Big Three Worse Than Somali Pirates

Big Three bankruptcy would disrupt supply chain, further sour US economy

(NEWSER) - As Detroit’s Big Three await word on the fate of their much-needed bailout, an unlikely group of supporters has assembled in their corner: foreign automakers. A collapse of General Motors, Ford, or Chrysler would devastate overseas manufacturers as well, CNNMoney reports, spreading bankruptcy to suppliers around the globe and forcing dealer networks worldwide to replace failed brands. More»

Including a breakdown of the industry's ridiculous demands

(NEWSER) - The Big Three, their creditors, the unions, and Congress are locked in “a standoff worthy of a spaghetti western,” writes Steven Pearlstein in the Washington Post. “But none really wants to pull the trigger.” In the end, there’s little doubt Congress will step in, but lawmakers know they must get concessions from all parties first. Do the Big Three’s latest proposals fit the bill? Here’s how they break down: More»

CEOs of America's automakers will renew plea for bailout today

(NEWSER) - The Big Three CEOs are heading back to Washington this week, and this time two of them will be driving, the Wall Street Journal reports—Alan Mulally in a Ford Escape hybrid, and Rick Wagoner in a Chevrolet Malibu hybrid. The CEOs will attempt Thursday to persuade Congress to extend them $25 billion in low-cost loans, based on reorganization plans to be submitted today. More»

(NEWSER) - President Bush rolled out a $17.4 billion emergency loan package for US automakers today, promising $13.4 billion in immediate short-term loans from the remaining TARP funds and an additional $4 billion available in February, MSNBC reports. But the clock is ticking, as the companies must show they are financially viable by the end of March, or they will be forced to repay the loans. More»

Talks on Thursday brought automakers nearer to bailout, sources say

(NEWSER) - In a round of talks running into the night, GM and Chrysler made headway in securing emergency loans from the federal government yesterday, Reuters reports; the package, expected as soon as this morning, would demand wholesale restructuring of the automakers, including more concessions from unions and creditors. The talks continued even as the White House said yesterday managed bankruptcies were an option for a "soft landing" for the Big Three, an option the companies have said repeatedly is not viable. More»