9-5 estate spied as Saab sale fails

By Dan Strong

01st December 2009

Business as usual – that’s the situation at Swedish firm Saab, despite the shock collapse of a planned sale to supercar maker Koenigsegg. Our spies caught this estate version of the new 9-5, which is due in UK dealers next year.

The brand’s future is hanging in the balance. While Koenigsegg has remained silent over its part in the collapse of the buy-out, a Saab spokesperson told Auto Express: “We are obviously disappointed that the deal did not close, but it’s clear that a lot of work has been completed over the past six months, and much of it is relevant to any potential buyer.

“Saab and [current owner] General Motors are assessing the situation. While we cannot speculate about whether any potential investors have been in contact, we did have a strong shortlist. In the meantime, production continues, as does work on new vehicles.” The latest rumours suggest GM won’t repeat its U-turn on the sale of Opel and Vauxhall, and will press ahead with plans to find a buyer for Saab. Chinese firm BAIC – which has strong ties with Hyundai – is the latest to be linked with a buy-out, alongside US investment bank Merbanco.

In an effort to sweeten any deal, the Swedish Government has promised that the loan provided by the European Investment Bank – to cover Saab’s recent losses and liabilities – will be available to potential suitors.