If Saab goes bankcrupt

[tolppa]

... there will be an empty factory in Sweden ready for mass producing Tesla Model S for european markets.

 

[MikeBoxwell]

The Saab factory would not be suitable for producing the Tesla model 'S'. The Saab factory is set up for building Saab vehicles and everything - from the BIW assembly process onwards would need to be replaced for production of a car like the model 'S'.

If Saab does go bankrupt, the likelihood is that a Chinese manufacturer will buy the production equipment and lift and shift it to China. At that point you have an empty building, and they're everywhere.

There is plenty of production facilities across Europe that would be suitable for Tesla model 'S' production. The Matra or Pininfarina facilities woud make a much better match for Tesla.

 

[ChrisC]

Very interesting, thanks Michael.

Enjoyed your iMiEV report on the evcast podcast recently.

 

[tolppa]

I was not talking about buying an empty building.

 

[AnOutsider]

I was not talking about buying an empty building.

I don't think Michael thought you were. his post makes sense.

 

[david_42]

Changing any auto factory to produce a new model is basically a rip-out and replace process. Going from a Saab to the Model S would probably require stripping the plant to the walls and building from scratch.

 

[jimbayne]

I hope they don't go bankrupt! My 2 cars are a 9-3 and 9-7x.....

Hope to replace the 9-3 with a Model S but it will keep me happy for 2 years. :smile:

Jim
Saabs United for all the drama...

 

[TEG]

Saab 9-3 ePower
http://www.gizmag.com/saab-9-3-epower-all-electric-vehicle/16412/

 

[tdelta1000]

I think it would be too costly for Tesla Motors. Let's re-examine this in seven years after TM has had time to sale both or maybe all three product offerings.