UPDATE:
Check comments for all the happenings with Opel.
In short, Fiat are walking away from the table due to increasing demands from General Motors. Magna seem to be pretty frustrated by it all as well.
GM - shooting themselves in the foot since 1908.
------
Plenty of things happening in Sweden this morning.
The #1 piece of good news, albeit completely expected, is that the court in Vanersborg has announced that's business as usual for Saab, with another three month period granted in their reconstruction effort.
TTELA, Googly-style:
Saab have received an extended time for the reorganization of the company. The decision came from Vänersborgs District Court. The reconstruction should now be finished by August 20. None of the creditors who sent in a response to the district court opposed the continued reorganization
Saab now have until August 20 to reorganise, though it's expected they'll be finished long before that.
------
As was first mentioned here at SU last weekend, Saab are expecting plenty more work due to increased orders, the addition of the 9-3 convertible to the Trollhattan line, and ramping up for the 9-5.
Again, from TTELA:
Now it's clear that Saab Automobile re-employ some of the recently dismissed. How many people can come back is not clear. The reason is that the production rate is doubled after holidays.........Demand for Saab Cars has increased. The difference is significant compared to just a few weeks ago. In addition, stocks around the world sold off. All the cars are set at the factory site ready for shipment is sold, states Paul Åkerlund.
------
And as also mentioned here last week, the 9-3 convertible is ceasing production in Austria - and very soon.
Word is now filtering through some of the German Saab bulletin boards to further back this up and re-hiring at Trollhattan would suggest the same. You can now no longer order a Saab 9-3 Convertible made to your preference from Saab germany.
------
And in other news.....
I expressed some concern about Saab being wired into GM's electronic systems and the costs of changing that scenario in the short term.
I received word from a dealer in the US during the week assuring me that they've still got Saab's old system online and working fine.
It sounds like all they need are updated codes, some testing, and they'd be ready to go again.
------
Dinner time!!
Oh yeah, and I just bought another car tonight, too.
This one is planned as a long term project with a little Saabification coming eventually. Knowing me, though, long term might mean 12 months or so......
:-)
--
:-)
We want to know more!!!! and maybe have some pics, too! is it a little japanese roadster?
Swade learned from Saab - telling that there is a new car but hiding the details... ;-)
"Saab drivers love their cars the most
The greatest love of their own car brand have Saab drivers. Because they most often write about their automotive treasure in online forums.
This has now found out a project team of the Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany. In their investigations, researchers have examined the largest German Auto Forum "Motor Talk" with three million entries and 1.2 million users. With the help of the registration numbers of the Federal Vehicle Authority (KBA), the absolute numbers of entries for each brand were set in relation to the number of holders. Consequently, Saab drivers are in Germany in the first place. On the other ranks followed by Audi, Volvo and BMW / Mini. The worst off are the brands Hyundai, Daihatsu and Nissan.
The researchers believe that the presence in the forum speaks for a strong identification of the keeper with the brand. For those who are exchanging with other users only due to a problem with their car, they are seen as unique users - either the problem resolves itself or the car is sold. Who permanently writes in forums, proves true love to his vehicle.“
Here the link to the results of the study:
http://www.testentwicklung.de/involvement_index09.htm
http://www.thelocal.se/19744/20090529/
Also, news now in Sweden that Fiat has backed down from the Opel bid and will not go any further.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601209&sid=aiZ34lj6KOtM&refer=transportation
Still tracking it down.
Swade you shouldn´t have to buy a new car. Eric Geers & the rest of the team at Saab should GIVE you a 2010 9-5 for the tremendous effort and positive vibe over the world that you have been produced these last months.
Swade for president!
Cheers!
Magna saud yesterday that they could help with the missing 300 million Euro if GM/Treasury guranteed to hold what they promised. Maybe the meeting today is on this.
Fiat not raising the bid shows clearly that they wanted the deal (and government money) but are not able or not willing to invest cash. Marchionne should not be afraid of 300 million Euro if he wants tu build that huge Fiat. But he wanted a cheap shot.
