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Spyker signs CPP Global Holdings deal for sportscar arm

发表者 ddgg 2/23/11

Spyker Cars is selling off its sports-car unit to a Russian businessman so that it can concentrate on the operation of Saab Automobile, purchased just one year ago from General Motors.

Antonov, a former Spyker chairman and shareholder, will pay 15 million euros ($21 million) for the maker of the C8 Aileron and other supercar models that retail for more than $200,000, the Zeewolde, Netherlands-based company said today. In addition, Antonov would pay as much as 17 million euros over six years depending on the unit’s future profits.

Antonov used to own part of Spyker, but was forced out as a condition by General Motors to agree to sell the Saab brand in January 2010. At the time, tiny Spyker took out loans to buy it for $74 million in cash.

Press Release

SPYKER CARS N.V. IN NEGOTIATIONS TO SELL THE SPYKER SPORTSCAR BUSINESS IN ORDER TO FOCUS ON SAAB AUTOMOBILE

Spyker Cars N.V.– the EURONEXT-listed holding company which operates the Spyker and Saab Automobile premium car brands – has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to sell the assets of its Spyker sportscar business (the “Spyker Business”) to a private UK holding company, CPP Global Holdings Limited, which is owned by Vladimir Antonov.
Indicative terms include a purchase price of 15 million Euros plus a 17 million Euros earn-out. The proceeds will be used to reduce Spyker Cars N.V.’s debt.
Within 6 months of completion of the sale and subject to certain conditions, it is envisaged that Tenaci Capital B.V. would convert the 9.5 million Euro Convertible Loan at 3.75 Euros per share and 7.5 million Euros of its loans at 5.50 Euros per share to further reduce debt and interest.
This transaction would allow Spyker Cars N.V., which will change its name shortly, to exclusively focus on the Saab Automobile business while reducing debt and improving operating results through reduced interest expenses and removing the operating losses related to the Spyker Business.

Zeewolde, The Netherlands, 24 February 2011 – Spyker Cars N.V. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CPP Global Holdings Limited, a UK-based company owned by Vladimir Antonov, concerning a potential sale of the Spyker sportscar business.

The transaction would be structured as an asset purchase of virtually all assets related to the Spyker Business, including the Spyker trademarks and other intellectual property rights, and would be subject to several conditions precedent, including the outcome of Purchaser's due diligence. If completed, the proceeds of the purchase price will be used to reduce Spyker Cars N.V. indebtedness to Tenaci Capital B.V., an investment company controlled by Spyker Cars N.V. CEO, Victor Muller, thereby reducing its interest burden going forward. The indicative purchase price would consist of two elements: 15 million Euros due on closing and a maximum of 17 million Euros payable in instalments over the period 2011-2016 from the Spyker Business’ Earnings Before Taxes.

To further reduce Spyker Cars N.V.’s debt, it is envisaged that within 6 months of completion of the sale Tenaci Capital B.V. would convert its Convertible Loan for the amount of 9.5 million Euros at 3.75 Euro per share as well as convert an additional amount of 7.5 million Euros at 5.50 Euros per share subject to completion of the sale and certain conditions.

Hans Hugenholtz, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Spyker Cars N.V., said: “This transaction will allow Spyker Cars N.V. to focus on the Saab Automobile business exclusively, will eliminate the requirement for us to make further capital investment in the Spyker Business, and will reduce our debt.

“The Spyker Business will benefit from a focused and independent management team to progress the business from a commercial and technological point of view. Victor Muller will continue as CEO of the Spyker Business until a successor is appointed, at which time he will become its non-executive chairman. Mr. Muller remains fully engaged as CEO of Spyker Cars N.V. and Chairman of the Board of Saab Automobile AB.

Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars N.V. and Chairman of the Board of Saab Automobile AB, said: “Without Spyker we would not have been able to acquire Saab Automobile last year but the Spyker Business soon became a small fish in a large pond as a result. In terms of the overall results of Spyker Cars N.V., the Spyker Business had become immaterial, but to develop its business going forward, its cash needs are relatively significant. Therefore the decision to separate the Spyker Business and Saab Automobile from a capital structure point of view is a good one.”

Vladimir Antonov, chairman of Convers Group said: "Having created an automotive portfolio over the past two years consisting of premium, world-class companies and brands, we are convinced that Spyker will flourish within the CPP Group and become profitable as planned.”

