Call it an amicable divorce. GM may be looking to unload Saab as part of its viability plan, but it still wants to share technology - and possibly vehicle platforms - with the Swedish automaker for the next five years.
The company has also pledged to cut all financial support for the Swedish automaker by the end of this year.
This may seem odd, considering GM's vowed to cut all financial support of the brand by the end of the year. However, both Saab and GM have upcoming models that rely on one another's technology. The new agreement allows Saab to use GM's global platforms (crucial if the 9-4x is ever to see the light of day), while Saab will lend GM the use of its safety, chassis, and engine developments.
In the meantime, Saab has ramped up its hunt for a new buyer since it declared bankruptcy last month. The Swedish government has refused to purchase Saab and will not provide any aid until the ailing automaker finds a new owner. Earlier this month, Saab said it had at least five potential bidders, but little has been said since.
GM has pledged to support Saab with $400 million, but the company is looking for outside investors. It needs the additional funding to market and launch its three new vehicles over the next 18 months. The first will be the 9-3x which will be shown at the New York auto show in April. The other two, the all-new 9-5 sedan and 9-4x crossover, will follow soon after.
Source: Automotive News