We have heard it several times before, but I guess it is worth repeating: National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) is the favorite to acquire the Saab bankruptcy assets. This time according to sources of Swedish business paper Dagens Industri.
But so far we have gotten no confirmation from the bankruptcy administrators or NEVS itself that NEVS is in fact the favorite or that a deal is close.
"We can confirm that we are a bidder, and we hope to succeed in acquiring the Saab bankruptcy estate," Mikael Östlund from communication firm Springtime, which represents NEVS, told TTELA earlier today.
One reason that no deal has been announced and NEVS is being careful not to say too much, could be the SAAB brand name issue. As reported here on Life with Saab many times, the use of the SAAB brand name and the gripen logo is regulated by a deal between Saab Automobile AB, Saab AB and Scania AB. So far neither Saab AB nor Scania AB have made any decision whether any bidder can use the brand name and logo.
Saab AB has however met NEVS to discuss the issue.
"We have met them and gotten information about what they are planning. We have gotten some information and we can use more information. It is also important to get answers to our questions," said Erik Ljungberg, head of communications at Scania to Swedish Radio P4 Väst.
Also Saab AB is requesting more information from the possible buyer.
"We still miss a number of important information," said Erik Magni from Saab AB.
According to Magni, Saab AB is in ongoing contact with the bankruptcy administrator responsible for the brand name issue. And the discussions have intensified lately.
"Yes, it has intensified the past weeks," Erik Ljungberg of Scania said.
Both companies emphasize that the new owner of Saab Automobile should not have any plans that could be in conflict with the two companies' businesses.
"For us it is important that the buyer has no plans to use the brand name in any way which conflicts with Scania's and our shareholders' activities," said Erik Ljungberg.
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.
