Spyker’s revised bid for Saab is only open for GM’s acceptance for a matter of hours now. The offer is valid until 5pm (Eastern Standard Time) on Monday December 21.
The revised bid from Merbanco and the Swedish consortium maybe open for a longer period, but a closing date for them is as yet unknown.
I’m about to hit the hay, but hopefully will be up again before Spyker’s closing time. Between now and then, it’s up to you to keep each other informed in comments here.
——
Let me set a few boundaries to ward off some speculation, much of which may come from the news services themselves. This is based on Djup Strupery that I’m quite confident in.
- I believe that the Convers Group are no longer part of the Spyker deal, but that their place has not been taken by Mubadela.
- The names of the Swedish consortium are unknown to the public and the group’s intention is to remain unknown unless they are successful in their bid. Speculation so far has been just that – speculation.
- Merbanco and Spyker are not working together as some have surmised.
- It’s my firm belief that GM do actually want to sell Saab.
Maud Olofsson will be holding a press conference in Trollhattan later today. GM will not be attending, apparently. As some have mentioned already in comments, I’d expect this is about a sympathetic government being proactive in managing the consequences if Saab are indeed shut down.
That’ll probably be the first bit of news.
The rest (for today, at least) will all hinge on GM. Hopefully there’s a response either way.
No related posts.
{ 217 comments }
One important detail would be whether the Merbanco-Swedish MBO thingy is dependent on EIB approval before year end or not. Any word on this?
I’m sure that any bids taken at this time, so close to the deadline, do not include the dependency on the EIB loan. It is only logical to conclude that even if they sign today, because of the upcoming holidays and the EU beaurocracy there is no chance in hell they could get the loan before the deadline.
Good question. Let’s follow Swade’s advice and keep the speculation to a minimum, post hard facts and relevant questions if you have them. If the Swedish media have proven anything, it’s that journalists in Scandinavia must obviously take a lot of creative writing classes. Wait and see…
I just want to comment the last point in Swade’s list, about the GM’s will to sell SAAB. There has been may speculations on GM not wanting to sell SAAB because they could be a potential threat to their business or could lead to technology leak. I think these speculations are just rubbish for a number of reasons:
1. SAAB has never been and will never be a threat to GM or Opel. They simply are not in the same league, both size and class-wise. GM and Opel will always be much bigger then SAAB.
2. 9-5 will never be a threat to Opel Insignia. Insignia’s customer will never switch to 9-5 and vice versa, simply because they are not in the same class. The same way that Ford Mondeo and Volvo S80, or VW Passat and Audi A6 coexist on the market and in 95% cases don’t steal customer from each other, Insignia and 9-5 can co-exist. And if the royalty is good (as we can hear it will be), GM can only earn from 9-5.
3. GM is now state owned company. They cannot afford to bring such costly decisions, as SAAB winding down is, just based on an imaginative fear of future competition.
4. We have all been wondering why GM didn’t wait for two more weeks before bringing this decision. But now, I think we can finally see why. They opened them selves for few more offers and they have got a bigger field for negotiations. Spyker has sweetened their offer, we have Merbanco with some Sweedes back, maybe BAIC is sniffing around. Remember, they are big players, and at the end they will probably get what they want. And that is not billions of US dollars that they have to pay for SAAB disintegration!
Just a quick comment directed to CJ.. Thanks for stopping by and providing us a little sunshine! You’re a straight shooter and we all appreciate that!
No matter if you get the nod to purchase Saab or not, you have aquired a fan base here that is forever thankful for your efforts.
************************************************
Someone in another post mentioned a Saab gathering in Wyoming… I for one would make the journey as I have a close friend who lives in Douglas, Wyoming… just another reason to make the trip!
*************************************************’
Also, no matter what your beliefs are, whether you celebrate Christmas or some other holiday, Here’s to all our friends in Trollhattan and Saab lovers around the world..Cheers! Have a Merry Christmas and may 2010 be a year of less hate and less war against one another.
Saab
1947-Infinity
Spyker´s bid is good, says Academics Union guy:
Hakan Danielsson, President of Academics Association / Sveriges Engineers:
“I hope we will receive support to develop viable ideas in order to maintain operations in Trollhättan.”
TT: Do you know anything about the content of Spykers new bid?
“Yes, I know. But I would not comment on it in detail.”
TT: Are there changes in ownership picture?
“Yes, it is.”
“What I can see it is a good bid that GM will look very seriously at. So I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Hakan Danielsson.
Several of those invited chose to silently pass by the media call-up.
DI.se
Thank you to everyone for keeping us informed and for all the hard work to save our beloved Saab brand.
This seems it will be the longest day for Saab fans, trying to patiently await positive news.
Saab up!
________________
78 99 EMS (RIP)
78 99 Turbo
93 c900 Turbo
94 900 SE Turbo
00 Viggen
02 9-3
This isn’t speculation but real hard facts!
I haven’t got much work done today. Partly because this is the last day before a 3 weak christmas holiday but mainly because I have been refreshing saabsUnited.com, automotorsport.se, di.se, svd.se, dn.se, aftonbladet.se, expressen.se, e24.se, alltommotor.se and teknikensvarld.se like crazy.
I have a load of work to do before the holiday, but what am I doing instead? You guessed – checking here and other media every few minutes for a crumb of hope!
Don’t worry just another company that GM(goverment motors or Obma Motors) has run into the ground, Saab is a great product I sorry to see it go
Actually all the refreshing pays off!
Spyker are about to start a meeting with GM (ocation in Europe).
http://www.svd.se/naringsliv/nyheter/spyker-i-mote-med-gm_3976537.svd
To be completely honest, I will have more faith in een Merbanco-SAAB than in a Spyker-SAAB. On the other side, I rather have a Spyker-SAAB than a late-SAAB…
All I can do is wait and see what will happen, but I hope, and think, there is a great future ahead for SAAB!
Has anybody thought of alliance between Merbanco and K-egg?
It was said that the Swedish consortium is familiar with the automobile business…
Well, that’s just my speculation…
Bring on the day, and best of luck to all participants and observers alike !!!
Mike
____________
88 900 Aero
99 9-3 Viggen Beast Thunder Machine
@ Sorrel and Patrik, I too am so far behind in work as I am surfing for any crumb of new information!
I think my wife is becoming quite annoyed ( but still supportive) at all the attention I am giving to this……
Just got word from SvD in Sweden that Spyker (Victor Muller) is currently attending a meeting with GM in Europe regarding SAAB. They said he “sounded optimistic”.
http://www.svd.se/naringsliv/nyheter/spyker-i-mote-med-gm_3976537.svd
It may be on the ground now, but thanks to its aircraft
heritage, it will take off !
Maybe our effort is romantic, but certainly an honorable duty.
Regardless of the campaign’s outcome, it’s really emotional to watch so many people from different countries, backgrounds, ages to join forces driven by a common passion. I strongly believe that these last days SU earned the right to bear the word UNITED.
Thank you all for making the world such a small neighborhood.
Ooh, my wife threatened to throw the notebook out the window already. However when she drove of ot her work without a problem throught thick snowdunes, she mellowed out again
As a saab dealer who invested so much and over such a long time in SAAB it is a hell wright now.
Thank you for all your support and hopefully we get good news.
Please give us good news.
Sensonic, I actually had that discussion with someone a couple days after Spyker came about as a potential acquirer, and they seemed to think it could work because Spyker is more of a GT car, while Ksegg is really a super-car. We doubted they would consider getting in bed together though because there is really no mutual benefit to be had, whether it be parts or technology, given that they are companies who rely on their uniqueness.
I do not favour any bid over the other but just want a successful conclussion to this sorry affair and to have these guys up in TN get the Christmas they deserve.
Someone mentioned earlier that this was exciting!!!!
I don’t find it exciting in the least, just more stressful with every kick in the teeth that we have been experiencing.
Good luck Mr. Muller!
According to TV4.se there’s a rumer that Bård Eker is a part of the consortium.
Don’t really know how they can say that on a news site. Since it’s not really rumors, just something that would fit….
+1 Yes, this is trully remarkable! I doubt if any other business let alone car company would be able to evoke so much passion and support from so many diverse people! I feel humbled to be a part, even if only a single cog, in the vast Saab support machine!
I wish for all of us involved in Saab, as owners, fans, employees, folk living in Trolhattan, and all who just love Saab, a very happy, peaceful and joyous holiday – with a free, independent and growing Saab!
