Saab Automobile’s Fate To Be Determined This Week

Posted on 28. Dec, 2009 by in 2000-2009

This is it, this is the last and final week that Saab Automobile’s fate is to be determined. This fate will ultimately be decided by GM, and here’s hoping that the decision to sell the company to the known entities Spyker Cars, Merbanco or other rumored parties goes as planned.

It was year ago this month when GM indicated that they were planning on selling Saab by the end of 2009. Over the course of this year, Saab had undergone a complete reorganization over 6-months. During that time, Saab Automobile developed a business plan which is to be used for their new independent ownership.

Their original buyer Koenigsegg terminated their program to buy Saab in November which created more pressure for Saab and GM to get things moving, and that’s when Spyker Cars publicly announced their bid. This initial bid however,, was rejected and on December 18th, GM indicated that Saab was to be wound down. Immediately following this rejection, Spyker Cars submitted a revised bid and that has been in process ever since. Immediately following this revised bid, GM made a statement indicating that they still were pursuing interested parties that wanted to buy Saab. These other known and unknown interested parties that also want to buy Saab Automobile, have not made any public statements about such interest at this time.

We have now arrived at the remaining four days for such a deal to be completed. I have said it before and I will say it again, I cannot see a future without Saab Automobile, so here’s hoping a deal is completed prior to the end of the day, Thursday, December 31st, 2009.

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No Responses to “Saab Automobile’s Fate To Be Determined This Week”

  1. Thair

    28. Dec, 2009

    Yes, it’s days away before Saab’s faith is sealed. Like myself we are all hopeful and optimistic that GM will sell Saab. Whilst SPG are trying their skills at appropriate pressure group TARIC it does remind me of the time when here in the UK, Rover was going through a similar faith.

    I even recall there was over 100,000 signatures on a petition to keep open rover. At that time there was no such thing as goverment bail outs and ultimately one of the last remaining British mass car producer was closed, with some parts being sold off to SAIC.

    Unfortunately the faith lies in the hands of GM. They have the bids on the tables at least 2 and maybe 3; furthermore I would not be surprised that if Saab is not sold that the 9-5 turns out to be BUIK in the States and probably a new model of Opel / Vauxhall Omega which was never really replaced in Europe or UK. The question is how many loyal Saab customers would turn to this car as their re-badged 9-5 and to then end up buying from GM.

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  2. Ryan

    28. Dec, 2009

    Thair,

    Exactly. With all of the bailouts and abundant cash, there seems to be no reason why Saab cannot continue.

    As you stated, it’s ultimately up to GM, and I sincerely hope there is a positive outcome here.

    There is no identical alternative to Saab and there never will be if GM makes the wrong decision.

    R

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  3. Britt Benston

    28. Dec, 2009

    One of the best things about the new 9-5 is that it actually looks like a Saab. I’d buy one.

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  4. Ryan

    28. Dec, 2009

    Britt,

    I know, it looks good. I hope to get the chance to drive it some day.

    Have you been through the all new Saab 9-5 section yet?

    http://www.saabhistory.com/category/9-5-ng/

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  5. William

    29. Dec, 2009

    Any true Saab fan would never buy a Saab rebadged as a Buick on general principle, and any true Buick fan would never buy anything that is not a rolling couch.

    A growing number of folk will never again buy any type of GM product if Saab is closed, and will actively campaign amongst their family, friends and co-workers to join them in that resolve. Join your name to the cause: http://iwontbuyfromgm.wordpress.com/

    Reply to this comment

  6. karen

    29. Dec, 2009

    It seems to me that the lack of support, even vocal support let alone a bridge loan secured by actual orders needed in June, from the current Swedish government, is largely responsible for the present situation.

    I can NOT imagine why anyone would want to own a manufacturing company dependent on exports in today’s Sweden.

    Even so, it does seem that GM is schizoid about Saab. I read somewhere today in the obscure news that BAIC intends to use the old Saab platforms for a new hatchback.

    I confess that all I want is my fourth 2-door hatch that is great in winter, has that sublime Saab tight turning radius, and, a boost in mileage to at least 40 mpg. Yes, that is close to a classic 900, but even Saab stopped building that years ago. If what I want is called a Buick or a GMC, well then, so be it.

    My 9-3 wheel wells got packed with slush today after only one inch of snow, so, in my mind, even a ten year old Saab is not really a Saab…

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