Scandinavian automotive supplier body, FKG, is casting doubt any firm decision will be taken this Friday (31 May) concerning a potential buyer for bankrupt Saab.
Speculation is mounting in Sweden Saab’s receivers in Gothenburg are about to announce the identity of the successful bidder – thought to be a straight race between a Japanese/Chinese electric consortium and one of either Mahindra & Mahindra or Youngman
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“Personally knowing a little bit, I think it will not be finished this week,” FKG managing director, Fredrik Sidahl, told just-auto from Seoul where he was attending a reception given by the Swedish King and Queen to promote automotive businesses in South Korea, among others.
“We don’t hear anything, except a lot of gossip, but it does not mean anything. It [bid decision] should be completed before the Swedish vacation time – that is mid-July.”
Sidahl added his members had long “moved on” from hoping to recover their huge debts owed by Saab – but noted they were keen to see the Swedish automaker re-established to maintain technical skills in the country – a wish echoed by many observers in Stockholm who caution against a flight of expertise.
“Our members have moved on, but of course [they] hope they get the customers back and continue to develop good high-end technology wherever it is,” said Sidahl.
The FKG chief is in South Korea all this week as part of a Swedish automotive and life science trade delegation visit, with the Royal Family playing a crucial role in promoting its country’s technical skills.
“It is part of the King’s job to sell Sweden, to open doors,” said Sidahl. “He is very good at that.
“Korea has big brands here such as Kia and we will see them all of course and see some specific Swedish companies doing business in Korea, such as Autoliv.”
Reports in Sweden – and backed up by union sources to just-auto – suggest former Volvo Trucks’ Karl-Erik Trogen might be involved in any bid for Saab although this has not been confirmed.
