A quick look at the top 10:

10. Police in the Netherlands have a hand-built Spyker C8. The Spyder Roadster uses a V-8 Audi 4.2 Liter power plant to push this cruiser to its limits in terms of speed and handling. However, it doesn’t quite have the same curb appeal as:

9. Lamborghini Gallardo. Two vehicles in London’s Metropolitan Police have been used since 2005 and 2006 as publicity, provided by Lamborghini. Often referred to as the Yellow Gallardos they bear the yellow and blue markings and are fitted with a small light bar. They are not however, used as part of the department’s regular cruiser force.

8. There’s not much that can be said about the Mini Cooper version of a police car, other that their power plant and sturdy frame can take them many places that traditionally sized police cars can’t go.

7. For luxury, the Lexus IS Humberside features a 5 Liter V-8 with a top speed of 168 miles per hour, although it could be faster except for the electronic governor limits. The extra communications equipment and computers in the vehicle has not slowed it down any and aids officers in their pursuit of the ne’er do wells.

6. Not many crooks can take their eyes off a Porsche Carrera S, especially when it’s flashing red and blue lights in their rear view mirror. This cruiser was used in Germany to attempt to promote car safety as well as some of the illegal methods car lovers use to outfit their vehicles.

5. With many car companies developing show vehicles, putting together police cars, Ferrari wasn’t left out of the loop with its 612 Scaglietti HGTS. The special cruiser, housing the V-12 four-seat vehicle was part of its 60^th anniversary parade through the United Kingdom.

4. When Sussex police get together with young drivers and talk about road safety, the youngsters pay more attention with the police show up in their Lotus Exige. Showing up in such as vehicle often gets the youngsters’ attention and allows the police to address road safety issues.

3. The Mitsubishi Evo-X Lancer offers more than just performance and power. Its image plays a strong part in disturbing crime on the Yorkshire streets in the United Kingdom. The sight of the vehicle is often enough to eliminate the need for a high-speed chase.

2. Only one U.S. vehicle, the Chevrolet Camaro is considered one the coolest police vehicles, but this one, built on a Camaro SS frame, a local car shop built this vehicle for the Haltom City, Texas department and has a muscle-car influence in the community.

1. The number one coolest police car is the 225-mile per hour V-12 housed in a Mercedes CLS Brabus Rocket. It was built for a safety campaign in Germany, but it still causes excitement when it is seen at motor shows around the world.

The Article is a contribution by John Smith; John has a passion for cars and technology, he often looks out for new and innovative technology. His great knowledge makes him an avid writer as well. Visit his site Aanbesteding politievoertuigen and politie aanbesteding.

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One of my favorite super cars would have to the Spyker C8 Aileron. It is just so different, with classic styling that takes cues from Spyker’s airplane history. While the previous C8 Laviolette was meant to evoke prop-driven planes, the C8 Aileron took inspiration from jet planes. Both are mid-engined, exquisitely-crafted and powered by Audi V-8 engines.

Spyker burst onto the mainstream news scene more than ever before by purchasing Saab. Spyker, which makes only around 30-50 cars per year, trying its hand running a volume brand like Saab? Many said it just wouldn’t work, and given the difficulties Saab has experienced so far it seems that has proven correct. Though there are some parallels between Saab and Spyker – both have aviation history and are undeniably quirky entries in the segments they compete in.

The deal with Saab was supposed to mean more of a presence in the United States for Spyker, such as selling Spykers through Saab dealerships. Given financial problems, Chief Executive Officer Victor Mueller and team have focused on one thing: Saab. Makes sense, but Spyker needs focused management – it has potential. North Street Capital, LP of Connecticut seems to agree, as The Financial Times reports the private equity group has purchased Spyker. The sale should provide a bit of cash for Saab, although likely not a very large amount. Details about the sale have yet to be released.

