GM Would Rather Saab Go Bankrupt?

The whole GM-Saab debacle has proven to be a mess for both parties, with GM losing lots of money over it's course of ownership and Saab being on the receiving end of brand mismanagement (to put it nicely!). With that mismanagement in mind, here's some news that if true would be incredibly outrageous, if not surprising.

I posted recently on the new Saab 9-5, of which Saab continues to work on. Seeing what I have on the car and hearing the good things leaked out, I'm really looking forward to it's release. Not GM! Swedish magazine Expressen is reporting that a source close to the company is concerned that the upcoming 9-5 replacement will overshadow the Opel Insignia.

GM engineers and CEO Fritz Henderson realize that the car is a better vehicle then the Opel Insignia. Saab has a talent of doing amazing things with what it is given. Just look at the lackluster Trailblazer turned into the 9-7X SUV. GM would have been smart to let Saab have more autonomy and input in it's own products, not to mention other products from the company.

GM would rather Saab go bankrupt than risk a new competitor for the Insignia. Even though GM might garner money from the sale! Why not just keep the brand and manage it right for once? Guess that didn't cross their minds. They are worried about Saab being a fearsome competitor under the right management. I guess if I was them I would be to, I have no doubt it prove to be just that.

The 9-5 has the very serious potential to be a "break out" car for Saab just like the XF was for Jaguar. It seems like the American companies are all doomed to the same fate with their import brands. Continued mismanagement, then they finally get it, only to sell the brand before they reap the benefits.

Ridiculous! Saab will be successful with the new 9-5, with or without GM. Missed opportunities? You have no idea. I like unique cars, I like Saabs. This only makes me more anxious to see the new 9-5!