I just don’t understand this “fear of technology leakage to Russia/Asia” fuzz. One can pretty well confine the paths of technology be giving licences instead of selling IP. Of course, people could violate the licence contracts, bust those people could equally well buy a car and reverese engineer it. The important issue is that those offsprings must not be sold in the Western world where the IP rights are in force.
So, I don’t believe that the money source behind Spyker can be a problem. Rather, I think it’s all about markets and competing products.
Fans fight for their brand
New hope for Saab
This is the headline in German n-tv. In the article they mention the Saab fans from all over the world writing emails to GM CEO and all the other involved persons. They mentioned US here at SAABsunited. Congratulation Swade for all you have done! No other brand will ever reach this engagement – and that is why I still believe that the Christmas wonder 2009 will happen and Saab will be saved as a free company…
http://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/Neue-Hoffnung-fuer-Saab-article649943.html
Eker back? Now that’s an odd rumour. I’m not convinced that TV4 have done their homework this time.
Just a few days ago Eker slammed GM as being greedy. Not the best way to re-start a negotiation is it?
Here’s that new article in Svenska Dagbladet in my translation. Is it just me, or does Mr Muller sound a bit annoyed at the daft questions?
)
—
Spyker in a meeting with GM
December 21 2009, 14:44
Spyker are this afternoon in a meeting with GM about the new bid for Saab. This is confirmed by Spyker CEO Victor Muller to SvD.se. He is optimistic.
- If I didn’t think there was a chance, I wouldn’t be meeting with them, he says.
The interest surrounding Saab is building up steam again after Spyker submitted a new bid on Sunday. So far, comments from GM have been cautious, but Spyker CEO Victo Muller now confirms that talks are being held.
- We are in discussions with GM, he says.
Are they negotiations?
- They are discussions.
What reactions have you gotten from GM so far?
- So far we’ve only communicated in writing, but I’m actually going in to a meeting with them right now.
Where is the meeting?
- In Europe.
How do you assess the situation, is there a chance that your bid will be accepted?
- Yes, if I didn’t think there was a chance, there would be no point in meeting them.
Your deadline at 2300 hours tonight. What answers do you want from GM before then?
- That is so many hours away. It’s too early to say. If anything changes, we’ll issue a press release.
Can you clarify what has changed in your ownership?
- No. I can’t. I’ve seen all sorts of speculations about that, but I don’t care to comment.
SvD today wrote that the Russian interests behind Spyker are no longer part of the bid.
Is it a consortium that is behind your bid, or how would you describe it?
- I wouldn’t describe it, and now I’m going in to my meeting. Good day.
Google translate:
Spyker is now in the afternoon in meeting with GM on the new bid for Saab. It confirms Spykers CEO Victor Muller of SvD.se. He is optimistic.
- If I did not think there was a chance I would not see them, “he says
Interest on Saab is once again at high pressure then Spyker on Sunday submitted a new bid. So far the comments from GM has been hesitant, but Spykers CEO Victor Muller confirmed now that calls out.
- We are in discussions with GM, “he says.
Is it negotiation?
- There are discussions.
What reactions have you received from GM so far?
- So far we have only communicated in writing, but I will actually enter into a meeting with them right now.
Where is the meeting?
- In Europe.
How do you assess the situation, there is a chance that your bid go through?
- Yes, if I did not think there was a chance there would be no point to meet them.
Your deadline at 23 tonight. What would you like to answer from GM before then?
- There are so many hours away. It is too early to tell. If something changes, we will go out with a press release.
Can you clarify what has happened in your owner-image?
- No. I can not. I have seen all sorts of speculation about it, but there is nothing I want to talk about.
Svenska Dagbladet said today that Russian interests behind the Spyker is no longer included in the bid.
Is that a consortium behind your bid or how would you describe it?
- I would not describe it, and now I’m going into my meeting. Goodbye.
I sent them a lot of mails during the last two weeks, also today mentioning our action. Looks like others did the same.
Spyker and GM will meet in the afternoon.
It confirms Spykers CEO Victor Muller.
- I’m going into a meeting with them right now, “he told Swedish Dagbladet.
Swedish Dagbladet managed to get hold of Spykers CEO Victor Muller R, seconds before he could enter and meet with representatives of General Motors.
- We are in discussions with GM, “he SvD.se.
Optimist ”
The meeting will take place at a secret location in Europe. Muller would not call it negotiations. The word he chooses is “discussion”. But he is optimistic.
- Yes, if I did not think there was a chance there would be no point to meet them.
Does not comment on the Russians
He would not go into detail whether Russian interests remain in the new bid as Spyker did yesterday.
- I would not describe it, and now I’m going into my meeting. Good-bye, “he told Swedish Dagbladet.
Good PR
It is clear that the weekend’s activities has been good for Spyker. The Dutch car company shares rose by over 33 percent on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange this morning, writes DN.
Swedish Aftonbladet also reporting that Whitacre is being bombarded with emails from us =) http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article6325012.ab
Why not asking SAAB car owners and fans to buy the company ?
I am sure funding for SAAB is no problem – If every SAAB friend invests 100 EUR the funding will be in place. It is strange that nobody has launched this idea before. Why did not unions call for this yet???!!
I am ready to invest my part – so please SAAB CEO or trade unions – go ahead no time to loose!!!
In getting an ulccer because of this rollarcoster..
I’m up for $1000 if that’ll help!
http://www.rescue-saab.com is based on this idea, and I have mentioned here for some times. The idea is good, but even if we would get 100 Euros for each SAAB driving anywhere in the world it would be only 150.000.000 Euros. A big sum one the one hand, but still to less to do it without other partners. That is why I hope the new owners will bring new SAAB shares on the market, so that each of us can invest in his brand. I am sure that this would help the new SAAB company a lot…
I could spare a few £K for the cause.
How about setting up a charity, so that we could get gift aid.
Sooner my tax liabilities went to Saab than the taxman.
Great idea!
Have left a mail to GM;
Mr Whitacre!
I´m a Swedish man who likes my SAAB, now owner of a 9000 CS -94, and want to have a chance to drive one in the future to.
I have had a few, but I like them! I like to drive, even thou I had a drivers license in 30 years! Almost in a SAAB!
I have a lot of computer friends in US, and know that many of them are jealous of me to have one!
They had bought one if they had a chance, but they says that Your reseller told them to buy American cars instead!
I know that SAAB is requested in us, by my computer friends, and by their friends! It’s in the numbers of thousands!
I´m reacting on this mail;
Mr Whitacre,
I am writing to you as a Saab enthusiast and customer in the hope that you will give full consideration to new offers received this weekend for the sale of Saab Automobile.
Saab have new vehicles on the verge of being released, they have an excellent management team, an award-winning efficient factory and they have a passionate worldwide following that want to see them continue as a viable company.
Saab have always made engaging, safe, practical, utilitarian vehicles that customers connect with like few others on the road. I submit to you that if a viable offer has been received by GM that can allow Saab to continue to do this, then that offer should be considered very seriously.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Steven Wade
http://www.saabsunited.com
With regards
Jonny Lundquist
Bigatan 5
542 44 Mariestad
Sweden
To follow up on comments about the effectiveness of e-mail communciation and the slightly more valued communication of letters and telephone calls, I called the GM switchboard number (as provided by one of the other readers) and requested the FAX number for the Executive Office of the Chairman and CEO. This is the number that was provided: (815) 282-6156.
For those who can, fax your correspondence to this fax number. It is also probably worthwhile to make your communication look as professional as possible, i.e. a typical business style letter. You can address the letter in the following format:
Date
Your Name
Address, etc
Mr. Edward E. Whitacre, Jr
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
General Motors, Incorporated
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, Michigan 48232-5170
Mr. Whitacre:
and then the body of the letter
Regards, MEK
Slightly off-topic, but related…article from today on CNNMoney.com.
Subaru’s Turbocharged Sales Secret
What caught my attention is the opening sentence.
Subaru, the car brand of choice for quirky, all-wheel-drive loving Northeasterners and trendy turbo freaks, is on something of a tear.
…and later…
But while they’re changing their products to better suit the mainstream market, Subaru executives know they can’t turn their backs on the customers who got them here, the ones who expect Subaru to be different.
Sigh….just change Subaru to Saab and with Saab’s new models, it could read the same. Come on, GM, sell Saab and let it go after this market!
Hi, this is a great blog, thanks for all your effort.
