I’ve just received a text message telling me that a press conference is due at 19:15 (Swedish time), which is around 90 minutes from now, as I write this.
One resourceful commenter (thx, Albert) has also left the following link, which is apparently a live link to a webcast where the announcement will appear at that time:
Link to webcast for Press conference.
I haven’t verified that link myself, but hopefully that’s correct. I’ll keep checking around. Apparently it’s all OK.
Griffin Up!!
UPDATE: Another live link, which will begin at 19:00 (tho the presser isn’t until 19:15)
——
Oh, and without getting too excited, the expected topic of the press conference is the sale of Saab Automobile by General Motors, to Spyker.
Ola Kinnander at Bloomberg, who is very well connected (hey, he’s hot my email 
says the following:
General Motors Co. agreed to sell its Saab unit to Spyker Cars NV, the Dutch carmaker said today in an e-mailed statement.
But of course, the press release…..
——
Please feel free to photograph your very own celebratory Snoopy dance and send it in……
——
Not to be too premature, but I’m just soooooo very happy for Jan-Ake Jonsson, his management team and all the people at Saab in Trollhattan and around the world.
They’ve fought the good fight. They deserve this.
But of course, the press release……
——
The guys at MobilForum, Dresden – that is, the guys behind Rescue Saab – are starting a little early…..
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Aw, I’m going to be an a meeting with a customer. Suits me right for working today — HA!
oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!
The local has reported AFP stating that Spyker has bought Saab.
Brilliant news.
Let’s hope it won’t be just about the trading of Spyker’s shares being suspended.
That would be two in a row for ya, Swadey.
OK kids…get the popcorn & adult beverages ready…it’s almost showtime!!
All good E’n'G. That’s how you will get the money to buy your next new GM-Free SAAB!
Im hoping for good news. I’m going to be checking in frequently while im here at work!
Is that going to be in english?
We’ll be witnessing a historical event!
Im hoping for good news. I’m going to be checking in frequently while im here at work!
Champagne tonight – some of which will get poured over my convertible!!
Free at Last! Bless you all for your diligence. We are SAAB UNITED!!!!
Please, please, please let this be the real deal !
News broadcast in Finland annonced that Spyker closed the deal. Saab is sold.
Oh Thank God……. I wonder what normal life is going to feel like after this????
I can’t believe it!!!
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a00D6U4k.hnk&pos=4
This has been the most incredible journey ever! If someone had told me this time last year how long and how bumpy this road was going to be, I’d never have believed them!
If this turns out to be the news we all hope for…is it a coincidence that it happened on the day that the “Keep Calm and Carry On” sign changed?
I’ll believe it when I hear it. After the K-egg thing, I’m remaining calm and carrying on. Then I’ll ‘carry on’!
From this NY SAAB driver since 1971 – I’m praying they SAVE SAAB!!
Direct podcast from Stockholm, VM speaks. Yes, English, I’d say
. Although I think we all can understand what he is gonna tell, no matter what language he will use.
Ivo
LOL!!
NULLA TENACI INVIA EST VIA – for the tenacious no road is impassable
Spyker buys SAAB!
http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article6493014.ab
Today at about 17.50 (swedish time) Aftonbladet announced that Spyker buys SAAB!
Griffin up!
Swade, I hope you’ve paid the server bills cause tonight we’re going to overload them !!!
Saab up !
Oooh man – tonight I’d better have that chat with Mr. Cragganmore (single malt whiskey). It’s gonna be a looooong chat.
Swade – thanx for all dude. If you ever hit DK I’ll buy you a beer or 10.
Swedish news reports that Saab is sold
http://www.svd.se/
http://www.svt.se/
I luv it… took a year and 500 bottles of tums and it comes down to a 2 line statement.
Sold… have a nice day… NEXT STORY… ha
That link looks correct–just click on Livestream and then it goes to a feed of colored bars/bands (like at the first of a video feed) that says “19:15 uur: livestream: persconferentie Spyker”. Sounds good to me!
CNBC just announced that the deal is done!! Phil LeBeau the automotive analyst just announced it 5 min ago. WOOHOO!
