VERY SPECIAL UPDATE BELOW
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This is the news we've been waiting for!
The official release from General Motors:
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GM Reaches Agreement to Sell Saab to Spyker
2010-01-26
DETROIT - General Motors and Spyker Cars NV today confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile AB.
"Today's announcement is great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM," said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances.
"General Motors, Spyker Cars, and the Swedish government worked very hard and creatively for a deal that would secure a sustainable future for this unique and iconic brand, and we're all happy for the positive outcome," Smith said.
As part of the agreement, Spyker intends to form a new company, Saab Spyker Automobiles, which will carry the Saab brand forward. The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory, governmental and court approvals. Other terms and conditions specific to the sale will be disclosed in due time.
The Swedish government is at present reviewing the transaction and the related request for guarantees of a Saab Automobile loan that has been requested from the European Investment Bank. Assuming quick action, the transaction is expected to close in mid-February, and previously announced wind down activities at Saab will be immediately suspended, pending the close of the transaction.
"Throughout the negotiations, GM has always had the hope to find a solution for Saab that would avoid a wind down of the brand," added Nick Reilly, president, GM Europe. "We've worked with many parties over the past year, including governments and investors, and I'm very pleased that we could come to such a good conclusion, one that preserves jobs in Sweden and elsewhere. GM will continue to support Saab and Spyker on their way forward."
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VERY SPECIAL UPDATE
At 5:09 this morning, which is 19:09 in Stockholm, I received a phone call from Victor Muller.
He had literally just signed the paperwork and told me personally that Saab is sold. This was his first call after officially signing the papers to purchase Saab Automobile.
Victor was incredibly gracious, stating that the efforts of the site, and by extension, the Saab community, were absolutely mind-blowing (that's a quote) and made the whole process that much easier.
Of course, I'm feeling incredibly humbled and somewhat chuffed by all that, but it's a community thing. SU is a focal point, but it's nothing without a company to write about or a community to carry it along.
Congratulations to all involved.
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YES!
Yes!
Saab UP UP UP UP UP!!!!!
Beers tonight!
Griffin UP!
SAAB forever!!!!!!!
SAAB UP!
SPYKER UP!
Now, VM/Saab/Spyker, earn this.
I'M CRYING!!!!!! LOLOLOL YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!
LONG LIVE SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LONG LIVE TROLLHATTAN AND ALL OF THE SAAB EMPLOYEE FAMILY!!!!!
LONG LIVE VICTOR!!!
LONG LIVE SWADE!!!!!!!!
Even if the deal is "done" now... don't forget that now the fight with the future starts. Bring out these new models to the world!! :)
Gooooooo Saab! Let's kick some German ass! :)
Victor you are truly 'SPYKERMAN'
Can't wait for the SAAB/Spyker influence to hit the streets.
They did it !!!!
Go Victor !!
Eat shit GM.
Nulla tenaci invia est via!!!
LONG LIVE SAAB-SPYKER
Cheers.
I'M CRYING!!!!!! LOLOLOL YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!
LONG LIVE SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LONG LIVE TROLLHATTAN AND ALL OF THE SAAB EMPLOYEE FAMILY!!!!!
LONG LIVE VICTOR!!!
LONG LIVE SWADE!!!!!!!!
Long live SAAB!!!!
PARTYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Congratulations to everyone!
Leve SAAB
Hipp hipp, Hurra hurra hurra.
Now that we are going to be away from GM we can relax and hope for a beautiful future....
GO SAAB!!!!
Kör nu hårt i Trollhättan!
Thanks for the tenacious appetite Victor!
1 gadrupillion kudos to Swade...
Well done Spyker and good luck to you and everyone in Trollhatten and involved with SAAB.
Also, thanks to swade and all your bloggers and contributers. You really were a sensible voice in the dark hours.
I look forward to coming back into the SAAB fold very soon.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Saab Conference Call Scheduled
2010-01-26
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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.
· (800) 398-9367 (U.S.)
· +1 (612) 332-0226 (international/caller-paid)
· No access code is required
· Please provide your name and affiliation and ask for the GM conference call
An audio file of this call will be available shortly after the end of the call at http://media.gm.com.
Technical/broadcast questions:
Steve Griffes
313-220-7982 (mobile)
steven.l.griffes@gm.com
Something ought to be done for Swade - and for VM! :-) :-)
Thank you all for your support, you guys are the best!!! Tomorrow I will return with my friends to the plant, and we will build cars like never before!
Fantastic news. I will order a 9-3x immediately. It is now up to us to give them a kick-start.
Best day since Abba won the Eurovison Song Contest in Brighton 1974.
Go Saab
Go Spyker
Go Nightpanel!!!!
Finally!
I need a bottle of Whiskey!
Skål!
Thanks Swade, you have a bit of this!
Buy Saabcars!
GM: thank you for your decision, but no more games anymore, peeelease!
Thank you JÅJ, VM and a big thanks to our own Steven Wade!
So... Time to order a new 9-5! YAY!