Don’t forget that the majority owner of GM is the American people. The GM management should act according to the wishes of the shareholders.
What do you think the American people would rather see?
Saab shut down and the whole Swedish city of Trollhättan cast into unemployment and depression? Their workplace butchered and transported to China, along with the technology they developed.
Or…
To get billions of dollars by selling Saab. The employees given a fighting chance to rebuild Saab under a new management.
If I know anything about Americans, I’d say they chose the latter. The Obama administration really should urge the GM management to sell Saab. Would it not be a good idea to write some letters to Washington, asking Obama to give some hope to Sweden too?
I had the opportunity of driving a Saab everyday this was 9-3 1999 Convertible, I thought it was a very nice unique looking comfortable high performance vehicle.
It is disappointing that this American Company ruined so many years and history of this Great Swedish company.
I wish some reach Swedish Company save Saab and keep the good reputation and quality for those of us who like good quality unique products.
Gunther from Costa Rica Central America
Saab spirit lives!
here in Moscow also many Saab enthusiast are writing emails to GM, guys who don’t speak english write in russian and then english speaking fans translate their letters!
A lot of people now at their workplaces a refreshing newspages, russian saabclub page, saabsunited to find hope!
Hope!
Funny that.
In my email to Ed Whittaker I mentioned that a lot of former Saab owners might switch to Subaru if Saab died.
I reckon that I would be one of them. Subaru’s are odd and quirky still (not quite in the Saab league though).
Svizzera,
If you need help translating – ping me: schernov@hotmail.com I can help.
Sergey
The Saab spirit is absolutely wonderful! Your post almost brings a tear to my eye. This company really deserves to survive.
aftonbladet Writes that GM and Spyker cars are meeting at this very moment on secret location i europe.
Swade, I know you’re asleep right now, but when you wake up I ask – nay, I DEMAND – that you put that Paypal button back up. This time, please use the proceedings to treat yourself and your generous family to something special.
On this, the darkest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, you’re the one brightly shining light we have. For many, this isn’t just the premium source of news on Saab and what’s really going on, but it’s just as much a place of comfort; an island of enlightenment, accuracy and community safely tucked away in the south-eastern corner of a seemingly endless ocean of misinformation, guesswork and reckless spite.
No matter what our beloved company’s fate will be, no one can take that away from you. We’d like to thank you for that, please.
Sorry for my negative comment but here is probably one important factor to consider:
When it was announced that the Spyker bid was refused, Spyker’s stock went down by 16 to 20% within a day (I don’t remember the exact figure). Now with the new bid, the stock has been going up by 33%… One might say that today’s rise compensate for Friday’s fall…
So this explains maybe that…
Daniel
That’s how it should be! For some reason I can never explain other people (non-SAABers), we are some kind of family and we need to help one another. Superb Svizzera!
I recounted some interesting statements by automotive analyst Matts Carlsson last night, here. But apparently, he has even more interesting things to say! This time, he’s talked to TV4/Nyhetskanalen. Here’s my translation:
—
“Of course there are many who want to buy Saab”
On Friday, Saab was buried by owner General Motors. Today is the third day, and many are hoping for a resurrection.
- It’s logical that many are now grabbing at Saab. The company is fully viable, thunders the wellknown automotive analyst Matts Carlsson to Nyhetskanalen.
December 21 009 12:24
One of the most highly-regarded automotive analysts in Sweden, Matts Carlsson, with a grim face wants to take his hat off to GM.
- They managed to make the debate be about Saab not being able to become profitable. Media as well as the government have largely bought this line of reasoning, which is completely wrong. On the contrary, it is amazing that Saab for so many years have been close to breaking even when they been so mismanaged by the owner GM, with such a large administrative overhead and in spite of so few models being rolled out of the factory, Carlsson says to Nyhetskanalen.
“Vattenfall may want to buy Saab”
He has read Saab’s business plan and considers it wholly realistic.
- They need to sell 80 000 cars a year to turn a profit, pay debts and build enough capital to develop new models.
Since Saab sold about 90 000 cars as recently as last year, he thinks it’s logical that more suitors keep showing up.
…”but not Investor”
He doesn’t believe that old Saab owner Investor are behind the secret Swedish consortium that are supposedly backing the bid from American Merbanco.
- No, there’s no business sense in that, only pure sentimentality. There might possibly be some meagre coordination opportunities with Scania, but it’s doubtful.
- However, I do believe that Vattenfall may be a serious bidder, in order to proceed together with Saab and develop electric cars. One of the AP funds might possibly also be behind a bid.
…and that’s why Spyker are the hottest candidate
But the sharpest bidder is still Spyker Cars, Carlsson feels.
- Their bid had gone the furthest, and now they’re modifying it. Furthermore, they don’t seem to require an EIB loan any more, and at the same time Russian major owner Antonov is supposedly out of the picture. But how that last part is possible, I don’t understand, Matts Carlsson says.
“GM refuse to sell on Saab’s technology”
The basic problem, though, is that the owner GM seem very eager to close down Saab.
Since it is being speculated that a closure would cost up to 15 billion kronor, GM obviously put a high price-tag on the Trollhättan car manufacturer.
- GM don’t want to let go of Saab’s cutting edge technology within e.g. impact and production technology. But I feel that danger is overrated, such know-how spreads pretty fast anyway, Carlsson claims.
“The government is too limp”
He also feels, like so many others, that the government has been far too limp, and wonders why more people aren’t questioning GM’s deadline, now that serious bids are still emerging.
- Partly, it concerns many thousands of jobs, and partly a shutdown would be devastating for the tech cluster of western Sweden. The government should be much louder, and request that GM handle this better. Saab has a future – if given the chance.
Anders Bryngelsson, TV4
—
Eirik, I already wrote a letter to my senator. It is about the closest thing to “Washington” you can get. Need more hands on deck though. Unfortunately it is very late for this now as the meeting is already underway in Europe. Darn time-zones…
Subaru will never replace Saab in character. Their cars are big, boring, ugly, and slow. Every time they redesign a car, it gets worse. Just my 2 cents. I’d go to something else before a Subaru for sure.
Subaru’s aren’t quirky. Anyone that’s owned one knows they are relatively boring. It hurts to read that quote
I miss seeing Saabs all over ski slopes. These Subaru’s with ski racks just don’t do it for me!
Do you mind if I copy this onto the Dutch SAABforum?
As far as ownership goes it’s not feasable for individuals to buy Saab. I’m not doubting that enough people would dig deeply into their pockets to be able to collectively raise necessary capital to acquire Saab, but it takes more than just money to run an industry.
Sure, most of the leadership and intellectual property is already present within Saabs organization, but would GM see it that way? Or the swedish government as far as the EIB-loan goes? Or subcontractors for that matter?
What would be feasable, though, is for us individuals (and dealerships) to unite in the funding of research and maybe for the European Delivery Program to re-open. This way maybe a loan from EIB wouldn’t be necessary at all. Clean slate for Saab – debtfree!
It would be such a tremendous relief to find out that Merbanco and Koenigsegg Group joined to acquire Saab. Please let it be so!
Also, when Saab is let loose from GM, I believe the best thing afterwards would be if Saab and Volvo teamed up in a far-reaching cooperation when it comes to R&D, purchasing parts (the parts we don’t see) and logistics.
I would even go as far as saying it would be a nice thing to see Saab and Volvo sold in the same dealerships! Imagine walking through the front door having the Saab showroom on one side and the Volvo showroom on the other. Swedish automobile industry teamed up.
This of course if Jakob acquires Volvo. I would still like to see Geely in the mix, in a smaller capacity, because it would help Saab (and Volvo) tremendously in the gigantic Chinese market.
But as long as Saab is sold and we get to see NG 9-5, 9-4X and 9-3X at the dealerships…
Again John MacDonald at GM taking the time to correspond – respect where its due! Email trail below.
MARK SPENCE Add
To: john.m.mcdonald@gm.com
Cc: swade99@gmail.com
——————————————————————————–
John
your care in responding is much appreciated and respect to you for maintaining comms during this difficult period. Indeed we think there is a win-win for all parties in the offers being assessed – hopefully GM can show the world its leadership in handing over pastoral care for Saab to a new owner in the coming weeks.
This has become a major test of GM’s global diplomacy and is leading headlines in Ireland and UK and I gather across continental Europe. There will be no winers if Saab is allowed to die but much respect if GM makes the right decision.
