Saab: Too early to talk about cooperation with Volvo

Saab said on Thursday that it is too early to talk about any possible cooperation with Volvo Car Corp., extinguishing any speculation on the matter.  A Swedish newspaper had recently reported that Volvo had interest in cooperating with Saab to make soft-top convertibles.  The newspaper had cited Volvo spokesman Olle Axelson as a source, though he later said there were not talks, but Volvo is always open to such discussion with other manufacturers.

“Our priority No. 1 … is China operations right now,” Axelson said. “There are absolutely no discussions and have never been any discussions on the executive level at Volvo to cooperate around product development with Saab.”

Saab did acknowledge however that it was in talks with Volvo on logistics issues and parts delivery, but was unaware of talks reaching the Product level.  Both companies have recently been acquired by new owners and are looking at ways to boost sales and production efficiency.

-By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News