It’s in the Dutch newspapers also:
http://www.volkskrant.nl/economie/article1342272.ece/Spyker_neemt_Saab_over
Can’t hold back the tears anymore, have to close office door…..
GM press release web page. This is the only place you should observe for validation:
http://www.gm.com/corporate/about/news/index.jsp?deep=press
Wow! This has been a long and bumpy journey and it’s still not over yet! Announce it already I just can’t wait anymore!
Yes, Yes, Yes!
SAAB UP!
Is anyone recording / capturing the press conference from the rtl site?
Aftonbladet (www.aftonbladet.se) and Dagens Industri (www.di.se) here in Sweden annonces that Saab is sold to Spyker.
Oh my god, this is like 99.9 percent complete – PLEASE NO MORE TWISTS AND TURNS.
SELL/SAVE SAAB
It’s a deal!!!
According to CNBC it’s a done deal!!
GO SAAB!!!!
GO SPYKER!!!!
yes – this is the one time when we don’t like twists and turns for SAAB!
Yes, Swade, the press conference link seems legit.
Happy!! Happy!! Joy!! Joy!!
Honestly, I can’t stop crying, good thing I’m at home with just the cats!
Let it be, we’ve earned it, the workers have earned it, the dealers have earned it, and VM has certainly earned it. When I win the lottery I’ll proudly park a Spyker in my garage next to my Saab.
Several sources confirms a sale, including CNBC and AFP.
http://www.e24.se/business/verkstadsindustri/affaren-med-gm-i-hamn_1819317.e24
AAAAGHH!!!!! I am in my Computer Aided Site Design lab right now!! I’m not sure how well it would fly if I turned on the Saab press conference… lol. I might just take the chance and find out though.
Got headphones?
WOOOOOO HOOOOOO !!!!
WOOOOOOOO Go Victor Muller & friends!!!!!!!!!
I’ll drink Champagne in 5 min!! Im so happy!!
now on Bloomberg TV!!
http://www.tvchannelsfree.com/watch/5758/Bloomberg-TV.html
Still nothing official from GM? Hmmm.
He might need eyephones…
Live on Bloomberg TV now
While waiting for the press conference….time to bump the view count on Griffin Up! on YouTube.
Live feed at 19.00 also on: http://www.nyhetskanalen.se/1.1470704/2010/01/26/spyker_cars_koper_saab
got busted in a marketing computer class for that when i heard that k-segg backed out. i went to saabsunited and the proctor was at my desk in like 10 secs chewing me out. haha, anything for saab!
Go Baby, Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
)))))I have a smile from ear to ear!
I say we make the girl in the yellow hoodie our permanent good luck charm. Who’s with me?
Dutch radio news just announced the sell of SAAB by GM!!!!!!!!
GREAT NEWS!!!
Im am able to read swedish almost as my native language.. The transmisson wil start on this link from 19.00 hours swedish time – 1 hour from now
http://www.nyhetskanalen.se/1.1470704/2010/01/26/spyker_cars_koper_saab
+1
I will believe it, only if Swade, GM or VM confirms it…
Yep, and I got here early to grab a seat in the corner, hehe.
From Bloomberg TV:
Spyker says it has come to a deal. Trollhattan employees feel relieved.
Swedish government is backing EIB loan.
Still a lot of question marks
I’m sitting in Microeconomics as I type. And the press conference will be starting right as my Accounting 2 starts. O yes, I’ll be on my computer ALL DAY.
SAAB UP!
All of this news and drama, reminded me of Reagans 1964 speech where he said…
“You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness”
Oh yeah, our children will drive into the darkness, illuminated by “NIGHTPANEL”
happy, but I am still guarded….
Nothing official yet!
CNBC has is reporting that GM has announced that they are selling SAAB to Spyker! Yes!!
Excellent idea
Put her in front of a new 9-5 and it works for me.
long as she has a young male companion in a blue one
+1 :}
Finnish TV just said Spyker has confirmed this.
This is a great moment. SAAB is releaved at last! What an increadible story!
Historic and flying! 2010-01-26 SAAB-SPYKER day!