Best wishes and fingers crossed for a logical, business decision that helps all parties concerned.
Mark
——————————————————————————–
From: “john.m.mcdonald@gm.com”
To: MARK SPENCE
Cc: swade99@gmail.com
Sent: Sunday, 20 December, 2009 21:12:45
Subject: Re: Saab
Mark — I thought you’d like to see the statement we issued today …
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2009/Dec/1220_saab
We’re all hopeful tomorrow will be a better day.
–John
At GM, we’re designing, building and selling world-class vehicles to the best customers in the world: Learn more at http://WWW.GM.COM. You can also engage in the conversation on Twitter @gmblogs
John M. McDonald
General Motors
Detroit — 313.667.3714
Cell — 313.418.2139
MARK SPENCE
12/20/2009 02:38 PM
To john.m.mcdonald@gm.com
cc swade99@gmail.com
Subject Re: Saab
John
I much appreciate your time in responding to my email, kudos to you for that and I do also appreciate the pain GM has suffered state-side this year and in no way downplay that.
I do take issue with your comment that no buyer has stepped forward as it seems some like Merbanco were not ‘invited’ to next stage talsk in December.
At this time Spyker have re-proposed their offer to negate whatever concerns wewere raised last week and I am confident GM will take this offer seriously and enahnce its global reputation by so doing.
I wish you well for the vacation and trust we shall hear some good news next week.
Mark Spence
——————————————————————————–
From: “john.m.mcdonald@gm.com”
To: MARK SPENCE
Sent: Saturday, 19 December, 2009 17:18:23
Subject: Re: Saab
Mark- Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We can all accept responsibility for what’s happened to Saab under GM’s stewardship, and we certainly share your pain as we’ve watched tens of thousands of our employees in the US lose their jobs as GM nearly went out of business this summer. We’ve closed dozens of facilities and more than 1000 dealerships just in the US.
There is nothing we would have rather done than sell Saab, but the painful truth – as we saw with Saturn – is that no one wanted it in this economy. I’m sorry there weren’t others who would step up and make a viable offer.
Again, I understand how you are feeling. I do wish you well in the year ahead and hope your future will look brighter.
–John
Ofc: 313.667.3714
Cell: 313.418.2139
—————-
Sent using my CrackBerry
Hallo Frank, you say that it takes more than just money to run an industry. You are right. But I think JAJ and his team know how to run the business, if they only could. That is why I like the idea to dig deeply into my pocket to keep SAAB alive, or better to bring it back to live.
The email campaign reminds me of children’s movies where all the children the world over collectively wish for a miracle to happen — and so it happens. What worries me is the opinions of experts like Matts Carlsson (http://www.thelocal.se/23972/20091221/)
I just pray that the email campaign and worldwide news coverage opens GM’s eyes so they see the damage they will do to their crumbling empire if they terminate SAAB. It will bee of good benefit to them if they sell SAAB, now (in terms of cash) and in the future (in terms of customer good will). I just keep hoping.
I don’t mind at all. Be my guest! Maybe TV4 would, though. I don’t really know how they feel about their content being distributed. But just make sure to include a link to the original story, that should be enough to satisfy them.
In saying Subarus are quirky (not in Saabs league) I mean’t that they had flat 4 engines and 4 wheel drive (without all the off road bling unless you go for the off-road ones). Yeah the interiors are dull and cheap, but the Turbo Impretzas are very quick. The new Subaru Estate looks well sorted with a more European interior.
Anyway I really hope this is all academic, and we still will be able to buy new Saabs in the future. The world will be a very dull place otherwise.
http://tinyurl.com/yambkjv
Fingers crossed and candle lit för Saab in the Swedish midwinter afternoon.
Viking Up !
For my part, I’m not that worried anymore that GM don’t want to sell at all, for fear of future competition. The comment by Swade in this post – “It’s my firm belief that GM do actually want to sell Saab” – reassured me. Swade usually knows what he’s talking about.
I’m off to bed.
I hope to wake up to good news.
Good luck everybody. Good luck Saab.
It is just basically the plot of the old Cinderella fairy tale, int’t it? Evil stephmother GM having beautifull Cinderella SAAB work hard and keeping her in hiding, while pushing her ugly daugthers (Caddy, Chevrolet) in the spotlight in order to be noticed the handsome prince (the auto buying public).
HAHAHA, I thought this up when trying to explain to my 8 yr old what was happening… She immediately understood. Now let’s see this SAAB tale end as does the fairy tale, and we can live happily ever after.
So he’s on my spec-track: Vattenfall. I have nothing to back it up with other than reasoning. I have done that a week ago but I cannot resist repeating myself here.
Vattenfall is an energy giant, 100% owned by the Swedish state, part of Maud’s headache/opportunities.
There are multiple reasons why this would be a perfect fit.
The money: Vattenfall has it, no doubt.
The management: SAAB has it, no doubt.
The political scene/government: now they’re acting, saving SAAB, regaining green action together with saving jobs now when they are pressed in polls.
Green image: Vattenfall needs good green projects.
Vattenfall is already involved in some projects with SAAB and Volvo cars (as reported earlier here at SU).
History: Vattenfall was founded 1909 (100 years ago!) from Trollhätte kanal- och vattenverk, the Olidan water power plant being its first is located in Trollhättan!
Logic: Electric power will be the future for car transportation, it is a new situation (a paradigm shift) and both companies need to learn fast, use each others competence, also for the future export of technology.
Still, just speculating.
From Swedish Radio (my translation):
[I excluded the first half of the story, as it didn't contain any news]
…
- We are currently evaluating several bids regarding Saab. Other than that, we have no comments, says Chris Preuss, spokesperson for GM in Detroit, who doesn’t wish to comment on Ekot’s information about a meeting in Stockholm.
But according to Ekot’s sources, only Spyker have submitted a bid to buy the whole of Saab. American business bank Merbanco have also declared an interest, but according to Ekot’s sources, that concerns buying a part of Saab’s assets, not the whole company.
Spyker have set a deadline for their bid at 2300 hours tonight Swedish time, and according to Ekot’s sources, GM are hoping to give some sort of announcement during the day.
I don’t know if this has been posted allready:
CNN Money:
http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/20/autos/saab_gm_spyker_offer/index.htm?eref=edition_europe&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fedition_europe+%28RSS%3A+Europe%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
“Saab may get a second life”
Sorry. I am a born and bred American. Perhaps, because I’m a New Yorker, I’m more cynical and different than many in this country. But I don’t think the majority of AMericans (except in New York and Wyoming) give a S— about what would happen in Europe/Sweden if Saab shut down. Many here are struggling with unemployment and a stagnent economy and don’t want to look beyond their nose. On the other hand, there is a sceptical view of big businesses and no love of GM. So who here gives a damm about Saab, probably mostly Saab owners and wanabe owners.
Spyker still looking to EIB for loan. Muller refuses to comment on the involvement of the Russians. 5pm deadline not set in stone.
Sorry I forgot the link
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a5VSTgr3oEmA
Interesting comment regarding Merbanco.
“Spyker still looking to EIB for loan. Muller refuses to comment on the involvement of the Russians. 5pm deadline not set in stone.”
Interesting. Where’s this info from?
We’ve put the email-initiative on the frontpage of Saab Club Netherlands:
http://www.saabclub.nl
Holding my breath with the rest.
Hmm, GM still hardnosing:
Thanks, Mark. As much as we appreciate the ‘diplomatic’ implications … And are sensitive to them … The bottom line is that is has to make sense from a business standpoint and that issue seems to take second seat in much of the discussion over the past two weeks.
–John
While we are all waiting: -
Has anybody looked in the mirror lately! My own eyes resemble ‘p*ss holes’ in the snow with noticable bags below them. I hold GM responsible for this deterioration to my well being. Too many late nights hitting the ‘refresh’ button. God knows how Steven feels.
My right index finger is also flatter by some 5mm due to said hitting of ‘refresh’ button.
BTW…….This is Winter Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere at the moment. Days start to get longer/brighter so maybe this is a good omen.
Yes, ironic that the shortest day of the year should feel like the longest…
Will somebody please tell Bloomberg how to spell Trollhattan!! Morons!
Hope it happens.
lol:)
Yeah,i have noticed that i am eating less since this roller coaster began,
It is strange in a way, i did not know that i would feel this way for a car company and it did have that effect over me. However..Saab is more than a car company.
