2013 Audi A3

Saab Seeking Bankruptcy Protection: Report

 
1 848 views Aug 26, 2011

2011 Saab 9-4X

2011 Saab 9-4X

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Swedish public radio is reporting that Saab will apply for court protection from its creditors, which would mark the first step in a reorganization bankruptcy for the Swedish automaker.

Several different sources were cited, adding to the validity of the information, but no timetable for the filing was given.

Saab has officially declined to comment on the report, saying only that it continues to work on raising the funds necessary to restart production. Its latest statement on the matter indicates that Saab has reached agreements with the majority of its component  suppliers, but recent reports say the automaker may again miss or delay payroll for its employees.

Production has largely been halted since April, when suppliers stopped delivering parts to Saab over unpaid invoices. Plans were to restart production by the end of this month, but even the funding amassed to date may prove insufficient to get the Trollhattan plant operational again in the next few days.

If the report is correct, and if Saab receives an order of protection from the court, the next step is a reorganizational bankruptcy. Under the stewardship of a court-appointed administrator, Saab will need to devise a plan to emerge as a viable and profitable business, which will only be more challenging thanks to the strained relationship with its creditors and consumers alike.

We’ve said before that Saab is running out of lives, so perhaps a reorganizational bankruptcy is the only way left to save the company. One question remains: even if a healthier Saab emerges from bankruptcy, will customers be willing to take a chance on the brand?

[Bloomberg]



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Comment (1)

  1. fb_33701777 avatar Will Cheval Jr. Posted: 8/26/2011 4:51pm PDT

    This Saab-saga is like a roller coaster for the automotive industry. I feel terrible, because I always root for the underdog, and Saab truly is the underdog. There aren't enough outlets for Saab to find consumers. With Audi, BMW, MB, Volvo, Infiniti, Lexus, and Acura dealers easily accessible, a buyer will find it "out of there way" to track down a Saab dealer, especially with the company in jeopardy.

    I hope Saab can find a way to finally get itself back on its feet and work toward a sustainable future. They really are too great of cars to disappear.
     
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