MEDIA ADVISORY: Saab Conference Call Scheduled
2010-01-26
Back
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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.
· (800) 398-9367 (U.S.)
· +1 (612) 332-0226 (international/caller-paid)
· No access code is required
· Please provide your name and affiliation and ask for the GM conference call
An audio file of this call will be available shortly after the end of the call at http://media.gm.com.
Technical/broadcast questions:
Steve Griffes
313-220-7982 (mobile)
steven.l.griffes@gm.com
OH MAN this has been the worst roller coaster ride EVER but the best ending!!!
A round of applause to Victor Muller!
A round of applause to Swade!
And a round of applause for all of us who supported the efforts!
GM, you did the right thing, and made the right decision! Thank you!
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=victor+muller&init=quick#/group.php?gid=269399341685
Thanks Swade for being a STAR in all this.
Over here in Sweden the snowstorm comes over us, maybe a good opportunity for old cobweb to be flushed out fo the system.
The the bringer of new and fresh times !!
SAAB UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any use in going back to sleep, Swade? ;)
Now, perhaps Saab can use all this media attention to get the new 9-5 in front of the media for a lot of free advertising.
And then, in a few months, a clever ad campaign something like
"The reports of our death were greatly exaggerated. We are still here and would like to introduce you to the new 9-5."
AND NOT LEAST, THANK YOU SWADE FOR THE TREMENDOUS WORK YOU HAVE DONE!
KEN H
Cheers !
and Swade, good work mate, good work!
http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/news.html
We are not american businessman, we are not cheenese or russian oligarhs, we just glad to be in world-wide familly of SAAB owners.
Many thank to all SAAB Convoys - we all point GM our position.
Griffin will live!!!
Thank you!!!
YES .... YES .... YES!!
This is outstanding news. No. Its fantastic news.
Thank you to Victor Muller for his tenacity. Thank you to GM for seeing what we have seen for a long long time - that SAAB is something special worht saving! And my special thanks to Swade for staying up late to make sure we are all kept in the loop and to his dear wife, thank you for letting Swade 'out play with his mates' when you should have been spending that quality time together.
And last and most definitely not least, thanks to everyone at SAAB. You have been thru torture this past year but never gave up building the greatest cars on the planet. 'Tack sa myckert' to JAJ and everyone at Trollhattan. In 2011 I am making that pilgrimage to Trollhattan - definitely!! :o)
SAAB SAVED!
Griffin Up!
I'm gonna give my car a big hug when I see it
My F5 key can get rest now.
2010-01-26
Back
Print Print | Share Add This
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.
· (800) 398-9367 (U.S.)
· +1 (612) 332-0226 (international/caller-paid)
· No access code is required
· Please provide your name and affiliation and ask for the GM conference call
An audio file of this call will be available shortly after the end of the call at http://media.gm.com.
Technical/broadcast questions:
Steve Griffes
313-220-7982 (mobile)
steven.l.griffes@gm.com
SAAB - GREETINGS TO the WORLD!!!!
THANKS TO VM and SPYKER, JAJ, people at SAAB, SAAB-community and SWADE!!!!!!
SAAB-SPYKER UP!!
---------------------------------------------
Let's declare this Thuesday "Steven-Wade-Day"
Are you with me?
---------------------------------------------
That was a brilliant final sprint during the last few weeks. I know for sure: These days will be legend.
+++ Thanks Tobias, thanks Michael, thanks Thomas,
>> thank you all here at SaabsUnited … I really love this community.
Yea: The Griffin will rise again.
I swear, that's for sure.
Now the real work begins.
Cheers to all at Trollhattan!
Congratulations Saab and Trollhattan! Congratulations Spyker!
WE are happy for all of you!
YOU Cowboy'd UP!
Bushmill up, and Bushmill down!
Now for that press conference? Where is it?
I want to know about the financing...
Seriously, thank you, thank you, thank you for your dedicated passion. Thank you and congratulations to all people involved in getting this done.
Special thanks to you Swade!
SAAB UP !!!!!!!!!!
And Swade a special thank you. You have kept us sane!
Amazing.
Griffin UP!! Saab forever!
GM 20:00 CET
Spyker 20:40 ET
20:00 GM Press Conference
20:40 Spyker Press Conference Cafe Opera
GO SAAB! GO SPYKER!
After a long battle with an undecided future, The Fat Lady died earlier today, January 26, 2010. The Fat Lady had one last opera to sing and was originally scheduled to perform on December 18, 2009, but was immediately diagnosed with the highly infectious Griffin disease. SAAB LIVES ON!!! ENERMOUS gratitude to Victor Muller, Spyker Cars, Jan-Ake Jonsson, and every Saab enthusiast, employee, and loyalist worldwide. KEEP ON SAABING!!!
I truly believe that this site was very important for the survival of Saab. It is fantastic that the support campaign was organized from Tasmania, while most Swedes seemed to remain ignorant throughout the whole process....
THANK YOU SWADE!!!!
