http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/18/autos/saab_closed/index.htm
oh well, never cared for the sweeds much anyways.

12/18/2009 10:07:12 AM

Meh... overpriced and ugly cars.

12/18/2009 11:05:45 AM

The fuck is a Sweed?

12/18/2009 11:27:59 AM

I always do that...

12/18/2009 11:28:50 AM

Sob

12/18/2009 11:59:48 AM

they were fucked the moment GM bought them.

12/18/2009 1:34:08 PM

they were fucked the moment GM bought them.

12/18/2009 3:21:01 PM

Meh, I thought the 900 Turbo SE New Gen (first design after GM's cash infusion) was a great car, I've owned one. I thought the first 9-3 Turbo SE was great also (owned one of those as well). Those engines made a ton of power with very simple bolt ons. GM used them in many chassis', particularly in Europe. Bulletproof engines. I also thought the initial redesign of the 9-3 was very sharp looking, but that unfortunately the mild facelift made it look pretty bad. I was really sad to hear that GM was closing them today. I'd own another, in fact, the fact that they won't make new ones may have just increased the car's appeal to me!

12/18/2009 5:43:07 PM

RIP SWEEDEN

12/18/2009 7:04:53 PM

according to bloomberg they sold 8k cars in the us this year.

12/18/2009 8:49:37 PM

RIP SON

12/18/2009 10:06:53 PM

RIB SON

12/18/2009 11:33:39 PM

Oh, maybe it's not too late?

Spyker Cars renews bid to buy Saab from GM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091220/ap_on_bi_ge/eu_sweden_saab_sale

12/21/2009 11:38:15 AM

I'd give them like a thousand dollars for it just to say I own it; but I'm not taking any of the company's liabilities in the deal.

12/21/2009 12:19:50 PM

^^ Read about it last night... hope it goes through! Deadline is 5 pm EST. I like Spyker. I also wish the deal with Koenigsegg had gone through, but apparently GM was/is making it extremely hard for anyone to buy it.

Here is a good read: (make sure to click all the links... translate the non-English articles)

Quote :

"Spyker Tries Again: Submits 11th-hour, 11-point bid for Saab Spyker's motto, written on all of its cars in Latin, is "Nulla tenaci invia est via." Translation: "For the tenacious, no road is impassable." And so here the Dutch company is, tenaciously chasing Saab, announcing in a press release that they have submitted a renewed offer to General Motors that addresses what are said to be eleven sticking points that scuttled an earlier agreement. To be clear, we don't know what each of those eleven issues are. According to a report in a Swedish paper [http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/1.1820055/saabkopet-var-i-stort-sett-klart], GM's man-in-Europe, Nick Reilly, called off the sale Friday morning, citing intellectual property fears regarding Spyker's Russian backer, and the desire for GM's board to be decisive on the matter of what would become of Saab. Spyker's statement mentions the need to receive approval for a European Investment Bank loan by the end of the year, but says it has found a solution to that need. One wonders how it could possibly address its Russian support, from Vladimir Antonov's Conven Group, in a way that might make GM happy. Either way, we should know soon whether the new proposal works, as Spyker has set a deadline of 5pm Eastern on Monday as its drop-dead date. On a side note, Norway's Bard Eker has begun to share his take on what prevented Koenigsegg's attempt to purchase Saab [http://e24.no/utenriks/article3431153.ece]. Two of his points were that GM had made Saab too difficult to extract from the parent company and that Koenigsegg couldn't get GM to set prices for Saab parts. As the deal looked increasingly likely to go through, Eker says that GM wanted more money. This, however, happened before Whitacre, Jr. took the helm and apparently before indecisiveness became so frowned up by The General's leaders. In the meantime, the Swedish government is reportedly conferring with GM reps [http://blogs.motortrend.com/6620427/car-news/saab-is-dead-for-now-will-sweden-step-in/index.html] to see what else might be done to prevent Saab from flat-lining for good. Is this an attempt by Spyker and/or the Swedish government to save face, or does this proposal truly eviscerate previous sticking points and clear the way for a reborn Saab? We're not sure, but while you (re)buckle your seatbelts, be sure to read Spyker's complete statement after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!"

