GM won't license its technology to anyone bidding on Saab

Today General Motors has made it clear that it will not license its technology to anyone bidding on Saab.

"We are not in discussions with anyone regarding Saab and we will not license technology to any buyer," GM spokesman James Cain said to SvD.

Cain could however not say if this also includes the current Saab 9-3. Earlier we have gotten report that Saab owns the technology to most of the 9-3. But GM is an important supplier of components to the car, among other things to engines and gearboxes.

GM's statement clearly shows that GM never had any intentions other than seeing Saab die. And it also clearly shows that anyone bidding on Saab must have a business plan totally independent of GM technology, which would make Youngman the only likely candidate.

Reports from this week indicates that if Youngman buys Saab, the company will only produce the current Saab 9-3 and without components from GM. And when Saab's future Phoenix technology is finalized, the company will use this technology to gradually increase the number of models starting with the next generation Saab 9-3.

Turkish Brighwell Holdings has said several times that if they buy Saab they want to license technology from GM. Furthermore, Brightwell has said that they have been in contact with GM and that GM is positive to licensing technology to Brightwell. But today's statement leaves no possibility for Brightwell. Today's statement actually suggests that Brightwell is talking BS.

I now hope that the bankruptcy administrators will put their full focus on Youngman. Youngman is the only viable candidate. Youngman is the only party which has shown the commitment, tenacity and seriousness required to buy Saab and make Saab a success.

The bankruptcy administrators have called a press conference on Saturday. It is expected that they will announce that they will accept bids and are opening up for negotiations.