If will buy Saab, Spyker will rebuild it around the 9-3, 9-5 and 9-4X models
If Spyker Cars NV does succeed in purchasing Saab from General Motors Co., it’s expected that Saab will be rebuilt around the 9-3, 9-5 and 9-4X models, according to Spyker CEO Victor Muller who spoke with AOL Autos.
On the other hand, plans for a Saab 9-1 entry-level car would be put on hold. Under Spyker’s ownership, Saab’s headquarters, engineering and production will remain in Trollhattan, Sweden. This facility will produce all Saab cars except the 9-4X, which will be made in GM’s assembly plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. Muller added that Saab will be launching the new 9-5 sedan this spring. Continued after the jump!
Meanwhile, the 9-4X crossover, which shares mechanicals with the Cadillac SRX, would be introduced late next year or early in 2011. A new 9-3 would go on sale in 2012. Muller divulged that GM will continue to produce engines for Saab, and Saab would use GM parts in vehicles such as the 9-4X and 9-5. Apparently, if Spyker becomes the new owner, Saab’s relationship with GM “would last for years.” The plan to cut Saab’s US dealerships from 218 stores to 137 outlets has been abandoned.
Muller said that Spyker might take advantage of Saab’s all-wheel-drive technology, including other components from Saab’s parts bin. In addition, Spyker cars could be sold in selected Saab dealerships. However, Muller declined to say if Saab can break even on sales of 100,000 units by 2011 or 2012, as previously reported.
In 2008, Saab sold 93,295 units while sales this year could be as low as 60,000. GM extended a Dec. 31 deadline to sell or close Saab until Jan. 7 in order to give Spyker more time to come up with financing to buy the brand. Spyker, which has Russian and Arabic investors supporting it, lodged a renewed fast-track offer to buy Saab on Dec. 20. Spyker made 43 luxury cars last year.
[via autonews - sub. required]
Tags: car news, Saab, saab deal, saab sale, Spyker, spyker saab rebuild
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