The Auto Writer

Saab’s sale to Spyker does little to ensure that the Swedish brand will be around for many years to come. True, Saab is now owned by a company interested in making the brand work, but Spyker doesn’t exactly have the technological base from which to build future Saab models. That means Spyker will need to find a partner to help it advance Saab or risk seeing its investment evaporate.

Saab Financing

One area where Saab won’t have to worry about for now is new car financing as GMAC Financial Services, once known as the General Motors Acceptance Corporation and current primary financier of GM vehicles, has been chosen by Saab Automobile AB. Specifically, GMAC has been selected by Saab as the “preferred provider of wholesale and retail financial services for qualified Saab dealers and customers in many different countries around the world.”

Jan Ake Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news for the Saab organization as a whole and also for Saab’s customers. It not only makes available competitive financing, but also provides valuable continuity for the dealer network which already uses GMAC services.”

Bill Muir, GMAC President said: “We are delighted to be able to build on our strong relationships with Saab dealers and customers, and we look forward to working with Saab as it begins a new chapter in its history.”

2010 Models

GM’s sale of Saab has delayed the introduction of the brand’s 2010 model year vehicles, expected to arrive in North American showrooms in April. Currently, Saab dealers are still selling 2008 and 2009 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles. Prices for the 2010 9-3 are being pegged some 4 to 12 percent lower than the sticker price of 2009 models. In any case if you want a deal on a “new” 2008 or 2009 model, you can probably find a terrific deal.

Included with the 9-3 will be an all new 9-3X crossover model. Standard engine is a 2.0L turbocharged I4 paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 9-3 will also be sold as a sedan and convertible.

GM announced the sale of Saab to Dutch supercar maker Spyker in January, closing the deal on February 23. This summer an all new 9-5 goes on sale and is expected to be joined by the 9-4X crossover in 2011 with an all new 9-3 line due in 2012. Each of these new models has been in the planning pipeline for months if not years, with Spyker only needing to complete each project and bring these models to market.