Previously to working out this deal with North Street Capital, Saab was looking to sell Spyker to CPP Holdings, which is owned by billionaire Russian investor Vladamir Antanov. Talks with CPP fell through. CPP was looking to produce Spykers at a former Jaguar plant in Coventry, England. Instead, Antanov is funding production of the new Jensen Interceptor GT, which will take place at the Conventry plant. Apparently Antanov is very keen on getting in the automobile business. We don’t blame him; if we had that kind of cash to throw around we would too. Anyhow, this means the C8 Aileron is going to stick around, at least for a while. We’re really excited about that. So much so we’ve made a gallery showing some of our favorite shots of the little-known Dutch beauty. Enjoy!

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Once a proud industrial authority in Sweden, automobile company Saab has went into a downward spiral of fortunes since separating from General Motors. A premium auto brand idolized for their inventive aircraft-inspired styling, Saab took the deepest tumble in a very tough 2011 calendar year. Filing what Saab Automobile details as a voluntary reorganization (effectively a bankruptcy), the car company filed this latest chapter of financial hardship in a Swedish district court.

Recapping the pains of Saab Automobile, the past two years reflects a car business that developed a thick layer of rust. Firstly, Saab went through an arduous sale process in 2009 as General Motors attempted to offload certain niche brands. Spyker Cars came forward to buy the Saab brand after fellow Swedish sports car builder Koenigsegg pulled out during the final stages of take over. Since resting under the Spyker Cars umbrella, rains of financial instability have continued to drench Saab.

The second stage of Saab’s struggles came in April after production at the Saab Automobiles’ Trollhattan facility ceased due to cash flow problems. Production at the Swedish plant has been sporadic through to the end of August. A third and final issue, Saab Automobiles have been posting horrific financial numbers overall. Announced at the beginning of this month, Saab recorded an operating loss of 201.5 million euros (over 280 million dollars US).

Facing difficulty paying part suppliers and the carmaker’s employees, Saab Automobile worked to broker deals with Chinese automotive partners for increased funding. Deals that will grant Saab access to the pivotal market in China, Pang Da Lotus Automobile Group and Zhejiang Youngman Passenger Car Group have signed agreements with the beleaguered Swedish automaker. Agreeing to buy into Saab’s parent Spyker Car for a collective investment of 245 million euros (over 345 million dollars US), the deal will also provide Saab Automobile a short-term loan from the Swedish government. While the deal is signed, government approval is required for the partnership to be finalized.

Despite the bleak Saab Automobile is far from finished. Saab Automobile CEO and Chairman Victor Muller detailed the filing for government protection saying, “We have concluded that a voluntary reorganization process will provide us with the necessary time, protection and stabilization of the business, allowing salary payments to be made, short-term funding to be obtained and an orderly restart of production to be prepared.”. Muller commented that a formal presentation of the auto company’s restructuring plans would come in three weeks. “I realize that we have severely tested their patience, but it has been heartening to see that in general, our employees, dealers, suppliers and other stakeholders have stood by us through this tough period. I look forward to continuing these relationships and collectively start building a brighter future for Saab Automobile.” Muller concluded in the company’s press statement stating optimism of an estimated 11,000 orders Saab seeks to fulfill.

The motion for creditor protection does not apply to the North American operations for Saab or global ventures outside of Sweden. Reacting to the Saab Automobile’s restructuring, the United States website affirmed, “Our intention at Saab Cars North America is to continue to support our customers with premium customer service well into the future.”

As Saab Automobile works on finding its way out of their financial quagmire, the car company efforts will be monitored by loyal fan base for the Swedish brand.

Information source: Saab Automobile, Saab Cars North America

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As documented in publications such as Automoblog.net, the Swedish automaker Saab’s newly gained autonomy from General Motors has netted some serious growing pains under Spyker ownership. While trumpeting their future brand development with a new 9-3 and the 9-4x, most recent headlines have reported the halting of vehicle production at the Saab Trollhattan plant. Bad news was compounded by recent financial results by Saab’s parent company. Announcing results for the first quarter of 2011, Spyker Cars recorded a loss the equivalent to 118 million dollars US. Delivering some much-needed aid, two parties have provided the financial assistance needed for the Swedish automaker.

