Follow us on TwitterGM Extends Saab Deadline?
OK, this wait is getting quite tiring. However, it is better than the alternative – shutting down Saab altogether. Current General Motors management is making an effort to get the brand sold rather than just shutting it down, and that is a good thing.
One of the rumored reasons for the departure of GM’s recent Chief Executive Officer Fritz Henderson is that he just wanted to shut down the brand, in opposition to the board. Now it seems as if the company is extending the deadline.
Around the time of the Los Angeles International Auto Show, GM announced they would be considering bids for Saab until December 31st, 2009. Paul Akerlund, the head of the IF Metall trade union, is saying that the date is not in set in stone for a Saab closure, as GM is attempting to close a deal.
Apparently, Merbanco’s bid is back in consideration, after an earlier quote this month from the company’s CEO indicated they were out of the running.
Spyker’s CEO Victor Muller has been speaking out as well, telling Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet that ”We expect an answer this week … I am very optimistic.” Meanwhile, outlets are reporting that the Saab 9-5 sedan could be rebadged for use as a future Buick model. Confused yet?
Volvo is lost for europeans. Maybe they can still save SAAB
Yeah, I really hope Saab can be saved. This dithering can’t be helping matters though with potential current and future buyers….
If Saab has a future I suspect it will not be as a producer of over-engineered and terminally ugly luxury cars. The new owner will need to recall the roots of this once successful manufacturer of interesting, aerodynamically efficient and characterful small cars. During the 1970′s Saab transmogrified into a manufacturer of quirky and relatively expensive medium/large cars with a reputation for engineering integrity and exceptional safety. The 99/900 series wasn’t pretty but was timelessly distinctive. Now Saab has lost its way and rather than continuing in its present market sector which is now plentifully occupied by other worthy cars it should produce a new interpretation of the 96, a car for the masses with distinctive engineering and preferably a new Two-Stroke engine for the 21st century. The rally winning 96 was iconic. Saab must produce a new icon.