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Geneva debut: 2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi

发表者 ddgg 1/18/11

Saab will be unveiling the new 9-5 Wagon Estate SportCombi at the Geneva Motor Show.

The new Saab 9-5 SportCombi got the purpose to increase the sales amount of the Trollhattan-based manufacturer but also to offer a premium family car at an affordable price.
Saab 9-5 Sedan

From the standard equipment we can enumerate the three-zone conditioning air, bi-xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control and head-up display. Inside we expect a big storage space including a 60/40 rear seat displacement which makes a lot more space inside folding the rear seats.

Engine options haven't been announced, but we can expect they'll carryover from the sedan. This means choices will likely include a 162 kW (220 PS / 217 hp) turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 221 kW (300 PS / 296 hp) turbocharged 2.8-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with 118 kW (160 PS / 158 hp).

interior layout that's both modern and familiar, right up to the pushbutton ignition nestled between the front seats. Under the hood is either a 300-horsepower turbocharged V-6 coupled to the company's excellent all-wheel-drive system, or a 2.0-liter turbo that drives the front wheels. Competitively priced to cars like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, the new 9-5 is also bigger.

Prices aren't settled yet, but you'll be able to order your 9-5 SportCombi in March, with deliveries starting in September.

Press Release

All-new Saab 9-5 SportCombi to Debut at Geneva

Next step in Saab's biggest-ever new product offensive

Distinctive alternative choice in premium wagon segment

Styling carries forward 9-5 sedan's bold design language

TROLLHATTAN, Sweden, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Saab Automobile takes the next step in the biggest new product offensive in its history when the much-awaited 9-5 SportCombi is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

Sleek and fun-to-drive, the SportCombi adds versatility to the widely acclaimed attributes of the 9-5 sedan and will bring a distinctive, alternative choice to the premium, large wagon segment.

It shares the sedan's bold, Aero X-inspired looks and features an extended, falling roof-line which culminates in a steeply raked rear screen flanked by signature Saab 'wraparound' window glazing. The result is an imposing and sporty wagon with a low stance and a dynamic, visual appeal that concedes nothing to the requirements of load-carrying.

Smart cargo handling features include an adaptable multi-fold floor, flexible U-rail load space configuration and under-floor stowage with a sealed wet storage compartment. A programmable, powered tailgate is also available.

Backed by a turbo engine, the SportCombi includes Saab's industry-leading XWD all-wheel-drive system and advanced features such as: Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis control, adaptive cruise control, Bi-Xenon adaptive lighting, keyless entry and starting, tri-zone air conditioning and a Pilot Head-up Display which projects information, aircraft-style on the windshield.

The SportCombi will arrive in the US in the Fall of 2011. It will significantly broaden the appeal of the new 9-5 range in a segment where Saab, with its tradition for designing versatile vehicles, has enjoyed wagon sales volumes on a par with sedan levels.

"The launch of the 9-5 SportCombi is a much-awaited next step in the roll-out of our new product offensive," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Ake Jonsson. "It will take Saab back into the large wagon segment where we have established a strong presence in many key markets with our previous offering."

Sporty character

Designed in parallel with its sedan twin, the 9-5 SportCombi shares the same bold frontal styling and adds a swept, 'wraparound' rear window graphic. This echoes the 9-5's brand signature frontal theme and gives the SportCombi its own distinctive identity. The dramatic, sweeping roof-line is extended by a deep rear spoiler integrated into the top of the tailgate. Ultra-slim roof rails are fitted as standard without detracting from the car's svelte silhouette.

Signature Saab themes, such as the strong C-pillar with its hockey stick extension of the belt-line, are combined with a prominent rear shoulder contour to give the SportCombi a muscular and dynamic stance.

The tailgate is raked forward to underline the car's sporty character. It features a full-width 'ice-block' rear light bar which wraps into light units at either side, continuing a new signature Saab styling theme first seen on the 9-5 sedan and 9-4X crossover.

Dynamic and functional

The deep cargo deck is fully carpeted and optimized for space and ease-of-use. The 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold down almost completely flat without having to reposition the seat squab or remove the head restraints. Careful attention to soundproofing in the rear bodywork attenuates noise, vibration and resonance so that occupants enjoy a level of interior refinement similar to that of the sedan.