There will be worldwide celebrations! This is the start for a new era!
as Viking up said “Still nothing official from GM”
We been burn already, let’s wait before opening the Champagne.
Amazing! I am so happy right now!
Time to bring out the bottle I’ve got stored in the fridge! =)
Yes YES YES! Victor M
Count ME in. Does she have any sisters?
[img]http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00472/Auction_hammer_185x_472593a.jpg[/img]
As we are waiting for the press conference, some interesting reading could be the reasons why Ed Whitacre was chosen as new CEO for GM. Most interesting is the main reason – they did not find any top executive with manufacturing experience…??, See link below.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601108&sid=aO6ZDJZFpGug
I just have to say that Victor Muller completely embodies the Spyker company motto.
Griffin Up!
Spkyer Up!
VM Up!
1-26-2010 SAAB Independence day!!!!! wohoooooo!
Good thing you’re using a nice server/connection, Swade — even Spyker’s website is going slow now, but SU is as snappy as ever!
YES! YES! YES! Let us now all support SAAB and buy a new SAAB in 2010!
Detroit, Michigan, United States – Current Time Tuesday, 26 January 2010, 12:10:01 EST
The GM webguy is eating his lunch at the moment, that’s why the GM news site isn’t updated yet
For those who haven’t seen it yet…there’s the link for the bloomberg report:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aFn8NdGVhOuk&pos=4
Griffin Up!
The following link to swiss serious newspaper says it is done : GM selle SAAB to Spyker
http://www.tdg.ch/saab-gm-parvenu-accord-vente-spyker-2010-01-26
“For the tenacious, no road is impassable”
Absolutely! What a guy! What a great job by everyone involved!
Historic indeed, if this is for real, it’ll be the first time GM successfully sells a brand right?
Still in a holding pattern until I actually hear it from VM himself! If, and when it’s a done deal, I’m gonna celebrate with a toast of 10-year old Henry McKenna single barrel bourbon whiskey! Oh yeah!
SAAB Up!
Keep F5 ing this link – it can’t be long now..
http://www.gmnext.com/rss/press.html
Taking video of the speech…can’t wait!!!!!!
It’s now confirmed on Dutch televisiion, een vandaag. So it must be true
Packing up, going home.
Watch press conf.
Have bubbly
Griffin UP!
Swade for Honorary Citizen of Trollh
“It’s now confirmed on Dutch televisiion, een vandaag. So it must be true”
Joke? Remember Swedish tv story on Monday…
Tears tonight!
Saabs UNITED,a worldwide global heart,love you people!WONDERS NEVER SLEEP!
If this experience has taught me anything, it’s that news outlets don’t do enough work to verify their stories before posting them.
If it’s true I’ll put a bumpersticker on my 9-3:
“Victor Muller is my hero”
Where’s the kermit dance?!
Just received this email from rescue-saab.com
“SAAB RESCUED. MISSION COMPLETE.
As recently reported on Bloomberg.com, today will be the happiest day in the life of all the Saab drivers and enthusiasts.
Today (Tuesday) General Motors Co. agreed to sell its Saab unit to Spyker Cars NV
LINK to Bloomberg.com
The future of the traditional swedish car brand is secured, Saab will take off again.
Together with about 20,000 Saab Rescuers we are looking forward to the new Saab models and many thousands of turbocharged kilometers.
We thank all the Saab community who remained loyal to Saab during the last year. It was amazing to see how many people stand behind Saab. Thanks to the thounsands of Saab Rescuers, thank you Swade, thanks to all the Saab Convoys around the world.”
TYGM
I have to say literally every time I’ve been close enough to a news story to know the difference, the press has reported something incorrectly.
I am a big supporter of the Press (capital P), but the press (small p) often screws up important info.
This blog post on SU has probably hit 100+ comments the fastest of any yet!
The fat lady hasn’t farted yet.
BUT:
Victor, mate – we – are your new friends!
Saab – Spyker- Fly in style…….
TYGM
Other sources reporting press conference for 7:30 in Cafe Opera, Stockholm. We will see
Born from Jets – Saved by Props!!!!!
OMG!:D
time is slowwww today:D
I will wait until the speech is over before I’ll party, then I might be able to relax and sleep well tonight after about 1 year of uncertainty.
