Saab Is BACK And On The Move After BMW Announcement

Partners are invaluable these days.  Sometimes your worst enemy yesterday might also be your best partner tomorrow.   After years of decline under the arm of General Motors, Saab was ready to shed the past and move forward.

It all sounds great at first until you realize that there simply isn't enough capital to fund the core technologies you need to break free from the past. That is where Saab and parent company Spyker took the bull by the horns and started making deals.  That first deal of importance was a big one, BMW will supply the heart and soul of the next generation of Saab's! 

Now Spyker's past history and backing of BMW, I would bet good money on the fact that other European automakers will jump at the chance to supply transmissions and other vital components that will the catalyst of a rebirth for the historic brand.

From the shots that 001 just posted a few minutes ago from the factory floor all it is going to take is just a little imagination and time to regain that eccentric yet purposeful flair they were once known for.

Check out these shots from the Saab factory and BMW engine announcement earlier today

Saab Factory Tour Gallery 
































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Steve - 9/29/2010 3:31:58 PM

+3 Boost

There was a time when SAAB was purpose built. You could do a U-turn in a 2-lane street. You could put a sheet of 4x8 plywood in your hatch-back, close the door, and drive home. And they had odd-ball Swedish styling.

Today, after years of GM ownership, they look better to North American eyes, but have become just another car. And now, they need engines from BMW to try to be competitive. I have my doubts about the long-term viability of this brand. I would not be surprised to see them disappear in the next round of bail-outs. Or possibly before.

B7FAN - 9/29/2010 4:20:32 PM

+1 Boost

I doubt that SAAB will make a come back stronger now that Grandma Motors doesnt own them. I think this is smart and possibly can improve on the performance and dynamics of the car over all. Like I said SAAB will be a force in Auto industry as they were back in the 1980's it may take some time but Spyker is on the right path with them

Joe_Limon - 9/29/2010 6:26:36 PM

+1 Boost

back in the 80's? Their sales were in free fall when GM saved them. Then after investing they saw even higher sales then they did in the 80's from 97-07

uaw_lax - 9/30/2010 2:19:07 AM

0 Boost

Thank you for stealing my thunder Joe.

iamdabest1 - 9/29/2010 5:50:57 PM

+2 Boost

i feel bad for saab... they tried to sound confident with their " born from jets" slogan. but failed... i wonder if " basterdized by bmw " can save them now ?

MorePower - 9/29/2010 8:40:00 PM

+4 Boost

While Saab may not last, the introduction of BMW power is not a bad thing! With BMW power and distinctive styling, Saab has a better chance of being perceived as a luxury brand than it did under the ownership of GM.

pepito66 - 9/29/2010 8:47:41 PM

+2 Boost

This is a good option for SAAB....

uaw_lax - 9/30/2010 2:21:49 AM

0 Boost

Honestly a 1.8 engine will not turn a company around.

mini22 - 9/30/2010 9:13:37 PM

+1 Boost

Only decent product and decent sales will turn the company around.Most important will be the marketing. Mueller better come up with some really great marketing and advertizing. That will be vital. The BMW 1.8 engine is good in that they don't have to develope one on their own.Further it should have sufficient power for their base models. I don't know if BMW will do the inline 6 or not with Saab. However Saab does not and will not present real competition for BMW due to their tiny volume.I think the 9-5 is an attractive car. The interior is so so but not bad. They will need to improve this part and perhaps tighten up the suspension a bit.One advantage is it's size. This is a car that is more then large enough for American tastes.