Funny. I shopped Subaru online Saturday and drove by the local dealership later that day. The life of my 9-5 is one accident away from the end. I’ve owned it 4 months and have 12K miles already. Lots of exposure to too many people driving distracted these days. Watched a guy in front of me Thursday in Charlotte NC smoking with one hand and on the cell phone with the other. Then, there’s the everyday life of no-turn-signal-usin’, left-lane ridin’ mouth-breathers in soporific Buicks.
I saw a comment about the Paypal button. Swade’s not the type of guy to capitalize on this issue. Although, the December bandwidth bill might be a doozy …
Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to send Maud Olofsson a message as well…
http://www.sweden.gov.se/pub/road/Classic/article/117/jsp/Render.jsp?a=70273&m=popup&l=en
I am happy with either Spyker or Merbanco as both VM and CJ show a passion for Saab. Let’s just pray that GM will let them go. I still can’t see what the IP or competition issue is. Ford seems to have no problem selling Volvo to the Chinese and certainly Volvo uses technology used elsewhere by Ford and Mazda.
We changed the banners on the frontpage of http://www.saabclub.nl for the occasion. Hope it helps!
Yeah in the UK we have the same sort of idiots on the road.
They mainly drive BMW’s and Audi’s (new and old).
Long may our 9-5′s live and survive amongts the cretins.
Comment from Maud
http://www.iii.co.uk/news/?type=afxnews&articleid=7680249&action=article
http://www.gt.se/
542 million to Trollhättan
RIGHT NOW: The Government is investing 542 million in Trollhattan Spyker in meeting with GM Meet the new bid. CEO Muller optimistic: “If I did not think there was a chance I would not see them.”
Why doesn’t the government allocate said money to help with the bid for SAAB?
I’m sure it’s no coincidence that there is a good amount of symbolism in the date and time that Muller has set out for the acceptance of the renewed Spyker offer.
- 11pm Swedish time. The 11th hour. The bells toll.
- December 21. The winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. A day of renewal as the days become longer, but of course also the darkest “hour” of the winter.
Let’s hope this day will be the day of renewal for our beloved Saab. Now five and a half hours to go before the deadline.
I have a feeling that “Spyker D-Day” will not be today after all. As zippy said above the deadline is subject to change… This is what Bloomberg write:
I would say this is a pretty strong indication that we will not in fact see any conclusion to the Spyker saga today.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a5VSTgr3oEmA
Spot on Motoradd!
I wonder why BMW don’t fit indicators? They have the orange lenses and everything in place already so I have often pondered why they don’t connect them to the wiring loom at the factory. It also surprises me that none of the BMW drivers have noticed this omission…no, on second thoughts it doesn’t.
I have owned 5 Saabs, from 99′s to 900′s (including two turbo’s). After getting weary from repairing Saab’s all the time, I have switched to the Japanese – Subaru’s and Nissan’s. Part of this change happened when GM took over Saab. Saab had the traction crowd in the early days with front wheel drive, and then did not pursue all wheel drive until too late (and then with a Subaru). Their foray into turbo-charging was a good idea, but I do not think much of their longevity. I enjoy my 6-speed manual Nissan Maxima as much or more than any Saab, and I don’t have to work on it nearly as much. My all wheel drive Subaru and Nissan Murano are great for winter driving. I won’t miss Saab at all.
As excruciating as this is I will consider this a good sign.
And boring as hell…you can have them. People who drive those are sheeple.
that could be great news!
If they were winging down their discussion, it would be noticed soon, and if this means they´re getting on terms it´s the news we hoped for.
Lets hope meeting takes long time!
Victor could be the seconf biggest hero of them all!
As a Swede it would feel so much better if the Swedish consortium were to be successful rather than Spyker and Merbanco. But that is just a gut feeling.
Spyker is my second choice, Merbanco is dead last. Just mainly because I don’t think an American company can bring out what’s really Saab.
Just my 2 cents… As always =)
Come on guys, I want to place my order for the new 9-5 Aero!
I’d have to take issue with the longevity comment there! My last 4 SAABs have a combined mileage over 1,300,000 and I’m still using the 4th as my daily transport.
Good for you NONSAAB…please take your comments to the Subaru/Nissan blog, because we here at SU won’t miss your comments at all.
maanders, I think you have hit on a tremendously important topic, particularly as it relates to the market in the States. In Colorado this year, Subaru has (3) three of the top (4) four selling models of light vehicles. Between Legacy, Imprezza and Forestor, Subaru will sell in excess of 6,000 vehicles in the State of Colorado! That is by far and away the best selling model lineup of any manufacturer. It also gives a glimpse of the potential of what the Saab Brand could do in our market, especially with models such as the 9-3x Cross Combi. Subaru has cultivated a reputation for earth friendly, turbo charged, all wheel drive vehicles. I think that there is plenty of room in the market for another Company to repeat a similar strategy. albeit more upscale. With safe, small, turbocharged, biopower, Clean Turbo Diesel and or hybrid combination powereplants coupled with XWD technology Saab can and will become the vehicle of choice for the eco-upscale. I don’t mean an eco BMW or an eco Mercedes. I mean something totally unique. The Genuine Article!
On another front I have sent my email to Mr. Whitacre, and I want to say a big thank you to Victor Muller and CJ.
ST
Henrik, Mark, I agree. Methinks this is a good sign as well. Here’s another quote from the Bloomberg piece:
Clearly talks are progressing, but timeline is difficult to predict…
More:
There´s the difference between SAAB and other cars, You dont just ride along in a SAAB, YOU drive it.
It´s not your blog, I think.
the jalopnik.com guys are really pushing SAAB UP!
What is your point, posting an anti Saab statement on an international Saab-support site? You are certainly free to have this opinion but posting it here won’t help anyone at all.
Awesome!!! Good luck to us all.
Colorado – USA
Have you ever noticed how Audi drivers seem to have issues with Saab’s.
A lot of them always have to get in front of you know matter what the risk.
Every evening as I head towards Junction 3 (southbound) on the M6 where the 4 lanes go down to 3 at the top of the hill it’s always an Audi driver who leaves it to the last second to get in front milliseconds from impact.
Nice people drive Saabs I hope we can keep it that way.
Like me Motoradd, when your on the M6, do you find yourself as the only cheerful driver around sat in your beautiful Saab, while everyone is depressed.
Just when will they realise that there is only one true car!!!
uhh, that last part is the worst, of course it was never going to be easy, but they can´t shut SAAB down due to a technicallity like that, can they? Of course they can, but lets hope not so.
The turn indicators can be enabled. It’s 24 menus deep in iDrive. The indicators are also enabled immediately upon warranty expiration and at double the rated voltage of the bulbs. This puts the car into the shop for a paid service visit.
Of course, by the time the warranty expires, you’re likely dealing with a real driving enthusiast in a possibly decent used BMW vs. a poseur driving a status symbol on lease terms.
nonsaab, whether or not you were unhappy with your Saab, this is not the time or the place to air your dislike of Saab. A little empathy for those who do like Saab would be more appropriate.
Motoradd, it’s not just Saab drivers they do that to! Audi drives don’t like Mercs either! As well as my beloved Saab I have a Merc E class and I get Audi drivers carving me up regularly. Clarkson has the right idea about them – they’re “C*cks”!
Couldn’t have said it better.
Wether I’m in my old 900V6 or my new 9-5 saloon there is always an enigmatic smile on my face.
Other car drivers may think I’m possibly slightly mad but I know that Saab’s have a soul.
I am keeping my fingers crossed. Friday was a shocking day but now it seems as if we’re gonna have xmas after all. My thoughts are with our everyday heroes in Trollhättan.
Saab up!!
Gaah! this is unbearable.
Ed, get your -ss in the saddle and make a decision already.
Think of the countless hours that GM has invested in the 9-5 and the 9-4X, years potentially wasted for principles?!
Do the righ thing and sell Saab now. Today!
Actually, my wife drives a BMW e39 that just failed MOT because handbrake only worked on one wheel. Wire was broken, just change it ehh? No, you have to tear down exhausts, catalyzer and cardan!! What a great car! No she´ll be getting a SAAB before winter is over!
Guys and gals we are deviating from the topic at hand here. NonSaab maybe should have been a bit more sympathetic to the rest of us but lets keep this focussed.
))
If you’re not interested in Saabs anymore, why are you wasting time telling us and wasting time reading this blog?
