2013 Audi A3

Saab Story as Koeniggsegg Backs Off Purchase

 
1,955 views Nov 24, 2009

 
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   In breaking news, the purchase of Saab from GM by Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg appears to be off. Christian Koenigsegg himself indicated after months of trying to make it work, it was a no go.
Whether this was due to a failure to line up financing, or just the daunting task of taking over a brand that has lost a major portion of its sales is not clear. The merger, announced last June, had fired the imaginations of petrol heads everywhere.

    The question will be if another buyer can be found, and if not will GM close down the much loved but undermarketed brand.  Supposedly there is a contingency plan in place by GM to do just that.
GM has taken much ciriticism for not supporting Saab with adequate marketing dollars, or even understanding the culture of this icon.

    Sadly, models like the 9-5 showed real promise for Saab. As a disclaimer, I once owned a
1985 900 Turbo and thought it had the most accurate steering of any car I have driven. In spite of the limitations of front wheel drive, the handling was outstanding with minimal torque steer, and was a blast to drive under any weather condition. The leather seats were orthopedic magic, and it had charm for weeks.

And that was 24 years ago!

    Names of potential buyers like Fiat's Marchioni or even Richard Branson, who owns a Saab among his automotive stable, have been floated by the Saab faithful, make that hopeful.

    In the end we can only hope that Saab does not join the ranks of Oldsmobile, Saturn, and other outcasts.  A company inspired by jets now needs wings of its own.






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