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I don't think you'd be any happier with Fiat; it's had its own problems with financial stability over the years, not to mention product issues. If Fiat had acquired Saab, then Saab would be just another brand in the corporate house, competing for investment and management attention with Chrysler, Dodge, and Alfa Romeo to regain market position. Fiat's strategy in the acquisition of Case and New Holland construction equipment companies a few years ago fell far short of the goals set when the purchase was announced. Competitiveness and product integrations were two of the problems, along with profitability.
With respect to Koenigsegg management, I don't think Mr. Koenigsegg and his fellow investors will try to run Saab, and certainly wouldn't / couldn't try to run it on the same basis as the specialty car operation.
Theoretically, anyway, a group of investors has agreed on the value of Saab, and is buying the management that goes with it. Koenigsegg and his fellow investors, like any other board of directors, will no doubt set some goals and make or influence some decisions, but these should largely be of a business management nature. Mr. Koenigsegg's automotive experience presumably makes him a better owner, but if he intends to get involved in everyday management, he'd better be a combination of Enzo Ferrari, Roger Penske, and Bob Lutz.
I am more optimistic about a single-minded focus on Saab with this ownership than Fiat's. That said, we've still got a long way to go. Saab critically needs sales volume and profit, and that means being able to compete with Audi, BMW, Mercedes, plus Honda and Nissan, along with a handful of other European and U.S. brands. It is now about money (having enough and earning enough). The most fire-breathing car guys in the industry take off their boy-racer hats when they enter the board room, and are focused on the fundamentals of the business.
My thoughts, for whatever they're worth.
SEN
posted by 72.34....
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