Thanks to Victor Muller, JAJ and Swade. You guys are heros to the brand. Without either of you I truly believe that GM would have scrapped the brand. You should all be carried around for the rest of the day like the heros that you are!
CJ - You're pretty badass, too!
SOC in Ohio!
820418: Peter is born
000318: Peter meets his girlfriend
100126: SAAB is re-born
Amazing news! :D
Almost teary eyed here at work.....
whaaaaa hoo!!!
Cowboy up and Saab Spyker up!
ttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4304004634_6e4fd26795_o.jpg
Still, it has been incredible watching Saab owners come together. Great job.
Excellent job Swade.
All parties involved can go have a well deserved rest.
Pressconferances
19:40 Swedish gouvernment
20:00 GM
20:40 Spyker from Cafe Opera
All Swedish localtime (GMT +1H)
Congratulations to all!
Long live SAAB!
Jason Petho
Is there a chance Merbanco will be supporting the new entity in any way in order to guarantee Saab's survival?
Let's party, but not forget that there's a long and hard way ahead. Griffin Up! We believe in you.
Griffin UP!
Cheers,
Bedankt Victor! Goed te horen dat de convoys geholpen hebben!
Thank you Swade and all of you who support us
Your efforts has made our work at the plant much easier
Once again THANK YOU ALL
Be proud of yourself and please activate the paypal button again to get some well deserved additions to your funds (and to share with your family).
I would also like to put forward a wish to Mr Muller to send a NG 9-5 to Steven with a big sticker on the side saying "SAAB SAVED".
I want to share my happyness with all the people in Trollhattan and all the people around the world who share my own automotive (and beyond) principles.
Thanks VM!
Thanks Swade and SU!
Thanks to Dutch people starting SSCs!
Thanks to all who were there!
(...and thanks to GM to having not done the worst thing.)
(GM up and away!)
Any experts of this field?
[IMG]http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/omnicake/saabvictory.jpg[/IMG]
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4304004634_6e4fd26795_o.jpg
YES .... YES .... YES!!
Swade: Hey, wasn't that "When Harry Met Sally"?
maanders: Shhh....don't stop him. He's on a roll.
Just opened the champagne, SAAB UP!
Thanks and congrats to all involved incl the Spyker, GM and not to forget JAJ.
Have to go to my dealer tomorrow and have a closer look on the 93 SC TiD/TTiD as we've to replace our old 93-I TiD this or next year.
The future is now.
An order is going in as soon as it is available!!!
Thanks again SWADE!!!
Now WHEN do you begin your World Tour, in recognition of all of your hard work? Hmmm? ;-)
Victor UP
SAAB UP
Cowboy UP
Swade UP
I am soooooo happy I can cry.....
Thanks V.Muller!!!!!!!
and thanks Steven for this CONTINUOUS up-dating........
Tonight is going to be a GREAT PARTY: exam session finished today with (i think) a good result, which means 1MONTH HOLIDAYS, added to THIS great news....
As a celebration of all these, i'm going to get drunk!
skål to all of you SAAB-tizens (citizen of the SAAB NATION), and to all of you little TROLLS working in Trollhattan, and to you to VICTOR!!!
I'm happy!
Thanks VM to close the DEAL!
Thanks GM to sell!
Thanks Swedish goverment for loan guarantees!
Thanks Saab community for support
Thanks also CJ for your effort and insight in SU
Its time to celebrate!
Closing conditions are only customary.
I can´t believe it´s true!!!!!!
I´m 48 yers old and I just cryed!!!!!!
Long live SAAB
It belongs to all the employees of Saab.
It belongs to all participants of the support convoys and all those who wrote to GM and different politicians.
It belongs to CJ and CvK.
To JÅJ. And last but certainly not least it belongs to Swade and EnG.
Thank you everyone!
live stream is running! but in swedish ;)
I hope the cirkus is over now;)
Greetings from someone who live in Koenigeggcity;)
Victor Muller, and JÅJ - THANK YOU!
Please hurry up with the 9-1, my 1995 NG900T needs to be replaced soon!
Long Live Saab!
[crowd cheers]
[crowd cheers: spyker, spyker]
long live saab
Thank you VM, thank you GM, thank you Swade and all good people in Trollhättan!!! Thanks to everyone here at SU!!!!!
This is the day we´ve been waiting for so long.
live stream is running! but in swedish ;)
Excellent job!
Cannot wait till all new SAAB's be released......especially the 92!
I can´t believe it´s true!!!!!!
I´m 48 yers old and I just cryed!!!!!!
Long live SAAB
TYGM!
You have done the right thing.
Also thanks to SWade and all of you and us, great job!
Now all the best wishes for VM and Saab's new owner.
Support for your business is abundant, also here.
Bubbly is being opened, will have to visit the Saab dealership here in Singapore tomorrow to celebrate, just here for a couple of days...
Saab Up!
VM up!
yes yes yes....
G'night...
thanx GOD! Victor, JAJ, Swade... aso.
Z!
