Saab says its potential Chinese investors are aware of Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov’s sustained interest in the automaker and have no objection to his involvement.

The development follows Saab’s news it aims to produce three new models should proposed Chinese investment from Pang Da and Youngman be approved with the manufacturer insisting it is a sign of confidence in the automaker, whose factory nonetheless remains at idle as a protracted supplier dispute rumbles on.

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The automaker aims to develop and produce new 9-1, 9-6 and 9-7 models following the conversion of a non-binding MOU relating to equity investment into binding agreements.

“Vladimir Antonov is likely to be involved – he has had an unwavering interest in Saab and continues to be interested in becoming a shareholder or a financier,” a Saab spokeswoman in Sweden told just-auto.

“Our Chinese partners are aware of his continued interest and don’t have any opposition to his interest and participation.”

Despite Saab’s confidence in Antonov’s return as a possible shareholder/financier, the company nonetheless says this is subject to being cleared by what it says “the parties at interest.”

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Antonov had previously been given the green light by the Swedish National Debt Office to participate in Saab, but was awaiting approval from the European Investment Bank.

Potential development of the three models is a sign of confidence in the automaker, said the spokeswoman.

“It is ambitious with the three models and shows commitment of these Chinese partners,” she said.

“It is a sign about their belief in this brand. It is ambitious and bold – we are really happy to be going out with this news – it is a strong sign.”