Saab-Spyker Automation NV UP!!!
Saab up!!
Griffin up!!
Spyker up!!
Victor up!!
waiting…waiting…waiting…waiting…waiting…
need cigarettes!
38 min..
YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHaw! Free at last, well aside form the preferred shares GM will hold. Still, better than the alternative. Happy times!
Beer at 10:15 am!!!!! can’t wait!
Was considering some scotch but going for the IPA!
Chris
Cork ejected, bubbles are out!
I really wish it
Still on the edge of my seat for an official statement from GM. Then I can cut up my “Save Saab” sign into “Saab is Saved” and do some serious hoonage in my Saab.
Champers tonight – hard work from tomorrow….. We got to sell some cars now boys!
For the tenancious no road is impassable, perfect for Saab. Congrats to all the folks involved and cheers to a new, small, agile Saab Automobile.
Saabs United!
Finally we reached the end of tunnel! How fresh the air is! – waiting for fresh SAAB~
Very appropriate, Dan! We haven’t been happy with everything they’ve done (now there’s an understatement!), but they could have pulled the plug at any time, and instead they persevered with the sales talks, though it cost them money and effort.
TYGM
Very appropriate, Dan! We haven’t been happy with everything they’ve done (now there’s an understatement!), but they could have pulled the plug at any time, and instead they persevered with the sales talks, though it cost them money and effort.
TYGM
Call me boring or a pessimist but I hold my champange until we have a pressrelease or a statement from GM
Going over to my local Saab dealer now and listen to the conference with the guys! Then the party starts!
)))
Goodbye, GM! So long bean counters, cheap interior plastics, outdated platforms, Frankenstein SAABs, 12 year model cycles…
I am since half an hour trying to post ….., WWWWoooooooowwwwwwwwwww, but still not official, I will stay in the office until after the Press conference!
It is beyond belief ……..
Imagine a Saab convertible with Spyker attantion to detail.. Hmmm!!
))
Boring! Pessimist!
Way to go, Victor Muller! Please, let this be it!!
EARTH, MOON, UNIVERSE UP!!
Im going NUTS (clearly). uuUuUAAaAHAHh!”!11
GM has indeed agreed to sale Saab to Spyker, BUT they didn’t sign the agreement at this time…As we know GM, they could change their decision in just a minute.
SAAB UP! YES!!! Long live the Griffin, I knew VM could do it!
Will anyone be recording the conference? I really want to see it, but oh the classes…
Finally! What a relief!
(But let’s not forget the deal still has to officially close in February…)
CNBC just reported GM announced the sale of SAAB to Sypker Motors! Yes!
For me Swedish Mackmyra whisky will be the celebration drink! ….not too much, expecting Saabish weather conditions tomorrow, snow and windy. Nice drive to Trollh
As an employee at Saab, I
TYGM,
but it would have been mean from GM if they stopped everything yesterday, only because yesterday was Mr. Ed day, and nobody else’s.
hahahaha I love it!
Just sign the papers… And hurry before GM changes their mind!
Well boys and girls, I think it’s time we all go buy a NEW Saab, that’s the only way we can really save them now!
Does anyone know where to find the ‘Saab, im free’ logo?? I can’t find at at this verrrry appropriate time!
I was just thinking….this is just like the end of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” where everyone in town comes in to support George Bailey and help out in whatever way they can when his business (Bailey Building and Loan) was about to go under.
We, the Saab internet support community with the Save Saab Convoys and letter writing campaigns, are the townsfolk and Victor Muller is Sam Wainwright who sends the telegram saying,
“Mr. Gower cabled you need cash. Stop. My office instructed to advance you up to twenty-five thousand dollars. Stop. Hee-haw and Merry Christmas. Sam Wainwright.”
CNBC reported today that they are selling SAAB to Spyker Motors! YES!
Thumb up !!
Nulla tenaci invia est via!
Now the work begins – they must SELL NEW cars, and we must BUY them!!!!!!!!
I vote YES !