Thank you, Victor! Thank you, Swade! You are heroes!
How about some appropriately Swedish celebration music?
This is a very Swedish folk song by the group Kraja about how important it is to drink and celebrate! Swedish folk music always has very nice melodies and harmonies, but in my opinion it often gets a little too melancholy. On those occasions when the folk sound is combined with a more uptempo rhythm, it gets really good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYvVftvf1y8
Or perhaps something more modern? This is a quite brilliant new song by rising star Amanda Jensen, with a very suitable title for tonight - Happyland!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGw7C6X51cg
But now I realise that it was worth the effort!!!
Congrats!!!
And where would any of us be without Swade...that man is a godsend to us....the long hours and again total commitment in keeping us informed with honest genuine information.
We salute and thank you.....but now the even harder work begins. This news will be like a shot of adrenelin to everyone connected with Saab, owners workers and dealers like myself who will once again be excited by what they do and have the faith and belief in what is a fantastic iconic brand. Let us rebuild....onwards and upwards!!!!
Thanks Spyker!
Thanks Sweden!
Thanks Trollhättan!
Thanks Saab enthusiasts!
And last but not (??) least:
Thanks General Morons ehrmm Motors of course <3
I already sent everything necessary to the luxembourgish press. Let's party :))
Swade
This deal wouldn't have been made hadn't it been for your effort!
Victor M
Congrats on the deal and what I hope will be a very promising future!
You all rock!
OUR BELOVED SAAB is saved.
Well done Victor.
Swade mate you are our hero.
Awesome work everyone - truly fantastic.
Thanks to VM and Spyker.
Thank to Swade, I hope we can meet once in our lives!!
Thanks to Merbanco, Genii and many others that gave the sold process more Worht.
And, althought they make us suffer so much, Thanks to GM for selling SAAB to a super "owner"
Welcome SAAB SPYKER BRAND!!!!
THANK you Victor, THANK you Swade and THANK you all Saabfans around the world for helping me get through this.
Congratulations to everybody!
Great news finally.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark it in your calendar.....
Griffin UP!
Cheers,
Utterly awesome.
Swade, thanks for having kept us so well informed and so well motivated during this harsh process.
You deserve a Saab-Spyker Grand Cross.
Swade up!!
Victor Muller Up !!
Saab Spyker Up
Griffin Up !
Saab dealers Up !
December 26 is a day we shall remember!
Griffin Up!
Cheers guys
SAAB UP!!
I can finally have a good night sleep. Swade your the best, when we were down you picked us up. Saab will kick some major ass!
LONG LIVE SAAB!!!
I am so very happy to finally see black on white that Saab is saved! I can't believe it, really, dreams DO come true.
And don't feel ashamed for making a pregnant woman cry - it's just happiness and hormones. :-D
Well done, Mr. Wade and Mr. Muller! We owe you both big time. Now, time to get a GM-free Saab, ain't it?!
She said: - no, from now on there are only opportunities !!!
Viva le Saab!!!!
Max in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
!!!!Swade!!!! the work must go on Saab has been saved but its time to help Saab Spyker Automibiles they need to sell cars and i am sure we can all help..
There is going to be a celebration convoy in Scotland on the 21st of February details can be found at uksaabs.co.uk all welcome...
The Dutch Saab Support Convoy is the mother of the convoys and we can announce we're working on a follow up event.
Saab Support Convoy, The Final
About the background of Spyker, did you know the Dutch Queen is transported in a Spyker once a year?
check this image
[img]http://sjaco45.googlepages.com/30-gouden-koets1-2.jpg[/img]
I can finally have a good night sleep. Swade your the best, when we were down you picked us up. Saab will kick some major ass!
LONG LIVE SAAB!!!
Victor - if you get around to reading these comments: You personify Spyker's motto. Please bring the same tenacity to the Saab business and this will be a success.
I am tempted to apply to re-join the Saab I left 15 years ago when I got frustrated with GM.
Cheers. (Misty-eyed with a glass of champagne)
But is it normal to get teary eyed about a business transaction?? Seems I'm not alone reading some other accounts here.
Another picture from the Chicago Convoy now on MSNBC...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35077526/ns/business-autos/
BUT MOST OF ALL.. THANK YOU SO MUCH SWADE!!!!!
VM AND SPYKER UP!!!!
SWADE UP!!!!!!
SAAB UP!!!!
JÅJ UP UP UP!!! WHERE ARE YOU MATE?
SAAB-SPYKER AUTOMOBILES UP!!!!
CHEERS TO EVERYBODY/TOM
Hooray!!!
http://www.tv4play.se/nyheter/nyhetskanalen%3FvideoId%3D1.1052162
Thank you so much Mr. Muller and Swade.. !!! :)
Thanks for all the effort and sleepless nights you have been through!
Come on, get up and dance !
Swade and VM: Thank you so much!!!!!!
Thank you Victor Muller for moving the mind of GM.
Thank you Swade for your ernomous effort, you have a big stake in this too.
