The sale of Saab has been called off by would-be buyer Koenigsegg which said it could no longer carry out the acquisition.

General Motors, Saab’s owner, said it was “very disappointed” by the decision of the Swedish sports carmaker.

The two sides had announced a preliminary agreement over the sale of loss-making Saab in June.

“Given the sudden change in direction, we will take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week,” said GM president and chief executive Fritz Henderson.