Saab -- which hasn't built a car since April 6, owes a bunch to suppliers and couldn't pay its 3,700 workers a couple of weeks ago -- today announced three new models it will develop with its Chinese partner/part-owner.  Give Swedish Automobile, nee Spyker, CEO Victor Muller points for chutzpah!  Before the ink was dry on official approvals for its joint venture rescue by two Chinese companies, SA announced plans for a new, smaller Saab and two bigger ones -- models perhaps suited for China and its market for big, high-end cars with luxury rear seats where the owners ride.  SA's planned joint venture with China's Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile will design a small Saab called 9-1, and two big ones called 9-6 and 9-7, according to the Associated Press in Sweden.  A small Saab has been talked about for years, though speculation had been that it would be called 9-2 and be a Mini-like retro model recalling the classic 2-cylinder, 2-stroke Saab 92s from the 1950s (above).  "We will now be able to develop a small entry-level Saab, a car that has long been on the top of our wish list," said a statement from Muller.  Youngman will bring the cash, Saab will develop the cars. No time frame was given.  The car news followed the announcement that Saab had completed a previously announced $356 million deal to make Youngman and Chinese distributor Pang Da Automobile part owners of a combined 51% of Swedish Automobile. The deal still needs regulatory approvals in China and Europe.  Other developments in Saab's scramble for cash: It got approval today for its $40 million deal to sell and lease back its factory (post here) and it was able to pay workers, thanks to the $36 million, six month bridge loan it got last week (post here).  To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor  . For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to  . Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to
No kidding! Saab announces 3 new models - Drive On: A conversation about the cars and trucks we drive - USATODAY.com