Spyker Cars announced they are selling 29.7% of their business to Hawtai Motor Group Company Limited in exchange for a 120 million Euro (approximately 178.3 million dollars US) investment into Saab. A Chinese-based auto company, Hawtai Motor Group was formed in 2000 just as the car market was beginning to explode in China. Building sport utility vehicles, Hawtai was recently connected in a successful yet short-lived joint venture with South Korean automaker Hyundai. In turn, Hawtai will gain access to Saab and Spyker’s international market as well as a distribution partner in China. Being seen as the rescuer of Saab, this has not been the first time Hawtai has been attached to a struggling auto company. In 2009, the Chinese vehicle manufacturer was mentioned as a possible stakeholder in the injured Chrysler Group.

Apart from the new automobile partnership, Spyker has also secured a separate deal acquiring 30 million Euro (just under 44.6 million US) loan from Gemini Investment Fund Limited. This short-term money will allow Saab Automobile AB to restart production within a week. A bit of complicated agreement, the financing from Gemini is described as a convertible loan that will translate into the lender receiving Spyker stock at a current fair market value of 4.88 Euros per share.

Both the Gemini and Hawtai deals effectively allow Saab to overcome another proverbial bump in the road. Sharing with many automotive observers the recent hiccups of the Swedish auto company, CEO of Spyker Victor Muller was up front with overcoming difficulties. “I would like to apologize to our dedicated employees, suppliers, dealers and customers for the disruptions of the past weeks. We will do everything in our power to restore the confidence in our company as soon as practically possible.” Muller said.

Fighting to bring profitability to an auto company which has recently been limited even by their own potential, Saab Automobile AB hopes to build on the optimism shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show for the premiere of the new Saab 9-3 and PhoeniX concept car. United Staes sales results for Saab are also showing encouragement after a tough year for the brand. For April 2011, Saab Car North America sold 696 vehicles netting a 227 percent improvement over 2010. Better yet, United States sales through the first 4 months of 2011 is measured at just under 700 percent better than last year. Globally, a sales increase of over 400 percent is recorded by Spyker Cars.

Information source: Automotive News, Saab Automobile AB
Photo source: Chris Nagy

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At the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show’s media day, Saab ‘s executive director of North American sales John Anderson spoke with great enthusiasm on the upcoming Saab 9-3. While not revealing any teaser images (jokingly saying he would likely be fired), Anderson did admit to seeing the 9-3 ahead of Geneva during the festivities at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. As the Saab executive director of North American sales describes the 2012 model year 9-3 as a strong representation for Saab’s identity, the 2011 Geneva Motor Show premieres this awaited motoring creation.

Being made available as a sedan, SportCombi, Convertible and 9-3X model, he 2012 Saab 9-3 trim levels choices will include a top-end Aero. Showcasing a revised front end featuring the “ice block” headlight housing incorporating a blue-green hue first shown on the new 9-5, fog lights are standard on all models of the Saab 9-3. Along the new front end treatment, the new 9-3 receives a grander front grille. On Aero models of the Saab 9-3, distinguishing details such as a mesh grille insert and chrome fog lamp surroundings while riding on special 17-inch wheels. Providing an interesting addition, 2012 Saab 9-3 will be accompanied by ‘Griffin’ badging underneath the side turn signals. Using the mythical being within Saab’s corporate emblem for a long time, the use ‘Griffin’ name plates on the 9-3 comes as Saab appears to be deempathizing their crest for the simple ‘SAAB’ badge. Griffin also charges the new Saab 9-3 with the auto company’s aircraft origin.

Given a styling refresh inside the 9-3 cabin, the new Saab interior continues to cater to aircraft cockpit-themed ergonomics and materials. A healthy dose of titanium metallic trim is tastefully applied on the dashboard panel, door panels and glove box. Leatherette upholstery is standard on base models while the Saab 9-3 Aero adds ribbed leather sports seats. Aero-trimmed models of the 2012 Saab 9-3 also features the use of graphite-fiber effects.

