Trademark rights delay negotiations
Yesterday evening, Victor Jensen from Sverigesradio P4 Väst put a telephone interview with NEVS CEO Bergman online. To make it short: NEVS needs more time - again ...
The reason for the delay should be the unexplained trademark rights, Bergman said. According to information from Sverigesradio and blog, Mahindra is in negotiations with Saab AB, which does not comment.
Originally, at the end of December, Mahindra's Board of Directors was due to seal entry. Now, more than a month later, nothing has happened in this regard. Bergman, who is traveling somewhere in Asia, sounds little optimistic in the interview. The process takes more time, a date for a possible entry is no longer mentioned, possibly NEVS must ask the court for extension. Phase 2 of the procedure is already running on the 2. March off.
Specifically, 3 opens up possibilities:
- There is an agreement until March 2, which is currently unlikely.
- The administrator cancels the procedure early and declares the reconstruction to have failed.
- The court approved another three months, which would be possible under Swedish law.
However, the mood among suppliers is now tense, also because NEVS leaves the partners in the dark about the situation. Another extension requires the approval of most of the capital. The full-length interview is available to our Swedish readers P4 Väst ...
Question to the readers: who still seriously believes in a positive outcome of the negotiations by NEVS? At the end of the text you can vote, I'm curious!
What works - as positive news at the end - is the production of Saab spare parts. Union circles report a good employment situation for the 135 workers in the plant. They don't build new vehicles, but they do produce spare parts and body parts for the Orio AB for 1 million Saabs that are on the road. The production facilities are also being maintained for a new start. On this winter day it appears farther away than ever.
Will NEVS come to a positive conclusion?
- No never! (64% 371 Votes)
- Yes, in any case! (36% 212 Votes)
Total Voters: 583
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Sorry, but I can not quite understand all the excitement.
What is NEVS for a choice? The means to complete the vehicles are there. A small chance of selling exists. Why should not you do that? What's wrong with it? It also makes business sense! NEVS has been playing high, made mistakes and ultimately failed. It is legitimate to try to save what can be saved. An extension of the reconstruction, if granted, will initially cause less damage to suppliers and other creditors than a bankruptcy.
I can understand the hesitant behavior of Saab AB when it comes to trademark rights. The fact that negotiations are still going on is a good sign. Of course, Mahindra will not just write a blank check and immediately fulfill every wish of us. Anyone who thinks M&M would be the immediate savior who conjures new models out of the hat that are bursting with innovations. he suffers a little from a loss of reality. Visions are currently not helping anyone, they only arouse hopes that may later be disappointed. M&M will do what it thinks right - regardless of NEVS or anyone else.
I also cannot see a “dismantling” of the Saab brand. For all outsiders, Saab is already history. What is going on in Sweden and India at the moment is of no interest to anyone except a small fan base (i.e. us).
A little relaxation on all sides would not be bad, it can only get better anyway. Too much black-eye has not helped anyone yet.
In this sense, a saabiges weekend!
Hot off the press !! 06. 02.15 19.30 NEVS still wants to build 100 SAAB 93-SEDAN to END and SELL. MAN WANTS AN EXTENSION OF RECONSTRUCTION !! I can not think of anything more. SAAB AG SHOULD INCLUDE BRAND RIGHTS. GREETING FROM THE NORTH
Relax ... everything goes its way. I don't really think about that ...
Light in the tunnel would be better. You still have a little hope. How long is Tom?
No light at the end of the tunnel today. Saab is what's on the doorstep and what we make of it together. Enjoy your Saabs while you can. And keep at least one of them, because you would miss the mark. A life without Saab is possible, but not so much fun
SAAB AB and its military department do not currently need a car brand. They are not the scapegoat for me !!
They are good with the Jas 39.
The dismantling of our traditional brand is a tragedy.
The reconstruction is only halting. Of our 5 SAAB, 3 still remains. 2016 / 17 disembark and then it's time to look for an alternative. Too bad, but the world keeps turning. Supplier / SAAB dealer and also the customer are held back without future / visions. There is no spare parts supply for the old proud fleet. Just sad. Thank you for your words Peter !! I see a lot in the same way. You do not need daydreams anymore. Greetings from the north
Good Nevs
I want one!
I just hope that NEVS with the constant delays does not piss off the suppliers or exhaust them and thus seal SAAB's final end. 🙁 ...
