Spyker CEO Victor Muller has told Automotive News that Saab is considering technology sharing agreements with other manufacturers.
The development of technology will be one of the toughest challenges for Saab in the long-run, and so searching for a partner to help out would make sense. This search seems to have been succesful so far, as Muller claims five to six OEMs have expressed their interest in a tech partnership. It’s unknown exactly what brands these are, but Muller mentioned they are talking with “some German brands.” A separate source confirmed that Volkswagen and Audi aren’t the German brands in question.
Saab currently has a trading agreement with General Motors to make sure they have parts for their current line-up, but the next-generation Saab 9-3 is due in 2012, and the rest of the line-up will eventually need an update as well, so they’ll need a partner to provide technology for those models.
In other Saab related news, Saab has announced that GMAC Financial Services has been chosen to be their financial services provider. This means they will help finance Saab’s dealerships and customers. Saab used GMAC even when under General Motors’ control, so the changes required, if any, should be limited, making things a bit easier.
Press Release
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.”
Source: Automotive News via Autoblog and Saab
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