The end has come. GM to wind down Saab operations.

After failed talks between Koenigsegg and now Spyker, General Motors has announced today that the Saab brand is no more. GM will begin immediately to wind down operations of the 62 year old Swedish auto manufacturer. It truly is a shame that a deal couldn't happen between either of the interested parties. But alas there just isn't a place for Saab in the New GM.

Official Statement from GM.

 

Saab Sale Cannot Be Concluded

Brand to be Wound Down

2009-12-18

 

Detroit.  General Motors announced today that the intended sale of Saab Automobile AB would not be concluded. After the withdrawal of Koenigsegg Group AB last month, GM had been in discussions with Spyker Cars about its interest in acquiring Saab. During the due diligence, certain issues arose that both parties believe could not be resolved.  As a result, GM will start an orderly wind-down of Saab operations.


“Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction could not be executed in a reasonable time.

In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution,” said GM Europe President Nick Reilly.  “We regret that we were not able to complete this transaction with Spyker Cars. We will work closely with the Saab organization to wind down the business in an orderly and responsible manner. This is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation process. Consequently, we expect Saab to satisfy debts including supplier payments, and to wind down production and the distribution channel in an orderly manner while looking after our customers.”


Saab will continue to honor warranties, while providing service and spare parts to current Saab owners around the world.


As part of its efforts to become a leaner organization, GM began seeking a buyer for Saab’s operations in January.  Last week, Saab Automobile AB announced that it had closed on the sale of certain Saab 9-3, current 9-5 and powertrain technology and tooling to Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. Ltd. (BAIC).  GM expects today’s announcement to have no impact on the earlier sale.


As the company continues to reinvent itself, GM has been faced with some very difficult but necessary business decisions. The focus will remain on the four core brands – Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC – and several regional brands, including Opel / Vauxhall in Europe.  This will enable the company to devote more engineering and marketing resources to each brand and model.




General Motors Company, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall, Wuling and Jiefang. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.

October meeting minutes

AWA Meeting Minutes, October 28th, 2009
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Attendees: Dawn Slama, Pape/Kenworth; Rebecca Vierck, Re-Born Automotive; Betty Kendall, Retired (PCC Automotive Instructor); Sarah Heidler, Esquire Motors; Terica Devoreh-Spratt, Hawthorne Auto Clinic; Kathy Garbe, Esquire Motors; June Boone, Retired (Hawthorne Auto Clinic); Norma Holcombe, Sherwood Auto

Agenda:
 Fundraising Projects
 Car Care Class/Girl Scout Merit Badge Class—The Car Care Class is too good to just let go by the wayside. We discussed at length about ways to promote this class. Advertise in NATA Auto Outlook that we do Car Care Classes. Have shops donate to AWA, we will conduct the class, shops will find the attendees. Another idea is to promote the class as a ‘New Driver’s’ Class. Contact schools w/driver’s education, driver’s training companies, insurance companies, etc. and let them know that we do a fabulous Car Care Class.

 Treasury Report
 Currently $510.02 in checking. $1500.00 was presented to Russ Jones at PCC on November 22nd for scholarships. A photo and short article will appear in the next NATA Auto Outlook due out this month.

 New Business
 We need people to Co-Chair positions for when others are gone;
 Co-Secretary
 Co-Treasurer
 Co-Membership
Positions committed to sharing of the responsibilities… Example was the ‘Car Care Class’. Everyone was willing to help, but no one wanted to be in-charge.
Beginning January 2010 New Positions have been established:

 Sarah Hiedler & Norma Holcombe will Co-Chair Membership and Weblink with June Boone, collect dues and send registration letters, collect information for website
 Terica will Co-Chair Secretary with Becky Vierck, distribute minutes of the meetings and establish agenda for each month’s meetings
 Betty Kendall will Co-Chair Treasurer with Margaret Ragan, write a letter to the 12 students at PCC and help with scholarship/endowment fund letters.
Project Coordinators:
Plant Sale May 1st at Hawthorne Auto Clinic, with an alternate day May 8th if weather is bad: Margaret Ragan, Liz Daly, June Boone, & Kathy Garbe. We will be making planters for businesses to buy and we will be available to go to businesses to plant in their existing planters.
Women in Trades Fair: Sarah Hiedler & Dawn Slama
Summer Concert: Margaret Ragan & Terica Deveroh-Spratt. Possible location in Vancouver at the Brick House.
Car Care Class/Girl Scout Merit Badge Class: Becky Vierck, Kim Kittinger, Robin Burwell & Any Dobson.
 Any Dobson would like to come talk to our group about her trip to Nicaragua.
 Mention of a mentoring program—more needs to be discussed.
 PCC Automotive Graduation would like someone from AWA to talk briefly at the ceremony. It was unanimously voted for Margaret Ragan to speak.

The Next Meeting is January 2nd, 2010 at June Boone’s House for a Holiday Potluck & White Elephant Gift Exchange at 5pm. All are welcome, including significant others & children, leave the dog at home.






***No Meeting November & December***
***See you at June’s January 2nd, 5pm***
***Bring a White Elephant Gift to Exchange***