Saab-ed, sealed and delivered
Dutch exotic car maker Spyker has dotted all the Is and crossed all the Ts and is now the official parent company of Swedish luxury car brand SaabThe sale of Saab from General Motors to Dutch-based sports car maker Spyker is now official and its new owner is now looking at starting up manufacturing plants in Sweden.
Previous owner GM reported yesterday that the deal has been finalised, with Saab and Spyker to operate under the banner of Spyker Cars NV.
Though there were a few question marks over the financing of the deal, Spyker managed to secure a guarantee from the Swedish government, and the European Investment Bank also agreed to loan Spyker the money it needed to buy Saab.
Jan Åke Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB said: "Today's announcement is great for Saab's customers, dealers, suppliers and employees around the globe, the level of passion and support shown to Saab over recent months has been remarkable and this does bode well for the future."
GM had originally ordered Saab to shut down its manufacturing facilities, and to wind down production, but after the deal the Saab factories will be switched back on.
"I calculated that it will take three to four weeks before we can be back for production as we want," Jonsson told Swedish news agency TT, and he also added that the company will bounce back with its new 9-5 luxury car, due later this year.
"Now we aim to get back to the execution of our business plan, starting with the introduction of the new 9-5 later this year, and with the continued support of our employees and business partners I am confident we will succeed," added Jonsson.
Along with the survival of the Saab brand, the sale of the Swedish company to Spyker also means that thousands of jobs will be retained in the Scandinavian country.
Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars NV was clearly happy the deal has been sealed: "We are delighted -- Saab's future is now secure. From today we will be concentrating all of our efforts into reviving Saab and transforming it into a sustainable and profitable company with the confidence to be bold."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