With the seatbacks lowered, the cargo deck is just over six feet long (77.2 in.) and offers an adaptable load capacity of up to 56 cubic feet (18.6 cu. ft., rear seats up). The side walls are completely flat and upright, creating a clean, open space without any hard-to-use corners or rear wheel-arch intrusions. Compartments in the side walls offer convenient stowage for small items. Four tie-down loops and a 12-volt power outlet also come as standard.

An optional, U-shaped track around the outside of the floor provides flexible space configuration. As in the 9-5 sedan, it carries an adaptable, telescopic dividing rail which allows the cargo deck to be split as required so that different sized items can be separated and kept in place.

The floor, with a signature Saab aircraft-shaped handle, folds back in steps to access under-floor storage. When folded twice, an additional storage compartment is revealed for cars fitted with tire repair kits instead of a mini spare wheel. A pull-out support arm can be slotted in place to keep the folded floor in a fixed position. This provides further support for items stored in the under-floor recess, as a flexible alternative to using the entire cargo deck.

The underside of the floor has two fittings for flat stowage of the U-rail divider. They also carry hooks that can be used to organize bags, for example. A waterproof plastic liner, available as option, can be dropped into the recess to provide a separate wet storage area for sports equipment, outdoor clothing or muddy boots.

When a mini spare wheel is specified, it is covered by a flat panel which provides a sub-floor 2.5 in. below the main floor height - ideal for the separate stowage of flat or small items.

Smart tailgate

For additional convenience, the tailgate is available with a remote-controlled, electric power operation. It can be fully opened and closed via a rotary knob in the driver's door or a button on the car's key fob. A touch pad on the outside of the tailgate, above the number plate, and a button in the interior trim also trigger powered opening and closing.

A programmable mode can be used to raise the tailgate to a lower position if there is restricted clearance overhead, such as inside a garage. The opening height is pre-set via the rotary knob, which can also disable the powered function.

For ease of loading, the tailgate opens down to bumper level with a lift-over height of only 25.5 in. The cargo deck floor is also flush with the tailgate opening to facilitate sliding heavy loads inside. A light in the tailgate and small sidewall lights provide excellent illumination of the load space at night.

A retracting cargo cover can also be slotted into lugs in the sidewalls immediately behind the rear seats. It keeps items out of sight and includes a convenient one-touch action which allows the ends of the locating bar to slide up channels on the inside of the D-pillars for convenient access to the cargo deck.

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Saab Launches Hirsch Performance Products for US Market

发表者 ddgg 1/10/11

Saab has announced that it will be teaming up with Swiss tuner Hirsch Performance to launch a range of aftermarket products, including power upgrades, for its 9-3 and 9-5 models this spring.

The new parts will be available for all 2007 to 2011 model year Saab 9-3s and all 2010 and 2011 Saab 9-5s, and initially will be available only in the U.S., through select dealers.

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Hirsch Performance products for Saab 9-3

Press Release

Saab Cars North America and Hirsch Performance AG Join Forces to Boost Performance of Saab 9-3 and 9-5

Saab Cars North America and Hirsch Performance AG of Switzerland announced today that Hirsch Performance aftermarket products will be available for the 2007-11 model year, Saab 9-3 and 2010-11 model year 9-5 cars through select Saab dealers in the US beginning in the spring of 2011.

John Anderson, director of aftermarket sales and new business for Saab Cars North America, said, "Saab has had a long relationship with Hirsch in Europe and now we can offer performance enhancements for Saab customers' vehicles in the US. The advantage to Hirsch Performance parts is they are installed at authorized Saab dealers, do not affect the warranty or emission system performance of the vehicle and are high quality systems designed especially for Saab cars. Installation of the Hirsch Performance parts within 60 days of sale of the new vehicle will give the consumer the same warranty as a new vehicle, an advantage for our customers."

Manfred Lenherr, Sales & Marketing Director, Hirsch Performance AG, said, "Hirsch engineers worked hard to put together a performance engine calibration for the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 2.0L and 2.8L engines that provide an additional 30 horsepower for those who desire even more spirited performance from their cars. Hirsch offers a wide range of performance products specific to the 9-3 and 9-5, including wheels, exhaust systems, aero kits and interior appointments to enhance the already pleasurable Saab experience. The other advantage of Hirsch products is they only enhance the vehicle and do not affect sophisticated safety or emission systems."

