This week can prove to be a very important week for Saab. To use a tabloid term: This week the future of Saab can be determined. But we have had many weeks like that the last two years, and what I have learned is that things can change and decisions can drag on. So you never know. But I have also learned that it ain't over till it's over.
After three weeks with no production, Saab needs to set a date for when the production will be resumed. And to do that, Saab needs to secure funding to restart production. If no date is set, the suppliers will start to let people go, which will make a restart even harder later on. Also, the question is how long Saab can afford to have the factory shut down.
Last week a deal to sell Saab's property was prepared, but then the European Investment Bank (EIB) set some tough conditions which may jeopardize the deal. Now the question is if Saab can comply with the conditions so that the deal can go through, or if Saab and the EIB can agree on less tough conditions, or if Saab can come up with a whole new plan for short-term funding.
I don't have the answers to those question. But what I do have is an absolute confidence in Saab's Chairman and acting CEO, Victor Muller, and his ability to find solutions to financial challenges. I am also certain that Victor Muller is wholeheartedly devoted and committed to Saab.
As CEO of Spyker Cars, Victor Muller saved the company from bankruptcy several times. When everybody were certain that Spyker would go under, Victor Muller saved the day time and time again. One big difference from then and now, is that the amount of money needed to run Saab is several times bigger. That will make the task harder. But he is a man for big occasions. After all, he managed to buy and save Saab when everybody said Saab was doomed.
If anyone can find a solution to Saab's current financial problems, then I am certain that Victor Muller is the one.
A blog fueled by enthusiasm about Saab, the greatest car company between the North and the South Pole. And their cars, which probably is the only cars that would start on a cold and crispy South Pole morning.
