Report: Swedish govt to meet with GM, Ford to discuss Saab and Volvo next week

Sell Saab Rally in Detroit – Click above for high-res gallery

Since the day talks between General Motors and Koenigsegg broke down in late November, Saab has walked the Green Mile about a half-dozen times. Spyker stepped in, Spyker stepped aside, GM "officially" announced Saab was winding down as of the end of 2009, Spyker stepped back in and GM pushed the (renewed) negotiation deadline to January 7 only to later call the date "soft." With the newest (and likely final) end date looming on the horizon, The General now has some Swedish guests for still more talks on the hard luck brand.

Reuters is reporting that representatives from Sweden's finance and industry ministries are meeting next week with the General to discuss Saab. State secretary Joran Hagglund reportedly told Reuters that the Swedish government wants to "make sure they (GM) have all the information they need." Hagglund added that GM has not completely closed the door on Saab, intimating that there could yet be some hope for clemency or perhaps a deal. We're not exactly sure what information the Swedish government has that the General may need, but since there are 3,000 Swedish jobs hanging in the balance, we're guessing this last-minute trip is probably a good idea – if only to make sure no stone is unturned.

While the Swedish government is in the Motor City it also plans to stop by Dearborn and grab some talk time with Ford Motor Company. Ford is in the final stages of selling the Swedish automaker Volvo to Geely, and the country's officials evidently want to take a look underhood at the proceedings.