BAIC Planning Four New Models Based on Saab Technology

BAIC recently purchased several Saab assets and, as a result, the Chinese manufacturer is looking into ways to develop four new models and three turbo-engines based on the acquired technology. General Motors announced in mid-December that it decided to sell certain Saab 9-3, current 9-5 and powertrain technology and tooling to Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. Ltd (BAIC).

The Chinese manufacturer was one of the those interested to take control of Saab but only together with Koenigsegg Group.

"This arrangement is excellent for both parties, now and for the future. We have developed a good relationship with BAIC and look forward to working with them to integrate this Saab technology into their future vehicles," Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile, said at that time.

Still, Saab's future is still at risk as General Motors decided to wind down the brand in January 2010. Still, the Swedish unit might live on as Spyker, one of the interested parties, recently submitted an improved bid. GM is still considering the offer, with a final decision to be made before the December 31 deadline.

"We have made every effort to resolve the issues that were preventing the conclusion of this matter and we have asked GM and all other involved parties to seriously consider this offer," said Spyker CEO Victor R. Muller in a statement. "We are very confident that our renewed offer will remove the impasse that was standing in the way of an agreement on Friday, and this would still allow us to conclude the deal prior to the expiry of the deadline originally set by GM of December 31st," said Muller.