REPORT: Major obstacle cleared as Swedish government to guarantee $615M EIB loan for Saab
2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
A major hurdle in Saab's transfer to the homegrown hands of Sweden's Koenigsegg has been surmounted: the Swedish government has agreed to guarantee a 4.3 billion kroner ($615M U.S.) loan from the European Investment Bank to the Koenigsegg consortium. That represents the final funding the maker of the CCX needs in order to compete the financing of the deal.
The next hurdle is for the European Investment Bank to consent to give Koenigsegg the money. A Swedish government representative said he hoped the EIB would decide before the end of the month. If that happens and things goes favorably, Koenigsegg may still get the deal done on its original timeline, the end of the year.
Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5
[Source: Reuters]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Soccer Mom 11:11AM (10/06/2009)
Not even out, but already looks like it's been on the market for a decade.
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Throwback 12:33PM (10/06/2009)
Sadly, I agree. We waited 10 years for this? The interior at least looks to be nice.
daleam 12:48PM (10/06/2009)
I don't think I'd put it that way but I ain't lovin it.
TigerMil 11:14AM (10/06/2009)
Little more work on that C-pillar and it would look as good as a BMW!
As for the decades-old look, meh...it's a four door...not much you can do with it unless you go panamera-look. Not so much.
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derek 11:19AM (10/06/2009)
I love the new look for SAAB.
A [GM] less SAAB is a better SAAB.
And that C-Pillar is anything but good looking!
jv2k 11:23AM (10/06/2009)
More cars need HUDs. I don't care about practicality they are just cool. I mean the Pontiac Grand Prix had one in the early 90s so why can't modern cars?
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Aeromax 11:30AM (10/06/2009)
Thank goodness. Let's inject some goddamn life into this company.
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Kunikos 11:36AM (10/06/2009)
Looks like a Honda Accord. Which means people may buy it, but I still think it's fugly.
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Monkaroo 11:40AM (10/06/2009)
First off, I hate the way these pictures load on the AB site. It's like watching paint dry--upgrading is not always a good thing. If it ain't broke don't fix it!
Now, this Saab needs work. The rear is definitely not luxury car chic or refined. I don't see this Saab selling well at all especially in a market with many more exciting offerings.
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thipps 11:55AM (10/06/2009)
Lets get things write people. SAAB is not a car company like . almost every other car company in the world. "especially VW right now" there goal is not to become the biggest car company and sell millions of cars around the world. and frankly thats just fine to me. they are a quirky car company for people who like that style. "non cookie cutter" this is a damn good looking Saab if i may say so myself.
good job saab for finding your innersole again
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benzaholic 11:56AM (10/06/2009)
Saabs have rarely been beautiful cars. I'm not sure they should try to run with the beautiful crowd now.
This new 9-5 is supposed to be a very good implementation of a respectable GM platform, so let's just hope it sustains them long enough for Koeniggseggseggseggsegg to reinject some more personality.
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Patrick 11:57AM (10/06/2009)
Wth I liked this car before. But from this angle it looks like a fricken Camry. Minus the grille/front fascia. And the chrome trim around the windows looks retarded. Either trim it all or leave it all black!
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mbslrm 12:44PM (10/06/2009)
That C-pillar is a major obstacle.
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RITmusic2k 2:43PM (10/06/2009)
That C-pillar looks fantastic to fans of the brand.