Hirsch Performance aftermarket products include engine mapping performance upgrade, +30 hp, performance spring set, dual performance exhaust system, rear deck lid spoiler, carbon fiber aerodynamic ground effects kit (front splitter and diffuser), 4-piece grille set, Aluminum pedals, leather interior set and carbon instrument panel. Some Hirsch components are restricted to specific Saab models.

Pricing information and participating dealers for the Hirsch Performance parts will be available on: http://www.SaabUSA.com and Hirsch-performance.com in the near future.

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Saab Resumes Production

发表者 ddgg 3/23/10

Saab resumed production at its Trollhattan, Sweden plant yesterday – a month after Dutch firm Spyker Cars took over as owner from General Motors.

Spyker Cars chief executive Victor Muller and Saab chief executive Jan Ake Jonsson were present at the Trollhattan plant, south-western Sweden, where an estimated 100 cars will initially be assembled daily.

"Today's resumption of production is a milestone in the history of our company," said Jan Ake Jonsson. "We are up and running as an independent manufacturer and I am delighted to share the experience on the line alongside our workforce. They have shown tremendous commitment to the company and we are all now focused on ramping up production to meet customer demand."

Production at the Trollhattan plant was originally idled for seven weeks. Now, first coming off the production line was a new Saab 9-5 sedan that will join a test fleet before the model gets officially launched later this year. When the new 9-5 SportCombi gets introduced next year, a total of five model lines will be produced at the plant.
Source: Saab

Press Release

Newly-independent Saab Resumes Car Production

- Production resumes at Saab Automobile's Trollhättan plant
- First cars manufactured by Saab as an independent company
- All-new Saab 9-5 sedan was first car down the line
- Saab CEO, Spyker CEO, and Trollhättan Plant Director in attendance

Trollhättan, Sweden. The production lines at Saab Automobile's state-of-the-art Trollhättan plant began rolling again today, heralding a new era for the Swedish premium car maker as an independent company. To mark the occasion, Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson, Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller and Trollhättan Plant Director Gunnar Brunius took up positions on the line alongside assembly workers as the first batch of cars was built.

Production at the Trollhättan plant was originally halted for seven weeks. Now, following the purchase of Saab Automobile AB by Spyker Cars NV, the first cars to be built by Saab as an independent company will soon be delivered to customers.

"Today's resumption of production is a milestone in the history of our company" said Jan Åke Jonsson. "We are up and running as an independent manufacturer and I am delighted to share the experience on the line alongside our workforce. They have shown tremendous commitment to the company and we are all now focused on ramping up production to meet customer demand."

First on the line today was an all-new Saab 9-5 sedan, destined to join a test fleet prior to the model's official launch later this year. Further down the line was a Saab Convertible, now also being produced in Trollhättan as part of the concentration of Saab operations in Sweden. With the introduction of the new 9-5 SportCombi next year, a total of five model lines will be produced at the plant.

"We have a highly flexible, world-class facility here at Trollhättan," said Plant Director Gunnar Brunius. "Our ability to build so many different models in one location improves plant utilization and will deliver valuable efficiency gains. With these state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated workforce, we are in excellent shape."

Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars said: "Everyone at Saab has worked extremely hard to reach this important point. Today production restarted with a new 9-5 first down the line – a fitting symbol that a new era has begun."

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2010 Saab 9-3X U.S. pricing announced

发表者 ddgg 3/7/10

Saab Cars North America Announces Pricing on 2010 Model Year 9-3 Vehicles

- Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices reduced on all 2010 model year 9-3 variants - 2010 model year vehicles to begin arriving in showrooms Mid-March

DETROIT, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Saab Cars North America today announced that manufacturer's suggested retail pricing will be reduced for all 2010 model year 9-3 vehicles. These are the first 2010 model year Saab vehicles produced for the US market and closely follow the recent acquisition of Saab Automobile AB by Spyker Cars NV.

An exciting line-up of model year 2010 vehicles will arrive during the next few weeks to dealer showrooms across the United States. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for every 2010 model year 9-3 variant has been reduced anywhere from 4 to 12 percent compared to model year 2009.

"This pricing action allows Saab to be in-line with the market and maintains accessibility of Saab's rich Swedish heritage, innovation and responsible performance for our many loyal owners, enthusiasts and potential new customers," said Mike Colleran, President and COO, Saab Cars North America.