As many premium brands stride to challenge the BMW 3-Series as the industry benchmark, the new Saab 9-3 will be given an unique advantage to compete with this Bavarian auto giant. Influenced by the notion “if you can’t beat them, join them.”, Saab wasted little time in exploring non-General Motors automotive partnerships by brokering a deal for BMW technology. Said to be providing a turbocharged, 1.6 liter inline-4 engine earlier in literature, it appears the 2012 Saab 9-3 will be propelled by BMW’s new 2-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged powerplant. Adopted to specific standards for the Swedish automobiles, this new Saab 9-3 engine is rated to 163 and 220 horsepower depending on the model. Featuring a 4% gain in fuel economy, the new Saab 9-3 direct-injected gasoline engine will emit fewer C02 emissions than the previous model. European-marketed 2012 Saab 9-3 models will also receive a 1.9 liter twin-turbocharged diesel powerplants offered in output ranges of 130, 160 and 180 horsepower.

Other features available on the 2012 Saab 9-3 includes brand-new custom 17-inch and 18-inch wheels as well as the optional traction of the company’s XWD all-wheel drive system. The 2-liter gasoline powerplant can be mated with the 9-3 XWD models. The ability to burn E85 fuel will also be equipped on the gasoline Saab 9-3 variants.

Proving as resilient as the Scandinavian spirit during within the harsh cold of European winters, Saab Automobiles 2012 lineup will relish a completely refreshed vehicle lineup just over a year following the company’s restructuring under Spyker Cars. At the Toronto car show press conference, John Anderson proudly boasted how the Saab 9-5 (newly introduced for the 2011 model year) will be the oldest vehicle in the reinvented Swedish brand.

Information and photo source: Saab Automobiles

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So the exotic ride of your dreams is unlikely to be awaiting you in the new year? The ultra-elite stimulant of a six or even now seven-digit automobile is untouchable for many motorist taste buds to ever comprehend. While those in the possession of an extravagant automobile needs little assistance in advertising their status, automakers routinely license their brands to merchandisers in order to supply customers seeking an extension to their beloved premium vehicle.

Diecast, pens and clothing are common examples of lifestyle items with more tailored items such as jewelry or high-quality leather jackets available. Existing as the peak of automotive licensing, timepieces are a leading accessory that often mirrors the luxury and exoticness of its four wheel counterpart. From some of the most lavish car builders, a multitude of wrist watches can be found all by itself on the luxury scale.

Aston Martin and Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 Transponder Watches

Price: $24,400

With Aston Martin being so closely linked fiction superspy James Bond, it would only be appropriate for their official timekeeping piece incorporates some truly unique features. Being associated with the British luxury sports car builder, the high-quality mechanical watch offers keyless entry controls. Able to lock and unlock doors by a push of a watch button, the AMVOX2 Transponder watch is catered to the DBS, DB9 and the Rapide models. Each vehicle features an unique-looking Jaeger-Coultre AMVOX2 Transponder watch created with rich materials and visible movement.

Spyker Timepieces

Price: $9,750 to $30,500

Until recently, Spyker Cars has been one of the lesser known supercar producers in the world. Thanks to the high-profile acquisition of Saab, the Spyker name is starting to register as a noted figure within the auto industry. Gaining in reputation, Spyker has partnered with Thierry Chaunu of Expression D’Artistes International S.A to create some ultra-exclusive wrist watches to reflect their desired profile. Limited to a run of 1,000 examples each, a polished steel and a matt black titanium watch goes to extended lengths in duplicating the dash gauges of their C8 and C12 Supercar. Spyker Timepieces also sells a 18k Gold and Rose Gold finish model at a most premium price and in very limited release of 250 a piece.

Infiniti Bell and Ross BR03-92 Instrument Phantom Watch

Price: £2,809.97 ($4,331.35)

Designed with an ultra-modern look, a rare 100 examples of the Infiniti Bell and Ross BR03-92 Instrument Phantom watch went on sale June 1, 2010 in Europe. A black carbon powder finish coating the 42mm casing of the BR03-92 watch has drawn influence from the Limited Edition trim of the Infiniti FX crossover vehicle’s exterior. Each BR03-02 Instrument Phantom watch is individually-numbered.

