Not Yet…
December 18, 2011 in News
I’m in constant contact with Victor Muller right now, we’re texting back and forth as much as he has time to spare! I greatly respect that he is taking the time to even look at his phone right now!
I asked him, as I always do about news from other sources: “Is it true?, No more money from YM” (YM meaning Youngman)
The reply: Not yet…
Saab is still fighting! I will stay up all night if I have to and report on things as we are able to find out about them…
EuroDriver said on December 18, 2011
This is getting intense. I appreciate what all of you at SU do for us Saab Enthusiasts. Saab will fight till the end!
TimR said on December 18, 2011
Good thing that I don’t have to go to work tomorrow! Can spend all my time on this! =)
DanSaab said on December 19, 2011
You are the best that could happen to SaabsUnited after Steven Wade!
TimR said on December 19, 2011
Those are some very kind words! Thank you! =)
Bravada from GMI said on December 18, 2011
Only one thing is for sure now – when the time will come to attend Victor’s funeral, somebody will receive a text from him stating “not yet”.
Nate 9-3 said on December 19, 2011
Comment of the year!
DanSaab said on December 18, 2011
I will only read Saabsunited news in the future because you have the better sources then the anyone else!!
Saabissimo said on December 18, 2011
Ok, let’s pull out all the usual lingo here: Fat ladies, tenacity etc…
VM doesn’t give up before he gives up.
I guess the truth may be the same as last time DI reported about bankruptcy – that they are PREPARING for a bankruptcy application in case it will be required. They simply need to be prepared for all eventualities…
Dippen said on December 18, 2011
Everytime we getting closer for that moment… i always think of that quote from Gladiator … “Whatever comes out of these gates, we’ve got a better chance of survival if we work together. Do you understand? If we stay together we survive. “
Jelmer said on December 18, 2011
You got to love Victors honesty giving a reply like that!!
Plzz… let YM find the strengt to be able to standoff GM. I sugest if they manage to make it thru this we send Rachel a lot of flowers…
TimR said on December 18, 2011
I think we need to buy a lot of cars! =D But flowers are a good start ! =)
Jelmer said on December 19, 2011
I would but we just got one, a My 2011 9-3 Sport Estate TTID. But i promise to buy a new 9-3… if this succeeds
DanSaab said on December 19, 2011
I would love to buy a brand new Saab 9-5 SC Aero! We bought our 9-3 SS last year that we have now to support Saab! And i think it would be time for this again, if we only would have the money…
This is what my colletion of cars that i would love to own be like:
1. Saab 900 T16 LUX 1984(summer use only)
2. Saab 900 Aero 1985 or 1986(summer use only)
3. Saab 900 T16 4D sedan 1985 or 1986(summer use only)
4. Saab 900 Italy Aero 1996(summer use only)
5. Saab 900 Talladega Coupé 1997 or 1998(summer use only)
6. Saab 900 SE 2,0T 1997(i am owning one right now, summer use only)
7. Saab 9-5 SC Aero 2012(everyday use)
Yerrun said on December 18, 2011
Respect for your dedication Tim. It feels like we’re in the final hours of the final verdict. But we’ve said that a couple of times now… An advice to all: Don’t believe any word from DI about Saab, there’s no more reliable source than SU.
(I really keep my fingers crossed, in bed, ’cause unlike Swedes, Belgians need some sleep…)
RS said on December 19, 2011
I agree. Never trust DI to have the ‘whole truth and nothing but the truth’.
OH said on December 19, 2011
According to the webb DI sais nothing! Whatever happends VM is a hero, fighting until the end (?) for this fantastic brand.
RS said on December 19, 2011
See above.
Snowshoe said on December 19, 2011
For some strange reason it is often the case that you can read DI-stories from other sites than DI before they show up at DI.se
It looks like they do not want to publish when their comment-function is closed.
Carlo A said on December 19, 2011
Never ever give up …. till the end !!!
Griffin Up!!!
Paul said on December 19, 2011
+1, no, +900, 93, 95, and 96. Oh, and 94, 92, and 97!
TimR said on December 19, 2011
*like*
Smithy said on December 19, 2011
I don’t see how that answer makes any sense. I mean, if YM wants to stop all of the money-transferring, it’s either that or not – nothing in between.
So whoever reached the conclusion that Saab won’t be further financed by YM is wrong?