Short: Fiat is in but will not raise the bid. Magna is in and has not yet raised the bid.
It's about two hours until the new bid should be made. Will be an interesting day.
Google translation...
On Friday morning took alderman Cecilia Tisell at Vänersborgs District Court decision to extend the reconstruction of Saab Automobile and ending August 20.
Last Tuesday left Saab Automobile in its request for extension of reconstruction to Vänersborgs District Court. The process that began February 20 at the time of last week lasted for three months, but to get another three months dependent upon the approval from the district court.
And on Friday morning at eight-thirty was alderman Cecilia Tisell decision to extend the reconstruction to and including August 20.
- It is very pleasing, not a surprise in itself, but it is very positive because we can now continue with the work we are in the middle of and finish it, "says Saab Automobile Information Gunilla Gustavs to Sveriges Radio.
Until last Thursday had creditors committee and the creditors who were present at the creditors' meeting April 6 the opportunity to be heard. None of the dozens who submitted their response to the district court has opposed the continued reorganization. Among them are GM companies that Saab has debts of close to SEK 10 billion and the second largest creditor Skatteverket (348 million) as the State's action.
The decision to extend the reorganization means that Saab now have more time to become independent from GM, find new owners and, above all: more time to try to survive.
Closest date where Saab Automobile re-course in Vänersborgs District Court is June 17 when it should be a piece-negotiation. As such, 75 percent of the creditors agree to the Saab's desire, that only get back 25 percent of the debt and that Saab also receive a year to pay.
If Saab has launched a new owner June 17 remains to be seen. Gunilla Gustavs do not think the beginning of the summer automatically mean the beginning of June.
- When I say the beginning of the summer, I mean the end of June, early July. That is what we are aiming for. The first moment is that we, together with GM will select a main candidate. When we choose to publish the nominee is a different moment and that we will see when we come out with it, says Gunilla Gustavs.
The Italian carmaker Fiat will not participate in an approved crisis meeting on Opelat the federal government on Friday. The new monetary claims of the Opel's parent company General Motors (GM) "would compel Fiat, Opel financial support and thus unnecessary and unreasonable risks," said Sergio Marchionne Fiat manager in a press release.
Under this aspect, the group decided to meet the crisis not to participate. A first round of negotiations with all parties involved Opel was on the night of Thursday the new money claims of Opel's parent company and a lack of collateral for government assistance failed.
The Fiat boss said that he was unable, for Fiat and Opel's parent General Motors over a fair proposal. Fiat will be offering for Opel is not right. It was not successful, full insight into the books by Opel to get. His group could not because of an emergency extraordinary risks. Basically you had to remain open for further talks with all parties involved.
The talks went further with all interested parties, was reported on Friday from government circles. A final agreement with investors is not subject of the talks on Friday about Opel. The aim of the talks was an agreement for a trust model and a bridge financing for the Rüsselsheimer carmaker.
According Marchionne Fiat remains open to a possible agreement with GM and the federal government to seek and find, even if "the urgency of the situation the group could not force, unusual risks to take."
Goes Magna with?
After Fiat threatens a media report that possibly the other major Opel Interested Magna with a withdrawal from the negotiations. "Even Magna is on the verge of getting off," reported the "Bild"-Zeitung.
As the paper writes further, negotiate Magna representatives allegedly clock since 6:00 am with the leadership of Opel's parent General Motors in Berlin's luxurious Hotel Adlon. "Apparently with no result," as stated in the report is rather scarce. From negotiating parties had been to learn that GM "new claims" there.
The federal government has the prospects for Opel and U.S. negotiators until early afternoon set. To 14.00 clock is one of the investors, GM and the U.S. government signed memorandum of understanding is available. According to the statements would Marchionne is now the Austrian-Canadian supplier Magna as the only serious prospect for Opel in the race to stay.
