DETROIT — Hopes to keep Swedish car company Saab alive flickered Thursday as Dutch exotic automaker Spyker Cars made another bid to buy the troubled brand from General Motors, but a person briefed on the dealings said GM remains skeptical that Saab can be saved.

Spyker confirmed in a statement issued Thursday evening that it made the last-minute offer, which came a day after GM's interim CEO, Ed Whitacre Jr., said he was not optimistic about Saab's survival and the Detroit automaker would begin closing factories later in the week.

"We believe the Saab brand has lots of potential and would be keen to close a deal as quickly as possible," Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker, said in the statement.

The statement gave no financial details of the bid, but said Spyker has had a "constructive dialogue" with GM.

GM will review the Spyker bid, and potentially one from another suitor, as well as talk with the Swedish government about possible financing. But it will proceed with phasing out Saab, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are private.

A final decision could come early next week, the person said.

GM, according to the person, questions whether Spyker has the expertise to run Saab. GM likely would have to continue producing vehicles for a new buyer and would essentially be a partner with the company.

Saab's board, which is controlled by GM, is expected today to begin legal steps to liquidate the company, the person said.

Whitacre said Wednesday he is not confident a deal can be reached. "It's real easy. Just show up with the money and you can have it," he said. "Nobody's come with the money, so were in the wind down deal here."