“Not yet…”
Allan B said on December 19, 2011
I think he means the money has not yet arrived. Meaning: have faith.
Smithy said on December 19, 2011
Question: “Are the rumors true?”
Reply: “Not yet…”
It’s not crystal clear…
TimR said on December 19, 2011
I meant it as, have youngman left as according to the DI article he answered: not yet
Smithy said on December 19, 2011
Ok!
This is quite a nightmare…
Allan B said on December 19, 2011
Way to go, Tim.
CSD_ChineseSaabDriver said on December 19, 2011
Thanks TimR and VM and ALL.
I am just out of bed, not worried at all, just wanna visit SU
CSD_ChineseSaabDriver said on December 19, 2011
“Not yet” is a pretty good sign.
When deal is settled, of course the billions will come, but just not yet right now
Smithy said on December 19, 2011
Doesn’t it kind of have to be done before the court process tomorrow?
They don’t want to see more promises now.
But what do I know, I’m clearly not in the middle of it. Muller is.
CSD_ChineseSaabDriver said on December 19, 2011
If YM really wants SAAB to succeed, of course the investment will come soon or later, that won’t be empty promises, and they know Saab’s success will take time and big investment, otherwise they won’t be in constant talks with VM. I am pretty sure the money is there, YM just want the final deal to be done.
Nothing to blame YM in fact.
We will anyway know more details tomorrow, just a new hours later.
CSD_ChineseSaabDriver said on December 19, 2011
Oh I wish TimR asked VM if he is confident tomorrow and I hope he would have typed: Yeah sure buddy
Greg Bakos said on December 19, 2011
I really would have prefered to hear a “No” instead of a “Not yet”. A “sudden illness” is a lame excuse to not be there to look VM in the eye to tell him you have pulled the plug. If Youngman has in fact backed out I consider Rahcel’s behavior to be cowardly, and in fact contributing to the image of Chinese business people on the global playing field. The proof will come within the next 12-16 hours. The deck is clearly stacked against Saab, but we hope there are still a few aces left to play. Best of luck VM, and all Saab faithful.
TimR said on December 19, 2011
You have no idea what she went through so please refrain from commenting on this matter! I can tell you that it was very serious!
Consider the extremely small amounts of sleep, constant travels and bad food manners these people have been under for so long. Not to even talk about the stress-levels. I’m amazed that some of them are still alive to be honest!
Lets keep things positive, think of those beautiful cars and wait… thats about all we can do at this point…
Greg Bakos said on December 19, 2011
Tim, it sounds like you have inside information that she was in fact seriously ill, so I am sorry for what I insinuated. To me it simply seemed too manufactured a story. Along those lines, I have been more worried about VM’s health. He must have amazing stamina. The past few weeks must seem like an eternity to him, with the weight of the world on his shoulders. It is one thing to remain physically fit under these circumstances, but staying mentally sharp with unending high stress and limited sleep is very difficult. He will likely look back at this period knowing he gave it his all. Let’s hope he will also look back at it as “that time I saved Saab”. Amazing courage.
TimR said on December 19, 2011
I was amazed that he continued to work when victors sister died… but when he lost his father as well just a few weeks after that, I lost words completely… He is a true hero!
bpsorrel said on December 19, 2011
Absolutely. A very remarkable man indeed… Good luck all!
LGA said on December 19, 2011
I should be in bed by now but I just can’t make myself leave the computer.
Work tomorrow will defiantly be interesting to say the least. All of us still working at the TDC and other functions will need new F5 keys when the day is over…
Paddan said on December 19, 2011
All the best tomorrow for a great result for VM, the Saab employee, dealers and us, the customers. My prediction is that Saab will live.
E in DC said on December 19, 2011
I’m sure they’ve looked under every rock, but it seems like there’s been a singular focus on China for investment. If GM’s problem is with China, why not go to India, or another european company or investment firm? It seems like they’ve got all of their eggs in one basket (China). I personally don’t think any options would be good enough for GM at this point. I really do think GM is trying to kill Saab without having to actually be the ones to pull the plug. From the outside, I just find myself wondering why VM/Saab don’t just ask GM to level with them and suggest a scenario that WOULD be acceptable. Again, I’m sure they’ve been through all of these scenarios. These are just some obvious thoughts that arrise from the limited info we have as outside observers.