I feel like Kool and the Gang “Celebrate good times c’mon!!!!” thank you Swade and everyone else for standing by this proud brand. we can bring it back to what it once was with the new ownership. PROUD first time owner of a Saab 9-3. Love it, Love it, LOVE IT!!!!
i am proud to be a saab owner….
i am going to a club and get drunk tonight … ALLONE (again)!!!!…no, with my wife…
Now I am leaving my office with my 9-5 with music of AC/DC on max power. The drinks are waiting at my home
Ops!
Truly believe that some sites have helped this !
Won’t mention it, but I believe you are reading some comments on it right now.
I’m very humble and thankful for your work
Thanks !!!
Love the S double A and a B
Griffin up
I am optimistic…. from one point of view….
but… just wonder… if Spyker really can handle with all Saab problems?
Or will simply resell Saab later?
SaabsUnited Historic Rally Team has sent greetings to Victor!
Now I start to realize that is is true after a year of pain.
Fantastic!
SaabsUnited Historic Rally Team has sent greetings to Victor!
Now I start to realize that is is true after a year of pain.
Fantastic!
I have the champagne chilled, but I won’t open it until the ink is dry. However, I will have a nice, tall gin and tonic after work!
Come on Lads up SAAB upward and onward. The best cars in the world. Flying high again.
YES! Congrats to all those involved – now, let’s celebrate!!
Well, I am still not putting the champagne on ice. Not until I hear/see the official press release.
HOWEVER… We must not forget that now, after today, the real work starts: to spread the word about the fantastic Saabs. Make people try and buy Saab, to trust the brand again. To SPEND THE MONEY.
That is up to us.
ARE YOU WITH ME!?!
The sale sum mentioned was $350m including the preferential (preferred?) shares. Does this mean that Spyker got a lower price than previously stated?
Gary A McConnell should now (please) prepare bumper-stickers which we (the ones who attended these moments) will FOREVER stick on their Saabs.
My best wishes to Trollhattan people.
Let’s wait for press conference…
What’s the word for “exciting” in Swedish? Sp
January 26 2010. A date to remember guys. How about yearly convoys?
closing bold.
Awaiting GM pressie, cold beer in hand. Champagne later.
It’s in the Wall Street Journal now too:
http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2010/01/26/breaking-news-spyker-buys-saab-for-74-million/
http://www.incompetentpictures.com/sitefiles/Rick%20James%203.jpg
IT’S A CELEBRASHUUUUN!!!!!!
Truly happy day!
SAAB Up!
Spyker UP!
Griffin UP and UP!!
Apparently we need to close another bold tag. There. Done.
Excellent idea!
Reserved relief, euphoria and deep happiness. This is exactly what Saab has deserved over these past 20 years. VM and JAJ will make Saab better than it has ever been.
Now WE just need to go out and buy those Saabs. Give them what they need. 9-3X…coming right up!
Can somebody pls try to record press conference?
I wish it in my preferred videos on YouTube!
Still can’t believe it!!!
Lumpy throat…
Goawdam, lets buy and promote SAABs! And let’s be onto them (Spyker/SAAB) all the time with feedback to make SAAB even better cars! Audi/BMW is the target to beat on all their strong points!
closing the bold…
Anne, I’m with you on this one – a Saab is Saved convoy would be a great chance to do that
From the Wall Street Journal:
http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2010/01/26/breaking-news-spyker-buys-saab-for-74-million/
Quote:
As part of its financing package, Spyker will receive a $50 million loan from Tenaci Capital B.V., which is owned Muller. Meantime, Spyker
I want to thank everybody here for all the great efforts to Save Saab!! But there’s one person who should get a medal:
THE MAN IS GREAT!!
IT’S STEVEN WADE!
Live TV from Stockholm & Trollh
Seconded!!!
Good. Let’s cut the talk and build some cars. I need a 9-4X on/after Feb. 27. Git ‘r done GM, VM, and Saab!
Griffin Up!
I’m with you!
Right now I’m listening to three songs on repeat: Release Me, The Time Now and Griffin Up!
Can’t wait for the press conference!
Shaw Saab, my dealer just sent me a great, Saab Saved email! I also just popped off a thank you to Senator Tom Kennedy for his great support!
