Let’s remember, Saab Canada were managed by two importers over the first 14 years of operation (1975-1989), with the last twenty under GM management. One would think that without an importer as of December 31s, 2009, there will need to be a new importer moving forward. Whether this importer is Saab Automobile Canada, Penske or otherwise, I hope to learn more about who the new importer will be.

I have learned that once Saab dealerships are closed in Canada, GM will direct customers to other “non Saab” dealerships to attempt to get their remaining customers service and warranty work done.

The details of the Saab dealerships in Canada from GM Canada is below.

Earlier this week GM Canada advised SAAB retailers in Canada that GM Canada will no longer distribute SAAB automobiles in Canada.

Following is a brief summary of key points and our statement.

On August 14, 2009 General Motors entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with a consortium led by Koenigsegg Group AB for the purchase of SAAB Automobile AB.

The closing of the sale of SAAB Automobile AB is expected in the next months. SAAB and the Koenigsegg Group AB are currently in the process of formulating its global operations plan. Upon completion of that plan SAAB will share their intentions with respect to its future plans for the Canadian market.

As previously decided, GM Canada has made the difficult decision to no longer continue the distribution of SAAB automobiles in Canada. GM Canada and SAAB will work together to ensure existing SAAB customers in Canada obtain the level of service and care they have come to expect from existing SAAB retailers in Canada.

GM Canada Statement

“GM Canada would like to thank SAAB for engaging in dialogue over the past several months. We will ensure that as GM Canada’s SAAB retailers cease operations, existing customers will have their immediate service, parts and warranty needs satisfied through an existing network of GM dealers across Canada”

Tags: Canada, General Motors, GM Canada, Koenigsegg Group AB, Saab Automobile AB, Saab Canada