GM-Owning Feds Buy Rival Fords

Americans will get back on board if auto giants prove they can make good cars again

(NEWSER) - With a $17.4 billion bailout in hand, Detroit must now turn toward restructuring and making the cars America needs, Mark Phelan writes in the Detroit Free Press. “To win back American buyers’ respect,” Phelan continues, “the automakers must show the aid package was a sound investment, not a handout.” That means smaller, fuel-efficient cars as good-looking as they are economical. More»

President will discuss required conditions for further government aid

(NEWSER) - President Obama is nearing a decision on whether to give automakers more bailout money and will lay out his plan for the future of the industry Monday, the Detroit News reports. The president “will outline what he thinks is the best way forward," spokesman Robert Gibbs said, including the nature and conditions of any additional aid. Members of Obama’s auto advisory team met with GM CEO Rick Wagoner today, following a get-together with Chrysler's CEO earlier this week. More»

(NEWSER) - The US will provide $5 billion in aid to the nation’s auto-parts manufacturers, a sector struggling because of the tenuous financial situation of Detroit’s Big Three car companies, the Wall Street Journal reports today. Many parts makers face bankruptcy, as they have not been paid for product delivered. The federal money will guarantee payment for shipments regardless of the financial state of the client. More»

Chrysler, GM offer no plans to get people to buy their cars

(NEWSER) - GM and Chrysler now want another $22 billion from Washington—and propose to use dramatic job cuts to help right their respective ships. What both companies avoid, writes economist Susan Helper for the New Republic, is an appraisal of the real problem: Nobody wants to buy their cars. Rather than cutting labor costs, the companies need to figure out why a typical American car sells for $2,000 less than a comparable Japanese model. More»

No-cash deal offers platform sharing and markets to Fiat, a lifeline to Chrysler

(NEWSER) - Fiat arranged a no-cash deal with Chrysler today that could put the Italian automaker behind the wheel of Chrysler’s operations, the Wall Street Journal reports. Fiat will take a 35% stake in Chrysler with an option for 20% more. Fiat will receive a foothold in the US market, retooling a Chrysler plant to produce its smaller, fuel-efficient cars. Chrysler will get to stick around a while longer. More»