When the deal where National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) buys the assets of Saab Automobile from the bankruptcy administrators was announced two weeks ago, the discussions with Saab AB and Scaina AB concerning the right to use the SAAB brand name had not been concluded. And one week later we got reports that there were disagreements concerning the right to use the brand name. And that this disagreement could possibly be a deal breaker. But now majority owner of NEVS, Kai Johan Jiang, has told Dagens Industri that NEVS wants Saab Automobile no matter what happens with the brand name.
"Our risk assessment of the acquisition has been ongoing for two years and we have concluded that we will go through with the deal even if we for some reason would not get access to the SAAB brand name," Jiang told DI.
"If we can use the brand name, it will of course be a huge bonus," he added.
Since the deal was announced a lot of people have expressed their opinion on the future possiblilities for an all electric Saab. The acquisition has gotten both praise and criticism. To DI Jiang admits that it is a high risk project.
"Sure it is a high risk project that I'm entering into. But Saab is a very fine company with a great ability for innovation and we have found an unique way to develop the company. Cars run on electricity is the future."
And Jiang is sad that NEVS' ability to bring new life into Saab is being questioned.
"Of course it saddens me, it hurts me deeply. But I will do all I can to prove that this will be a success."
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.