I suggest that Victor makes you Chief Evangelist for SAAB.
"We had 'em all along!!"
Yahoo! Way to go Victor!
This wonderful marquee will now be burnished by its marraige with Spyker Cars. . .
bravo!
Thanks VM, you are our Savior!
Thanks to CJ and everyone else that was involved!
I feel whole, once again!!!
infinite thanks!!!!
Check out your impact - here is a posting on my dealerss site (Iowa City SAAB, USA):
Unofficial word is that SAAB has been sold to Spyker Automobiles. As soon as I get the official press release I will add it to the site. Thank you to all of our customers, friends and families who have stood with us and worried with us during this time. Watch our website for continued updates and specials.
Thanks also to Swade at www.saabsunited.com and Ryan at www.saabhistory.com for keeping the information rounded up and getting us the most up to date information while we waited for an outcome. We know that we were not the only ones watching their sites religiously.
Fine day for a Saab enthusiast!!
We are a great big forrest, not just a bunch of trees!!!!
From what I heard the Saab Dealer in Mersch got the New 9-5 on display ! Sweet !
I think a nod of thanks needs to also be given to GM, for actually stepping up and doing the right thing and selling SAAB.
Now, when are the Saab Saved convoys going to happen? :-)
Griffin Up!
Truly believe that this will be really good for Saab.
Hope that SAAB / Spyker realize the potential of Swade and hires him directly. He has probably managed to influence giant GM with the whole "save saab 'thing which says a lot about his passion for Saab, and for his incredible fighting spirit.
Y E S ! !
Y E S ! !
[Now I can make up for 2 months (at least!) of lost work-time :)].
Kroum: Get the Absolut ready...
On a side note, Jalopnik is having a vote for vehicles they get to add to the Forza Motorsport videogame today, and the 900 Turbo is on the voting list (List number 6 of 6). The 99 Turbo didn't make the first cut yesterday. I think we should vote the 900 in celebration of today's events. At least get it through this first round. You can vote for 10 of the 20 cars. I voted only for the 900 to better its chances.
SAAB UP!
I just want to extend my gratitude to Swade and each and every one who has supported us throughout this struggle. Thanks for never giving up hope and your belief in us.
Thank you, Spyker. Thank you, all other parties interested in buying us. And thank you GM, for doing the right thing.
I'm going to go have a glass of Bruichladdich now, to celebrate. Now is when the future starts!
P.s.:I was confident since mid of January a made a binding order of a new 95 Aero XWD 2.8T for delivery asap. Just ask my perfect SAAB dealer in Würzburg/southern Germany IWM Saab!Cheers Herr Latussek!
Does anybody knows something about the eib-loan?
I can't wait to drive in the ng 9-5, i've already seen it, its magnificent!!!!
Whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
http://newsroom.saab-web.com/
Maud Olufsson:
- the road has been long, but saab har had the highest priority within the government, we have had many meetings (some the public dosn't know about)
- we have from the start been proactive with saab (blah. blah.)
- If saab was to survive we wanted the jobs should remain in sweden
On the loan garantee
- the garantee should rest on a solid basis (conservative judgment)
- The loan garantee HAS BEEN GRANTED!! buy the swedish government(4 billion SVKR)
- The loan garantee should be used to a green development (so it is not state support)
MORE TO FOLLOW...
SAAB up!
Spyker up!
Cudos to everybody involved including the Saabisti around the world.
What to do now.......
I say, anyone for tennis?
Perhaps a Valentine's Day gift for all Saab fans?
SPYKER UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SAAB UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GRIFFIN UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am not sure how many SAABISTS will now "show" for the Memphis-area SAVE(D) SAAB rally, but SOME will be there to celebrate the future SAAB!
Thanks Swade for all the updates you keep bringing to us all.
SaabsUnited- A great place to be.. good people, good conversation! Thanks to all my new friends at SU for a great year filled with ups and downs!
Spyker- Simply wonderful!! Rest assured you have our continued support.
General Motors- Thanks for restoring my trust in GM. As a long time dedicated GM customer, I am thankful that you took the time to find the right buyer for Saab. I'll continue to buy GM trucks, but I will only buy Saab cars!
a special thanks to Steven Wade... If it was not for your work here at SU, I would have been pretty much clueless about Saabs history as well as its future over the last year. You're a true dedicated Saab enthusiast and one hell of a blogger! I am proud to call you a friend.
hip hip hooray!
VM - well done, Flying Dutchman!
Thank you VM.
Thank you JAJ.
Thank you Saab.
And thank you Swade. I KNOW that you played a very significant role in how this decision went down. Of course it is the community that came together, but it is you Swade who linked these communities together through Saabs United. This site is without a doubt one of the reasons that Saab is alive. The message was delivered, Saab fans spoke out and GM heard. They heard us loud and clear and the best decision was made. The fact that VM called you first, personally, confirms everything I believe above. You are an outstanding ambassador for Saab, it's ideals and the voice of our community.
