Saab announced today that Jonsson would leave the position he currently holds sometime in May. The reasons of the departure were not revealed, with Jonsson only saying that, after the demanding three years, he pretty much can't handle it anymore. Now, he says, he wants to spend some time taking care of the “other things that had to stand back for my duties to Saab Automobile.”
We're pretty sure, however, that this is not the reason that led to Jonsson's decision. Because, if you recall, back in the days Saab was talking bankruptcy and GM discontinuation, Jonsson was the man who, despite the obvious reality, kept claiming that dozens of other companies are interested in taking over Saab.
It was, perhaps, Jonsson's determination that kept GM at bay and managed to land, in the end, a deal with Spyker. His successor, yet to be found, will have some pretty big shoes to fill in. Can you guess who will it be?
“Jan Ake has not only been instrumental in Saab Automobile’s survival but also in the transition of Saab into an independent car company. I am really sad to see him leave, but understand and respect his rationale,” said Victor Muller, Saab's chairman.
“He has had one of the toughest jobs in Sweden in recent years and I am grateful that he has transferred his knowledge and experience to the Managements of Saab Automobile and Spyker Cars N.V. Jan Ake has led the efforts to create a platform from which Saab will become a strong and independent Swedish car manufacturer."
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