Despite RideLust’s blatant and ardent affection for Volvo, it is with solemn respect that this grim story is approached. I jest, of course.
As many are well aware, Saab’s dysfunctional, 21-year relationship with General Motors has taken an even more tumultuous turn as of late thanks to Koenigsegg’s abrupt resignation from the purchase procedure and The General’s subsequent decision to wind down operations. Since GM’s announcement that Saab would be grounded for eternity (aviation reference, get it? No? Philistines), Dutch supercar maker Spyker has expressed a renewed interest in acquiring the brand and is currently GM’s preferred bidder, but the future still looks bleak. For some undisclosed reason, GM has managed to sour literally every potential sale that they’ve entertained and at this point, Saab is about as likely to escape their death sentence as Ed Whitacre is to grow a pair of large, supple breasts.
In protest of this eventuality, Saab owners across the globe were called to rally in front of GM’s headquarters in Detroit in a show of support for the ailing Swedish subsidiary. The result was mediocre at best. Based purely on reports and the handful of rather depressing photos, a total of maybe 30 Saab fans turned out to show their support, indicating that many owners have taken a page from Volvo loyalists’ book and already come to terms with the unpleasant reality.
Spyker is expected to formally submit their bid by Friday, January 7, 2010, and as per tradition, Saab will likely be dead by the following week. On the bright side, this means Geely has less competition for their Volvo-badged crap traps.
Source: Boston Globe
Image cred: AP Photo