Ferrari Lap Time Chronograph

Price: $525.36

Italian sports car builder Ferrari has always possessed a knack for stirring passion within their legion of fans. Benefiting form the wide population of Ferrari followers who own or want to own one of their superior supercars, merchandising the iconic badge has promoted a highly-visible presence. Among the collection of approved items is the Ferrari Lap Time Chronograph timepiece. Within the combined analog/digital face, a choice of three colours frames the printed numbers from digital display. Black and yellow will likely play a backseat to red for many true Ferrari fans. Functions for the Ferrari Lap Time Chronograph includes a timer, alarm and three time zone listing.

Breitling for Bentley GMT British Racing Chronograph

Price: Est. £7,500 ($11,560.66)

The Breitling for Bentley GMT British Racing Chronograph is created as a commemoration of the new Continental GT fittingly in a rare, unique sport-style. Encased in steel construction, this specific limited edition timepiece’s analog display is framed with British Racing Green and 38 jewels. Worn with either a black or British Racing Green wrist band, the Breitling for Bentley GMT British Racing Chronograph relates faithfully the high-class engineering that Bentley places in their famed vehicles. Featuring COSC certified Brietling Calibre 47B movement, this self-winding wrist watch features the simple large face with 3 totalizers indicating 6-hour, 15-minute and 30-second times. With only 1,000 examples of this Brietling for Bentley timepiece set to be issued worldwide, pure luxury will be kept to a select few individuals.

Mercedes-Benz Tourneau Black Wrist Watch

Price: $170.00

Very guarded with the proper usage of their circular-framed tri-star badge, Mercedes-Benz does maintain a steady and assorted lineup of approved products. A stainless steel timepiece, the Mercedes-Benz official wrist watch produced by jewelry and fine accessory company Tourneau Black sports a simple, classic design. A single face is accented by small representation of the Mercedes-Benz logo. Survivable of up to 10 atmospheres of pressure, the Mercedes-Benz Tourneau Black watch is water resistant to 100 meters.

Tag Heuer SLR Automatic Chronograph

Price: Est. $3,000-4,500

While the finely-crafted watch from Tourneau Black is an excellent personal accessory to advertise fondness of the Stuttgart automaker, Mercedes-Benz is also associated with Swiss timepiece maker Tag Heuer. Made possible by Tag Heuer being a partnered with the McLaren Formula 1 and street car companies, the SLR Automatic Chronograph pays tribute to the now-discontinued Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar. An all-steel automatic chronograph, this watch has black, white and red details contained within the face shielded behind a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Instead of the typical circular counters, smaller dial semi-circular readouts resemble a vehicle’s dash panel.

Now, thanks to this recent listing of timepiece accessories relating to major premium automotive brands, I must apologize if I put the dream car a little further from your reality. However, there is always the promises for what riches the new year can bring.

Information and photo source: Mercedes Benz, Tag Heuer, Breitling for Bentley, Ferrari North America and Newspress UK

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Poor Saab has been through a lot over the past 20 years – and nothing could quite compare to the roller coaster it experienced leading up to and during the bankruptcy of General Motors.

It is clear the brand was mismanaged – we know that, and we also know the whole story of the unlikely purchase by Spyker. That deal united two quirky brands with an aircraft history in an attempt to do near the impossible – run an independent car company.

Saab is spending $150 million on a marketing campaign for the new 9-5, one that is ramping up right now. $150 million is a a lot of cash, and it should help put Saab on the map after being off of it for so long. I want the 9-5 to succeed (and Saab as a brand) because there needs to be a success story that shows people still want to be different, that the mid-sized automobile company isn’t dead. Yes, I know the 9-5 was developed under GM’s ownership. However, the new company is entirely responsible for the outcome – and the development of future products.

Industries often consolidate into two segments: exclusive and expensive or high-volume and low cost. Anywhere in the middle is often squeezed out.