Koch sees movement
The Hessian Minister President Roland Koch sees in the negotiations with General Motors progress towards German interests. "I see movement if the movement is sufficient, we will see at noon today," said Koch in Germany radio. The parties would acknowledge that the schedules obtained in Germany, where the decisions should be taken into account.
Koch said the negotiations were complicated. "This is a difficult process, he has an open end, he is not without risks." The CDU politician called for a new long-term positive outlook for Opel.
The federal government hopes to reach a decision on Friday because the weekend insolvency of Opel's parent General Motors is threatening. Should no solution be found, including the federal government insolvency of Opel with its approximately 25,000 employees in four German plants is likely.
GM is getting desperate ,as usuall
As for SAAB, as long as it's free from GM's product planning politics, it should do fine. GM could even stay as SAAB's owner if they granted the company that kind of autonomy/freedom.
@Swade: LOL!!!
Sorry for Opel... though I'd never buy one it deserves better. Noone deserves to be under GM...
"...But the Opel investors seem to gradually bloose patience. Magna negotiated circles that far into the night with GM representatives in Berlin on a basic agreement. But GM had repeatedly served up new claims, it was said from participating districts. "It makes the broad impression that GM did not want to sell," said one of the parties. The morning started the talks continue. Participants spoke of negotiating as a poker game. "But if one side does not really play along, is not a game to win," said an insider with regard to GM."
They should know that they might get shot if they play false...not only in the Wild West.
I really wonder how GM behaves at Saab's negotiations.
Fiat can bide its time. Either they pick up Opel now "almost for free" in an orderly way, or they have a chance to pick up the juicy parts later on after a GM bankruptcy. And if they lose, one competitor is gone.
The EU meeting later on today is logic. The UK and Belgium are not happy with the situation. No matter what happens to Opel, the plants in those countries are likely to go because trimming of fat will take place as a first priority in a "new Opel".
German paper Handelsblatt claims that it would be cheaper to just bankrupt Opel instead of guaranteeing credits for Magna.
In my opinion Opel should have gone the Saab way.
Saabification...? Turbo? Make it a hatchback? Mazsaaba?
GM needs Opel to pair it with Buick (offering a more or less unified lineup in China and the US), and with Chevrolet in Latin America: the Astra is badged as a Chevy at least in Brazil, the Brazilian Chevrolet Vectra is an Astra Sedan...
I found a more detailed report from Auto Motor Sport in Sweden concerning the new 9-5. Enjoy!
Translated by Google:
Saab 9-5 prototype really really ... good! Saabs final sprint to find a buyer.
Monday, putting the final touches to the shape of
new 9-5. We had an exclusive
look into the future and a
test of the what to come.
We cut through the clouds in the small Saab
340 (aircraft). Forest, fields, some
farms and then suddenly along the river a
quite considerable facility with Saab's factory
and development.
With a light thud landing us in Saab-town,
just a few yards from the factory. It is
still moist on the runway, but
the sun is shining.
It will be a good day.
In recent weeks, Trollhättan
Saab and received visits from all over the world. They have been eroded with pins, serve as hamburgers,goulash, Schnitzler, maybe a little Norwegian cod and define definitively Swedish Husman. But Italian?
Do not think so.
When the world come to Trollhättan, I
find it hard to believe that the market value has fallen. Think of that it is a car manufacturer in the middle of nature. When we go the Saab museum, I see an old lady who is walking the dog, some guys
on the way to school. Some cars on the road here and there. It is no pulsating metropolis or
something gigantic factory landscapes that the World encountered, but its Sweden in all its "Swedishness".
At Saab's Car Museum is beautiful door
wide open and we crack up straight and face
a bunch of Saab Employees are accustomed to visit.
Among other Mats Fägerhag, head of technical
development - or as it says on his business card
which only carries GM logo: "Executive Director
Vehicle Systems & Eng. Center Sweden. "
Magnus Hansson has a Saab-Gripen-symbol
on his business card says he is:
"Product Marketing Manager Global Brand
Sales and Operations. "
Technology and Marketing, that is.
