Saab Gets Ready for Chinese, Russian Assault

Ever since Spyker Cars became in charge of Saab's future, the Swedish manufacturer repeatedly tried to expand its business into new, yet unexplored markets and the first positive signs are now emerging. CEO Jan Ake Jonsson said in a statement that Saab will step on Chinese soil in 2011, as the company is currently looking for local partners that would be responsible for distributing its models across the country.

The Chinese dealerships network is its main priority because Saab wants to open stores in five or six Chinese cities, he said according to Automotive News Europe. Saab plans to open between 10 and 15 dealerships.

“Until we launch the new 9-3 at the end of 2012, it will be just a couple of thousand units (annually), all based on imports. As we lead up to this, we have to make a decision if and when we are going to introduce local manufacturing in China," Jonsson said in a statement.

Saab hasn't decided yet whether to start production in China but, in case such a deal is agreed, the company would only build the last-generation 9-3, while the 9-5 and the 9-4X will be available as imported models.

“You need to get to a volume of 10,000 cars (in China) before you can start manufacturing locally," Victor Muller, Saab’s chairman, said.

At the same time, Saab is also looking into ways to expand its business in Russia but, as compared to China, the company is still seeking local opportunities. However, in both cases, a deal is expected to be announced by year end.