Detroit Auto Industry gets $17.4 Billion Bailout
As expected, U.S. President Bush approved the much celebrated auto bailout plan amounting to a whopping $17.4 billion, a move that drew cheers from the big three (Chrysler, General Motors, and Ford) and jeers from the union workers. This move has provided a new lease on life for the embaffled U.S. auto car industry but the real test starts once they get these loan bailouts which are expected to prolong their corporate existence for the time being.
Promises were made but it remains to be seen how it will all fit in. As we know, the auto industry is not the only one in the air of uncertainty. Prior to that, it was the banks, some of which have closed down. So what could possibly be next? Real Estate? Technology? Anyone among them can be next in line that would need financial bailouts as well.
So what were the specifics of the auto bailout? Here it is:
Under terms of the loans, the government will have the option of becoming a stockholder in the companies, much as it has with major banks, in effect partially nationalizing the industry. Bush said the companies’ workers should agree to wage and work rules that are competitive with foreign automakers by the end of next year.
A good deal or not? We surely haven’t heard the last of this one!



