Today seems to be analysis day. We have two articles that looks closer at Saab's Chinese affair, and one that takes a look at the importance of the new Saab 9-4X. A car that actually started shipping from Ramos Arizpe, Mexico yesterday and should be at the dealer later this month.
The China affair
Reuters has an analysis of Saab's flirt with Pang Da Automobile and what the chances are that this flirt can lead to marriage. The conclusion is that it will be a tough challenge to get the Chinese government to approve Pang Da's investment in Saab, but that Pang Da can be an excellent distribution partner for Saab. Victor Muller said himself that "In the worst case, we would have a fantastic distribution partner who would sell a tremendous amount of Saabs in this country."
Caixin Online also takes a stabb at Saab's China deal. According to their sources China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country’s top economic planning body, said they would not approve any company’s plan to buy Saab, but they took no stance on possible joint ventures between Chinese firms and Saab to jointly produce cars in China. If Pang Da and Saab can find a big Chinese car manufacturer to join the joint venture manufacturing plans, that part of the deal may be a go.
The Saab 9-4X
Finally we have an article from Blomberg published in the Sidney Morning Herald about the Saab 9-4X and how important this vehicle can prove to be for Saab. The 9-4X is called a "lifeline from GM". According to Anders Svensson of Saab “this vehicle is enormously important in helping us get our company going again. Since we're a small carmaker, we can't really afford to fail with any launch of a new vehicle. We must hit the spot with the 9-4X.”
Kurt Schirm, the president of International Motors Saab of Falls Church, Virginia, says that the 9-4X is “entering the right segment and has the right look. Saab's future is good, but it's not going to happen overnight.”
Jesse Toprak, vice president of industry trends at TrueCar.com in Santa Monica, California, which tracks sales and price trends, says that “there's a lot of pent-up demand from loyal Saab fans who are waiting for new product. If this product does well, it can signal that the brand is alive and healthy.”
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.
