Saab has moved to reassure fleet operators that it is business as usual despite the manufacturer filing for bankruptcy protection.

It has filed for reorganisation under Swedish law – essentially giving it time to work out a business plan to ensure its survival. The process also protects Saab from immediate bankruptcy proceedings.

The move comes after parent company GM effectively washed its hands of the business after the Swedish government signalled it would not provide state aid.

A spokesman for Saab in the UK said: “For the time being it is business as usual. In a few days’ time we will know who the Swedish court has appointed to build the business plan, and then there is up to three weeks to submit that plan.

“Saab will continue to operate as usual and the reorganisation should have no impact on other GM operations.”

Saab in the UK comes under the GM UK Fleet umbrella, sold alongside the Vauxhall, Hummer, Chevrolet and Cadillac brands.