Exclusivity is indeed a luxury. Why do you think the world’s wealthy spend hundreds of thousands, even millions, on coachbuilt vehicles? The entire coachbuilding model is predicated on being something different – whether taking a standard vehicle and making it into something special, or creating something new altogether.

The leading luxury brand in terms of sales in the United States is Lexus, with a total of 215,975 vehicles sold in 2009. That number is followed closely by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with 196,502 and 190,604 cars sold.

That’s a high volume of cars – those numbers have headed up over the years. Now, I like those brands just as much as the next guy. However, I’ve always admired being different from the crowd, the ones that stand out. That’s why independent companies in any industry that survive in a highly competitive marketplace have my respect. In the automotive sector, Saab has always been a brand for those who wanted to be a bit different.

The auto industry, like other industries, has consolidated to a large degree. GM is down to 4 brands, Ford has eliminated Mercury (not that they provided much difference from Ford in recent years) and smaller brands like Suzuki and Mitsubishi are struggling to survive. There was a time period of more diversity in the U.S auto market than now.

If Saab does well, it will be the only brand within reach of a normal customer to offer something different. Is Saab a poor mans car? Definitely not, but they have always had models in a price range attainable for middle and upper middle-class Americans, while offering something unique versus the mainstream.

The new Saab, owned by Spyker, says it only needs to sell around 120,000 cars globally per year to be profitable. With luxury brands crossing the million unit hurdle globally, that is a simply an amazing fact. For the United States, if we were to represent 25% of that total, that would be only 30,000 units per year spread across the Saab model lineup. That’s being pretty different to me.

After years of mistreatment, I really want Saab to succeed. They are the underdog, and a much loved brand by enthusiasts. Hopefully this can be a great comeback story – isn’t there 120,000 people out there in the world that will dare to be different?

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Saved from being the fourth General Motors-related brand to fold in just under a year, many know that Saab Automobile’s survival has been secured by Spyker Cars this past February. The next chore for the Swedish car make is to attract new customers to a brand which has fallen short of dazzling. Granting the common sense design employed by Saab is accepted as safe, the daring styling exercises of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus have allowed these company’s to take credit in reshaping 21st century luxury. Relying on GM architecture and the one-time rebadge of a Subaru, Saab’s ability to invoke driving passion his been impaired by the lack of individualism in metal. With Spyker now a partner the United States Saab showrooms can prepare for some added eye-candy.

In a decision which is concern to provide a mutual benefit, Spyker cars will be added to selected US dealerships selling Saabs. Selling 36 cars of their $200,000 plus cars in 2009, Spyker’s CEO Victor Muller plans to add 25 dealerships in the United States and 30 more through 2011 for a grand total of 90 American retailers.

The first Spyker to benefit from the increased sales spectrum will be the $214,990 C8 Aileron. A charming two-seater capable of speeds of 187 miles per hour, the Spyker C8 Aileron is entering an American marketplace with no shortage of six-digit supercar options.

An upcoming vehicle to trek stateside will be a production variation on the Spyker’s D8 Peking-to-Paris crossover concept unveiled more than 4 years ago. A sharp crossover vehicle following the theme of a BMW X6 or an Acura ZDX, the long-awaited project has been brought back to life with Spyker’s new access to Saab’s expertise.

With the Spyker lineup promising to remain as high-end niche product, Saab cars will remain an important factor in taking this automotive corporate entity into profitability. With a new 9-3 and 9-5 for 2010, Saab’s continuing technical partnership with GM should see a 9-4x arriving by the end of 2010.

Information Source: Automotive New, Saab, Spyker Cars
Photo Source: Spyker Cars

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This is just too cool of a move: The CEOs of the now united Saab and Spyker brands will be driving a 1957 Saab 93 in this years upcoming Mille Miglia historic race. Too bad Bob Lutz wasn’t at Chrysler, think of him paired with some random Agnelli scion in an Abarth 500 for the full 1000 miles.

