Saab Says Today is the Beginning of a New Chapter

After 20 years of foreign ownership, the future of Saab Automobile is once again in Swedish hands.

Saab Says Today is the Beginning of a New Chapter Greg: This is a very big step it is all about an independent business, it is not bankruptcy, it is not chapter 11. You are on the market; you want investment, how long have you been working on this? Jan: Well the product plan—that we have in out reconstruction plan actually and we started to work on already three years ago. And this is one of the key elements of our plan that is consistency. We cannot start all over again we had to continue on the path that we have worked on over the last three years and finish off the plan that has proven to be—successful. Greg: But how long can you survive without support? You have requested a European investment bank loan of half a million Euros and you want the Swedish government to guarantee that loan. Will the Swedish government support you? Jan: Well the Swedish government has launched the program that was approved by the parliament in December to the amount of 28 billion Swedish Krona in other words the pretty substantial program in terms of support to the auto-industry; direct loans as well as loan guarantees. And we anticipate of course to take a part of that—money that has been—made available for our future plan. Greg: What is this all mean for jobs at Saab? And what does it mean for your customers and your suppliers? Jan: Well the plan as such is based upon continuing the development of a new product but it is also based upon concentrating the activities to Sweden and to that and that means of course locally it has a positive impact on manufacturing jobs as well as engineering jobs and that we will buy much more in terms of outside supplies from our suppliers. Greg: And what about the relationship now with General Motors, are you being supported by them? Because obviously you got so many systems that interlock. Jan: Well we are very integrated with GM but in the plan we are just discussing we are about to create the much more independent organization where we have to stand on our own legs. Of course we continue to have some relationships or service agreements with General Motors. But the idea is that Saab should be more self sufficient. Greg; Do you remain good friends? Jan: Absolutely they are an important part of our future as well. Greg: Well under this new re-organization you have three weeks I think before you have to present your first plan; you have new models like the one behind you in the pipeline. Are you sure that Saab can be a viable co-maker in the 21st century? Jan: I think the plan we are working on is definitely a doable and viable plan for Saab. It is what we have always tried to do but had made it a little stop and go activities and now we want to consistently finish off the plan as well as look into the future as it relates the even more environmental friendly product. So absolutely this plan is a good plan for Saab, it is a good plan for GM and it is a good plan for Sweden. Greg: Are you a little frightened or are you very exerted? Jan: Well it is a very interesting time something I have never experienced before, I have to honestly say but—I remain positive and my job is to make Saab Automobile successful.