Saab’s New Owners Hope to Double Chinese Retail Locations
Canadian Auto Press

You’ve got to ask yourself, if Saab faithful had a problem with their sport-oriented near-luxury brand producing cars in Germany (9-3), Japan (9-2x) or the USA (9-7x), how will they feel about a 9-5 built in China?

2009 Saab 9-5

Now that Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. (BAIC) has been announced as a minority partner in Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg’s deal to buy Saab from General Motors, the Chinese automaker will have the opportunity to produce and distribute certain Saabs in China. Specifically, the deal allows BAIC rights to the previous-generation 9-5.

“Beijing Auto is an opportunity for us to establish ourselves in the Chinese market with their experience,” said Saab chief executive Jan-Ake Jonsson, during a September conference, adding that he hoped to double Saab’s presence in China from 15 to 30 dealerships where they’re currently sold under Shanghai General Motors.