The story of the return to the life of the brand Saab seems to have no end. This time it is the acquisition of the rights to produce the 9-3 on the part of the government of Turkey. However, do not use the brand Saab.
despite the extensive list of problems, there is only one thing that seems certain: The Saab 9-3 refuses to die. Since General Motors divested Saab, five years ago, the brand faced various problems that culminated in its bankruptcy. However a little later it was acquired by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), a chinese consortium that raises the manufacturing of electric cars based on the platform of the 9-3.
But the journey of NEVS has not been a bed of roses, because after several stumbles and a failed attempt to start a sustained production, was forced to seal an agreement with china’s Dongfeng Corporation, which seemed to your hope for staying alive.
however surprised this Friday, the announcement by the mark of a new deal sealed with Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology of Turkey (TÜBITAK). The Turkish ministry purchased the intellectual property rights to the Saab 9-3, but not your name, that is to say that they will make a car based on the Saab 9-3 that will bring another brand, with technology developed locally.
however NAVS and TÜBITAK work together in the development of this new product. In this framework, the CEO of Saab Mattias Bergman presented three prototypes of the new car Turkish, which according to those who have had access to the project show a strong inspiration in the 9-3, but with a front different, that guarantee is inspired in the models of Cadillac.
The benefit seems to be mutual, as NEVS worked to transform the 9-3 in a electric car, at the same time that the government of Turkey promotes this type of technologies. Regarding the new project, ensure that it is a product with a affordable price, although they have not yet discussed concrete figures.
Will this be the final salvation of Saab?. Only time will tell.