As far as reliability, everyone’s experience differs, but I can tell you as an owner of eight new saabs stretching back to 1983, I have had far less problems with the newest one than the old ones. My ’82 900 Turbo and my ’87. ’91, and ’95 9000 were always having problems, but I loved them. My ’99, ’02, ’05 9-5, and my ’08 9-3 have been 100% trouble free. So perhaps credit to GM for something.
Is it something that Audi drivers are lacking?
Possibly the thing that Clarkson refers them as being by any chance?
Make it happen Saab!
I find it very annoying that DI.se are still heading all their Saab articles with the caption “SLUTET FÖR SAAB” – meaning “THE END OF SAAB”. Couldn’t they have the decency to at least put a question mark after it?
Whisky Tango Foxtrot!
New potential investor… from… Egypt?
http://di.se/Avdelningar/Artikel.aspx?ArticleID=2009\12\21\366866§ionid=undefined
Jalopnik helps us:
http://jalopnik.com/5431191/how-to-petition-gm-to-save-saab
Um… the Egypt article doesn’t seem to have much substance…
They don’t seem to have been invited to the table at all.. just expressed an interest to a local politician. I wouldn’t put too much into this after reading a second time.
Last year my wife had a BMW Mini Cooper. She had it from new. The Gearbox went within 2.5 years from new. Fixed for free but when out of warranty it would cost £3000. It’s a design fault, so evry 25K miles you get a bill for £3k.
She now drives a Saab 9-3 SE Turbo Convertible and is a fully converted Saab-a-hollic.
One of my first trips out of Sweden, the road widened into a four lane highway. I was in fifth gear and didn’t go full throttle to see what the guy in front of me would do.
But the Audi behind me was much less patient. He immediately went into the left lane. Since I then believed he was going to pass, I did not budge much.
Eventually I got tired of waiting as the Audi snailed up, so I simply cut him off (he probably had to brake a little) and put my foot down. Bye-bye Audi.
That guy had absolutely no business in the overtaking lane.
Isn’t odd how the c*ckishness has passed from BMW to Audi? Wonder where it’ll go after that…
) One thing I know for sure – it will never apply to Saab drivers!!
I also received a response form John McDonald of GM. While I do not agree with everything that he said I made sure to thank him and commmend him for his accountability.
I was genuinely suprised, but genuinely impressed.
Now sell SAAB!
Oh nonsaab is one of those people who walk in to a vintages liquor store before New Year and asks the staff “Ok show me a Champagne that will impress my friends……but not too expensive….just something that will impress them”….he is on his way (if he can afford one) to the BMW club where he will exclaim how he had the best cappuccino of his life in their service department…..
The suspense is killing me!!! Where did someone get the info that spyker need the eib loan???
Please stop with the discussions about problems with cars, which one is better etc..
The main issue is that GM sells SAAB as quick as possible, and best before the year end otherwise a lot of damage will be brougt to the brand and it will be quite impossible to fix it.
An Interesting read regarding GM’s Paranoia.
http://www.thebigmoney.com/blogs/shifting-gears/2009/12/21/why-does-gm-fear-russians
I can never understand how some people just can’t resist making flamebait comments with no insight, compassion nor anything of substance.
My first car was an ’85 Subaru GL. I loved that thing. Until it rusted away and I bought an ’82 Saab 900. Then I realized that the Subaru was underpowered, not as safe, definitely not as comfortable and frankly, kind of bland compared to the Saab.
The Subaru was a 4×4, and it didn’t go as well in the snow as my Saab.
My parents are Subaru people as is my sister. They love them. Good for them.
My wife just bought an Acura, she’s a Honda kind of girl. Good for her.
You’re a Nissan, Subaru guy.
Good for you.
We’re Saab people, not so good for us at the moment. So you have to come here and tell us you’re not going to miss Saab.
What does that say about you?
I think we’re easing the tension, but you’re right – we should stay focussed on the main discussion.
Increasing demand that the swedish Primeminister should contact Mr. Obama directly.
http://www.gt.se/nyheter/1.1822002/facken-uppmanar-reinfeldt-att-kontakta-obama
BREAKING NEWS: GM names a New Zealander CFO
Chris Liddell, former CFO of Microsoft and International Paper, was named Vice Chairman and CFO. He is a New Zealander, having graduated from University of Auckland in engineering.
This is a HUGE SHIFT in GM thinking, people! I don’t know that they’ve ever gone outside the auto industry or even outside GM for such a high-ranking post!
Mr. Liddell, sell Saab!!
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2009/Dec/1221_Liddell
Hi sorry being a dumb but how to address Maud Olofsson? Mrs Olofsson is appropriate? I’m submitting some short lines of thoughts to her. Thanks!!!
hi all
back from work- and back to SU – the SAAB spirit is awesome.
so let us write Mr Liddell too.
VIKING UP
greetings from austria
Viking Up!!
Maybe the article saying Spyker was still looking to the EIB for the loan meant the Egyptian Investment Bank?
SAAB UP!!
mr Liddl is only beginning next year so its useless to try to contact him
it is up to the board of GM to decide.
Come on GM , let SAAB go in a descent manner, sell SAAB quickly.
Boeing Agrees To Purchase Saab From GM
Saab has been given a last minute reprieve from an unexpected source – Boeing. In the surprise announcement Chicago and Seattle based Boeing stated acquiring Saab is part of the companies desire to diversify its business.
Boeing CEO James “Jim” McNerney says “Saab is a company with a history in aviation. Under Boeing, Saab will move forward as a distinctive international luxury automobile. We will maintain most Saab operations in Sweden, however some employees may be asked to relocate to Seattle”.
Saab was acquired by GM in 1991. While sales had grown in some years, the brand had fallen behind competitors such as Volvo, Audi and BMW. GM had announced its intent to either sell or shut down Saab in 2009.
Boeing is expected to utilize Saab technology in new Boeing products. Marlin Dailey, Boeing VP Commercial Airplane Sales, states “Saab turbocharging technology could improve the efficiency of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, reducing fuel consumption by 20%. This could save airlines millions in fuel operating expenses.”
Boeing has denied reports it intends to add center console ignition switches to its commercial aircraft.
The announcement also included the unveiling of a new marketing slogan for Saab – “Reborn From Jets”.
Very funny. Before we begin an unnecessary back-and-forth with those that may not understand, this is satire, not fact. Thanks for the laugh! EnG
Agreed, but I’m unsure of the correct way to address that correspondence. IF anyone knows, please post. Thanks! ENG.
“This is a HUGE SHIFT in GM thinking, people! I don’t know that they’ve ever gone outside the auto industry or even outside GM for such a high-ranking post!”
Whitacre himself was from the telecommunications sector, who said:
“I don’t know anything about cars,” Whitacre, 67, said yesterday in an interview after his appointment. “A business is a business, and I think I can learn about cars. I’m not that old, and I think the business principles are the same.”
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=a.quj9vK5PhI
this is totaly mispaced
Actually I thought that was quite funny
!!!
“Boeing is expected to utilize Saab technology in new Boeing products. Marlin Dailey, Boeing VP Commercial Airplane Sales, states “Saab turbocharging technology could improve the efficiency of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, reducing fuel consumption by 20%. This could save airlines millions in fuel operating expenses.”
Boeing has denied reports it intends to add center console ignition switches to its commercial aircraft.”
Ken: Whitacre is a TEMPORARY CEO that wasn’t hired by GM, he was hired by the US Government.
It is a huge shift in GM thinking.
I believe that Boeing has problems and challenges of their own at the moment. They don’t need a car company to attend to.
True, true.
Guess maybe they’re seeing some light at the end of their oncoming-freight-train tunnel and deciding to scout out talent from wherever, not just nepotistic hirings from within GM.
Look at Alan Mulally and Ford, how well that worked out. Hey, maybe the above Boeing news article IS true after all, hahaha.
Thanks for the attempt at humor, Press. Try the Boeing blog next time for some real laughs!
As does Airbus and SAAB Technologies, etc. Agreed.
I think Press was being cheeky with that article. It’s a spoof, folks. Some needed humor in these tense days of Saab fate.
A work colleague of mine has owned a 900 for many years. It’s interesting, he bought it while living in the Northeast for the very reasons that Subaru’s have become popular their. Subaru identified a nitch market many years ago and took it away from Saab.
- Even though that Boing text is a hoax, almost nothing could surprise you after this last year..
Ano Horribilis!!
