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Saab filed for bankruptcy in Sweden on Monday after its former owner, General Motors, opposed a plan that could have bailed the company out. 

Saab developed severe cash flow problems almost immediately after GM sold it to a Dutch company, Spyker. Saab had to stop making cars this year while it sought new investors. 

The company found a buyer in China, but GM  said no to the deal.   

Selling the company triggered contract clauses that required GM to sign off on transfers of technology used in many Saab vehicles.

A GM spokesman said the company didn't want to lose control of its technology and allow Saab to become a competitor's shortcut into the thriving auto industry in China.

AutoPacific analyst Dave Sullivan says there's now little hope the quirky little brand can be saved.  

"[Saab] was a vehicle that could easily be seen on the road as a Saab," says Sullivan. "It could never be mistaken for anything else, and I think we’re losing an iconic design."

Saab sold only a few thousand cars in the U.S. last year.

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) - AAA Michigan says gasoline prices are down about 13 cents per gallon during the past week to a statewide average of $3.20.

The auto club says Monday the average is about 20 cents per gallon higher than last year at this time.

Of the cities it surveys, AAA Michigan says the cheapest price for self-serve unleaded fuel is in the Saginaw and Bay City areas, where it's $3.10 a gallon. The highest average can be found in the Marquette area at $3.30.

Dearborn-based AAA Michigan surveys 2,800 Michigan gas stations daily.