At least the Chinese company (BAIC) will be making the old 9-3 and the current 9-5 under some weird name like Sabo or Soebe or something. Just like the Chinese auto manufacturer bought the rights to some Rover models and manufacture them under the "Roewe" name because they didn't/couldn't buy the name.

Such a shame, especially considering the new 9-5, which didn't and probably wouldn't see proper road time, looks very nice .

12/21/2009 3:09:19 PM

GM is being difficult about this b/c they don't want all their manufacturing know how going straight to Russia, a market that they want to compete very dearly in in the near future. Both Spyker and Koenigsegg have Russian backers apparently.

http://www.thebigmoney.com/blogs/shifting-gears/2009/12/21/why-does-gm-fear-russians

interesting read here.

12/21/2009 3:31:44 PM

Yay...

Quote :

"Spyker's Deadline for Saab Extended - further deal details surface In the latest turn of events, Spyker has extended their offer to purchase Saab. As we reported earlier, Spyker stated their 11-point proposal was only valid until 5:00 p.m. EST on Monday, December 21st. The deadline apparently proved unrealistic and Spyker's CEO, Victor Muller, said the offer is now "open-ended" and "it has been extended until further notice." The new bid appears to address several key issues that GM had with Spyker's previous offer. According to several sources, the new proposal includes a revised bid ownership structure and eliminates Spyker's need to be approved for a European Investment Bank loan before the end of the year. As Muller sees it, Spyker would benefit from Saab's technical resources and distribution network and Saab would benefit from Spyker's "entrepreneurial skills". He stated, "The synergies are very, very clear." Despite the renewed talks, Swedish Enterprise Minister Maud Olofsson isn't too optimistic. She stated, "It (the offer) is very late, there is a very tight timetable, and that means the situation is very difficult." Her feeling where echoed by Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, who told reporters, "We should be careful about fuelling new hopes in a situation where the people in Trollhattan, and at Saab and their subcontractors are thrown between hope and despair." If Spyker's bid for Saab fails, the Swedish government has promised to provide 542 million crowns ($75 million USD) worth of support to displaced workers."

12/22/2009 5:59:52 AM

VIVA LA SWEDEN!

12/22/2009 7:10:12 AM

Another twist?

Mysterious Dutch billionaire behind Spyker's renewed Saab bid?

Quote :

"Too bad Saab couldn't get this much ink while they were fully-alive. That's right folks, another day, another story about the undead Swedish brand. Just-Auto.com is reporting that a mystery Dutch investor is behind Spyker's 11th-hour bid for Saab. As we've learned, it's best not to do any Saab reporting of any kind without first checking in with the crazy kind folks over at Saabs United. And guess what? They're pointing to an article in Holland's Telegraff that states the mystery billionaire is (maybe) none other than... Marcel Boekhoorn. We've never heard of him either, but apparently he's quite rich. Boekhoorn, for his part, denies any such deal, stating, "All not true. It is invented." However, Mr. Boekhoorn is a Spyker investor and reportedly acts as an adviser to Spyker owner Victor Muller. Let's not forget that Spyker's stock price swelled 23.5% after their renewed bid for Saab. Mr Boekhoorn's also an investor in Telegraaf... Reportedly, one of the eleven qualms that General Motors had with selling Saab was over some of the Russian investors tied up with Spyker – fears of Saab's technology falling into Russian hands and all that. As it turns out, Spyker's main investors, Vladimir and Alexander Antonov who together own a 29.3 percent stake in the Dutch sports car maker, are not behind the renewed deal. Nor is the Abu Dhabi state investment fund Mubadala Development, which owns 22.7 percent. Could it be that GM is only talking to Spyker and the Swedish government because of this maybe-mysterious Dutch billionaire investor? Short answer, yes. Besides, it's not December 31 yet, GM's original deadline for offloading Saab. We'll keep you posted."