Well done Steven. Hats off and glasses raised high to our beloved Saab and to you Steven. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Great work VM !!
It's the same both SMT
I'm so happy.
Can't wait for the 9-5 9-4x en maybe a 9-1 or a aero x
http://www.google.com/trends
http://www.google.com/trends
YESSSSS!
To Victor: nomen est omen. Die ouwe Romeinen hadden toch mooi gelijk. Net als met die spreuk van jullie, trouwens. Van harte!
Ivo
-Thanks to many parties (within goventment, local authoerities)
- Perhaps a new spring for saab, however many abstacles remain - turning saab into a profitable buissness!
Questions: (MA - Maud Olufson)
- What plans do spyker have
MA - i dont know. but the loan should be used in sweden
- any risk the loan will not be granted ?
MA - i dont think so
- Do you know anything about the finansing?
MA: The is liquitidy in saab, the new company should tell about the finansing..
When did you know for sure about the sale?
MA: - 0700 CET !!!!
MORE TO FOLLOW
What wonderful, gorgeous and exciting news!!!!!
I take it that the liquidators are leaving the Saab campus immediately, and that Jan Åke Jonsson and the management is back in charge, yes?!
Now to see what Victor Muller and the money behind his company Spyker has in store for the new company Saab Spyker Automobiles NV. Let's hope we get to see the new 9-5, 9-4X, NG 9-3, a 9-1/9-2 and Aero-X and possibly Sonett V. The last two could share a lot of components with Spyker vehicles.
Griffin Up!!
Thanx to Swade and all others that has supported Saab during this time.
VM, I bow to you!
SW without you = no Saab!! Suck it in!!!!!
Congrats all at the plant in THN!! You live to fight another day, make sure it is a sunny day!! Kick those German butts !!!!!
Maud says:
Great difficulties lots of worries.
Government acting in a straight line with clear principles, world unique.
Never wanted to buy a car manufacturing plant.
Business only in Sweden. GM´s responsibility in a sales process.
Divide of politics and private economy.
Saab has had highest priority from political level.
Deal is sealed, loan guarantees OK but Swe Gov. 4 billion sew crowns.
The loan is for projects for greener car projects. Money will be given as times goes according to the project development.
Saab are leaders in safety and environment.
Big thanks to the trade union people at Saab for keeping the hopes up!
Really important that Unisons have been successful.
Time to change Saab is the big issue now
New step forward for swedish car industry!
Now its up for the company to take the lead and go forward.
Q and A time
Loan will be cleared by EIB
Development will stay in Sweden
No more money than the 4 Billion - hitting the ceiling now!
Control checkpoints as projects develops
Finance that is up to GM and Spyker to tell we are satisfied as for now.
Saab economy is good right now. The big picture is OK now
The solution is good now compared to other "paths"
Deal sealed at 19:00 tonight
GM has tightened the deal as time time has progresses. Saabs value has risen over time according to GM.
Oystein
Maud Olufsson:
- the road has been long, but saab har had the highest priority within the government, we have had many meetings (some the public dosn't know about)
- we have from the start been proactive with saab (blah. blah.)
- If saab was to survive we wanted the jobs should remain in sweden
On the loan garantee
- the garantee should rest on a solid basis (conservative judgment)
- The loan garantee HAS BEEN GRANTED!! buy the swedish government(4 billion SVKR)
- The loan garantee should be used to a green development (so it is not state support)
Maud Olufson:
-Thanks to many parties (within goventment, local authoerities)
- Perhaps a new spring for saab, however many abstacles remain - turning saab into a profitable buissness!
Questions: (MA - Maud Olufson)
- What plans do spyker have
MA - i dont know. but the loan should be used in sweden
- any risk the loan will not be granted ?
MA - i dont think so
- Do you know anything about the finansing?
MA: The is liquitidy in saab, the new company should tell about the finansing..
When did you know for sure about the sale?
MA: - 0700 CET !!!!
MORE TO FOLLOW
Kann net do sin. Wosst och komescherweis neicht dofunner. Lëtzebuerg ass een trauregt Land an punkto Automobil. All 2ten BMW. Haaptsaach BMW. Egal op Matchbox.
Its time to order the new 9-5 :-)
SaabSpyker Automobile UP!!
I love Victor!
I love Swade!
I love SaabsUnited!
I love everyone right now!
I need a drink :-D
Swade thank you so much for everything! You might have made the difference!
Thank you + all the best form Spyker country!
Daniel
www.RTLZ.com
Greetings
Stevo from the Netherlands
Bye bye and good luck with SAAB....
It's been a hell of a ride but thanks to all the support, Swade, the Saab owners and enthousiasts we got it done.
A big thank you to all the Saab employees, dealers and importers for sitting it out; it must have been extremely difficult not to know about your future but it's there.
Now the real work starts; rebuilding SAAB to what is was and should be.
FIRST THING TOMORROW: Go out and order a new SAAB!!!!
