GM will sell Saab to group lead by Koenigsegg, a Swedish supercar manufacturer
Swedish government is helping to provide funding for Saab after the purchase
GM Announces Plan to Sell Saab to Swedish Suparcar Maker Koenigsegg
By Ross Edwards Tuesday, Jun 16 2009 14:00
General Motors announced today that it has approved the sale of its Saab brand to a consortium lead by Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg. The deal will include a commitment from the European Investment Bank for $600 million guaranteed by the Swedish government. The sale is expected to be completed by October of this year, according to MSNBC.
Koenigsegg currently only sells one model, the Koenigsegg CCX. The Koenigsegg CCX is powered by a 4.7 liter twin-supercharged engine that makes 806 hp. The CCX will go 0-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of over 245 mph, according to Koenigsegg.
A more environmentally friendly version has been made called the CCXR, which can run on E85 or E100 ethanol fuel. The Koenigsegg CCXR’s engine makes over 1,000 hp on E85, thanks to an increase in boost from the superchargers.
Koenigsegg doesn’t advertise the price of the CCX, because every one is custom built to the customer’s specifications, but MSNBC says the price ranges between 1 million and 2.3 million U.S. dollars.
With Saab owned by a Swedish supercar maker, there’s a good chance we will see the return of the quirky Saab that disappeared over the past few years while General Motors owned the company.
The Koenigsegg CCX is one of the fastest cars in the world, but only a few are made every year.
Comment By: Janelle Gellein on Wed, Jun 17 2009 at 1:55 PM
I've owned five (5) SAAB's, a 1978 SAAB 99, 1988 SAAB 900s, 1991 SAAB 900s, 1993 SAAB 900s, and a 2002 SAAB 9.5 Linear Wagon. GM did not do anything to better this product, especially from 1994 to 2000!!! I am not a GM fan, they deserve exactly what they are experiencing based on their need to build obsolesence into every vehicle they manufacture. Prior to GM's involvement, SAAB was is the very best automobile that one can own. As long as SAAB can maintain it's safety features, I really don't care how fast they go, safety first, and of course any improvements to better the effects to our enviroment, I will be a loyal owner of this automobile. I am so happy to hear of this merger, and balance of ownership. Please know you have one loyal customer, please continue to focus on safety, fuel efficiency, and a price that a middle class consumer can afford. My best to you all, and thanks for believing in the best car ever built!! Janelle Gellein - Cheyenne, Wyoming - USA
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