12/22/2009 4:59:40 PM

These photoshops are cool.

Quote :

"www.AutoWeek.nl asked readers to submit their Photoshopped ideas for the new Saab 9-5, with at least one cranking out a rendering of the as-yet unreleased SportCombi or station wagon variety. The results were good enough to fool at least a few members of Sweden's mainstream media, who apparently published the SportCombi photo as though it leaked out from internal Saab sources. Nonetheless, Auto Motor Sport Sweden earlier this year was shown a 1:1 scale model of the wagon variant at Saab's own photo studio in Vänersborg and confirm the rendering is quite close by stating, "Only the roof rails are missing." Amongst the other PS submissions, a Saab version of a U.S. President's security limousine, a Bugatti Veyron inspired 9-5 with solid red hubcaps, Citroen DS3, 9-5 Coupe and a hearse for the Swedes, complete with blacked-out Swedish flags."

The Citroen DS3 version (2-door hatch) and the station wagon look pretty hot. The coupe doesn't look bad either.


Saab 9-5 hearse artist rendering


Saab 9-5 as U.S. Presidential limo artist rendering


Saab 9-5 as Citroen DS3 artist rendering


Saab 9-5 as Bugatti Veyron artist rendering


Saab 9-5 Touring Wagon artist rendering


Saab 9-5 Coupe artist rendering

12/22/2009 6:06:17 PM

god I am so pissed. the 9-5 looks as pivotal an indicator for saab's commitment to a cohesive and interesting design future as the s80 was for volvo. saab sells the pos 9-5 without a real replacement for what, 15 years, and then, right when we start to see some aeroX inspiration in production saabs, saab can't get a lifeline? goddammit. This drawn-out saab deathwatch is depressing me like crazy.

12/26/2009 4:17:38 AM

Saab is receiving many lifelines, but GM is making it extremely difficult for those lifelines to rescue Saab.

It is quite sad, though, that Saab would disappear, regardless of how their cars were. Sweden only has 2 auto manufacturers (no, don't say it), and one of them dying off is just not right.

A good update:

Breaking: GM reportedly extends bidding deadline for Saab, production to restart?

Quote :

"In what would arguably be the first optimistic news for Saab faithful out of General Motors in some time, Reuters is reporting that GM has extended its December 31 bidding deadline for the 60 year-old Swedish marque – a move that will actually trigger the restart of some of the company's production lines next month. Reuters indicates Spyker Cars' chief executive Victor Muller (head of the company believed to be in the lead position in the bidding war) has let slip that GM has extended the deadline until January 7, and Muller reportedly believes that there are still several parties involved in the bidding process. Adding credence to Muller's statement is word that Saab spokesman Eric Geers has been quoted as saying that Saab's production lines will fire up on the new 9-5 sedan (above) and the 9-3 convertible: "We have the orders and we have to deliver them as usual. We also have the orders for the 9-3 and others. The factory has to continue again... we are preparing the wind-down process. At the same time we are open to options, to bids that come in. Therefore the deadline has also been dropped." Looks like industry analysts and Saab loyalists will have to wait until early next year for a conclusion to the sales saga. Will there be cheers and gears in 2010, or jeers and sneers? We're not sure yet, but once the dust settles, we're looking forward to someone chronicling this whole sordid affair in a nice, thick book."

12/31/2009 6:27:46 PM

But what of our team???

1/1/2010 3:27:40 AM

GM, rightfully so, is afraid whoever buys saab is going to sell all the knowledge on how they're made and built to either the russian or chinese car companies. The only thing keeping GM afloat is it car sales in Russia and China.

[Edited on January 1, 2010 at 9:24 AM. Reason : sp]

1/1/2010 9:24:00 AM

And that's different from GM selling the rights to the previous gen 9-5 and current 9-3 and all necessary tooling to the Chinese?

Anyway, fuck GM for being paranoid. And for leading Saab to its likely death than selling it to someone to let it live.