Mr. Jan-Ake Jonsson needs to return to his office
immediately. His services are greatly needed.
A Spyker car on a trailer outside Caf
I knew it, I actually did. I always thought I
An Spyker-car is is standing inside a truck outside Cafe-Opera just now
we need to have a worldwide parade for swade, vm, and jaj, with cj being an honorary member. these guys deserve it, just think how much all these guys worked for the brand. long live SAAB!!!
fyi, im watching the links, and i love how they say saab and trollhattan.
also sergio needs to shut it.
Yes, all the cars that participated in the convoys could be considered historical vehicles.
video showing up on the press con link
OK, congratulations. Now get back to work, because the real challenge is only just starting.
Don’t buy too soon – make sure your money will be heading to Saab-Spyker and not GM! It may be some time before everything is completed and transferred.
I ONLY HAVE BEER AT HOME!!!!!!
…but it’s going in a champagne glass anyway
the stream is working!
LOL… What an ironic coincidence! SECONDS AGO I received a “response” from Barak Obama from when I emailed him pleading to oversee GM’s involvement with Saab. jajaja incredible.
Is there a Spyker in that truck?!!!
This is interesting:
Wow, if this really is true…..! I have now fired up a candle in the glassmonter where I have all my SAAB miniateurs displayed, the champagne is already in the cooler and I am planning some of a take off when the sale is finally confirmed by the parties involved!
VM UP!
J
Anyone have a conference link that works behind firewall/proxies? The GM link from yesterday worked…
…even the non-Saabs!
Yes, J
Could it be a Spyker-car that has been in that truck that is shown in the rtl-link?
The new firm needs a VP of Social Media and Steven is the man for the task!
Thanks you Swade for all you do!
Cheers!
bam
It’s fun to listen to the TV guys preparing for the press conference…
Apparently they’re not allowed in yet… 
Nice live feed with swedish comments from the technicians….
They thinks its darn cold 
I love video feed of people standing around outside, lol.
I am so happy for all of the SAAB employees and all of us SAAB nutcases!
Thank you VICTOR!
Victor Muller (Spyker CEO) says there isn’t signed yet, anything could change again!
This is it..the agony of wating is finally going to pass……where the hell is J
Any other place to watch conference.
rtl streaming to slow !!!!
Watching this link. Must be the street outside where the press conference will be. Big flatbed truck just pulled up with something covered on the bed. Wonder if that the rumored Spyker inside.
+1
Steven Wade
VP of Social Media
Saab Spyker Automobiles
Has an EXCELLENT ring to it!
You can adjust the quality. Works fine for me.
oops… there goes the truck and trailer from in the live feed.
I’m still not going to buy GM
I can’t wait to take delivery of a 2012 9-5 SportCombi
The live feed is hilarious!
I don’t think they know it is live yet. They are cursing in swedish and troubleshooting their equipment :p
Wish there was english subtitles!
What a nice feeling!
I
oops… there goes the truck and trailer from the live feed.
TRANSLATION PLEASE!!!!!
To quote Homer Simpson:
WOO-HOO!!!!
Now back to work so I can buy that NG9-5!!
Victor is a HERO!!
Victor Up!
Saab & Spyker Up!!!
Can you provide a link to this feed please?
Truck with Spyker car spotted near Cafe Opera in Stockholm according to TV4
Truck with Spyker car spotted near Cafe Opera in Stockholm according to TV4
They are reporting in Swedish that everyone is confused whether or not there actually will be a press conference. Noone has received an official invitation, no people have shown up, and the dutch registered trailer thought to contain a Spyker car just left the location.
It look quite cold there! Isn’t it?
I will continue translating as I am able. But my feed just died. I have a crappy computer at work.
Bloomberg TV stating GM conference call @ 1400 EST.
They are saying that none important person is coming and they cant find information about this press meeting on Spykers page as it was told + the reporter said that he is not even sure that anything will happen. but hopefully everything is just delayed.
/From Saab city…
And dark.
They say it
My live feed stopped
The press release ist out… YEEAAAAHHHHH
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Jan/0126_saab
Thanks for the translation. Don’t think it’s your computer. The live feed seems to have gone dead. Anyone else?
