The Washington Independent

Posts Tagged automakers

Reich: GM Bailout a Cover for Not Doing More to Help Workers

By | 06.01.09 | 9:01 am

Robert Reich, economist and former Clinton administration labor secretary, doesn’t think much of General Motors expected bankruptcy filing today, as the nation’s largest automaker prepares for a de facto government rescue and takeover. If the United States really wanted to help GM, Reich wrote in an op/ed for More…

Some Good News for ‘Government Motors’

By | 05.28.09 | 10:56 am

The real risk to the future of General Motors (other than the unpopular vehicles) is that a bankruptcy and reorganization process would not be quick, in what’s called a 363 sale, but would go through a standard Chapter 11 reorganization, which could take several years. A long and drawn out More…

A New Chapter for General Motors

By | 05.27.09 | 10:04 am

Specifically, Chapter 11. General Motors’ creditors have rejected the latest offer extended to them to facilitate an out-of-court restructuring — a swap of some $27 billion in GM debt for a 10 percent equity stake in the new, reorganized company. Creditors are complaining that union stakeholders were offered a More…

Geithner: Our Job Is to Save Companies, Not American Jobs

By | 05.20.09 | 2:06 pm

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner appeared before the Senate Banking Committee today to discuss the Wall Street bailout, but Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) wanted to talk about the auto industry instead. There was good reason for Brown’s concern. Not only are Detroit’s automakers hemorrhaging cash, ditching dealerships and laying off More…

Fire Risk Prompts Massive GM Recall

By | 04.14.09 | 9:47 am

This can’t be helpful for General Motors’ efforts to build confidence among American consumers.

General Motors Corp is recalling nearly 1.5 million Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac mid-sized cars due to a potential leak of engine oil that could cause an engine fire.

The recall applies to the 1997-2003 Buick

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GM Bankruptcy Could Dump Pensions on Taxpayers

By | 04.07.09 | 9:40 am

Automotive News reports that if GM is forced to declare bankruptcy, the federal government could be forced to take on the burden of paying for the pensions of tens of thousands of retired autoworkers:

A General Motors bankruptcy could become a nightmare for the federal government’s Pension

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Wagoner: Don’t Cry for Me, General Motors

By | 03.31.09 | 9:20 am

Rick Wagoner may be leaving his position as CEO of General Motors but he’s not going away empty handed. Though he cannot receive a severance package under the terms of the auto industry bailout, he is due to receive some $20 million in retirement benefits after 32

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On Auto Restructuring, Levin Asks Bondholders ‘To Step Up’

By | 03.30.09 | 2:37 pm

On a conference call with reporters just moments ago, Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) voiced a cautious optimism over President Obama’s rejection of the automakers’ restructuring plans, saying the administration remains committed to the survival of the domestic automakers. That “absolute commitment,” Levin said, should give “important reassurance” to anyone worried More…

For the Automakers, No Cash Until More Conditions Are Met

By | 03.30.09 | 1:05 pm

President Obama today made official what had been leaked over the weekend: That the viability plans submitted last month by Chrysler and General Motors don’t go far enough to satisfy the administration, which is asking the ailing automakers for further restructuring as a condition of receiving more bailout funding.

We

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Chrysler-Fiat Deal Hinges on Bailout Demands

By | 03.30.09 | 10:15 am

A proposed deal that would give Fiat a 35 percent stake in Chrysler in exchange for small car technology will depend on what new demands are placed on the struggling American automaker when the Obama administration’s auto task force announces its future bailout strategy on Monday. Automotive News reports: More…