General Motors announced that it would focus its resources on 4 core brands and as such has decided to cease its SAAB operations in Canada effective December 31st, 2009. We understand that this news is a matter of concern for existing and future SAAB owners, so here's a response we received directly from GM Canada:

Earlier this week GM Canada advised SAAB retailers in Canada that GM Canada will no longer distribute SAAB automobiles in Canada.

Following is a brief summary of key points and our statement.

On August 14, 2009 General Motors entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with a consortium led by Koenigsegg Group AB for the purchase of SAAB Automobile AB.

The closing of the sale of SAAB Automobile AB is expected in the next months. SAAB and the Koenigsegg Group AB are currently in the process of formulating its global operations plan. Upon completion of that plan SAAB will share their intentions with respect to its future plans for the Canadian market.

As previously decided, GM Canada has made the difficult decision to no longer continue the distribution of SAAB automobiles in Canada. GM Canada and SAAB will work together to ensure existing SAAB customers in Canada obtain the level of service and care they have come to expect from existing SAAB retailers in Canada.

GM Canada Statement:

"GM Canada would like to thank the Penske and SAAB organizations for engaging in dialogue over the past several months. We will ensure that as GM Canada's Saturn and SAAB retailers cease operations, existing customers will have their immediate service, parts and warranty needs satisfied through an existing network of GM dealers across Canada."

This statement is well aligned with the current situation at GM. They have sold the Saturn and SAAB brands, and it is reasonable to expect them to stop the distribution sometime in the near future. They are obligated to provide the coverage for existing warranties, as well as the parts supply, which they will do through their remaining dealers. As for the new car sales coming January 1st, we will have to wait for a response from the new independent SAAB.

By the way, have you checked out the new 9-5 yet?