Try
http://www.tv4play.se/nyheter/nyhetskanalen?videoId=1.1052162
Mine too…
spykers hompage is down
So GM wants to get the word out first. OK. I can live with that, which then I would think would be followed by Victor’s press conference.
So do we now have Big Ed saying – “I get to break the news in Detroit?”
First Post on the site, and a great site it is.
Been lurking since about 2 months ago.
My Dad owned a 9000 when I was younger and I’ve followed SAAB ever since. Hope they continue so that I can purcahse one in the future!
If only there were English subtitles, I’d know what was was being said then!
It’s frozen alright..
Feed died for me as well…
That’s it! Champagne!
Most precious words from GM press release.
Live feed dead at my end as well…
Official!! On the GM site now!!
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.print.GMCOM.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Jan/0126_saab
Still nervous, I do not dare to believe before it’s confirmed.
just posted on the GM site:
John Smith, vice president, global planning and alliances, will host a conference call for media at 2:00 p.m. EST (8:00 p.m. CET) to provide additional perspective on Saab.
The RTL-feed come from swedish TV4. and TV4 dont send live for the moment.
‘POP’ says the champagne bottle!!! Congratulations Saab and everyone involved!
No news on spyker site. Live feed is gone dead.
It’s already on the GM Website! Woo-hoo!!!
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.print.GMCOM.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Jan/0126_saab
That’s it! Champagne!
Should be quite a contrast of syles to listen to Ed and then Victor. Victor may have to start doing a little bean counting now – but I doubt we will ever hear a shred of real automotive passion from Mr. Whitacre.
Bloomberg TV reporting deal to close mid-February…Swedish Government reviewing final loan guarantees.
Come on Maud.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aFn8NdGVhOuk&pos=4
NOW we can celebrate!!! WOOHOOOOOO!
))))
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.print.GMCOM.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Jan/0126_saab
I think that this would serve as confirmation from GM! This is up on gm.com!
I am hoping our belated save our saab convoy in Scotland organised for the 21st of February becomes a celebration convoy….
Details can be found at uksaabs.co.uk all saab owners welcome…….
where is the live-feed?
rtl.nl video feed stopped but still says “presconferentie Spyker”…
But now it’s 19.15 and nothing happens…
At least we have all the press releases
Amazing!!! We will celebrate with a Swedish Semla tonight (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semla) and then some 15 years special reserve!
Tomorrow starts the hard work with selling in a new 9-5 with my management at home…
Congrats and thanks for all the hard work Swade to keep us in the loop!!! Let’s all click the ads on SAABsunited.com!
Cheers, Niclas
Swedish minister Maud Olofsson has announced a press conference 19.40. Usually they show it on http://www.regeringen.se
THANKS SWADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GM stealing the thunder from Victor. There is a telephone press conference initiated by GM at 14:00 EST.
I guess it is official it is on the GM press release FINALLY!
Swade, it is not over. You now have to get the press to give this good news as much attention as they did to the bad news of ‘closure’. Most people still won’t be aware for months to come I bet you. i’m still going to hear that Saab is bankrupt from 9 out of 10 people.
Any english source or at least subtitles? My swedish is really limited
I think the RTL site is overwhelmed, but the Swedish TV4 channel does not show any press conference yet. They confirmed GM’s website announcement on TV4 though. (Which is no more confirmation than we reading it ourself.)
Ok, TV4 now says the announcement will be 20:00 swedish time, i.e 45 minutes later than announced.
This is the way it should be. The fine workers at Trollhattan, all the Saab dealers, suppliers, mechanics, etc. around the globe get to keep their jobs and hone their craft while Steve Taylor (GMs liquidator) can wait for a call for his next job.
Government press conference at http://www.regeringen.se. Spyker has press cenference 20.40. On the swedish government web it says “Maud Olofsson is commenting the new owner of Saab Automobile”
The ticker above the live TV on nyhetskanalen.se says news conference at 20:10,
Swade for president.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a group effort but still…
Sounds like GM can’t keep up with Victor’s pace, even though he didn’t get much sleep lately.
