Saab Not Coming to Frankfurt This Year

Despite being in deep financial trouble, Saab has been going to auto shows left and right this year. Either they were trying to show their vision of the future or highlight new products, but in the end it all ended up costing them money. Their decision to not stay at home will surely end up biting them in the backside. The company’s finances are what you’d call very tight and last week parts suppliers started putting pressure on the Swedish automaker to go into bankruptcy. Saab might have wanted to show off the their PhoeniX concept and the 9-5 SportCombi once again in Frankfurt, but they’ll definitely not get a chance to do so. Due to lack of money, Saab will pull out of this year’s IAA in Frankfurt, which takes place next month. A company spokesperson told Automotive News Europe that the carmaker will focus its efforts on restarting production at its factory in Trollhatten, Sweden. "Whilst it would be desirable to be at the show to help further Saab's global presence, it is not considered an appropriate use of resources at this time," a posting on Saab's Inside Saab blog stated, according to the aforementioned source. We support their decision fully. After all, why show a product to the public if you can’t even fulfill an order? Back in March, Saab went to the Geneva show even though they knew their finances were tight. Despite having a new car to show here and there, the overall impact was limited compared to the dozens of vehicles other companies were bringing. autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.