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Feds' Cash in Hand, GMAC Kicks Credit Into High Gear

Automaker offering new, low financing options for consumers

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2008 9:22 AM CST

(Newser) – Now that the Treasury Department has pumped $6 billion into GMAC, its lending arm, GM, along with its dealers, is rushing out new financing deals for credit-strapped consumers, the Wall Street Journal reports. “The minute the news hit, we began contacting customers,” said one Michigan dealer, whose employees have been emailing and calling prospective buyers.

The car giant is now offering 0% to 5.9% financing on dozens of 2008 and 2009 models, drastically lower than even Monday, when one would-be buyer says, “the best deal I could get was 14.5%.” The loan reduces GM’s chances of bankruptcy, but the automaker still must undergo a stringent corporate makeover, and auto sales aren’t expected to return to normal levels until 2010, the Washington Post says.

An American flag is reflected in a Chevrolet dealership, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, in Willoughby Hills, Ohio.
An American flag is reflected in a Chevrolet dealership, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, in Willoughby Hills, Ohio.   (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
James Forrest, left, listens to salesman Bob Chatlos discuss the options on the new white Chevrolet Suburban Forrest bought with his wife in Willoughby Hills, Ohio.
James Forrest, left, listens to salesman Bob Chatlos discuss the options on the new white Chevrolet Suburban Forrest bought with his wife in Willoughby Hills, Ohio.   (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
The Treasury Department said it will provide $6 billion to GMAC Financial Services, GM's ailing financing arm, in a move that's expected to stave off a bankruptcy protection filing.
The Treasury Department said it will provide $6 billion to GMAC Financial Services, GM's ailing financing arm, in a move that's expected to stave off a bankruptcy protection filing.   (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy, File)
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We got the TARP money yesterday and today we're out in the marketplace offering it to consumers. - GMAC President Bill Muir

We want to get out there and let people know we can get them credit now. - GM dealer

Federal aid to GMAC suggests the government is probably now so financially entangled in the GM complex that a Chapter 7 liquidation seems highly unlikely. - Analyst

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