Topping the list for 2010 is an all-new 9-3X premium cross-over model. Powered by Saab's 2.0 liter turbocharged engine and available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, the 9-3X offers sporty performance without the typical penalty of high fuel consumption. The EPA fuel economy figures for the 9-3X are 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the manual transmission and 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway for the automatic transmission. Add in the standard cross-wheel drive (XWD) with electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) and raised chassis, the 9-3X delivers an all-road driving experience you can take with you no matter where your road leads. The 9-3X starts at $37,800 MSRP. All MSRP pricing includes destination and freight charges.

The 9-3 Sport Sedan is available in two trim levels, 2.0T and Aero, and both can be specified with either front wheel drive or with Saab's Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD) system. Sport Sedan starting prices range from $29,725 MSRP for the 2.0T to $38,940 MSRP for the Aero model. Both cars offer a host of standard equipment with the Aero adding sport-focused features such as 17" alloy wheels, more aggressive front fascia, interior trim with two-tone leather seats, thicker sport steering wheel, a sport tuned chassis, and dual bright exhaust tailpipes. OnStar with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is available on 2.0T models and comes standard on the Aero. A Bose six-CD audio system and XM Satellite Radio are also standard Aero content. Memory driver seat and rear park assist are available on Aero models in the optional Premium Package.

The 9-3 SportCombi offers a sedan-like driving experience with the added cargo carrying flexibility so many drivers desire. Standard equipment and available options on the front-wheel drive SportCombi are the same as the 9-3 Sport Sedan. SportCombi starting prices range from $31,155 MSRP for the 2.0T to $37,845 MSRP for the Aero model.

The stylish 9-3 Convertible model prices range from $40,815 MSRP for the 2.0T to $46,730 MSRP for the Aero. The convertible offers a special edition package with leather steering wheel, Xenon headlamps and XM Satellite Radio for $695.

Exciting new colors, including glacier silver metallic and arctic white, are available for all body styles.

"Saab Cars North America is committed to bringing customers options they need to enhance their active lifestyles by providing appealing design, sporty driving attributes, reliability and safety--all at an affordable price," said Colleran.

For more information and a listing of Saab dealerships, please visit the website: www.saabusa.com.

About Saab: Saab entered the auto business in 1949 with the first model 92. Its aerodynamic shape and advanced technology drew from the company's roots as an aircraft maker, and helped create what was to become a loyal and passionate customer base. GM acquired a 50 percent stake in Saab in 1990, and acquired the balance of Saab in 2000. As part of its strategy to focus on its four strongest brands in the U.S., GM began seeking a buyer for Saab in January 2009, a concerted effort that led to Spyker Cars NV purchasing Saab Automobile AB from General Motors on February 23, 2010.
Source:Saab;Photos autoblog

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1957 Saab 93s at Geneva Motor Show 2010

发表者 ddgg 3/3/10

Saab is celebrating its first major victory in international motor sport by showing a replica of the Saab 93 sedan which won the Finnish 1,000 Lakes Rally in 1957.

With Erik 'Mr Saab' Carlsson at the wheel, this historic victory brought international recognition for the Saab brand. It also presaged back-to-back Monte Carlo and a hat-trick of RAC Rally victories that Carlsson would achieve in the early 1960s.

Powered by a 748 cc, three cylinder engine, but weighing only 810 kilos, the Saab 93's agile handling enabled it to embarrass far more powerful, larger cars. It established a winning 'David beats Goliath' formula that was to be a cornerstone of Saab's rallying success.

mullerThe Saab 93 is now about to see competition action again. The car on show – from Saab's car museum in Trollhättan, Sweden – will be driven by Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller on Italy's historic Mille Miglia road race in May. He will be joined by Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson at the wheel of another Saab 93. Both will be following, at a more leisurely pace, in the wheel tracks of the 1000 Lakes winner, which won its class on the same event back in 1957.

"Unique cars like the 93 are a key part of the Saab brand's wonderful heritage," said Victor Muller "I shall enjoy driving it and being able to share in some of Saab's history."

Between 1955 and 1960, 52.731 Saab 93s were built at Trollhättan. Its frontal styling introduced a new face for Saab, carried forward by the 96 sedan and 95 station wagon which stayed in production until 1980.

