Saab’s administrator Guy Lofalk has requested to end his involvement with the automaker just days ahead of a crucial meeting to decide if the manufacturer should continue in bankruptcy protection.

The reasons for his sudden departure are unclear, but it is thought his replacement is Lars-Henrik Andersson of Lindhal, Sweden’s third-largest law firm.

“Guy Lofalk [has] left on his own request and we will talk constructively with the new administrator and work to secure the new funds that are needed,” a Saab spokesman in Sweden told just-auto. “[Whoever] it is, we will still have to deal with the rules of reorganisation and obviously pay the salaries.”

Saab’s original hearing at Vanersborg District Court was scheduled for tomorrow (16 December), but has been put back to Monday, allowing the automaker to find fresh funding, most likely from Chinese manufacturer, Youngman, which yesterday injected EUR3.4m (US$4.4m).

“Everybody at this point knows what the crucial deadlines are,” said the Saab spokesman.

“The administrator has to do what he has to do. For us, the most important thing is obviously that we will be able to continue reorganisation, that is number one.”

Lars-Henrik Andersson was not immediately available for comment.