Saab secures 150 million euro investment from Hawtai | Car Advice

Car Advice

Saab secures 150 million euro investment from Hawtai

By Brett Davis |

Chinese automobile manufacturer Hawtai has announced it will invest 150 million euro ($205 million) into Spyker Cars (owner of Saab) as part of a deal that will see the Chinese company take a 29.9 percent stake in the Swedish brand. The funds will help Saab restart production at its plant in Trolhattan, Sweden.

With the Chinese company now having some control over the direction of Saab, both companies will now focus on introducing the brand into Chinese markets. Victor Muller, Spkyer CEO, recently announced,

“The partnership with Hawtai allows Saab Automobile on the one hand to continue executing its business plan since we secured the required mid-term financing subject to meeting certain conditions, whilst on the other hand it allows Saab Automobile to enter the Chinese car market and establish a technology partnership with a strong Chinese manufacturer.”

“We expect that Saab’s unique brand values, based on its aviation heritage, Scandinavian origins and innovation-driven character will do very well in the Chinese market.”

According to reports, Hawtai initially sought a deal with Saab for the potential access to technology sharing and automotive development. The Chinese company also sees Saab as a gateway to the European network. As part of the deal, Hawtai is providing a 30 million euro convertible loan on top of the 150 million euros.

To bolster the recovery even more, yesterday a Lithuanian investment fund and Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov, announced an investment deal of 60 million euros ($82 million) into Spyker Cars and Saab.

It sounds like Saab is well on the road to recovery now, with production at the Trolhattan plant expected to recommence sometime next week. The plant has been closed for the past month due to various outstanding supplier bills.


 
  • Elitist

    Saab is now officially dead.

    • Shak

      Did you not read the article? Or are you just one of those people who wishes SAAB were dead. Besides, like azreal said below, who cares where the money comes from, SAAB is alive and well and now making some top notch cars.

      • TonyB

        I’m sorry – but I agree with Elitist. The fact that Spyker has had to seek a “partner” so early in its revival of SAAB – with the main stated aim of simply getting production started again – must mean they do have cash flow problems. I don’t see how things are going to improve from here.

        • turbin

          The real money behind Spyker was shareholder Antonov. He was shut out of the Saab purchase and had to leave Spyker. He did however assist in financing Victor Muller through the takeover and initial operation and they’ve spent the last year trying to get Swed Gov, EIB and GM to approve his re-entry. Just about done.

          Saab’s far from dead, you’ll see. Then you and all other Saab haters will be first against the wall. ;)

  • azreal

    @elitist
    why dead? its been saved. who cares where the $ comes from? its only a 30% stake. it won’t mean they have executive control. its a good day for saab.

    its a fact china will be a superpower again..just have to get use to it or go hide in a cave.

  • ben

    “its a fact china will be a superpower again”

    …..will be? IS a super power…

    AND has lots of money…

    how is this in any way a bad thing.. I agree the $ are $.. More investment in better cars can only be a good thing… Did anyone notice that China has close to 1Billion consumers? ALL of which are steadily becoming wealthier…. big market anyone?

    More sales = More cash for more developement for better products…

    look out from under the euro/US-centric blinkers people, the world is a big place…

  • Roadtard

    Will the Euro lovers be this generous if ever Holden is bought by the Chinese/Indians/South Koreans…

  • Mark

    They will produce cars and sale them to china maybe even under Hawtai’s badge. This will definitely save Saab, especially China is now the biggest car market in the world an still fast growi ng everyday!!

  • Mark

    Roadtard
    ‘Will the Euro lovers be this generous if ever Holden is bought by the Chinese/Indians/South Koreans…’

    Probally you don’t know that Shanghai Auto Industry Corporation(SAIC) has a 12.2% share in GM , and Holden is owned by GM!Not to mention lots of vehicle are made in SKorea with a holden badge on truly a Daewoo cars

    • Roadtard

      Mark, I’m thinking you’ll jump at the chance to sink the boots into Holden at any opportunity.

  • http://caradvice.com.au Dougie D

    Anyone know what engines and drive trains they are using or is it the same old same old

  • Elitist

    Anything Chinese touch gets compromised and rubbished.

    Saab I loved you when you were pure scandinavian…Swedes time to start a new brand of car.