Technical data: Saab 93, 1957, Group 2 competition regulations:

Engine: 3-cylinder, 2-stroke engine, 748cc Solex 40 AI carburetor

Power: 55 hp/ DIN / 5.500 rpm (Standard 33 hp/ DIN / 4200 rpm)

Transmission: Front wheel drive, 3/4-spd manual gearbox, freewheel, steering column shift

Body/chassis: Unitary. Front suspension: double A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: rigid, U-shaped rear axle, coil springs. Drum brakes all-round

Dimensions (mm): Length 4.010, Width 1.570, Height 1450 mm, Wheelbase 2.488
Track front/ rear 1,220

Weight: 810 kg

Performance: 0-100 km/h: 13 secs. Top speed: 150 km/h

More Photos

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SPYKER SECURES FURTHER FINANCING OF SAAB DEAL

发表者 ddgg 2/10/10

Spyker Cars N.V. announces today that Spyker has entered into a USD 25 million convertible loan agreement with an investment company owned by Heerema Holding Company Inc.

The USD 25 million loan has a 2 year term, an interest of Euribor + 10% and is convertible into shares at EUR 4 each. This loan secures the funding necessary to close the Saab transaction as the first USD 25 million has already been paid to GM on January 26, 2010. The convertible loan is conditional on SAAB receiving the EIB loan. On July 15 of this year a final payment of USD 24 million is due to GM. Spyker is confident that it will secure the funding for this second installment.

The European Commission approved the Swedish state guarantee for Saab. With respect to the approval of the Swedish state guarantee, competition commissioner Neelie Kroes said: "The state guarantee will contribute to the implementation of Saab's business plan without giving rise to any undue distortions of competition".

Victor Muller, Spyker's CEO said: "We are delighted that Heerema has decided to become an investor in our company. I had the privilege to work for Pieter Heerema from 1984 through 1991, initially as his counsel, later as Director of Corporate Affairs, and we have come to know each other very well as a result. It is the intention to nominate a representative of Heerema as a member of the Supervisory Board".

"The positive decision of the European Commission to approve the Swedish state guarantee is another major step towards closing of the Saab acquisition. We are grateful to the Commission of their willingness to work so hard on this decision within the limited time available."

Pieter Heerema added: "Although providing convertible loans such as this one is not in the ordinary course of our business, the positive developments of the past few months involving the SAAB brand and its sympathetic connotation, together with the worldwide support of loyal customers, dealers, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders represents a unique value. This value represents much more than money alone. We are confident that when the company's management gets the opportunity to implement the business plan we will see a good financial return on our investment as well".
Source: Spyker

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Saab enthusiasts planning rally at GM HQ?

发表者 ddgg 12/31/09

The brand enthusiasts at Saab History are trying to stage a last minute rally of their own – only instead of a bid for the company, these fans are looking to rally at GM's Renaissance Center headquarters in Detroit, hoping that a show of force will help keep the doors open in Trollhättan. The goal is to assemble an impressive show of force just hours prior to the General's January 7 board meeting that will determine the fate of the brand. The directions are simple. Get to GM headquarters, park your Saab, get some group photos and talk to the press.

After canceling a earlier deadline of December 31, General Motors has given potential suitors until January 7 to come up with a bid for Saab or the storied Swedish brand will go the way of the dodo. On a business level, the move to rid itself of Saab makes sense. Saab is a perennial money loser and it has never quite figured out how to handle the brand. At this point, about the only possibility for Saab to escape the guillotine is for Spyker Cars or another bidder to somehow come up with a satisfactory last minute bid– or is it?

The hope of the rally is that GM's board members will see the outpouring of support for Saab and somehow push harder to make a deal a reality. While that sounds nice – and probably fun – like the hoped-for agreement with Spyker itself, it remains to be seen whether the plan can be seen through. After all, the rally suggestion was floated just yesterday, and thus far plans are in their infancy. That said, we've seen car enthusiasts scrap together more with less, so this is something worth keeping an eye on.
More Saab - A History in Pictures

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SPYKER CARS RENEWS OFFER FOR SAAB THAT REMOVES LAST HURDLES

发表者 ddgg 12/20/09

ZEEWOLDE, The Netherlands (20 December, 2009) -Following the announcement on Friday that the intended sales terms of Saab Automobile AB between Spyker and General Motors (GM) could not be finalized, the Spyker leadership has submitted a renewed offer in the hopes of securing a future for Saab, its employees and the brand, despite the announcement that the winding down of Saab would begin.

