Saab Automobile, Spyker & Swedish Government Surprised As To Why Talks Broke Down, GM Remains Silent

Posted on 18. Dec, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009

Photo Credit: Scanpix / Adam Ihse (From Left: Saab’s CEO Jan-Åke Jonsson, Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson (C) and Secretary of State Joran Hagglund (C)

Sweden’s E24 covers the Press Conference that took place out in front of the Saab Automobile factory today in Trollhättan, Sweden.

From the sounds of it, there appears to be some surprise by Saab Automobile, Spyker and the Swedish Government. I guess they are all surprised because GM just dumped this on them today without any prior notice, even though they actually had until December 31st.

No one is letting the reason out about why the talks broke down today at all. We need to know and the news media will get to the bottom of it.

Here’s the piece.

2009-12-18 | Posted 15:38 | Updated 17:25

“We are very disappointed by this decision. There are many of us that wear and tear in recent months. And we thought we were well under way,” says Saab Automobile Managing Director Jan-Ake Jonsson.

Saab Automobile Managing Director Jan-Ake Jonsson is both disappointed and surprised that GM so early here that has taken the decision to close Saab.

- We are surprised that GM has the final decision to liquidate and close down. I think we had come a long way with Spyker Group. The Agreement with BAIC, we also strengthened our cash and would theoretically be able to operate properly for a while, “says managing director Jan-Ake Jonsson during the afternoon press conference.

- Now we await news from GM on how it sees this settlement. It is too early to say exactly what will happen. But there is no bankruptcy or liquidation, but a settlement that will take place in an orderly manner.

- We have a stock of cars and it is important that we get the revenue to pay our debts, “he says, too.

At the same time “says John Smith, chief negotiator for GM, the goal is to close down as soon as possible.

In place in Trollhättan is also Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson and press secretary Joran Hagglund. Earlier in the day, the government pursued talks with Saab’s leadership, the union and the municipality.

As late as this morning was sitting government, GM and Spyker in the negotiations in Stockholm. There was also this morning as Maud Olofsson was told that GM intends to close Saab.

- But we were already indications of the night, “she said during the press conference.

Both Jan-Ake Jonsson and Olofsson says that it is possible that certain activities within the Saab could possibly survive in Trollhättan.

- We have many assets, not least the staff expertise, “said Jan-Ake Jonsson.

Maud Olofsson also fits that target specific criticism of Saab owners of GM.

- It seems that the GM’s side could have done more for Saab over all these years. And you should not forget the GM’s responsibility in this. They must show responsibility for their employees. How it is done may be a discussion about the negotiations with union representatives, “she says.

While she can not see how the government could have acted differently.

- We have worked to strengthen the research side. We have invested in infrastructure and helped with training. Our role is to create a climate that allows automakers that want to be here. We have also assured us that the Employment Service have enough resources and given additional resources to higher education, to vocational training and to the municipality.

Saab’s closure will not only affect Saab’s approximately 3 500 employees. According to a study Growth Board has previously done, as many as 8 000 jobs in Västra Götaland disappear when Saab closure.

Tags: CEO, chief negotiator, Jan Åke Jonsson, managing director, news media, press secretary, Secretary of State, Spyker, Stockholm, Trollhättan