SAAB forced to halt production
February 26, 2009 by Matt Brogan
SAAB has been forced to halt all production this morning while it struggles to meet its considerable debts for back duties owed to the Swedish Customs Agency.
Until such time as the amount is paid in full, the agency has blocked all transportation pertaining to the SAAB brand.
While no monetary figure was given it is speculated as very likely that the sum is far greater than SAAB has in its cash reserves.
“The Customs Agency is holding onto our goods,” SAAB production manager Gunnar Brunius confirmed. “I have received no indications about us being unable to pay.”
The Customs Agency is blocking all SAAB shipments originating from outside the European Union. In order to resume production, SAAB must either come up with the money itself or receive financing from another source.
Print it: 
Saab is finished. All those who own Saab cars, tough luck. Resale value = scrap metal value.
far out, that is a dire financial situation – not many companies could come back from that position. will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
Good, no more ugly saabs poluting my line of vision.
If only Volvo would do the same the road would be a much better looking place :0)
Ha Spam = the next one to fall PONTIAC
Somewhat serious situation and underlines why the Swedish Government chose not to extend a lifeline. When the parent company has let them go so far why should anyone else pick up the problem. Perhaps Customs should stop the movements of Opels and Chevs (Daewoo’s) through their stations as well till payment is forth comming. It seems that it is the smaller countries that will eventually force GM’s hand.
That would explain why suddenly we have Saab adverts on the radio. Could this be the “closing down sale”?
Holy sh*t, talk about going to the wall. I can’t believe how quick this has happened. And lets face it, this is just the beginning of very bad news for the automotive sector
Shame, unless a buyer steps in and nicks it [Hello FIAT!!] then it is looking very bad.
What does SAAB really ofer any other company, NOTHING just ask GM, they dont want to know about it, like a nightmare!
Always was a orphan brand with ZERO resale, just got a lot worse.
Pity the owners, P76 and Rover all over
Cheers
F-0
SAAB = Swedish – Automaker – All – Bankrupt :(
It’s most likely just an administrative bungle since they’ve just gone into recusonstruction under Swedish law. Latest reports indicate that GM will guarantee the payments and Saab expect the production line to be up and running again tomorrow.
Saab – Gone
This should be happening to GM worldwide in an effort to stop them from siphoning public monies, they take evrything but give little back.
Oh no, what will the old people buy????. No Saab and no Toyota Avalon!!???!!… I feel very sad for elderly Australian’s.
When you try to sell $30K Vetras in drag for $80K, isn’t this the logical outcome?
Saab haven’t had a decent product to sell for over a decade. There’s only so much market for turbo charged, understeering front wheel drive in the world. I don’t think GM has made much (if any) money from the Saab division since taking them over all those years ago. I personally won’t miss Saab but it’s sad to see competition go. Less competition = higher prices + lower quality down the track
~Hang on you lot, there absolutely nothing inthere saying Saab has gone bust. It’s patently obvious you muppets don’t like Saabs. I have no doubts about them continuing with or without GM. Probably what will happen is Volvo and Saab will combine develope their own cars on bought in floorpans and engines all tweaked to their own requirements. Either that or a private entrepreneur will snap them up pretty cheaply.
Oh and I sat in a 93 for the first time yesterday, well impressed overall and certainly a change from sooo many Audis.
Dont get too cocky boys the ,the crummerdore and the falcoon may suffer the same fate