European automotive supplier body CLEPA is cautioning General Motors could still be involved if prospective Saab bidder Youngman starts up production using the 9-3 model.
There has been much speculation that any successful purchaser of bankrupt Saab might use the 9-3 platform as a way to overcome GM’s previous objections to its licences and technology being used, but even that option could come under the Detroit automaker’s scrutiny.
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“General Motors is a supplier of vital components to the existing 9-3,” CLEPA CEO Lars Holmqvist told just-auto. “They could make life difficult.
“What Youngman wants to do is run the existing 9-3 and to produce a Lotus car that they produce in China with a Mitsubishi engine. They want to keep Saab going because they want to import cars to China to be equally attractive as Geely with Volvo and want to put the new platform into reality.”
The CLEPA chief also hinted the finance for any potential Saab restart would have to be made crystal clear in order to resupply the manufacturer after a year of its Trollhattan factory remaining idle.
“They [Youngman] have to be aware we are not entirely happy just to start delivering without anything,” said Holmqvist. “We have a lot of costs if we want to start up components after a year.”
Lawyers acting for Youngman told just-auto this morning (6 February) Saab project director at the Chinese manufacturer, Rachel Pang, was in Stockholm to discuss the situation although a rumoured press conference would not be taking place.
