Strategic plan for Saab detailed by Spyker
Filed under:Saab, Spyker,
After being on the brink of shutting down, things seem to have taken a positive turn for Saab. After Spyker announced that they will be buying the Swedish automaker, everyone was relieved that a historic automaker is here to stay. Still, things are not 100% sure, as the Spyker shareholders will officially approve the purchase of Saab in a general meeting that will take place on February 12.
Until then, the Dutch automaker detailed a strategic plan for the future of Saab. Thus, Saab will continue to be positioned against other premium automakers like BMW and Audi and it will be a stand alone niche manufacturer with three to four model lines. The portfolio of the Swedish automaker will be completely refreshed over the next couple of years as
Saab 9-5 X crossover model that will compete against the Audi A6 Allroad will be launched after a station wagon version of the new
Saab 9-5 sedan that will be launched this summer.
Spyker said it is possible that a fourth smaller model named the Saab 9-1 to be launched in order to compete against cars like the BMW 1-Series or the Audi A3. The new
Saab 9-3 will probably be launched in 2012 and will include a number of body styles, including a
Saab 9-3 hatchback, a Saab 9-3 convertible, a Saab 9-3X crossover, a
Saab 9-3 sport wagon as well as a sedan version. In 2011 the Swedish automaker will launch the Saab 9-4X crossover based on the Cadillac SRX.
The business plan of Spyker is to ``reduce dependency and obtain improved access to other suppliers and the co-development of unique innovations``, even though the collaboration with General Motors will continue after the selling is completed. A new sales and distribution approach in certain markets will be done in order to reenergize Saab`s current dealer network.
The European Investment Bank will give Spyker a 400 million Euro loan, guaranteed by the Swedish government in order to make things going. All the future Saab models, with the exception of the 9-4X, will be built at the factory in Trollhattan, Sweden. Spyker intends to produce and sell between 100.000 and 125.000 vehicles per year.
