Sweden obtained authorisation from the European Commission, on 8 February, to grant a state guarantee that will permit the automotive manufacturer Saab to access a loan from the European Investment Bank. The loan will co-finance Saab’s business plan in the light of its sale by General Motors to Spyker Cars N.V. of the Netherlands. Under the business plan, Saab will use the EIB loan of €400 million for an investment project related to fuel efficiency and car safety, among other areas. Saab will pay a premium for the guarantee at a preferential rate, in accordance with the Commission’s temporary framework on state aid. The company will also provide the Swedish government with collateral covering the full guaranteed amount in the event the state has to pay out any money under the guarantee.