Netting around the corner to the left go straight into in a large studio where three covered cars waiting. And a covered cockpit for future
Saab 9-5.
Right here are all speculators, or should we
call them stakeholders, received the same solid
taste of Saab's future that we are just about to get.
But why invite journalists?
New Saab 9-5 is almost a year from being
in a showroom near you, which means two things:
Saab would very much like you and I will
dream of the new Saab and not run
away and buy something else. In addition, they
would like to hear what we think. Although it
mostly finished its still time and opportunity
to modifications.
But we dont get the great tour and we get
not to see and hear everything that those who signed the Privacy paper.
But Magnus Hansson produce some A4
papers with short version of Saab's DNA. You
know: aircrafts, turbo, Sweden, pioneering spirit, design, rally - roots that can not be copied.
Responsible performance.
"Saab has the dream customer ... "
Magnus says that there are 40 million
customers that match the Saab customer profile perfectly:
people with high income, good education,
exciting job - who want a true
good car, with its own design, which does not stand out too much. A car for people are aware, who wants to be individual, "postmodern".
And in China and Russia grow up
more individualists.
"It is this customer group we do
cars for, and we have tested these three closely
and had great results, "says
Magnus forward and pointing to the covered
models.
"The London (test) Clinic considered the new Saab 9-5 to be nicer, fresher and more attractive than
Audi A6, BMW 5 and Volvo S80 (which had
difficult to fight against the old Saab 9-5 ...). "
So, finally they drag down the cover from
new Saab 9-5.
Saab, not a doubt. Cool details that
stands out. Curved windscreen.
Modern headlamps. Really cool turbine blades rims.
And the back! Flat sloping
rear window, a small leak luggage and hockey stick
at the C-pillar. But the most delicious
is the purity and power of the lines. And
the back, mmm ... Someone in one of the clinic groups had spoken of Aston Martin - and
I agree. The wagon looks definitely not
as a loading donkey, but much more sensual
- With a really strong C-pillar.
Suddenly a very cutting familiar sound
through the room. Brrrabadadam, braddddaaaadadadam.
It is followed by an equally familiar
fragrance.
It would not surprise if you "run
the same trick "during the show for the stakeholders.
Who can resist the sound of a
Saab two-stroke, which is parked on the inside of
Museum next door to the studio?
Car three is not surprising 9-4X. You have
seen it in concept form and it is not very
that distinguish from the production car. There is one edge, higher, a little more traditionally designed car.
- As defined definitively have the same family identity.
"A expansion car broadening supply.
Very nice roadhandeling, feels like a passenger car,
low and nice, "says Magnus.
With eyes as advisors, I would
as a Saab-prospective buyer really like it.
Magnus puts it like this: "New Saab
9-5 is the first major Swedish car that
can seriously compete with the Audi A6 at all
levels. "
But now it's hardware presentation
by Mats Fägerhag.
"GM has only meant volume, volume, volume.
This with a premium of technology is unfortunately not their thing ... "
But Mats Saab says that people really
struggled to get new 9-5 will be premium and
that this really is a true Saab. And 80
percent of the car is designed by Swedish
engineers.
And now he comes to a point
interest and surprise me:
"Many believe that Saab in Trollhättan only
is a small factory with a few engineers who
knows parts of car construction. But GM has
invested surprisingly much in our facilities,
in our technology. We can certainly construct
a completely new car from scratch here in Sweden. We have some small gaps, we can easily cover
by knowledgeable companies as Semco, and so
on. "
And so he says, without going into all
too many details that the new 9-5 has all the technical features that competitors offer.
Furthermore, the information is
New Saab 9-5 is the first
Swedish car that seriously
challenge the Audi A6. "
extremely vital for all those even thinking of
buy company Saab: "We have contracts with GM
on technology purchases for the entire life cycle of all the these models and even the next 9-3, which is usually stands here. "Mats pointing to a spot in the room between 9-5 and 9-4X. "And that applies also to the facelift. Patent rights are our
and we buy into the technology we need to purchase. While we have long-term agreement with GM as
continue to buy technology development from us.
