GM will build a new generation of midsized cars for the European market at an Opel plant in Germany, not a Saab plant in Sweden, the company announced today. The decision adds new uncertainty regarding Saab's factory in Trollhatten (also our pet name for NYC during tourist season) as well as the fate of the Saab brand, which gossipy types have already placed in the future hands of Renault or an unnamed Chinese company. While Trollhatten will be home to the Cadillac BLS beginning in 2006, that car will share a platform with the new models, to begin production at Opel's Russelsheim plant in 2008, making Saab's future role tenuous and, dare we say, easily liquidated.
Midsize car work goes to Opel plant [The Detroit News]
Related:
GM Denies Reports of Saab Sale [internal]
Geneva Premiere: Cadillac BLS Concept [internal]