GM agrees to share technology with Saab for five years
March 26, 2009 by Matt Brogan
In an arrangement that is aimed to make the purchase of Saab more attractive to potential buyers, GM have have agreed to share technology with the Swedish manufacturer for at least the next five years.
The deal will also assist Saab in securing vital loans from the Swedish government.
“GM will let Saab use its global platforms, components and other (unspecified) systems in exchange for Saab’s safety, chassis and engine technology,” Jan-Willem Vester, Saab spokesman said today.
Mr Vester also indicated that Saab is to launch several new products in the near future and that the success of these will depend heavily on GM components and systems.
Saab is to launch no fewer than three new vehicles over the next 18 months including an all-new 9-5 sedan, a 9-4 cross-over vehicle (pictured above) and the 9-3X all-wheel-drive sportwagon.
“GM has pledged to support Saab with up to US$400 million, but Saab executives are currently courting external investors,” Mr Vester said. “Saab needs the additional funding to market and launch its new products and to make the brand salable”.
The Swedish government is agreeable to helping support Saab but has said any financial aid is contingent on GM being able to attract a new owner for the business.
Saab employs about 5,000 people in Sweden. There are another 15,000 people indirectly associated with the brand.
Print it: 
That is one deal sweetener. Buy our loss generating niche brand in the next 15 minutes and we’ll thrown in an exclusive 5 year lease for our massive portfolio of heavily outdated and uncompetitive automotive technologies, absolutely free*.
*For the buyer. Total postage and handling cost for the Swedish tax-payer is only several billion dollars.
I think it’s more about continuity.
I mean if Saab could have continued on with their novel, quirky cars from the 80’s, they wouldn’t have been bought out by GM.
Just as Jag used Mondeo bits from Ford, (wiper & mirror motors etc) this would mean that Saab wouldn’t have to start from scratch with another Tech supplier, which would further delay new models.
It doesn’t say Saab would have to use GM Tech stuff…
For five years?? GM wont be around in 5 months !!!!
BUGGER TOM YOU BEAT ME TO IT , NO FURTHER COMMENT REQUIRED
Hopefully Saab will be able to improve their cars soon. I’ve always liked Saab’s quirky designs and features. Maybe with GM (mostly) out of the picture things may pick up?
Does this mean Saabs will in future be rebadged Daewoos ?