Saab could restart production in eight weeks

Saab could reopen its shuttered Trollhattan plant within a matter of weeks.

The ink is still drying on Saab's memorandum of understanding to sell 100 percent of the company to Pang Da Automobile Trade Co. and Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co., but the Swedish automaker says it could restart production in just eight weeks.

Saab's main Trollhattan plant has essentially been shutdown since March, but the automaker says it could have the factory up and running in just two months.

"We are very pleased with today's announcement," Michele Tinson, director of communication at Saab Cars North America, told Inside Line. "It helps to secure the future for Saab."

Tinson added that production of Saab's 9-4X crossover at General Motors' Ramos Arizpe, Mexico plant will "get back up and running more quickly than Sweden."

If Saab is able to restart production, it could debut its 9-5 sport wagon at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

Although Saab's future seems more secure now than it has at any point over the last two years, the company's production restart goal should be taken with a grain of salt. Saab made two similar announcements earlier this year and failed to meet either one. Saab's investment deal must also get the OK from Chinese officials, which is far from a sure thing.


References
1.'Saab Set To Gear...' view