Spyker has no plans to produce an entry-level Saab 9-1 should it take control of the Swedish manufacturer from General Motors - but the much delayed 9-4X SUV would finally be put into production.
The Dutch sports car firm would also press ahead with development of a new 9-3, set for a 2012 launch, according to the firm’s CEO Victor Muller.
Spyker has so far been guarded in revealing its plans for Saab should its 11-hour bid be successful. Muller told AOL that the firm would continue to be based in Trollhattan, where all Saab cars apart from the 9-4X would be produced.
Muller revealed that Saab’s relationship with GM would last “for years”, with GM supplying parts and engines for Saab’s cars.
As part of the deal, Spyker would gain access to Saab’s all-wheel drive technology, as well as some components from Saab’s parts bin. Spyker would also sell some of its cars in selected Saab dealerships.
GM has cancelled its 31 December deadline for a deal to save Saab to be completed while negotiations with Spyker continue. Saab production lines for the 9-5 and 9-3 cabrio are set to start up again on 11 January.
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Re: Spyker reveals plans for Saab
So, Spyker will launch the cars already in development, and replace current models, but not introduce anything new. Radical!
Re: Spyker reveals plans for Saab
Fingers crossed Spycker & GM can find an agreement not only to save Saab but to keep all the people in the Saab organisation working! If Saab is to gain market share it badly and desperately needs a compact premium car, 9-3 saloon, estate and cabrio + 9-5 can't be enough to keep it afloat, it needs something to rival the C30, Mini, 1 series, A3 and even the Golf... No way this could be based on some current GM platform I'm afraid, "average- good" is no longer enough, it should have charisma and distinctive design allied to upmarket techology.
Re: Spyker reveals plans for Saab