TimR said on December 19, 2011
I actually asked exactly that back on october, why not india. The answer I got was that there wasn’t time… time for what I don’t know but the process is probably very complex and very long…
I know that Saab and YM did consult GM to find out exactly what their issues were and they got a clear answer, which resulted in this new deal that is not supposed to be a problem for GM, since it does not violate anything in the purchase agreement from feb 2010… but it seems like this did stir up some emotions with GM anyway =(
CSD_ChineseSaabDriver said on December 19, 2011
Then solve the emotion obstacle and get a NEW-ER deal, no problem right? Just keep reconstruction going for another 2 weeks so that the FINAL deal done.
What’s the hurry for the court to declare the end of Saab, why hurry, no need to hurry at all.
TimR said on December 19, 2011
Because nobody at Saab has been paid since october =( This needs to happen tomorrow or reconstruction can not continue…
Saabissimo said on December 19, 2011
Reading your comments CSD you don’t seem to really understand what is at stake here. Non-payment by YM tomorrow is simply not an option. That would enter Saab into non-volontary bankruptcy.
The real options are:
1. YM commits cash tomorrow with the risk of GM legal proceedings afterwards = probable extension of reorganisation.
2. Saab enters volontary bankruptcy proceedings before the meeting.
Saab seem to be preparing for both options and the late night talks will decide which one it will be.
So, yes, there is a clear deadline here. The court doesn’t wait.
OH said on December 19, 2011
R Collin writes in Aftonbladet, after midnight, “I think Muller gave up tonight”, he summarizes and blame GM and the Swedish government.
Its tough now, hope for the best
CSD_ChineseSaabDriver said on December 19, 2011
Impossible.
VM will not give up.
And SAAB no matter what happens tomorrow, will live up.
Smithy said on December 19, 2011
Do you know something that we don’t?
CSD_ChineseSaabDriver said on December 19, 2011
My thought
Well I am just optimistic
Red J said on December 19, 2011
It is Sad that even him, Mr. Collin, thinks that VM has already given up.
I hope he is wrong, but we will know tomorrow.
Snowshoe said on December 19, 2011
Hm, sad.
I wonder if GM would have agreed to a solution where Youngman invested via Swegow. Where swegow would make sure that no tech transfer was done prematurely to Youngman. After 3-5 years the ownership is transferred to YM.
I guess the development would also need to be separated between GM platform and Phoenix.
Alas, to late for such thoughts
CSD_ChineseSaabDriver said on December 19, 2011
I believe Saab management team and VM etc all read SU’s all kinds of idea’s and suggestions.
IMO even a Plan-B should have a Plan-B, nothing is impossible. There is certainly a way to get SAAB up and running.
The coming few days and weeks are super exciting …… SAAB WILL BE OK
Saabissimo said on December 19, 2011
There is no time for days and weeks. Tomorrow is the deadline. Try to understand that. The court does not wait.
CSD_ChineseSaabDriver said on December 19, 2011
All those deadlines are not important in real life.
Even Saab asks for voluntary bankruptcy, Saab still can get up and live a long way into future, it’s all about money/investment, as long as YM or other parties believe in the future of Saab.
It’s true the talking here does not help much, let’s just wait and see what really is going to happen in the coming weeks.
OliverH said on December 19, 2011
Going down for some sleep. Nothing important should happen (only some disturbance may be). We’ve to wait for the court hearing and decision. and before we know about the latest strategy it’s not worth to talk about. I think there’re possibilities without and also with GM.
terry9000k said on December 19, 2011
Swade just said:
http://inside.saab.com/d-day/
TimR said on December 19, 2011
It was well written… I wish he could be here on SU
terry9000k said on December 19, 2011
Erm….He was/did.!! [just joking Tim]…..I won’t add the rest
Smithy said on December 19, 2011
Will you be live-streaming or keep us updated with posts tomorrow?
RikardH said on December 19, 2011
Me and Tim will be there to do what we can..
TimR said on December 19, 2011
I’m off to bed now, heard the guys at Saab went to bed for a few hours… I’ll be up early continue reporting =)
terry9000k said on December 19, 2011
My Saying in life is;
”Today is the start of it all”
Yes, SAAB, you can borrow this today…………
Peter, Sweden said on December 19, 2011
It might as well be that many readers and fans, and even Robert Collin has given up, but that is something you sure can’t say about SU’s own Tim! Hope you manage to get a few hours sleep, and thanks for your tenacious work!
Now, all fingers crossed…