Saab sells technology to Beijing Auto to keep doors open

Beijing Automobile Industry Holdings (BAIC) has recently announced that it has agreed to purchase technology and various assets from Saab Automobile, which could help used Saab models in New Jersey garner additional interest.

Officials at BAIC said that they plan to purchase all the rights to the 9-5 sedan as well as some of the technology from the 9-3, according to AutoWeek.com.

“This arrangement is excellent for both parties, now and for the future,” said Saab managing director Jan Ake Jonsson. “We have developed a good relationship with BAIC and look forward to working with them to integrate this Saab technology into their future vehicles.”

The deal will allow the General Motors-owned automaker to stay afloat while it looks for a buyer for the entire Saab brand, something GM hopes to accomplish by the end of the year.

Sweden’s Koenigsegg Automotive backed out of a deal to buy Saab in November. The Dutch sports car maker Spyker is now said to be the front-runner to purchase the Swedish automobile company.

Sources close to the negotiations said that the technology sale to BAIC will help make Saab financially viable for the near future, but will not hinder a deal with another company, according to the Associated Press.

With technology trading hands overseas, used Saab models in New Jersey could start attracting more attention.