Spyker CEO Victor R. Muller said today that an 11-point proposal had been submitted to GM, addressing each of the issues that arose during the due diligence process and that the renewed offer would remove each of the obstacles that were standing in the way of a swift transaction.
"We have made every effort to resolve the issues that were preventing the conclusion of this matter and we have asked GM and all other involved parties to seriously consider this offer," said Muller.

"We are very confident that our renewed offer will remove the impasse that was standing in the way of an agreement on Friday, and this would still allow us to conclude the deal prior to the expiry of the deadline originally set by GM of December 31st," said Muller.

"Despite our collective eleventh hour set-back, we are returning to the table with a renewed offer, that addresses every known issue brought to light during the initial negotiations and that has the full backing of the Saab Management. The new offer eliminates the need for an EIB loan approval prior to year end, for example, which will allow the deal to be concluded within GM's deadline. Our efforts are based on our passion for saving an iconic brand that we would be honoured to shepherd, and the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of loyal Saab employees, suppliers and dealers around the world. Some 1,500,000 Saabs are on the road today and their proud owners would no doubt welcome the survival of this phenomenal brand," he added.

In Spyker's view, the ownership of Saab by Spyker Cars would add a lot of value to both parties. For Spyker, Saab would bring a strong, global distribution network consisting of no less than 1100 dealers, state-of-the-art production facilities, a truly dedicated work force and solid engineering, sourcing and research & development capabilities. Likewise, Saab would receive the financial backing required to compete as a competitive global brand, along with an entrepreneurial leadership team sensitive to the uniqueness, heritage and individuality of the Saab brand. Throughout these negotiations, both Spyker and Saab leadership have proven that they share a mutual vision for just such a partnership.

"Our company motto is nulla tenaci invia est via - for the tenacious no road is impassable," said Muller, "And we intend to remain true to that throughout these negotiations as we bid to secure Saab�s future and revive the company."

The renewed Spyker offer is valid until 5pm (Eastern Standard Time) on Monday December 21, 2009.
More Photos

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Saab Killed Off as Last Ditch Talks Collapse

发表者 ddgg 12/18/09

General Motors announced today that the intended sale of Saab Automobile AB would not be concluded. After the withdrawal of Koenigsegg Group AB last month, GM had been in discussions with Spyker Cars about its interest in acquiring Saab. During the due diligence, certain issues arose that both parties believe could not be resolved. As a result, GM will start an orderly wind-down of Saab operations.

“Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction could not be executed in a reasonable time. In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution,” said GM Europe President Nick Reilly. “We regret that we were not able to complete this transaction with Spyker Cars. We will work closely with the Saab organization to wind down the business in an orderly and responsible manner. This is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation process. Consequently, we expect Saab to satisfy debts including supplier payments, and to wind down production and the distribution channel in an orderly manner while looking after our customers.”

Saab will continue to honor warranties, while providing service and spare parts to current Saab owners around the world.

As part of its efforts to become a leaner organization, GM began seeking a buyer for Saab’s operations in January. Last week, Saab Automobile AB announced that it had closed on the sale of certain Saab 9-3, current 9-5 and powertrain technology and tooling to Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. Ltd. (BAIC). GM expects today’s announcement to have no impact on the earlier sale.

As the company continues to reinvent itself, GM has been faced with some very difficult but necessary business decisions. The focus will remain on the four core brands – Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC – and several regional brands, including Opel / Vauxhall in Europe. This will enable the company to devote more engineering and marketing resources to each brand and model.

A media conference call with John Smith GM Vice President, Corporate Planning and Alliances will take place at 9:45 a.m. Eastern Time.
via:worldcarfans

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New photos for 2010 Saab 9-5

发表者 ddgg 7/27/09

According to Swedish Auto Motor & Sport has published 20 high resolution photos that shown the beautiful details of the new SAAB 9-5.

80 percent of the car was developed by Swedish engineers, located in Trollhättan and Rüsselsheim. It shared with other GM brands are drifting lines. SAAB 9-5 engines are further developed in Trollhättan.

via:thaiautomaxx

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