Turkey Buys Rights to Saab 9-3 for Domestic Car

9 years, 2 months ago - 21 October 2015, Autoblog

Just in time for Halloween, a Saab is rising from the dead. National Electric Vehicle Sweden, which controls the Swedish automaker, is selling the intellectual property rights for the second-generation 9-3 to the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK). This government-supported agency intends to turn the sedan into the "Turkish National Car," according to NEVS.

Using the aging 9-3 as a backbone, Turkey intends to strengthen the nation's auto industry by producing an extended-range electric vehicle by 2020, Daily Sabah reports. The goal is for 85-90% of the components to come from the country. "From design to production, Turkey will be the center for all parts and processes regarding the first domestically produced car," Interim Science, Industry and Technology Minister Fikri I??k said to Daily Sabah.

TÜBITAK considered developing its own vehicle from scratch but calculated at least $1 billion in costs. Without going into specific detail, I??k said that buying the rights to the existing Saab turned out to be a better option. Despite having sold the 9-3 IP, NEVS is signing on to help with a business plan and to create the necessary supply and distribution chains for the EV.

NEVS previously tried to revive the 9-3 itself by briefly continuing production and attempting to launch an electric version. Earlier this year, it partnered with Dongfeng to develop green vehicles. The company has been beset with financial problems, embroiled in a seemingly interminable post-bankruptcy reorganization progress.