General Motors and Chrysler : Assistance and Exit from the Troubled Asset Relief Program

Substantial federal assistance allowed GM and Chrysler to restructure their costs and improve their financial condition. Through federally-funded restructuring, GM and Chrysler reported lowering production costs and capacities by closing or idling factories, laying off employees, and reducing their debt and number of vehicle brands and models. These changes enabled both companies to report operating profits and reduce costs enough to be profitable at much lower sales levels than ever before. Nevertheless, to remain profitable, both companies must manage challenges affecting both their costs, including debt levels, and vehicle demand, such as launching products that are attractive to consumers amid rising fuel prices. This book examines the role of TARP assistance in the restructuring of the U.S. motor vehicle industry with a focus on unwinding the government stake in GMAC and Chrysler.