I am involved in a way and know how important it is that you all keep supporting Spyker and Saab; we need you to build saab's new future.
we all believed in this
a good night to all saab empoyees. keep up the good work and ket the griffon (phoenix) fly
so single malt time
YES! YES! YES!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!
Just settling down with a glass of my best malt (after waking up my daughter because of my shouting....).
SKØL Swade! SAAB! COMMUNITY!
JEEEEHHAAAA!!!
Make it a number 1 hit!!
Thanks goes to GM for DOING RIGHT FOR SAAB..thanks to Victor Muller\Spyker..go build the cars we want dude!!
AND THANKS TO ALL WHO CARED!!
We took on GM and WON!!
I just wanted to add that I hope JÅJ will make an appearance somewhere tonight. I have high hopes for Spyker's press conference.
Congratulations everybody!
Thanks VM, and Swade, you are the man!!!
Anyone got a link for a GM and Spyker press conference?
Thans Swade for the personal effort. Thanks to rescue-saab.com. Thanks to everyone participating in the convoys. And, finally, (last but not least) thanks to VM and to GM for believing in SAAB.
Congratulations to all SAAB workers, to Trollhattan and to Sweden.
But let´s all remember something: this is only the beginning. Everyone has to push hard from now own in order to make Saab survive (i.e. it has to be profitable). I am only a customer, so the only thing I can do is keep on buying Saabs. My next one (almost sure) will be a NG 9.5 Aero 2.8V6 XWD; to be ordered before end of the year.
But Saab workers and investors have to do the rest. Put all your soul in your work. Your customers and supporters have done a lot. It is now your turn: demonstrate the world that there is room enough for difference. I am confident in this new era, and anxious to buy Saab-Spyker stocks!
Yes, it's just a car company, but I know this made the made of many thousands of people, not least those whose livelihoods hung in the balance.
Congratulations to all Saab and Spyker employees, as well as the dealers who have struggled greatly to hold on. And, of course, to Victor Muller!
Griffin Up!
Congratulations to everyone involved!
It's fantastic news especially for the saab workforce.
Thanks Swade for the incredible effort over the past few months.
Now for news of UK 9-5 pricing.
Cheers all, I can get some work done now!
Make it a number 1 hit!!
Thanks goes to GM for DOING RIGHT FOR SAAB..thanks to Victor Muller\Spyker..go build the cars we want dude!!
AND THANKS TO ALL WHO CARED!!
We took on GM and WON!!
Thanx VM
Thanx SWADE
This was the day we have been waiting so long
Great News
SAAB for ever
Yes!!! Thank you!!!!
So next time I see you I can honk ;-)
(Small country)
I drive a 93-II Sportcombi from 2006
all I hear is music?
WWW.RTLZ.NL WWW.RTLZ.NL WWW.RTLZ.NL
Thanks to all friends over the world for the support. My special thanks to SWADE. Special thanks to MERBANCO, GENII, KOENIGGSEGG .....
Save warmfull greetings from Slovakia
SaabSpyker Automobile UP!! SAAB UP!
really stressed everyone out.
God bless the people that put together this deal..it
will be great to see people not put out of work.
One important thing they can do right away is make the 9-3 diesel an option in the USA. We have mainly just the VW diesels for them to compete with.
Very exciting.
Thanks VM for this very bold step that, let's be honest, not many people took very serious 1,5 month ago. Well done!!!
Thanks Saab workers for continuing building great cars under this uncertainty!
Thanks Swade, for hosting the no.1 Saab source out there!
Thanks Saab fans for the terrific international support in the last weeks!
Thanks Saab dealers for sticking in! (And especially those two Saab dealers that just opened doors in the Netherlands, even with all this uncertainty!)
And, certainly, THANKS GM for daring to go along as well!
Now it's time to celebrate and champagne!
But tomorrow, it's time to move on as never before! Build, innovate and... sell sell sell cars! Let's make sure this is a permanent, not temporarily solution!!!
So to all SU fans, go ORDER THAT NEW SAAB NOW!!!! (I ordered a new 9-3 late 2009, with all the uncertainty, and expect to get it half March).
Enjoy!
Jöran was the hero in this conferance now I start to beleive it's true!
Thanks Swade!
Thanks Jöran!
Thanks VM!
Released today. 19:53
Mats Fägerhag, Saab's technical manager, sounds recorded on the voice, when TT talk with him. "Mentally it has almost set himself on that this would not work. It is quite bewildering. A little hard to believe it's true, "he said.
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0rekommendationerAnnons: He and the others in senior management has in recent weeks working on two parallel tracks.
"We have planned well for a settlement and for a boot. We have so to speak, had both a red and a green button. Now we press the green button and run at full speed. It feels absolutely fantastic, "he says.
Despite today's ruling will likely plant in Trollhattan to stand down next week because it planned to stop production. A stop, but today's ruling likely would have meant the end of Saab's car production.
Mats Fägerhag think Spyker Cars is good for Saab.
- To get them as the new owner feels like a freedom. They have a combination of entrepreneurship and an ability to nurture and develop brands that fit Saab excellent. With Spyker that Saab owners can force skills and be unleashed, "he says.
