[AVS_Racing]

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/breaking-swedish-patient-succumbs-deal-for-saab-is-dead-on-th/#continued

:cry: i was expecting koeniegseggseggseggsegg or Spyker to get them, the new 9-5 looked promising too :cry:

[shenmecar]

=(

[q0192837465]

sad, but with Saab's asking price, most people would just get the Big German 3

[sonick]

RIP. 9-3 Viggen was so hot.

http://www.autogaleria.pl/tapety/img/saab/saab_93_viggen_2000_01_m.jpg

[godwin]

If they get them, then what? Saab has been reskinning Opel for the last decades.. all they have is the brand and designers (last can be hired away, if not already).. the first one can be bought cheaper with no union problems with they wind it down.

As for Viggen it is a nice looking car, but with really horrible torque steer.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/breaking-swedish-patient-succumbs-deal-for-saab-is-dead-on-th/#continued

:cry: i was expecting koeniegseggseggseggsegg or Spyker to get them, the new 9-5 looked promising too :cry:

[Kalize]

wow :(

[thedon]

oh, that sucks. i was really hoping koenigsegg would buy them.

[!Aznboi128]

Man, that sucks saab always have a unique style to them. Sad to see them go
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[slammer111]

Damn, another one bites the dust.

Let's face it though, I'm sure a lot of the finished designs and cars are just going to be sold anyways, but as Opel or Chevrolet instead. It's just eliminating redundancy. Gotta do what you gotta do to survive.

[maxx]

agreed. a company i will miss. and yeah, being owned by GM, their prices were very high

[asahai69]

shoulda changed their cars more than once every 10 fucking years. stay current or risk dying out. guess they chose the latter

[Jackygor]

and thats the end of that

[!Aznboi128]

on another point, was just on CL. there's 2 Saab 9-2x (wrx) for 11-12k... for an 05. That's a pretty good deal

[crazyazn]

Damn...I always liked Saabs

[danizer]

i think saab is one of those brands that everyone kinda liked but didnt pay enough attention too...now everyones gonna miss it when its gone...

*waits for dutch billionaire to fund revival in 20 years*

[hotong]

shitty, i liked them too

[The_AK]

the thing is even though we liked these cars its unlikely that any of would consider buying them down the road

edit* however, the 9-3 is pretty damn hot

[flagella]

People liked them, but didn't buy them :)

[GabAlmighty]

Bummer

[dinamix]

who gives a shit. ive never owned one or driven one. only white people drive saabs

[godwin]

Honestly people don't want to buy FWD based premium cars. Acura please take note.

Saab has been borrowing other people's platform for way too long.. no one will miss them.

They might look good, but their driving dynamics sucks.

[godwin]

Might not want to tell that to Beijing automotive who bought the tooling for 9-5

who gives a shit. ive never owned one or driven one. only white people drive saabs

[!SG]

another saab saab story? =P

its tough when the economy takes a downturn.

[rhyno]

The deal is not dead yet!

SPYKER CARS RENEWS OFFER FOR SAAB THAT REMOVES LAST HURDLES

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.

[Greenstoner]

what? no way !!

[J____]

i loved the look of the 9-3 was considering getting one thne saw the reliability complaints....

[q0192837465]

TVB always feature SAAB cars

[winnie_the_pooh]

SAAB is not quite dead - yet. There are at least 5 strong and genuine bids submitted to GM at the moment.

You see, the main problem is GM is actually messing around as usual and screwing everybody over. They don't even want to sell SAAB because they want to keep the technology and the new models, then rebadge them as Buicks. They just pretend they do because they don't want to bear the reputation of killing an iconic brand.
SAAB makes truly unique cars, GM mismanaged it so bad over the last ten years. Very limited budget given to develop new models, and they screwed up the marketing as well.

Think of this, why did Ford sold every single brand they put up for sale, and GM failed to sell every single one of them? First, Hummer, then Opel, then Saturn, and now, possibly SAAB. GM managed to kill all of the brands they don't want. Anyone remember the Oldsmobile? No wonder they failed so badly. The fact is that GM is managed by a bunch of selfish idiots!

For those of you saying SAAB is just Opel with fancy suits, isn't Audi VW? isn't Lexus Toyota and Acura Honda? etc.

