Daily Cavalcade: Twist to an otherwise Saab Story

First gen-Saab 9-7x in front of operating Saab dealer in the Chicago suburb of Lansing, IL.

Lets start this post off with a brief History of General Motors relation to Saab and why this dealer, Like very few others across the country is an important automobile landmark.

As it was announced in December 2009, A middle seas automaker announced it would acquire the property rights and production equipment for the previous generation Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 in a deal for the company to run production for three months.

The buyers intention was to create a new brand around the purchased technology and admitted to the purchase of three overall vehicle platforms, two engine technologies and two transmission systems.

The sale fell through.

^{Brings Saab lovers back to a better time in the auto industry.}

General Motors announced the brand would be eliminated in 2010 if it failed to secure a buyer before the close of 2009.

As talks with several firms failed, including the Netherlands-based boutique supercar maker Spyker, GM formally announced its intention to wind down the Saab brand by 2011 in North American sales.

^{Favorite model in the group.}

Earlier bidders Spyker and Merbanco revised their offers and were joined by a submission from Luxembourg-based Genii Capital, which boasted the support of F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone.

GM continued accepting bids until a self-imposed deadline of January 7, 2010.

Acknowledging that the chances for reaching a deal with any party were very slim, they pledged to evaluate each offer with due diligence.

2003 Saab convertible and 2005 Saab sedan

On January 26, 2010, General Motors confirmed that Spyker and GM had come to an agreement allowing Spyker to purchase Saab, subject to regulatory and government approval.

The sale was completed on February 23, 2010.

General Motors would continue to supply Saab with engines and transmissions, and also completed vehicles in the shape of the new Saab 9-4x from GM's Mexican factory.

The deal included a loan from the European Investment Bank, guaranteed by the Swedish government.

It comprised US$74m in cash up front, payable to GM by July 2010, and shares in Spyker to the tune of US$320m.

As Saab is reportedly began production again in 2014, there might be a chance that they will return to America, as Alfa Romeo and possibly MG are doing sometime this year.

Its good to see a functioning Saab dealer as their hasn't been a new Saab sold in this country for over two years, which isn't that long ago, wait 10 years, they try a hunt down a Saab.

This is more of a Saab repair shop and Museum, than a dealer, but great to see on a fine summer evening.

>some shots of the dealer and cars seen: