Updated
The Chinese automaker Beijing Automotive (BAIC) has purchased the rights to the current Saab 9-5 (pictured above, not the redesigned sedan that debuted in Frankfurt) and "certain" Saab 9-3 components, along with the tooling needed to build them, GM and Saab said in a statement this morning.
The deal does not include the rights to the Saab brand name any of the model names, so current 9-5 tooling will be shipped to China and used there to build BAIC vehicles. State-owned BAIC has never actually built its own vehicles, so it's hailing this acquisition as a landmark step toward making that a reality.
It's unclear which 9-3 components and/or models BAIC has purchased at this point, but Saab notes that some portion of the current 9-3 line (including the convertible) will continue production in Trollhattan, Sweden. Saab says further it plans to start production of the new 9-5 there, too -- assuming a buyer(s) can be found before GM throws in the towel.
The Financial Times reports that talks continue with other potential buyers, including the Dutch carmaker Spyker.
BAIC earlier teamed with Koenigsegg in a bid to buy all of Saab. That deal fell apart in late November.
Financial Times (sub.req)
tp660 says:
10:32 AM, 12/14/09
I really hope someone does buy Saab and save it from getting killed by GM. I test drove a 9-3 once. I didn't buy it but it really impressed me with the way it drove. It was a lot better than I expected.
brn says:
10:44 AM, 12/14/09
I've always been impressed with their vehicles, until I look at the window sticker. The street price always kept me from seriously considering Saab.