The Swedish government press conference and it is not so encouraging…
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE5BK18J20091221
Swedish crisis talks on Saab:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hlppp1CvAEWUuLUCAkv0bgB4o06A
I think talking to a wall would be better help than talking to the Swedish government. All they have done is take down Saab. why cant they give a slight bit of encouragement, throughout this whole process i have not heard a full positive sentence concerning Saab. I can only hope that after the election these clowns wont be in office anymore.
I am getting a little tired of hearing the Swedish Government do all it can to ruin this opportunity. Might I suggest they shut up – coz they have been about as useful as a bulletproof vest made of jello – and let GM and the potential investors talk?
The Alfisti are mobilizing!
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173415
Back to the War Room…
[As for addressing Maud:'Ms.'is sufficient...though tempted to use 'Your Holiness...' I restrained myself]
Hmm, just playing it safe by not raising hopes, IMHO… (and that’s what every politician in their position would do).
There’s a poll on http://www.aftonbladet.se
Question: Is Saab important for Sweden …
The Swedish government are playing down expectations to hedge their a*ses for the fallout in case there is no deal. They are not in the drivers seat here.
I’d rather listen to what Victor Muller says (bloomberg, reuters). He is cautiously optimistic, says the deadline is not firm anymore, discussions ongoing – and doesn’t want to predict the outcome.
So – we will probably not know today. What the government says in the meantime is less important. They plan for the political fallout.
the only encouraging is the swedish gov.
GM hast to set under pressure to set free.
There are investors – the employees want to take theire future in their own hands. why did they let GM playing games.
But V.C is fighting. and the other bids especially merbanco is also alive.
i think the swedish gov. plays a false game too.
As for Maud, she´s been wrong all along, so perhaps if she´s sceptical, we should be…..?
excuse me
victor muller is fighting ..
these D-days made me tired
Pathetic she really is in a different world that Maud. Send all 4000 employess to school so they can all become teachers, lawyers, doctors etc…They will all be guaranteed a job after their university right Maud? Now, what do you do with the remaining unemployed?? You may as well just help SAAB and give them the 450 million instead. At least you may have the potential of even growing the company hence more jobs may become available.
Subaru seems to have wasted no time in marketing into Saab’s space. This truly sucks.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/21/autos/subaru_comeback/index.htm?postversion=2009122111
Fredrik Reinfeldt refuses to call Obama; http://svt.se/svttext/web/pages/108.html
That’s what happens when you get out of the claws of GM. Then you start to listen to what the customers want again.
i really love the Alfaistis:)
thanks for the support!
DI (Swedish newspaper) reports that Spyker is prolonging the deadline until Wednesday. They report that they are obliged to save the SAAB brand and the keep the competence of the workers. I assume more reports around this will come. On Thursday it is Christmas eve…
> Negotiations? Fact: Behind the scenes hell broke loose. Anything is possible now.
> Swedish Government/ Mauuuuuuuuuuud O: Certainly a major problem in this case. Again and again in crucial situations counterproductive stupid ignorant talk. MO at least better should keep quiet and shut up. Maud annoying. This opportunistic superficial sh.. is just too much.
This woman really knows what she’s doing?
It can be done, we can not give up. We need to keep a positive spirit, don’t let negativity take control.
Wow,
I knew I’d miss a lot on my short trip, but just WOW.
I checked in a couple of times, here at SU, to see what the latest was.
Here’s to a GM-free Saab still making great cars in the new year!
~P
’93 9000 Aero, 5spd, 117K miles. White/black.
My mail To Ed Whitacre, Chairman and CEO of GM
Please re-consider your decision.
Saab should be sold, rather than closed. Probably You have no idea of what Saab means in Italy and in Europe.
Why you don’t produce vintage models?; they have a solid market for sure.
Thanks.
Best regards
Paolo Polverosi
Florence Italy
Saab 9.3 Ttid 1.9 aero owner
Dutch Spyker extends deadline on its bid for the new Saab. The original bid went out late on Monday evening.
Spyker gave GM a deadline at 23:00 on Monday to respond to the offer but has now extended it to Wednesday.
Spyker announced earlier on Monday that they added a new bid for Saab, which, according to the company removes the final problems of the deal with General Motors.
The reports Fox Business as Dow Jones Newswires.
According Spykers president feels the company committed to saving the Saab brand and the jobs of the Swedish automaker.
Yes, there it came, the inevitable extended deadline. DI.se snapped it up on the wires (Fox Business thru Dow Jones Newswires) so I guess we’ll see it on the likes of Reuters and Bloomberg soon.
Pressure on the swedish Primeminister Fredrik Reinfeldt to contact Mr. Obama directly. although he refuses but in reality Obama is the owner..so whats wrong in talking and insuring that SAAB is not closed to protect Opel?
I’m sorry but I think at least can do that much!
And this because of the Generals interest in the Merbanco/Swedish tie I would presume.
Both have probably made very interesting bids and now it´s up to the two to battle it out…. Or?
Cheers/Tom
What do you mean, is the negotiations between Spyker and GM over for now?
I hope they keep saab alive. To much value on this brand lo it die. Thank you all to let me know whats going on with this brand and company.
I drive an Audi and that is not the way I drive. It doesn’t matter about the brand and type of car you drive there are idiots everyone driving all kinds of cars. To target one brand over another for bad driving habits is ridiculous.
According to DI.se , Spyker is extending the deadline until Wednesday
Don’t worry about Subarus; although the engines are pretty good, the interior is way behind; cheap materials, bad seats etc.
If I would have to choose another brand than Saab it would be Volvo; Swedish styling, TWIN-turbo, safety, durabilty etc.
Its amazing how some people only focus on reliability of cars. Most cars are fairly reliable nowadays, and does it really matter if your car breaks down every 5 or every 4 years as the latter car is safer, more enjoyable to drive, more comfortable, more practicle, has more character and has a longer life-span…?
Wow – tell us more… You can’t just leave a statement like that hanging.
“Moose Up”
This is a good read as far as a template for new SAAB. Note that it was written in March, 2008. The idea of a 400hp Viggen AWD is just too, too………
http://seekingalpha.com/article/69206-how-gm-can-and-should-save-saab
NYTimes on the extended deadline for negotiations.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/business/global/22saab.html
There is just something very fishy going on behind the scenes. This whole process is so not normal. I get the feeling that GM can’t decide whether to sell or not.
..you know what…i thin we need all the turbo boost possible and even bloody more if we are going to get trough all this..
fyfan..this waiting is killing me
i think we havent put the man under pressure ,who made the final call in this deal . and this was nick reilly, the GM europe chief !!!
this man who has no plan with opel until 2010.
closing SAAB is no plan – saving OPEL MR Reilly
SAAB owner would never buy a OPEL
let me give an example from austria.
there are opel dealers with big SAAB showrooms and there are no SAABs in it. Last month i saw only one used SAAB at the dealer.
Only the dealers witch were specialized on SAAB did a good job.
VIKING up !
SAAB up!
If the miracle will happen i will drive with my 9-3 CV to Trollhättan 2010
greetings Andreas
i think we havent put the man under pressure ,who made the final call in this deal . and this was nick reilly, the GM europe chief !!!
this man who has no plan with opel until 2010.
closing SAAB is no plan – saving OPEL MR Reilly
SAAB owner would never buy a OPEL
let me give an example from austria.
there are opel dealers with big SAAB showrooms and there are no SAABs in it. Last month i saw only one used SAAB at the dealer.
Only the dealers witch were specialized on SAAB did a good job.
VIKING up !
SAAB up!
If the miracle will happen i will drive with my 9-3 CV to Trollhättan 2010
greetings Andreas
NOT over.
Everything open. For the moment no one outside knows more. Everything else is just rumors. I’m still optimistic. Maybe it works …
And there may be a chance for PLAN B.
SAAB does not die as easily as any other company. Small miracles are possible. (As we know.)
RS, SU will get the message, if there is one.
Well… I kind of unofficially studied that here in Holland anf guess what…; there certainly is a connection between car-brand and road-behaviour.
Not surprisingly certain brands attract certain personalities.
Many BMW and Mercedes driver think of themselves as being important, often leading to certain behaviour-patterns on the road.
VW Golf drivers tend to drive too fast and erratic.
Surprisingly Jaguar drivers tend to drive with a certain dignity that fits the brand.
Studying peoples (road-) behaviour can be quite interesting…
BREAKING NEWS Spyker softens on deadline.
Spyker has indicated that they will keep the offer active even after the original deadline (which is about three hours from now).
