GM to make Saab independent by end of February?

A new report indicates that General Motors and the Swedish government have worked out an agreement that would see Saab become an independent, Sweden-based automobile manufacturer. Apparently, GM and the government have "agreed in principle" to the deal, which would not force the government to take a stake in the automaker.

General Motors has been pushing to shed three of its brands - Hummer and Saturn in addition to Saab - and this move could secure the Swedish brand's future, at least for the time being.

Autocar reports that GM Europe president Carl-Peter Forster said that negotiations between GM and Sweden could wrap up at the end of the month - in time for GM to present its viability plan to the United States government.

Though further details are unclear at the moment, it seems possible that Saab's manufacturing facilities in Trollhattan, Sweden, as well as its employees and current lineup, could simply be handed over to a newly formed, independent, Swedish management. Obviously, the long term effects of platform and powertrain sharing with GM would need to be addressed.