Sure, there’s lots of solid marketing reasons behind this. It will certainly draw attention to the new merging/acquisition of Saab and Spyker. And that is good. It would have been a shame if, due to current economic conditions and GM’s bungling, Saab were to go the way of Studebaker. Despite their faults, Saab are OK cars, and they are better to have around then not. And Spyker, given their own quirks and such seemed like a great match to pick up Saab and continue the brand.

Not only does this save Saab, but it also, potentially, gives Spyker a good, solid economic base to draw from (e.g. sales of Saabs) so they can continue to build Dutch supercars.

Anyway, Spyker CEO Victor Muller and Saab CEO Jan Åke Jonsson will be driving in this year’s Mille Miglia road race, and they’ll be doing it in a 1957 Saab 93. And this specific 93 is a replica of the car that won the Finnish 1,000 Lakes Rally in 1957. Nice touch.

The vintage 93 replica features a 750cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine that has been tuned to Group 2 specifications and now cranks out 55 horsepower. I know, that doesn’t sound like much, but it’s 22 horsepower more than the standard car. And back in the late ’50s, a car this small and light producing that kind of power could be quite competitive. Just ask the competitors that got beat in that year’s 1,000 Lakes Rally. The reproduction racer should be good for hitting 62 miles-per-hour in 13 seconds and a top out at 93 mph.

Source: AutoBlog

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The great Yogi Berra is famous for saying, “It ain’t over till it’s over,” and boy does that apply to Saab. The Swedish car company beloved by rally types and car lovers of a certain bent has been saved from death, and this time it seems to be for real. Former corporate owners of Saab, General Motors, just announced the sale of the company to Spyker.

Spyker, for those of you who don’t know, were a Dutch auto and aero company from way, way back (something they share with Saab, ironically enough). They were recently reconstituted into something of a supercar maker/F1 team. They put out a rather Baroquely styled high performance car called the Aileron which was plenty fast, and sold for a pretty penny. They also had plans for some sort of “high performance” SUV (whatever the hell that might be), which, thankfully, fell by the wayside. Now Spyker has been able to pry Saab away from The General for what can only assumed to be a sum of cash (Kroners? Gilders? Just what IS Dutch money called? Ah, Guilder, that’s it.) which means that unlike Pontiac or Saturn, Saab will live on.

The agreement calls for Spyker to form a new company to be called Saab Spyker Automobiles. Naturally, the sale will be subject to the usual closing conditions like receipt of applicable regulatory, governmental and court approvals, but other terms and specifics of the sale were not disclosed at this time.

“Today’s announcement is great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM. General Motors, Spyker Cars, and the Swedish government worked very hard and creatively for a deal that would secure a sustainable future for this unique and iconic brand, and we’re all happy for the positive outcome,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances.

So phew!. Saab, and fans of quirky, yet sometimes fun cars have dodged a bullet. And in this economic day and age, that can be taken as a good thing.

Here’s GM’s presser:

2010-01-26

DETROIT – General Motors and Spyker Cars NV today confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile AB.

“Today’s announcement is great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances.

“General Motors, Spyker Cars, and the Swedish government worked very hard and creatively for a deal that would secure a sustainable future for this unique and iconic brand, and we’re all happy for the positive outcome,” Smith said.

As part of the agreement, Spyker intends to form a new company, Saab Spyker Automobiles, which will carry the Saab brand forward. The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory, governmental and court approvals. Other terms and conditions specific to the sale will be disclosed in due time.

The Swedish government is at present reviewing the transaction and the related request for guarantees of a Saab Automobile loan that has been requested from the European Investment Bank. Assuming quick action, the transaction is expected to close in mid-February, and previously announced wind down activities at Saab will be immediately suspended, pending the close of the transaction.

“Throughout the negotiations, GM has always had the hope to find a solution for Saab that would avoid a wind down of the brand,” added Nick Reilly, president, GM Europe. “We’ve worked with many parties over the past year, including governments and investors, and I’m very pleased that we could come to such a good conclusion, one that preserves jobs in Sweden and elsewhere. GM will continue to support Saab and Spyker on their way forward.”