1/1/2010 9:38:26 AM

68' or so Sonnet

1/1/2010 9:47:29 AM

Dear God please let GM accept this

Spyker Pitches Final Bid for Saab - Divulges Product Plan

Quote :

"GM may just get to sell Saab afterall. According to the Swedish business daily Dagens Industri, Dutch boutique automaker Spyker has devised yet another bid to buy the troubled brand from General Motors. This is the third bid Spyker has put forward for a purchase of Saab. GM rejected the two previous offers because it did not like the terms of the deal. In an interview with Reuters, Spyker CEO Victor Muller said that the bid would be submitted before a January 7 deadline set by GM. "We have gotten time for a final offer. Nothing has been rejected," Muller said. If the deal goes through, Spyker says it plans to rebuild the Saab brand around the 9-3, 9-5 and 9-4X models, as well as introducing an entry-level 9-1 model. According to Muller, Saab would remain based in Trollhattan, Sweden and would retain many of its production ties with GM. GM would also continue to produce engines for Saab. Muller said the Trollhattan plant will continue to produce most Saab models, including the new 9-5 set for launch this spring and a 9-3 scheduled for introduction in 2012. The 9-4X crossover, which will be produced by GM at its plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, is set to debut later this year or in early 2011. But Spyker still needs to come up with the money to buy Saab. Spyker's bid is backed by Russian and Arab investors but the Dutch carmaker itself is a loss-making enterprise, having made only 43 cars in 2008. The Saab brand is also losing sales rapidly. It sold over 93,000 units in 2008 but for 2009 that number will be closer to 60,000."

1/6/2010 6:12:15 AM

^the Saab brand wouldn't be suffering so bad if they actually sold cars that were designs less than 10 years old.

1/6/2010 11:28:46 AM

YAY!!!

BREAKING: GM reaches agreement to sell Saab to Spyker!

Quote :

"What a long, strange trip it's been. Every thriller must have an endgame, although whether the guy gets the girl in the end or just plain "gets it" is often in doubt right until the final frame. This afternoon, after a most improbable and tortured saga, General Motors has finally agreed to sell Saab to Spyker Cars. The tiny Dutch supercar manufacturer and its backers have outlasted all comers, including everyone from Koenigsegg to investment consortium Merbanco to a joint bid by Genii Capital and Formula One mastermind Bernie Ecclestone. More significantly, they've endured GM and its negotiators, submitting and re-submitting a series of bids to finally bring together the winning package. Complete details of the transaction have yet to be fully disclosed, but it's understood to include Spyker giving GM $74 million up front, along with allowing The General to pocket a further $326 million in preferred shares from the new Spyker-owned entity. The deal requires that the Swedish government agree to guarantee a 400 million-euro loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), a step that is expected to be consummated in February. As part of the agreement, Spyker chairman Vladimir Antonov has agreed to step down, a move reportedly key to GM's interests in keeping its intellectual property sequestered from Russian hands. With Saab's operations already partially "wound down" from GM's liquidation moves following the collapse of the earlier Koenigsegg deal, it will be interesting to see how quickly Spyker can get the Swedish marque's operations back up to speed, including delivery of the 2011 9-5 sedan, a promising vehicle range that was likely the linchpin holding the whole deal together. Interestingly, after this protracted and very public battle, Saab may actually have more visibility and consumer goodwill built up than it has in decades. Whether this will translate to additional sales or fall by the wayside remains to be seen. General Motors could also potentially see a bit of public cordiality from seeing this process through, as it will also have proven that it can successfully spin off one of its properties, something that was in doubt after the caving-in of the Saturn sale to Roger Penske and what looks to be an increasingly tenuous sale of its Hummer brand to China's Sichuan Tengzhong. Click through to the jump for the official press release from General Motors."

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/breaking-gm-reaches-agreement-to-saab-to-spyker/

1/26/2010 3:13:38 PM

Woot Woot

My car lives

1/26/2010 3:31:43 PM

i hope spyker can bring in their own door handle design.

