2010 Saab 9-3X – Click above for high-res image gallery
While newly emancipated Saab has some fresh product in its near-term pipeline, it's fair to say that the biggest challenge for the Swedish automaker over the long haul will be the development of costly new technologies and platforms. To that end, Spyker CEO Victor Muller has let slip to Automotive News Europe that Saab is actively looking at technology sharing arrangements with other OEMs – and they aren't just looking in former parent General Motors' direction.
More to the point, Muller says that Saab has already been contacted by around a half-dozen OEMS, including "some German brands," although the unnamed Deutsch companies are said to exclude Volkswagen and Audi. Saab presently has production and intellectual property agreements in place with GM to keep fresh product flowing through the rollout of its next-generation 9-3 in 2012, but after that line launches, it could receive parts developed from outside partners, including things like new powertrains, and potentially down the road, platforms.
In other company news, GMAC has been selected as the preferred source of financing for Saab franchises, providing a bit of continuity to the company's dealer base, as GMAC was also a major source of new car financing under GM. You can read the official announcement after the jump and check out our newly expanded gallery of the soon-to-launch 9-3X below.
[Sources: Automotive News - Sub. Req., Saab]
GMAC to provide financing for Saab dealers and customers
* GMAC chosen as financial services provider to Saab Automobile
* Preferred source of wholesale and retail financing for dealers and customers
Trollhättan. Following its successful launch as an independent company, Saab Automobile announced today that it has selected GMAC Financial Services as the preferred provider of wholesale and retail financial services for qualified Saab dealers and customers in many different countries around the world.
Jan Åke Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB said: "Today's announcement is excellent news for the Saab organization as a whole and also for Saab's customers. It not only makes available competitive financing, but also provides valuable continuity for the dealer network which already uses GMAC services."
Bill Muir, GMAC President said: "We are delighted to be able to build on our strong relationships with Saab dealers and customers, and we look forward to working with Saab as it begins a new chapter in its history."
* GMAC chosen as financial services provider to Saab Automobile
* Preferred source of wholesale and retail financing for dealers and customers
Trollhättan. Following its successful launch as an independent company, Saab Automobile announced today that it has selected GMAC Financial Services as the preferred provider of wholesale and retail financial services for qualified Saab dealers and customers in many different countries around the world.
Jan Åke Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB said: "Today's announcement is excellent news for the Saab organization as a whole and also for Saab's customers. It not only makes available competitive financing, but also provides valuable continuity for the dealer network which already uses GMAC services."
Bill Muir, GMAC President said: "We are delighted to be able to build on our strong relationships with Saab dealers and customers, and we look forward to working with Saab as it begins a new chapter in its history."
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