General Motors, Chrysler and Ford submitted plans Tuesday formally requesting a $34 billion bailout from taxpayers, $9 billion more than what the companies requested just two weeks ago. General Motors warned that it could collapse by the end of the year if it doesn’t receive an immediate injection of $4 billion. GM says it also needs another $18 billion in 2009. Chrysler requested $7 billion, and Ford is seeking $9 billion. In exchange for the bailout, GM is promising to create what it called a “new General Motors.” The company pledged to close eleven North American factories, slash at least 20,000 jobs and possibly sell off or close down its Saturn and Saab brands. The Big Three revealed their bailout request on the same day that the auto industry reported November had been its worst sales month in twenty-six years.
Automakers Seek $34 Billion Bailout
HeadlineDec 03, 2008