DETROIT (AP) — Dutch exotic automaker Spyker Cars made another bid to buy Saab from General Motors Co. on Thursday, but a person briefed on the negotiations said GM is skeptical Saab can be saved.
Spyker confirmed in a statement issued Thursday evening that it made the last-minute offer for the troubled Swedish automaker. GM’s interim CEO Ed Whitacre Jr. said Wednesday he was not optimistic about Saab’s survival and the Detroit automaker would begin closing factories later in the week.
“We believe the Saab brand has lots of potential and would be keen to close a deal as quickly as possible,” Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker, said in the statement.
The statement gave no financial details of the bid.
GM will review the bid from Spyker, and potentially one from another suitor, as well as talk with the Swedish government, but will proceed with phasing out the Swedish automaker, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are private.
A final decision could come early next week, the person said.
GM, according to the person, questions whether Spyker has the expertise to run Saab. GM likely would have to continue producing vehicles for a new buyer and would essentially be a partner with the company.
GM has been talking to Spyker over the last month on selling Saab. It has also heard from other suitors after an attempt to sell the brand to a consortium led by Swedish sports car manufacturer Koenigsegg Automotive AB fell apart in November.
But Whitacre said Wednesday he is not confident a deal can be reached.
“It’s real easy. Just show up with the money and you can have it,” he said. “Nobody’s come with the money, so were in the wind down deal here.”