1/26/2010 5:03:01 PM

no surprise on the whole "keep American technology away from the Russians" thing given that the federal government owns GM currently.

1/26/2010 6:11:29 PM

back from death!


[Edited on January 26, 2010 at 8:41 PM. Reason : i am too late!]

1/26/2010 8:40:44 PM

Interesting (for me) details:

Quote :

"As part of the agreement, Spyker intends to form a new company, Saab Spyker Automobiles, which will carry the Saab brand forward. Spyker will give $74 million in cash to General Motors by mid-July in exchange for ownership of Saab. GM will continue to hold $326 million in preferred shares of the Swedish automaker. GM will also get unspecified "additional consideration" as well, according to GM vice-president John Smith. This is speculated to include $100 million in liquid cash already held by Saab. The negotiation was completed on the condition that Spyker chairman Vladimir Antonov resign his position and sell off his interest in the Dutch automaker. Antonov, the 35-year-old chair of Russian firm Convers Group, will be bought out by Tenaci Capital, an investment company owned by Spyker CEO Victor Muller. Part of the deal hinged on Spyker getting support from the Swedish government for a loan from the European Investment Bank. Once the deal between Spyker and GM was completed, the government announced that they would guarantee a €400 million loan from the EIB. There were so many things at work here," Muller said in an interview with Automotive News. "It was such a complex deal; trying to take a company that was part of General Motors for 20 years and carving that out as a different business." In 20 years of ownership by General Motors, Saab never once turned a profit. Saab will continue final development of the new 9-5, with full production of the executive car scheduled to begin in April. As part of the deal, GM will provide the Saab 9-4x crossover, built on the same platform as the Cadillac SRX. GM will also continue to supply Saab with powertrain components into the future, and will coordinate engineering work with Spyker to guarantee a smooth transition. Spyker and GM jointly announced that Saab vehicles will continue to be covered by their warranties. Spyker produced less than 50 cars last year, while Saab produced over 93,000. Despite the difference in scale, Muller said, "Our brand values are closely related to that of Saab." "Both Saab and Spyker are highly individualistic, both have aircraft heritage, and both follow independent Scandinavian and Dutch thinking.""

1/27/2010 7:58:56 PM

Quote :

"no surprise on the whole "keep American technology away from the Russians" thing given that the federal government owns GM currently."

it was more than just that!

Quote :

"SR International is among several international news agencies to report that the Swedish government was under the strong suspicion that the Antonov group has strong ties to the Russian mafia. The Antonov family is allegedly tied to organized crime and money laundering, and the English government has blocked the family from investing in the UK because of similar suspicions. The Swedish government then reportedly informed America's FBI of their findings, a move that lead to the U.S. government telling the GM board to stop the sale of Saab to Spyker on December 18. Hans Lindblad, state secretary at the Swedish Ministry of Finance, has reportedly confirmed the situation, adding that the discovery gave the Swedish government more time to help broker a deal. In the end, Spyker was able to purchase Saab from GM only after the Antonov group was bought out of its interest in Dutch specialty automaker."

2/4/2010 3:41:54 PM

Motherfucking GM!

Report: GM forced Saab to pay for Cadillac BLS development

Quote :

"Way back in 2005, General Motors decided it needed a small four-door sedan in order for Cadillac to compete in Europe. The end result? The Cadillac BLS. The car was little more than seriously restyled Saab 9-3 (itself an already aging model), and since most Europeans are neither blind nor ignorant, the car didn't fare well in a market loaded with goods from the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It was scrapped after a mere four years of production. As usual, there's a little more to the story than that. According to Ny Teknik, GM stuck Saab with the cost of reworking the 9-3 into a Cadillac to the tune of around $140 million after the model tanked. The site quotes Jan-Åke Jonsson, the managing director of Saab, as saying that being out from under GM control will have its advantages. Yeah, we can see how he might feel that way"

http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/fordon_motor/bilar/article761785.ece

4/18/2010 1:26:14 PM