My guess is that there will be press conference from GM and Victor at the same time.
Yes, GM put it on the web, admittedly at the original scheduled announcement time, but with the text:
“Throughout the negotiations, GM has always had the hope to find a solution for Saab that would avoid a wind down of the brand,
Ugh. I’m not going to get any work done today am I?
At least we have the official press release from GM. I really wanted to see the press conference, but I don’t know if I will be able to now.
has the press conference started? nyhetskanalen.se is blank
rtl stream is back up. No idea what they are saying but some one is being interviewed.
“I seriously doubt it. Never mind, common sense prevailed it seems.”
But obviously they did. They were the owners. If they only wanted to shut it down, they could have.
Disregard that, it went black soon after.
rudkin, are you getting a black screen right now for rtl?
I don’t know why the press conference isn’t broadcasting, but that 20:10 is supposed to be about Handball World Championship updates.
Gee….so now I won’t be able to relax until mid february!??!
I am happy to see the winding down process being stopped, however…it will be an anxious wait untill ALL FRIGGIN PAPERS ARE SIGNED.
But it IS an evening for celebration. ‘Cause Saab has risen from the ashes just like the Phoenix bird (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology)).
I have started a Facebook group called “Victor Muller appreciation group”. Please join it and show your support/happiness for Victor Muller/Spyker, and off course all the other investors/persons that made this deal happen:
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=victor+muller&init=quick#/group.php?gid=269399341685
Perhaps, but the feeling has always been that “ok, if you really want to buy it we can look into it, I suppose”. I base that view on actions, comments, and announcements from GM. It’s probably a case of some GM people being way more interested in SAAB than others.
A press conferance with Swedish goverment, Maud and J
I would, if I used Facebook. But I refuse to use Facebook for a number of reasons. Sorry.
I’m glad that J
It seems that the pressconference is moved to 20h30m local Swedish time.
RTL is black, nyhetskanalen is up and conference has begun. TUNE IN NOW
********** UPDATED SCHEDULE ************
Press conference announced
19:40 o’clock, the government press conference in Rosenbad. Enterprise Minister Maud Olofsson and Secretary of State Joran Hagglund participate.
At 20:00 GM has a teleconference.
The time is 20:30 Spyker Cars press conference at Caf
Maud confirms that Spyker cars will buy SAAB from GM during this pressconferance but no details of how this transaction is made.
She speaks about the role of the goverment in the process and the only confirmation is that the swedish goverment has approved the EIB loan yet to be approved by EU
To be continued.
I think I will puke hearing Maud taking credit for their strategy.. They could at least wait until Victor has had his moment.
Now she explains how firm and clear the message from the Gov to GM has been (they have to take responsibility).
Apparently they talked to GM about talking to the Gov if GM got any potential buyers.
Now she says “we said to GM that you must have a feasible plan from the puyer, cause we won’t be able to step in with any money”!!
She believes SAAB has great possibilities.. (She didn’t earlier)
She then tanks all involved parties for their positive outlook and hard work.
Now she says it’s the big challenge to create products consumers want. “We” take a new step to develop the Swedish car industry.. (“We”??)
Then journalist start their questioning.
So that means JAJ is back!
Maus says: It
Victor Up!
Griffin Up!
It feels so good!
gms phone conferens at http://www.nyhetskanalen.se/1.1470704/2010/01/26/spyker_cars_koper_saab
GM Conference live on nyhetskanalen.
Any news on the press conference? Seems that the servers of the sites metnioned above cannot handle all traffic.
Nyhetskanalen is OK
GM,in their conference call, basically restated what was said in the press release. The Q&A portion rehashed much of what we already knew about the deal and Saab moving forward.
Test picture now?
Here is a link to live broadcast from the Spyker PC
http://playrapport.se/#/video/1862551
Mackmyra tasted very nice, my wife has to take over wheel tomorrow
One more link
http://www.tv4play.se/nyheter/nyhetskanalen?videoId=1.1052162
Live feed from Spyker PC at RTL now.
News conferencde is on right now
http://www.tv4play.se/nyheter/nyhetskanalen?videoId=1.1052162
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