We have good relationships. "
Confidence and self-confidence is
wonderfully non-Swedish. The covers are
drawn back over the cars and we leave the room.
Outside a large billboard with the words
"Sixty years of turbo-charged ideas."
Yes, ideas have never been Saab's scarce.
Time is running and after a quick lunch, it is
time to test drive next Trollhättans pride.
Mr. Brandt and I go through the museum and
out in the garage to a waiting 9-5 in the well-known masking.
I am stepping in behind the wheel of a car with
sports chassis, 2-liter four in the 220 horses and
four-wheel drive.
In the front an Audi A4 with the walkie-talkie,
as guides during the round and keeps track
on any spy photographers. Why can
we wonder. But in the luggage compartment a
big blue "covers dress" which we will throw
on if needed.
Gearbox feels strong, stable, and so
we rolls. The interior, we must not take pictures of
but without revealing details, I can tell
that its a really cool instrument in
the middle that I really like and three rather
tight, beautiful, round instrument housing.
Most feel very "Saab" and no
need to hesitate about which brand the car has. Personally,
I would have liked it to have some
more futuristic or more flip buttons. But
maybe we will see exciting "dashboard materials"
with both structure and color?
'Black-panel' (which quench the instrumentation
except the speedometer) is
left and start button is where it should be on
a modern Saab. No, I will not disclose where!
The second thing that strikes me is how the finished car rejected, no gnek, no clatter of wheels places but rigid and harmonious. A-B-driven
is the new 9-5 easy and convenient. Sport chassis
There is no French soft surface over the uneven ties, but Nor Audi S-Line o-comfort.
The engine sounds are not in a special way,
but power is definitely on the higher yards,
even though we are four adults in the car.
When the road finally pleases swinging "shrinking"
more than five meters long and the car
is no doubt that the new 9-5 is two generations
better than the current model in terms of chassis. Neutral balance and soft, comfortable
responsive steering without nonsense, good grip
and as I said appetite for curves.
I hear that there are different chassis variants
and the ESP system is tuned to
intervene soft - for best curve dynamics. Obviously
without compromising on safety.
Four-wheel drive means zero force reactions
in the steering wheel and the car has a stability and weight that feels comfortable. Four-wheel drive system will also be calibrated for an even
more character-driven than in the 9-3 and it sounds
not bad, for already it is true cord willing
entertaining at snowy roads.
As always with the wonder of life is
also this trip too short. But
last bit, I revel in the back seat. New 9-5 is
a very spacious car than the old. Wide
interior and with a rear seat where you sit
high and good with legroom almost as in an extended variant.
Time to fly back home?
No, first "debriefing" with a larger Saabteam.
What do we do? Good? Bad?
We are all Swedes in the room. So clear.
But Pär and I do not have much to
complain about. Detail of interior design and materials.
Discussions around the emblem and the Saab logo.
Driving experince. Notes.
Questions for drive lines and consumption figures
- Which gest a suitably vague answer:
"Obviously, it becomes more economical than its predecessor
and it will engines for three fuels,
the minimum of 1.6 liters! "
Sure, you can find a large limo is wrong
in the present situation. But imagine the idea that BMW not would build a new 5-series. No.
The noise level is ok on Swedish road conditions
- Despite all the espionage decoration.
But what is just over a half hour behind
wheel against the years of development? Sufficiently
much to say that many Saab Customers
is right to wait for the newcomer. And sufficient
to say that Saab is absolutely in the match again.
Anything else would have been disaster. Yet,
good to know that the new 9-5: an is a really nice car. Not just good looking.
Saabification? does that mean... T-U-R-B-O?????
:-D
Happy for you!
Seems like both Fiat and Magna is pulling out.
GM required a buyback option in the proposed deal with Fiat.