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/business/global/22saab.html
The roller coaster won’t stop!
The news has been breaking quite some time
… (scroll up)
EnG
But I’m really curios what’s happening now in the bowels of GM, based on ralf22′s comments…
So I missed it by a whole 29 minutes? Hey, I have a real job, too you know!
PS – GM is curious about what’s happening at GM right about now. Ralf may know something, but if the news is more than two hours old, it’s probably already changed!
“nick reilly, the GM europe chief”
Important!
Contact?
Check out please.
yeap..two more days Eggs..soon we all will be on zolox or any nerve calming pills provided
The news is now that the Saab Enthusiasts across the world are mobilising.Saabunited is not purely following the news anymore, it is making the news.
For my self I planning the following.
AT MIDNIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE, I WILL DRIVE MY CAR TO A DESSERTED PART OF TOWN, AN LET MY SAAB HONK ITS HORN FOR ONE MINUTE, HOWL TO DARK WINTER SKY IN RESPECT AND AS A GREAT TRIBUTE TO ‘THE SAAB’
This has gone from bad, to worse, to slightly better, to we might be out of this and back again in a very short time! More twists and turns than a mountain road.
I’m certainly gunna be here all evening, keeping adrift of the news.
I want Saab to be saved.
well, you are only good in selling something when you belive in your product.
gm never believed in saab!!!
I swear if you have been involved with someone who has a terminal disease and their family has a blog… it’s exactly like this….
Technology is helpful while stressful at the exact same time.
I think I’ll go home and drink a lot of Hvidtøl tonight
Jim
According to SR, GM says that Merbanco’s offer isn’t for all of Saab, but just for part of it. This really makes me wonder what they’re up to. Is there really a part of Saab you can be without?
Of course, it could simply be a rumour.
I can’t find the article at SR (Swedish radio) right now, but it’s mentioned at the end of a TTELA article:
http://ttela.se/ekonomi/saab/1.681992
its really hard to get this email contact -
normally it must be nick.reilly@gm.com
but i can`t find something on this gm europe site (which is already changing to an opel (vauxhall )site
but this man should know killing SAAB would`t bring OPEL out of the crisis.
maybe is his diabolic plan to produce SAAB in Ruesselsheim like planed
What’s wrong, Ralf?
You’re talking in riddles.
Have you recently attended the Gandalf school of cryptic talk? Or is it Ron Dennis who has been helping you?
Is there a problem we should know about?
Saab Up !
Mailadress; Nick.Reilly@gm.com
J V, I posted a translation of that SR article earlier in this thread, here. I was a bit surprised that no one commented on the somewhat surprising Merbanco news, but I guess nobody noticed. There’s so much news flying around now, it’s hard to keep up.
Last night (or morning depending on what half of the globe you are), we made a very collective point by non-collective means i.e. individually emailing ED. My guess is that we cannot directly influence GM more than already expressed in the overwhelming (and noticed) pleas to Ed to sell our beloved SAAB.
Surely the area that we must now impose our collective strength is the Swedish government by a similar method. We could all once again fire off our views to Fredrik Reinfeldt asking him to contact the US government directly since Cruela (sorry Maud) appears to be less than up to the task. Alternatively (and I have asked this question before) who in Sweden represents the opposition parties since they would undoubtidly rise to the chance of smearing the present governments handling of this saga to the point that they would be compelled (by bad press) to engage their mouths in the direction of Washington.
I may be drawing a parallel to UK politics (which is bad enough) and I do not profess to know anything about the Swedish system but I do feel that this tie between the Swedish and US decision makers is where we should fire our last arrow.
Ah, that must have been where I saw it. Just didn’t have time to comment then and was surprised as well that no-one else commented upon this. However, I suppose it’s a bit easier for us Swedish readers… =)
——————————————————
Saabunited is not purely following the news anymore,
> IT IS MAKING THE NEWS.
——————————————————
YES. You got it.
There are unexpected opportunities.
——————————————————
> Maybe we should declare tomorrow as “Nick Reilly-day?
——————————————————
OK. (As expected.) Tomorrow I’ll buy our “little” SAAB.
ralf, what r u talking about?be specific, some of us here are working for saab @ an international level.
Two articles translated by google and taken from http://svt.se and http://di.se respectivly.
Reinfeldt will not call Obama
Fredrik Reinfeldt rejected trade union demands
that he would call the U.S.
President Barack Obama to help
a good solution for Saab.
It would be to exploit people’s concerns
and to give the impression that it is beyond a
simply call a solution
would make it so that people could keep
their jobs, according to the Prime Minister.
-The World is not controlled by politicians
calling to each other. It does not solve
the problem that way. It must
be a buyer who wants to sell GM
to, “said the prime minister told TT.
Is Fredrik Reinfeldt right here? Please look at the last quote in the article below.
Car analyst like Spykers stubbornness
2009-12-20 18:18
Car analyst Matts Carlsson of Gothenburg think it’s good to Spyker Cars show persistence in their attempt to take over Saab. “It is very good. It gives a clear signal to all employees at Saab: You are so fucking good so here is one with clear interest to take over. Had the cards been played a bit more professionally from the beginning, including the government’s actions, it would probably also other stakeholders come. There has been a sad and negative image of Saab, “says Carlsson.
“There is now a buyer who are really interested in Saab and who is willing to go pretty far.”
Carlsson says it does not really understand what happened last Friday when the GM suddenly turned completely on his foot and kicked Spyker.
“I think Saab has so many strengths, so I can only conclude that the GM plays a strategic, tactical game where you do not want to sell to a company that makes it possible to get a future tough competitor. We do not hold for Saab it is bad, mismanaged or has a faint mark, but to do it for other business reasons. I can not draw any other conclusion. It’s very cynical. “
Seems like this article was not mentioned on SU. so I quoted it eventhough it was from Sunday.
Anyway I think this last quote together with quotes and hints from some of you shows that there is a hell of a lot of politics in this. Obama went to rescue GM and owns it now. I was big business in Germany when Opel was in danger. So Fredrik Reinfeldt you can’t even make a phone call to ensure that SAAB is not closed do to protect Opel or GM – but get a fair chance of being sold. GM is no longer a private company and EU should at least demand that the company (SAAB) has the right to compete i.e. being sold in one unit!
How funny is it that the new york times “call’s” Maud “mr” Olofsson
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/business/global/22saab.html?_r=1
They are also “niche people”.
I know a few of them and they are really passionate.
And Alfa is as Italian as Saab Swedish. Different but similar.
If Saab…. I’ll buy Alfa.
I wish all Alfaowners there will be a place for Alfa Romeo in the new Fiat-Chrysler mixture. The death of two most uniques brands in the market would be too much.
Once this is all said and done, even when Saab will be transferred to the new owner, hope that the Swedes will vote these clowns out of office next election.
And tie Maude down on the hood of a new 9-5, parading down the Trollhattan town center with factory workers and townsfolk pelting her with lingonberries.
Swedish gov. in a nutshell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9mhsW5aWJM
Surely GM must understand that Saab won’t be competing with their cars, since Saab is not and will never built mediocre cars for the masses.
I am glad that Fredrik corrected us. I think Fredrik should call up Angela Merkel and explain to her that she should not have gone to Detroit in person to plead Opel’s case.
Oh… I forgot… Fredrik can’t call Angela. The world just doesn’t work like that. Sorry!
Or maybe his point was that you must show up in person? (so get on a plane already Fredrik!)
Seriously Fredrik… Talk to Angela. Take some lessons from her book. The longer you stall, the worse this situation will grow.
GM is owned by the US government. The main reason for Saab’s current predicament is directly connected with the terms of the bailout provided by the US government. This situation CAN and SHOULD be solved through diplomacy on the highest level. Maud can’t cut it. The Swedish PM (if such a person indeed exists — I have not seen anyone answering to that description) just might.
This is very basic.
You should do no such thing! You might scratch the paint!
Use an old Opel or something.
Since this last “Horror Friday” a lot has happened, right? Today: only the message that everything is open. That means A LOT, right? Some insiders are apparently cautiously optimistic again. No further news so far – this may be good news? I myself am thinking 50:50 – that is, I suppose (given the circumstances) pretty good, right? (Other than SAAB, it would be 1:1000.)
—————————————————-
One thing is clear: GM no longer has the sole power over the headlines! We should push them further into the corner.
—————————————————-
Ok Ralf, tell us how to push them further ?
Comments on this entry are closed.