Entrepreneur Lars Carlstrom says the Swedish government is attempting to “shut me down,” following his trenchant criticism of way in which Saab finally went bankrupt.
Carlstrom – who was formerly potential Saab investor Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov’s aide – is acting for an unnamed Indian automaker believed to have expressed an interest in Saab – but claims a hostile reception from both the Swedish government and receivers Delphi and Wistrand who have – he maintains – not welcomed his enquiries.
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The entrepreneur has reserved scathing criticism for the Swedish government in its role during Saab’s prolonged demise – a position the Nordic administration strenuously counters – and which he says has not helped his cause.
“What I said about the government… that of course affects my role here,” Carlstrom told just-auto. “It is very hard for me to make a role in this game as the government are not too keen to see me back…because it gives me more space to come up with more criticism. They are trying to shut me down.
“I had contacts with the receivers here, with the Indians and all of a sudden, I was unfortunately not welcomed to see them. The situation is very infected.”
Carlstrom conceded a way through the impasse might be to set up another company, avoiding his name, although he told just-auto there was only a small window left to secure any further opportunity for Saab.
The Swede added former Saab CEO Victor Muller was also still interested in finding a solution for the bankrupt company, despite all the setbacks of the last two years.
“He [Muller] is of course very fed up with it, but he has spent two years of his life with it and he would like Saab to stay alive,” said Carlstrom, adding he had not personally benefited.
“I can assure you I have not become a millionaire on this,” he said.
Speculation has centred on Indian manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra being the potential bidder, but Carlstrom declined to be drawn.
Neither the Swedish government nor Delphi were immediately available for comment.