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About General Motors: General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 204,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

Saab background: Saab entered the auto business in 1949 with the first model 92. Its aerodynamic shape and advanced technology drew from the company’s roots as an aircraft maker, and helped create what was to become a loyal and passionate customer base. GM acquired a 50 percent stake in Saab in 1990, and acquired the balance of Saab in 2000. As part of its strategy to focus on its four strongest brands in the U.S., GM began seeking a buyer for Saab in January 2009, a concerted effort that led to today’s announcement.

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Photo: GM

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Well, that’s it then: Saab is dead. Or at least it will be very dead soon. GM couldn’t make the numbers work with selling a brand they had no business buying in the first place, and seemingly had no idea how to run or market, and now a very good an innovative car company, that was also one of the people that put international rallying on the map, is dead.

Bad news.

The title of the General Motors press statement tells you more than you need to know: “Saab Sale Cannot Be Concluded”

What the hell does that even mean? Could you guys sound any more like a much of mealy-mouthed, corporate-speak soul-less dorks? Yeah, you probably could, but you couldn’t even gin up the energy for that, now could you?

And why? Really, honestly, why did Saab have to go this way? Sure, they were quirky, like having the ignition key down there between the seats. And yes, they did have some glaring reliability issues (transmissions, mainly, if not solely). But it’s not like being a little on the quirky side is a death sentence (Subaru is still here, right?) and reliability issues can be overcome. Or at least you think they could be overcome by somebody with the engineering might of GM… but no.

You can look at this as yet another sign that General Motors is a pathetic and lazy giant, and has been for some time. Yeah, they’ve been able to have great successes when all they had to do was manufacture cars that were more based on style and marketing and catchy advertising campaigns than any real substance.

When it came to tail fins on popular new colors or making bigger, more opulently well appointed SUVs, GM was always at the top of their game. But make them have to hit a fuel economy standard, or build a car that was smaller than Camaro, and they were out of their element entirely.

And that’s only in the cases of government regulation. Give them some real, free market competition from the likes of Toyota or Honda or, shoot, seemingly anyone else, and we know how that story ends.

The General had first tired to unload Saab to Koenigsegg last month, but that fell through. And then it seemed as if Spyker was going to be able pick up Saab (hey, Spyker is Dutch, that’s pretty close to Scandinavia), but, as GM puts it, “During the due diligence, certain issues arose that both parties believe could not be resolved.’

Details? None, up to this point … but you have to figure it’s either Spyker not having enough cash on hand, or GM asking for too much of it (or maybe both, if I want to continue speculating on a hypotheses)

“Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction could not be executed in a reasonable time. In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution. We regret that we were not able to complete this transaction with Spyker Cars. We will work closely with the Saab organization to wind down the business in an orderly and responsible manner. This is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation process. Consequently, we expect Saab to satisfy debts including supplier payments, and to wind down production and the distribution channel in an orderly manner while looking after our customers,” said GM Europe President Nick Reilly. “

Yeah, blah blah blah Nick.

Saab will continue to honor warranties, while providing service and spare parts to current Saab owners around the world.

Source: GM

Photo from Flickr user: saaby

Related posts:

1. Spyker & Saab CEOs To Run 57 Saab 93 In Mille Miglia
2. Koenigsegg Backs Out of Saab Deal
3. Saab’s Not Dead! Saab’s Not Dead! Saab’s Not Dead!

Why does Geneva get all the coolest cars? Check out the Spyker C12 Zagato that was recently unveiled at this years Geneva Auto Show. It will be produced in very limited numbers (only 24 will be made,) and it will set you back $648,000. Small price to pay for such exclusivity.

While not exactly beautiful, it certainly has a cool factor. The C12 Zagato carries a 6.0L W12 engine sourced from Volkswagen, and puts out 500 horsepower pushing the light 3,086 lb car from 0-60 in a mere 3.8 seconds. A supercharger can be added to give the rocket 650 horsepower. You’ll be able to pick yours up in March 2008.

Gallery after the jump…

Gallery:

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