I know that Tom doesn't want to write a business blog. But if you look at the number of comments on articles on this topic, you can see that it is unfortunately still THE TOPIC. Of course, I enjoy my 9-3SC, but if I want to buy a car in the future, I won't get anything new from Saab as it stands. But if a new car, then please really new, and not a used Saab, because I already have one. For me, Saab stands for independence, quality and above all for innovation. The last innovations we were allowed to experience from Saab was with the introduction of the 9-5NG. That was a good 6 years ago. With other manufacturers this is a whole model cycle. That is why it is very important to me to find out more about a possible Saab future, because if this future does not exist, there will be no Saab passion for me in the future either because there will be no Saab on my farm in the foreseeable future . As a young and old timer, Saab will certainly be an issue for a long time to come, but at least until now this rusty hobby is still too money, time and space consuming for me. Therefore, I would ask Tom to overcome himself and maybe write a little more and in more detail about the topic of “possible Saab future”. For example, Tom probably knows more about the conditions set by Saab AB, which would certainly be worth an article. This is not a criticism of the blog, it would just be a wish of mine. But I also know that this game “make a wish” would work if I were to drive a Saab 9-3 NG from 2014 today.
I am convinced that Tom knows more than he CAN write here on the blog ... ;-)))
Of course, if you write a decent blog for years, you always have a bit more information. But who is it to help put online?
I think it is more beneficial to the brand and potential buyers if we leave the rumor mill cold. Let's just wait, at some point a statement will come from Stockholm or THN.
Quote from Detlef Rudolf:
"The people of SAAB AB are apparently overwhelmed and most likely choke off the car division (at least with the SAAB emblem) in Trollhättan!"
Apparently this excessive demand has lasted for a good 20 years ... (The sale on the GM was the first "misjudgment" ...)
Can armament managers think about automobiles ???
Lies here, in the management of SAAB AB, maybe the basic problem ??
Now that the 3rd wrong decision has been bogged down, negotiations are “tough”. It would not be the first time that an "operating division" of a large plant is closed ... .: then only aircraft!
I cannot judge the financial background of Mahindra. However, as an investor, I would also have no “desire” to have the former owner (NEVS) at the table ...
The possibility of NEVS 'final bankruptcy opens up new opportunities for Mahindra or other competitors!
A hot “game” what is currently happening there in cold Sweden. running!
The last weeks on the blog I liked better!
SAAB is what users make of it!
Another idea: Mahindra takes over NEVS and the factory. renounces first naming rights, begins to produce cars under the name Mahindra and Saang Young. At the same time, new models are being developed and in 2-3 years, when everything is running smoothly, you're negotiating naming rights again. The name is only important for the image. I would rather buy a NEVS 9-3 that was built in Trollhättan as a SAAB coming from China. Just as a mind game on the subject of naming rights.
I agree with Tom. Better to set the conditions now harder than ever before, than once again such bankruptcies.
At the moment we are not interested in anything with Saab except us fans. Saab is no longer available to everyone else.
So rather thoroughly and hopefully right now.
I am still optimistic. Never before have I picked up my many Saab books, brochures and folders with all the publications since 1994 or admired my showcase with models and souvenirs from Saab.
Let's keep it up, all others will hopefully be surprised and above all, of course, we, the one we keep to the pole.
+++ - I totally agree with that.
Me too, agree with what 9.3Wolfgang writes.
My posting is especially interesting to Detlef Rudolf:
I think the SAAB AB is just doing us Saab supporters a big favor. It is completely understandable that they set the standards so high. It has to be said quite clearly that the requirements for a large (serious) investor are not too high, but more than feasible! It's just not good for anyone to sell the Saab brand below value again ...
Incidentally, that will be exactly the point why Mahindra does not strike with conviction and the negotiations drag on. To pump several billions (do you have them at all?) Into a business model in which you will not even be the sole owner in the end, then NEVS would remain. This is a very unsavory plan ...
NEVS is an annoying rat tail in every respect. Maybe Mahindra would like to deliberately drag out the negotiations ... so that NEVS loses more and more substance and thus position + influence. NEVS on board should definitely not be an option for an investor! My 2 cents ...
Mah Mahindra hesitates, because they know that without NEVS the contact to the Saab AB and the factory is possible after that?
This idea could be had. Because who needs NEVS, if you could come to the brand name in a different way? A game with some risk, but through out possible.
One should assume that Mahindra would also like to use the plant in Trollhättan - this is only possible if NEVS remains on board as previously thought or if NEVS slips into insolvency if the negotiations fail.
However, if the negotiations fail, bankruptcy is by no means certain - you may then stay afloat and get plan B:
Contract manufacturing for other manufacturers. Then Mahindra would have problems and there would be no SAAB production in Trollhättan.
I assume that the SAAB AB hesitates and as mentioned several times here in the blog, the hurdles much too high.
Everyone knows, and Bergman knows that, too, the value here lies in the name SAAB.
