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Big 3 Hone Bailout Arguments

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By BILL VLASIC

The New York Times

Published: December 2, 2008

Today, Detroit automakers take a second run at Congress to persuade lawmakers to give them $25 billion in federal aid, but their agendas are diverging as they contemplate futures as drastically different car companies.

The critical components in each of the plans will be how the companies expect to spend their shares of the money, and what changes each automaker will make to shore up its faltering operations.
GENERAL MOTORS
General Motors, the biggest of Detroit's troubled car companies, is expected to propose a significant shrinking of its North American operations, including shutting more factories and streamlining its sprawling brand lineup, according to people with knowledge of GM's deliberations.

FORD

Ford is unlikely to propose more cuts, as it is further along than Chrysler and GM in shifting to a more fuel-efficient lineup of vehicles. Insiders say it is considering more symbolic moves, such as cutting the pay of its chief executive.

CHRYSLER

Of the three automakers, Chrysler may have the most difficult case to make for government assistance. Chrysler is expected to reiterate its overall strategy to pursue alliances and partnerships with other automakers to defray the costs of developing new vehicles.

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