[winnie_the_pooh]

who gives a shit. ive never owned one or driven one. only white people drive saabs

You are wrong. I am Asian and I drive a SAAB. Love it to death. :thumbsup:

[StylinRed]

oh well, the new 9-5 is pretty hot too

i blame GM ^^


Originally posted by SAAB
Welcome to Saab.ca

Our SAAB Support Centre is here to provide you with answers to any inquiries you may have about SAAB.

While SAAB vehicles will no longer be sold through the GM of Canada dealer network, rest assured that we will continue to support SAAB vehicles' full-service warranties and offer only the highest quality in customer service for your SAAB through our extensive network of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac dealers.

If you're looking for a new vehicle, we're confident that you will find exactly what you want within our Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac brands. Please take the time to explore all that General Motors has to offer at gm.ca.
Saab Owners

Effective January 2, 2010 service for all SAAB vehicles will be performed through select, authorized Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac dealers across Canada.

wth i was hoping to see ads on the website about firesales

[too_slow]

I was looking for a used 04+ Saab 9-3 Arc/Aero sedan in M/T, but couldn't find any :(

[tofu1413]

+1 to GM ruining saab.

honestly, even i think they make great, unique cars.

i love their seat designs too... especially those sport seats in their aero models.


very very ikea-esque.

[winnie_the_pooh]

take a look at the "I won't buy from GM" campaign. SAAB owners are very upset by GM.

http://iwontbuyfromgm.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/will-you-support-gm-if-they-dont-support-saab/

GM just sent out letters this weekend asking SAAB customers to buy their new products. This once again proved that they don't know sh!t about marketing.

http://www.saabhistory.com/2010/01/10/saab-owner-receives-gm-loyalty-letter-today/

GM - Mark of Incompetence

[124Y]

Werd. Even though their cars not as mainstream as some of its competitors, Saabs are pretty unique and have produced decent cars.

[skyxx]

^ But no one buys them. Everyone goes like "OoO I like Saabs, they're kinda cool and not ugly" But no one really bought them. All they did was talk and never took initiative in actually buying one.

[orange7]

^ But no one buys them. Everyone goes like "OoO I like Saabs, they're kinda cool and not ugly" But no one really bought them. All they did was talk and never took initiative in actually buying one.

lol.. this is so true.

[asahai69]

saab as a brand appealed to a market that was wayy too small for the price tag. it was bound to fail sooner than later. they made good cars but seriously, not making a new 9-5 for almost a decade? nigga please

oh ya. postin up a website thats named "i wont buy from gm" is totally non partisan

[TypeRNammer]

Anyone remember the Saabaru ?

[maxx]

Saabs are awesome but quite expensive. They compete with cars that offer more value and driving experience for money than Saab does. If they were accord, camry, passat money - then i believe they would sell well. But shelling out 45k for a so-so car....

[Lomac]

Anyone remember the Saabaru ?

The 9-7x or whatever it was?
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[snowball]

http://www.9motors.com/images/saab92x.jpg

9-2X / WRX

[124Y]

^ But no one buys them. Everyone goes like "OoO I like Saabs, they're kinda cool and not ugly" But no one really bought them. All they did was talk and never took initiative in actually buying one.

True, because they're not mainstream and they don't exactly appeal to the younger generation either. The brand image itself isn't that "exciting" or well-known like Audi, BMW, or Mercedes Benz, so I'm sure a lot of people would choose it's competitors. Also, for the same price, there are cars with better specs and options available. However, my family has owned a 9-5 and a 9-3 Aero right after, so I'm positive that they're good solid cars. :)

[asian_speedster]

James May called this one in the last episode of top gear. ha ha

[winnie_the_pooh]

http://www.stoth.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/c6e4b_saab_spyker_again.jpg

[winnie_the_pooh]

http://www.saabhistory.com/wordpress286/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Man100112_145_600.jpg

[winnie_the_pooh]

http://www.saabhistory.com/wordpress286/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/1.jpg

[winnie_the_pooh]

http://www.saabhistory.com/wordpress286/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/3.jpg

[Spectre_Cdn]

The 9-7x or whatever it was?
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

Not quite.. the 9-7x was the Saab-badged Trailblazer :cry:
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1856/2009saab97x61600x0w.jpg

[sash_ak21]

Another one down. Tough times separate the weak from the strong.