But it becomes an uphill battle. Saab's sales have fallen around 65 percent the past turbulent year, and now it is barely on the backburner.
According to Mats Fägerhag be a launch of major new Saab 9-5, despite all the trips, however, able to stay on schedule.
- We know the automotive world looks at us with skepticism, but we'll show everyone, "he says firmly.
Next step: buy the NG 9-5 SportCombi
Saab & Spyker Forever!!!
http://newsroom.saab-web.com/news/news/gmreachesagreementtosellsaabtospyker.5.1cbb811125b37dfa407ffe2178.html
Thanks swade and VM!
Good luck to everyone in the factory!
Phone conference with GM just starts!!!
It's finaly done. I'm so, so happy right now!
I wish you all a wonderful day! Don't get to drunk... :) Ah, just kidding, let's get DRUNK!!!!!! :)
SAAB fan from Lithuania
Wants to give credit to Spyker and Swedish government. Believes there is not a sustainable solution for Saab. The swedish government have completed the review and approved the loan guarantee.
Hopefully the deal will close no later than February.
Swedish government has guaranteed EIB investment.
Thank you VM, thank you Swade, thank you GM (didn't think I was ever going to say that), and thanks to everyone who made the deal possible!
To the whole community - amazing! We should all be proud to have been involved.
Now let's get to these new cars!
I'm still a student :)
When it's wrecked, I'm finally going for a Turbo X.
Ech tuuten dann all 9-3 2006'er Combi :D d'Probabilitéit, dass du et bass ass relativ héich :D:D
Stolz sin mer dorober!!!
Thank you to VM and his team for their hard work and persistence!!!
Saab Spyker Automobiles FTW!!!!
What has happened in terms of winding down. Where do things stand, what's available and what may be delayed?
Answer: We have not been very long in the wind down process. Two weeks ago the wind down administrator was assigned. The liquidator was making preparations to wind down, but no wind down had occurred to date.
The plant is operating and building vehicles based on firm orders. Production is scheduled through the 29th, and plans are being made to continue beyond that.
Q: What will the ongoing relationship between Saab-Spyker and GM be:
A: Gm will provide powertrains and finished vehicles like the 9-4x for some time.
This is AWESOME! I'm ordering my new 9-5's as soon as the dealer takes my money
And, this is just the beginning - now we engage and watch Saab do for cars what Apple has done for computing, telecom, media, print - Saab has the Think Different genes in its core and great talent and JAJ's tenacity and VM's vision
Saab Spyker UP!
WWW.RTLZ.NL WWW.RTLZ.NL WWW.RTLZ.NL WWW.RTLZ.NL
20:15 CET.
SAAB Forever : SAAB Forever
Greetings....
Stevo
Go Nightpanel - GO
Generations to come, will remember this saga of Saab in her history. Why? How? When?.....
Saab & Spyker must now build cars for others to follow, as innovators when Saab was once before.
show the ng 9-5 sc
SAAB = SAVED
A: Yes there will be some.
Q: Is the listed $74 and $326M in stock accurate?
A: Yes, there are also some additional considerations for GM.
Great day, great achievement.
Hat off to Swade and to VM.
To the teams in Trollhättan and Pixbo - Let's go get 'em
SAAB UP! For a bright future.
PS: If you ever make it to Zurich contact me, it would be my pleasure to invite you for dinner.
In june I will be a very very very happy owner of a NG 9-5 2.0 Tid Vector A6.
Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Bedankt Victor. Je bent de beste.
PhilK
Belgium supports Spyker
"Victor Muller appreciation group"
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=victor+muller&init=quick#/group.php?gid=269399341685
Tonight the
Super Trouper lights are gonna find me
Shining like the sun
Shining `SPYKER-SAAB´
Feeling like a number one!
Thank you Swade and all the loyal SAAB owners!
SAAB Up!
All the best wishes to the people working at or for Saab in Trollhättan!
Time to open the champagne :-)
Griffin Up!
Bis eng keier ob der Stroos ;-)
From the conference: new 9-5 and 9-4x is included in the deal... warranties will be honored by both GM and SaabSpyker, alittle depending on markets but no gaps in the coverage of warranties etc...
A:The new 9-5 and 9-4x are very much a part of the deal.
Q: Who will handle Warranties?
A: This will depend ont he local market. GM will phase outr and Saab Spyker will phase in differently in different markets. There will be no lapse in covereage as warranties are concerned.
Q: What is the new 9-5 timing:
A: Some 9-5s are being built as we speak. True start of production will be in April / start of second quarter.
Saab Spyker Up! from me too.
Tommorrow I will be happier then other times to drive some of my work coworkers to the coffee during lunch break :).
Brett, that photoshop with Victor is hilarious :D
Someone in Seattle, throw a Saab Spyker congrats party :D
Thanks to SU and Swade.
Best regards from Croatia to Victor and Spyker, all Saab heroes in TH, Swade and all of you great people!