Should Saab Be Euthanized?

As a fan of diversity and healthy competition in the global automobile industry, it’s not easy to write this.  I think there would be nothing better than a healthy, self-sustaining Saab, pumping out the new 9-5 sedan (and soon, a 9-5 SportCombi), GM-built 9-4x crossover, and new Saab-developed models such as the next-generation 9-3 and a potential smaller 9-2. 

However, the reality is that Saab is an extremely sick company, one that hasn’t buit a car in five months (and therefore has no incoming cashflow) and whose short-term existence is dependent upon the good graces of the Chinese government in approving investments of Pang Da Automobile Trade Co. and Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co. in the struggling Swedish automaker.

Full Leaked Frankfurt Motor Show Guide Photo Gallery

Jaguar C-X16 Concept Photo Gallery

Frankfurt Motor Show Preview Photo Gallery

2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe M-Sport and Z4 2.8i Photo Gallery

Aston Martin Zagato V12 Photo Gallery

2012 Jeep Wrangler PentaStar Photo Gallery

2012 Toyota Camry Photo Gallery




Read Article

OBSERVER1984 - 9/9/2011 12:50:16 PM

+7 Boost

They've always been different. But sick horses get killed, right?

mini22 - 9/9/2011 7:09:16 PM

+2 Boost

Yes it is really sad to have to read about them. Sure I would like to see them survive but it seems to be a choice of being a fully owned Chinese company or nothing.

valhallakey - 9/10/2011 1:41:39 AM

+5 Boost

No, they just need someone with a clear vision of what SAAB should be and where they fit in the scheme of things. They lost it when the wrap around front window was dropped!

skytop - 9/10/2011 7:43:46 PM

+2 Boost

There is a huge need for a Sweedish mud flap manufacturer.

MorePower - 9/11/2011 6:53:38 PM

+3 Boost

I love their new design style, but it is clearly too late for Saab baring a government intervention or one of the Korean or Chinese companies buying it.

VISO - 9/12/2011 1:56:13 PM

+1 Boost

09/12/11: They just received a $95M infusion from a Chinese company. So, they are still around.