Without security that the name Saab is not released is nobody interested and I ask myself also if I am still interested in buying a new car with other name. As already said before; We maintain our current Saabs very well so that at least Orio can keep a good business and we can enjoy our great safe Saabs.
For me, the question of the savior in Asian egg circulation is simply no longer. With that balmy breeze on the back of your neck and a somehow bad blueprint of a 'new' Saab as a vision - just to sell 'new' cars - we should not keep looking at fans who know that Saab was never just about outward appearance , To give "our brand" fresh spirit in the sense of the old ideals, would be a partner like Apple, which is said to seek a collaboration with Tesla to wish - but no further experiments with copies of an inimitable original. Only fleeing forward into revolutionary electric cars can save the brand and old visions.
Support the criteria of SAAB AB for the granting of trademark rights without restriction.
Also I will not get involved in the next purchase on any Ascension Command more. It has to work with your neighbor. Either someone comes along who has a sufficiently long breath and understands something from the matter or we should bury the thing.
What NEVS does or does not do I do not care anymore. We have been busy with nothing for far too long.
The Saab AB has decided in principle already 3x unhappy. GM was second only because Ford did not want anymore. Spyker was the sheer panic, as NEVS has come to the right, I would not even interpret. For Saab AB it would be a nightmare, the next buyer after 2 or 3 years would stretch the wings. That's why high requirements are good, no more vehicles than a non-viable concept. I went through that with the blog on Spyker and now on NEVS. No one needs a repetition.
+1
Hi Tom,
somehow you can not compare Spyker and NEVS with Mahindra.
The SAAB AB probably lacks a bit of judgment: Spyker and NEVS got the green light, although nobody really understood that (they could have saved the theater of the last years) and Mahindra probably has a red light, though Here is the first serious investor on the mat.
The people of the SAAB AB are apparently overwhelmed and most likely choke off the car division (at least with SAAB emblem) in Trollhättan!
Of course: Spyker / NEVS cannot be compared with M&M. It's not the point either. Saab AB are, let's say, burned children. So you set the requirements very high, and higher than what we've had at Saab so far. I still think that's right, no matter what the consequences. Tata has easily invested € 5 billion in JLR, probably more. At Saab you have to expect similar investments, otherwise nothing will work.
I think 5 billion in investments in Jaguar / Land Rover is exaggerated and a marketing ploy by Tata-Motors (none of us can verify) - here the saying “do it halfway” is more likely to apply.
When it comes to SAAB, M&M will clearly see that large sums of money have to be spent - the group is consistently classified as a seriously managed company.
The armaments company SAAB AB shouldn't go too far, otherwise nothing works - at least not with the SAAB emblem. Then NEVS will probably pull Plan B out of its pocket and try to be a contract manufacturer - the plant would be blocked and SAAB-Automobiles would disappear from the scene. Thanks to SAAB AB.
I consider the order of magnitude of 5 billion to be entirely appropriate if it does not get even more. That depends on how many platforms, engines, etc. you plan with, and which developments have to be made, or where you can access corporate shelves. The Mahindra corporate shelf doesn't seem too tempting to me. When Spyker took over SAAB, GM stated a financial requirement of 3 billion ... and the further supply of engines and access to certain components were already priced in. Now, as a “single driver”, it is guaranteed not to decrease.
And who can not or will not do it, let it! I also like the attitude of SAAB AB!
Hey, let NEVS go broke, who holds the majority of SAAB? Anyone who understands Saab will also take over Saab and not only try to skim (as Nokia did) as long as there are Saab and Saab parts, I believe that it goes on
Take a look at what's on Saabsunited. To what extent rumor, I can not say. But according to what I read there, Saab AB only gives the naming right to somebody who assures financially to endure two generations of two product lines (ie, 9-3 and 9-5 size), regardless of whether they agree with the make first-generation profit or not.
That's damn high demands. If things go bad, the investor must be willing, right? To put 4 billion euros in the sand? With the Phoenix module system, only 3 will be available.
What stands on SU meets the truth only in the approach. The requirements are higher.
I am not aware that investors have to give assurances for such long periods of time in the case of company takeovers as is allegedly required here by the arms company SAAB AB - this would be completely exaggerated and unrealistic.
Nobody can make firm commitments for these long periods of time. If this were to happen anyway, it would have to be treated with caution - far too often, investors have already made commitments for shorter periods of time which, however, could not be kept for various reasons.
There will hardly be any new automobiles with the SAAB emblem - other investors will probably not lean that far out of the window for the name SAAB.
