Yes indeed, the Saab saga isn’t over yet. General Motors is still deciding whether or not to sell Saab, although reports seem to think that a decision is near, and now GM is suggesting that they’re hopeful by beginning production of the upcoming 9-4X (Pictured in the spy shot above). Also, Ed Whitacre has become the CEO of General Motors.

According to Automotive News, 147 cars have been built so far at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. This is unexpected, as GM hasn’t confirmed whether or not the 9-4X will go into production, and they’re still continuing the Saab wind down. Reports suggest these cars will be test mules, although that does seem like quite a lot of test mules to me.

The car is based on the GM Theta chassis, and will compete with the likes of the Volvo XC60, although unlike the XC60, it is expected to have only 5 seats. It will get AWD.

In other General Motors news, Ed Whitacre, who took the temporary place of GM CEO when Fritz Henderson stepped down, has now been assigned official CEO. A short press conference was held concerning this, and tying back to the Saab saga, Whitacre said there that a deal hasn’t been reached on Saab yet, but GM will be making another announcement  tomorrow, and some believe this will be the decision on Saab. We’ll keep you updated on that.

Press Release

Ed Whitacre to Continue as GM CEO

• GM commits to paying back US and Canadian government loans by June

DETROIT – Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., has agreed to continue as chairman and CEO of General Motors, it was announced today.

Speaking at a press conference at GM’s headquarters, Whitacre also expressed the GM board’s commitment that the company will pay back in full the U.S. Treasury and the Canadian and Ontario government loans by June.

Whitacre’s appointment reflects GM’s progress since the new company was formed last summer.  “The board of directors asked if I would be willing to stay on at GM and help continue the company’s road back to success,” Whitacre said.  “Having spent the past few months learning the business, meeting with our employees, customers, suppliers and dealers, and working with the GM leadership team, I was both honored and pleased to accept this role.  This is a great company with an even greater future, and I want to be part of it.”

“We’ve made significant progress in the past couple of months, so much so that I can confirm with certainty that we will pay back in full the U.S. Treasury and Canadian and Ontario government loans by June,” Whitacre said.  “This represents a significant milestone in our journey back to being a profitable and viable company.”

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About General Motors: General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908.  With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 204,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries.  GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands:  Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling.  GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy.  GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.  General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation.  More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

Source: Autocar, GM Inside News via MotorAuthority, Jalopnik and General Motors | Picture: MotorAuthority