Magna would not be allowed to sell Opels in the US, and would have to pay twice the normal royalties for any sales to China.
If I understand it right, GM demands royalties for both use of the brand and for the patents.
http://www.faz.net/s/RubCE844206AD5543959580E21EDC440854/Doc~EC791EF17C6064E9DBE58579C0D0DEAE4~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html
Aston Martin? Yes that's a very acceptable comparison thank you!
Come on JAJ...give us a peek!
Chris
As expected, Vänersborgs District Court decided that the reconstruction of Saab may continue another three months. Saab will primarily use the time to implement the sale of the company and to complete the negotiation of new financing.
In the application for the extension of reorganization Saab's CEO Jan Åke Jonsson promised that a buyer would be appointed during the month of May. That still holds true?
- "We will designate a main candidate in the next few days, but we will keep the decision internally until we agree with the nominee to make it public," says Saab's spokeswoman Gunilla Gustaf.
How is Saab's sale affected by the situation of GM Europe, where buyers looks turn away by one by one?
- "What is happening in Berlin does not affect us at all. Saab's sales from GM is completely separated from what is happening with the Opel and Vauxhall."
If GM in the U.S. are forced into bankruptcy or reorganization, what happens to the promises of aid and forgiven debts that has been done to Saab?
- "I am reluctant to comment on what has not happened, but I can say that we are not worried on that point."
That development is surely quite likely, you have not investigated the consequences of that rather closely with the GM?
- "Yes, we have made, and the three candidates who are still in the process has also asked that question. And they are still in process even after they received the answers."
In the case of GM Europe, the candidates turned away after new economic data were reveled. Are there any pitfalls in Saab deal?
- "No."
Yes, I've read that too .. but
"Außerdem habe GM die Patente, die eigentlich Opel gehören, nicht zurück übertragen wollen, sondern stattdessen auch für die Nutzung der Patente die Zahlung von Lizenzgebühren gefordert"
And my football team won this evening so the weekend's off to a grand start.
The car is a JDM import. 1990 model. It has a hard top as well as the usual soft top and the standard 1.6 engine. The great parts is that it's in Mariner Blue - the only color I wanted - and that it's only done 83,000kms.
I drove it a few weeks ago when I was in Melbourne and it's just heaps of fun. If I can manage to keep it for the next 2 or 3 years as I plan to, then yes, it will quite possibly be the recipient of a turbo. Maybe a Sonett badge as well.
Have fun with that little one!
and Alexandros for confirmation Saab-lovers are the most devoted.
and Pedro probably has the answer to GM's tantrums in Berlin - the 'good GM' has to keep China and Latin America operations, and Opel may be too tied up with those markets/models. Even so, Magna's Stronach seems willing to stay at the table for another day or so.
a sign of the improved Saab-future may be that Pioneer Saab is once again today proudly reminding listeners to public radio WFCR that they have been Saab dealer since 1964!
a squadron of hummingbirds visits while I type...
Congrats on the new car Swade, I assume you are gonna turbocharge the little rascal?
reminds me of this:
http://saablink.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38367
you should follow his plan and start thinking about swapping in a Saab b2x4 engine as well!
Swade, love the Mazda. What a great piece of engineering...but why only keep it 2 or 3 years?
We can at least conclude that the next coming days will be interesting as the new Saab organisation takes shape!
I'm using this one as a base to try and improve my own knowledge of how stuff works, and as a project to work on with our young fella. Fingers crossed we'll get it done right and enjoy it for a long time.
If I get itchy feet again, I suppose I could always sell the Monte Carlo.....
So glad you found a good, tight little MX-5/Miata. I'm so happy for you! Now that you've set the bar, I've got to play catch up! You got the right color, too!
It looks to be a '94 to '97 model with the 1.8 liter motor, is that correct?
Should be fun to follow this distraction from your Saab focus. I should feel jealous, but I'm not at all!
Have fun & keep us posted . . . :-)