Also annoying for people looking for work in the Trollhättan region - if everything was correct as it is now, the armaments company SAAB AB would have clearly set the hurdles too high!
@thylmuc
If this is true, that would be very high requirements. After all the theatrical performances I find this demand good and suitable. Also from the perspective of trust in a new company. I doubt, however, that someone gets involved.
I think that's great! I hope they do not move away from fingers!
It's really funny that they do this at an actually solvent company like Mahindra and did not ask for NEVS '"Fantasy Project" at the time. I think it should actually be the other way around.
Hope dies last. But my mind does not believe in a new edition that can go back to the old.
Internally I have concluded with this topic, but also like to be pleasantly surprised. Maybe someday.
Take your folding spade from home on 4 June, so we can bury the 5 letters on 4Juni !! I already have one in the trunk !!!
Hi all,
So I voted “yes”, in the hope that there will be a new owner soon and please no longer be Chinese!
These, as it has proven true, but understand this beautiful brand anyway not synonymous dealing with the dealers and the fans!
Hope that there will be spare parts for the SAAB'S for a long time and that we can drive the parts for a long time.
With that in mind, rock'n roll and have a good trip! 🙂
Best regards Alex
I think we all want “only” one thing! And that it goes on! But isn't it getting crazy to believe in it ?! In the meantime, I no longer read this blog because of the news from Trollhättan, in my opinion nothing more is to be expected here, but because of the liveliness of the community! Special praise to you Tom, for your tenacity and ingenuity, but also to the many readers who write and post here, you are great! Thanks!!
Who is it that has not reached a contract yet?
The cause could be based on the behavior of SAAB AB as well as on the behavior of Mahindra. If you have the previous behavior of Mahindra in the failed purchase attempts of Jaguar and Aston Martin in mind, I'll go to Mahindra as the cause.
Maybe NEVS should quickly look for other investors and not only stare at the Indians.
However, if the SAAB AB has overstepped the hurdles, it would not be a bad idea to go into it again!
The whole thing is slowly reminiscent of the “theater performances” by VM.
Could imagine that NEVS insolvency must register and
then a new investor (possibly Mahindra) alone with SAAB AB
negotiated.
I'm still optimistic that one day there will be new SAAB's
is the name SAAB and the fan base is great!
I find it interesting (provided there is a new investor)
following question…
1. Does the possible new investor have a financially strong breath?
2. Does the potential new investor understand the SAAB brand?
3. Does the potential investor understand marketing?
What NEVS will probably still cost the head is their communication policy ... not possible!
Well, if you do not get results, there is not much to report. To go public every week and say that you are unable to end the negotiations would not be very uplifting either. A pity, that's a shame!
If you look back, then these negotiations may have been going on for almost a year now. First, NEVS wanted the whole thing in the summer 2014 completed. Then there was a 2 to 3 months message that it takes a little longer, contrary to expectations. I wonder what can happen that can not be negotiated and resolved within a year? Before Christmas one had the impression that finally the final straight was reached and one could still hope for a good outcome. As you know, hope dies last. But I do not think there will be any delay if there is no agreement this month.
I've been hoping for the best all this time, but it's taking way to long and the damage inflicted to the brand is huge by now. Please, hurry up, do it now, no more delays.
I think it's right that Saab AB checks. But on the other hand I am surprised that an investment plan that has been worked on for x years is still not convincing. I think if SAAB AB had been shown a workable concept, the negotiations would have come to a conclusion. But apparently this is still missing …… .. Sad. Maybe someone has one and we are crowdfunding. We're talking about Saab, unusual concepts. Why not with the financing? The following plan:
- With the money raised, the Saab Community builds THE Saab and
this will then be presented to Saab AB. Then the concept starts
Mahindra sold.
If Saab AB only sees a finished product, then the negotiations will be easier
Revolutionary thoughts. Great, if you leave out the reality ...
What happens if the negotiations are better?
The process is declared failed, the administrator notes that there is no chance of success. NEVS goes into bankruptcy without delay. That could be, does not have to be. Moreover, this does not have to be the end of the factory and the brand, the path for a new owner may be free, but there is a high risk behind this scenario.
You can't vote like that. This only works if you explain vom Bog what is meant by a “positive conclusion”. There are many opportunities for a “positive” degree.
A postive degree, as NEVS strives for. So, from the point of view of NEVS, where a new majority owner joins in, NEVS retains a minority stake and the Saab brand continues.
I do not understand anything anymore…
In any case, we can / must maintain our Saabs well.
You have to believe in a good outcome. It's the last chance for Saab and us. Nevertheless, I am not optimistic. At some point, Mahindra will no longer feel like negotiating for ever. Somehow, both are true.