[Spectre_Cdn]

Saab has been saved!:thumbsup:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/breaking-gm-reaches-agreement-to-saab-to-spyker/


What a long, strange trip it's been. Every thriller must have an endgame, although whether the guy gets the girl in the end or just plain "gets it" is often in doubt right until the final frame. This afternoon, after a most improbable and tortured saga, General Motors has finally agreed to sell Saab to Spyker Cars.

The tiny Dutch supercar manufacturer and its backers have outlasted all comers, including everyone from Koenigsegg to investment consortium Merbanco to a joint bid by Genii Capital and Formula One mastermind Bernie Ecclestone. More significantly, they've endured GM and its negotiators, submitting and re-submitting a series of bids to finally bring together the winning package.

Complete details of the transaction have yet to be fully disclosed, but it's understood to include Spyker giving GM $74 million up front, along with allowing The General to pocket a further $326 million in preferred shares from the new Spyker-owned entity. The deal requires that the Swedish government agree to guarantee a 400 million-euro loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), a step that is expected to be consummated in February.

As part of the agreement, Spyker chairman Vladimir Antonov has agreed to step down, a move reportedly key to GM's interests in keeping its intellectual property sequestered from Russian hands.

With Saab's operations already partially "wound down" from GM's liquidation moves following the collapse of the earlier Koenigsegg deal, it will be interesting to see how quickly Spyker can get the Swedish marque's operations back up to speed, including delivery of the 2011 9-5 sedan, a promising vehicle range that was likely the linchpin holding the whole deal together.

Interestingly, after this protracted and very public battle, Saab may actually have more visibility and consumer goodwill built up than it has in decades. Whether this will translate to additional sales or fall by the wayside remains to be seen. General Motors could also potentially see a bit of public cordiality from seeing this process through, as it will also have proven that it can successfully spin off one of its properties, something that was in doubt after the caving-in of the Saturn sale to Roger Penske and what looks to be an increasingly tenuous sale of its Hummer brand to China's Sichuan Tengzhong. Click through to the jump for the official press release from General Motors.

GM Reaches Agreement to Sell Saab to Spyker

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."

###

About General Motors: General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 204,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

Saab background: 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 today's announcement.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GxdvsI4P_Tg/SzTFbEroncI/AAAAAAAACEo/Oz8jdARIa7k/s1600/2011%2BSaab%2B9-5%2BSportCombi2.jpg

[wasabisashimi]

who cares if Saab is gone or saved. Anyone here really would buy one? Its like Japanese cell phones, you like the look of it, but would not buy one cuz its too pricy and useless

[StealthFighter]

i think saab is a little irrelevant now. hopefully spyker can make the car worthy of it's high prices. start increasing quality like hyundai.


maybe spyker just wants their turbos.

[thedon]

sweet, spyker and saab together should make for some pretty interesting cars.
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/01/27/business/global/27saab-2-ready/articleLarge.jpg

[winnie_the_pooh]

who cares if Saab is gone or saved. Anyone here really would buy one? Its like Japanese cell phones, you like the look of it, but would not buy one cuz its too pricy and useless

Totally disagree.

check this out: http://www.saabsunited.com/saab_campaigns/2010/01/

There were more than 5000 cars in more than 40 regions round the globe participated in the SAAB Support Convoy. How many were there for Pontiac, Saturn, etc?

[thedon]

Totally disagree.

check this out: http://www.saabsunited.com/saab_campaigns/2010/01/

There were more than 5000 cars in more than 40 regions round the globe participated in the SAAB Support Convoy. How many were there for Pontiac, Saturn, etc?

according to that site vancouver was going to have a save saab meeting. i think i would have showed up for it, though i guess they don't need to anymore.
i wonder how many people would even show up? i barely see any saabs in vancouver

[winnie_the_pooh]

according to that site vancouver was going to have a save saab meeting. i think i would have showed up for it, though i guess they don't need to anymore.
i wonder how many people would even show up? i barely see any saabs in vancouver

Its now a SAAB Saved run instead. I might be going.

Look at the support for SAAB around the world, it's simply heartwarming!

Dailymotion - The Global Save Saab Campaign Reflection Video 1.27.2010 - a Auto-Moto video@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xc0n1v@@AMEPARAM@@xc0n1v