Heralding a new era for Saab as an independent company freed from the shackles of General Motors, the first cars of the Swedish automaker under the loving arms of Spyker Cars and its CEO Victor Muller rolled off the production line today at the firm's Trollhättan plant. During the talks between General Motors and the Dutch supercar-maker, the factory had been idled for a period of two months.
The first Saab to roll off the production line today was an all-new 9-5 saloon, destined to join a test fleet prior to the premium sedan's official launch later this year. The 9-5 was joined shortly after by a 9-3 Convertible.
Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson, Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller and Trollhättan Plant Director Gunnar Brunius marked the significant occasion by taking position on the production line alongside assembly workers as the first batch of cars was built.
"Today's resumption of production is a milestone in the history of our company" said Jan Åke Jonsson. "We are up and running as an independent manufacturer and I am delighted to share the experience on the line alongside our workforce. They have shown tremendous commitment to the company and we are all now focused on ramping up production to meet customer demand."
Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars added, "Everyone at Saab has worked extremely hard to reach this important point. Today production restarted with a new 9-5 first down the line – a fitting symbol that a new era has begun."
