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Not that we thought they might be, but it’s crisis-worthy news to report that BMW aren’t interested in picking up Saab should they become available. There’s a possible outcome you can cross off your list.
BMW’s head honcho, Norbert Reithofer, was speaking in LA about teutonic profitability and was asked about his thoughts on the current crisis at GM. He commented that the potential for GM to go under should be giving every executive pause for thought due to the market uncertainty it would create.
“If such a large company would declare bankruptcy, it would also have tremendous effects on the supply sector,” Reithofer said. “I wouldn’t like it at all.”
When pressed further about any BMW interest in GM’s European assets, should they become available, Reithofer stated that BMW “definitely” would not be interesting in acquiring Hummer, Saab or Opel.
I guess that means it’s safe to go on calling BMW drivers wankers and posers as we won’t be breaking the company bread with them any time soon.
Richo – you’re a pose!!!
Pete, you get a pass seeing you’ve just bought a Combi.
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9 responses so far ↓
1 Ken H
// Nov 20, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I think BMW is cautious because they are by no means immune to the changes going on today. Would it not be possible that luxury manufacturers would be feeling it more as the general public starts to tighten their purses some more, and companies would become more restrictive with their leasing policies? BMW noted a 63 percent drop in Q3 profits, the article said…
2 Joe Lobo
// Nov 20, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Rith now nobody will escape the brunt of the crisis. Weather its German, Brit, Jap, French etc etc anyone !!! There is simply too much suply out there and a huge rationalization has to take place. So, maybe all these years of restrain by GM on to Saab may give it some form of silver lining after all.
3 ctm
// Nov 20, 2008 at 8:07 pm
BMW, Mercedes, Audi… They are all cutting production and/or idling plants. Main differences compared to the US brands are that they probably have a more loyal customer base, and a huge sale in Europe where the market is still dynamic and growing in same areas. That will delay things, but if this crises go on all through the first half of 2009 it will hit them hard.
4 Richo
// Nov 20, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Piss off Swade, I’m a wanker and don’t you ever forget it!
Basically Mostly Wankers
5 Markac
// Nov 20, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I always thought Mercedes would be a better owner anyway. Rest assured if anyone was interested in buying Saab, they wouldn’t admit to anything until they pretty much had a concrete deal.
6 eggsngrits
// Nov 20, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I’m glad. BMW doesn’t need anything, so this isn’t surprising.
7 rian
// Nov 21, 2008 at 5:33 am
It is a shame. We have a 2006 9-3 aero, and a 2008 335i coupe. Let me tell you, the Saab could take a few pointers from the BMW. I think saab is lacking the quality, and precision engineering that BMW produces in their products. Plus saabs are about 10K over priced on average in comparison to what you get for the money from BMW, Audi, etc. GM has been a “turd in the shorts” for Saab. In someways I hope Saab can wiggle free from the lack luster parent company and find itself again as the great niche brand it WAS and should still be. Bon Voyage GM. Free Trollhattan.
8 turbin
// Nov 21, 2008 at 6:38 am
Free Trollhattan! What a slogan, rian!
As for BMW buying any US owned brand, I think the whole Daimler Chrysler thing would be enough to scare them off the mere thought.
9 Markac
// Nov 21, 2008 at 7:07 am
Free Trollhattan? Sounds like a good slogan with apologies to Nelson Mandela!
As to a German car firm buying Saab? Buying one little Swedish brand is much different than buyng a whole corporation, especially when it’s headquarters are on the same continent as your company.